ISW 2026

Iowa Startup Week 2026 Agenda

Des Moines, Iowa

2026 Agenda

Four Days of Breakthrough Ideas and Inspiring Leader

MON 15

8:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Registrations Open
Welcome Breakfast
Keynote Speaker/Opening Presentation
Concurrent programming throughout the day: Adv. Manufacturing, Bioscience & IT streams
Kickoff Party (evening)

TUE 16

8:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Welcome Breakfast
Concurrent programming throughout the day: Adv. Manufacturing, Bioscience & IT streams
Networking Lunch
Networking Happy Hour (multiple evening events)

WED 17

8:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Welcome Breakfast
Concurrent programming throughout the day: Adv. Manufacturing, Bioscience & IT streams
Buyer’s Club Showcase, includes InnoVenture Challenge finalist selection
VIP Sponsor Dinner (invitation only)
VIP Sponsor & Showcase After Party

THU 18

9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Founder/VC Breakfast
Resource Fair
VIP Sponsor & Founder Networking – Hoyt Sherman Theater
InnoVenture Challenge – pitch competition final
InnoVenture Challenge After Party

Best of the Midwest

Pitch. Compete. Break Through.

Apply to compete in this year's Best of the Midwest, the region's largest pitch competition for startups in technology, manufacturing and bioscience.

Our panel of judges will choose the top 10 semi-finalists across all three categories to come to Des Moines for a series of showcases (to pitch live) - the winners of each showcase will then be invited to compete at the Best of the Midwest for a chance to win the $100,000 grand prize.

Apply to compete in this year's Best of the Midwest, the region's largest pitch competition for startups in technology, manufacturing and bioscience.

Become a Sponsor

Put Your Brand in Front of the Midwest’s Innovators & Leaders

We've developed our sponsorship levels to provide value for companies and organizations of all types and sizes (and to accommodate most budgets) - contact our sales team today to get your brand in front of the Midwest's innovation economy.