President Wendy Wintersteen received the Des Moines Business Record's innovationENTREPRENEUR of the Year award during a July 11 luncheon. Pictured with her are (l-r): Andy Lashier, president, Entrepreneurs' Organization Iowa; Chris Conetzkey, group publisher, Business Publications Corp. (publisher of the Des Moines Business Record); and Suzanna de Baca, president and CEO, Business Publications Corp. Submitted photo.
The Digital Ag Innovation Lab is one way to measure the impact of innovation at Iowa State University. Through collaboration and industry partnerships, the lab holds nearly a dozen patents and has 32 products sold globally that were developed from Iowa State research.
It also is measured by the ripple effect of $7 million in grant funding leveraged by the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) to support advancements for small manufacturers in Iowa that generated $70 million in returns. And the 146,000-square-foot Student Innovation Center offers students a state-of-the art space for collaboration in the culinary arts, engineering, textiles and more.
These are just a few examples that illustrate why President Wendy Wintersteen was honored on July 11 as the innovationENTREPRENEUR of the Year by the Des Moines Business Record. The award, sponsored this year by EO Iowa, recognizes a leader who is known for innovative accomplishments and fostering a culture of innovation. As president, Wintersteen has made innovation and entrepreneurship a priority by encouraging a community of collaboration on campus and beyond.
"Innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship are at the heart of what we do at Iowa State University," Wintersteen said. "As part of our land-grant mission, we serve the people of Iowa with cutting-edge research and groundbreaking innovations, and by preparing graduates who are innovative thinkers."
During Wintersteen's seven years as president, Iowa State has ranked consistently in the Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents, dedicated the $84 million Student Innovation Center in 2021, was named one of TIME Magazine's Best Colleges for Future Leaders, and was awarded the Entrepreneurial University of the Year for the Americas in 2023. Iowa State's research park also has seen considerable expansion during this time, growing to more than 130 high-tech companies and 2,500 employees.
The 2023 entrepreneurial university award recognized Iowa State's efforts to incorporate entrepreneurial initiatives throughout the university. This includes programs such as CYstarters and the ISU Startup Factory offered through ISU's Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship as well as the university's Start Something Network.
