NEWBOCO: Iowa’s Big Ideas Are Getting Bigger — Thanks to Iowa Startup Accelerator's Return

There’s a familiar refrain across the Midwest that to build something groundbreaking, you have to leave. But some Iowa entrepreneurs are proving otherwise. And this fall, they’ll have even more reason to stay.

The Iowa Startup Accelerator (ISA), powered by The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative, Inc. (NewBoCo), is back. With a renewed focus on marketing and sales, ISA’s relaunch signals a bold investment in Iowa’s future — and a clear message: big ideas can start, grow, and thrive here.

"The focus of the program will be on five key components: branding, prospecting, website development, marketing, and sales," said Alex Taylor, Director of Entrepreneurship with NewBoCo. "And at the end of the program, each startup should be able to demonstrate results with increased revenue growth."

Historically, ISA has already proven its impact across industries, from agriculture to technology. More companies like Hummingbirds and SwineTech didn’t have to leave Iowa to scale and succeed.

Hummingbirds, founded by Emily Steele after participating in ISA, has expanded to more than 20 cities and raised over $10 million in funding. SwineTech, another ISA graduate, developed technology to monitor piglet welfare, transforming animal agriculture and building an international footprint.

“The Iowa Startup Accelerator was a turning point for SwineTech. It didn’t just teach us how to run a business; it taught us how to build and scale a true technology company, which demands a completely different mindset than managing a traditional operation,” said Matthew Rooda, cofounder and CEO of SwineTech. “Through the program, we learned how to define the right metrics, demonstrate real traction, build trust with investors, and communicate our vision clearly and confidently.”

Today, that vision is reality.

“The Accelerator also connected us with more than 100 business leaders and mentors who helped us test, refine, and validate our ideas,” Rooda added. “Today, that vision has grown into a platform that helps manage over half a million sows and more than 15 million pigs across North America and Australia. Along the way, we have earned the trust and partnership of global leaders like Genus PIC, a publicly traded genetics company based in the UK, Johnsonville Foods, and a strong network of respected veterinarians, producers, and institutional investors.”

The return of ISA builds on this track record, Taylor said. More than a program, it’s part of a statewide commitment to help entrepreneurs access the mentorship, resources, and networks they need to compete without leaving home.

“Over the last year or so of discussions with the startups and funding sources, we pivoted our original Accelerator to be more focused on marketing and sales,” Taylor said. “By doing this, participating businesses will be better qualified for advanced programs such as Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses and TechStars; additional funding from Grants and venture capital, or bootstrapped accelerated growth.”

Applications for the Fall 2025 ISA cohort are now open and are due Aug. 15. To learn more and apply, visit: https:// newbo. co/ entrepreneurship/ iowa- startup- accelerator/

Jessica Abdoney is marketing and communications coordinator at NewBoCo. Comments: jessica.abdoney@newbo.co