Iowa Startups Secure $250,000 in Early-Stage Funding; Manufacturing grants Total Over $2 Million
Des Moines, IA – Iowa-based startups received $250,000 in funding through the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) programs during the second quarter of 2025, with a focus on innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and biosecurity. Concurrently,33 Iowa manufacturers benefited from over $2 million in grants aimed at adopting advanced manufacturing technologies.
The funding was distributed through the Iowa Innovation Continuum loan program and the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Four startups each received $50,000 Proof of Commercial Relevance loans: Koos Medical Innovations LLC (Ankeny) for its patented disposable isolation gown; Terraform Tillage LLC (Eldora) for innovative soil management solutions; BioAxis LLC (Indianola) for biosecurity technologies preventing pathogen threats in livestock and meat processing; and LSF Medical Solutions, LLC (Iowa City) for a remote lung function monitoring system. No funding was awarded through the SSBCI during the quarter.
Additionally, IEDA’s Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment program awarded a total of $2,016,756 to 33 Iowa manufacturers for projects totaling nearly $5.5 million. This program provides grants to small- and mid-size manufacturers investing in “smart” technologies.
Funding decisions are made following review by the IEDA Technology Commercialization Committee (TCC) and the SSBCI Review Committee,with recommendations submitted to the IEDA board and executive director,respectively. Both committees convene every two months.
