YPO Iowa Launches Inaugural Innovation Challenge to Showcase Iowa's Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Statewide pitch competition will award $20,000 in prize funding and connect emerging founders with Iowa business leaders

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Iowa chapter of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) announced the inaugural YPO Iowa Innovation Challenge, a statewide entrepreneurship competition designed to accelerate innovation, elevate emerging founders, and strengthen Iowa's startup ecosystem. The event will take place Wednesday, January 27, 2027, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Holmes Murphy, located at 7000 Vista Drive in West Des Moines.

The one-day challenge will bring together promising collegiate entrepreneurs and Iowa startup founders for a live pitch competition, providing participants with access to business leaders, investors, mentors, and growth opportunities. Eight finalists will be selected to compete across two tracks: Collegiate Entrepreneurs and Iowa Startup Founders.

"Iowa has no shortage of bold ideas or talented entrepreneurs. The YPO Iowa Innovation Challenge is designed to connect those founders with experienced leaders, practical insight, and resources that can help turn promising ideas into thriving Iowa businesses," said Dan Keough, YPO Iowa Innovation Challenge Day Co- Chair, Holmes Murphy Chairman & CEO, and Co-CEO for BrokerTech Ventures. "When we invest in innovators here at home, we strengthen communities and help build the future of our state."

Applications will open October 1, 2026. Eligible applicants include current undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at any Iowa college or university, as well as early-stage companies and founders headquartered and operating in Iowa.

Participants will compete for $20,000 in total prize funding. In the Iowa Startup Founders track, first place will receive $9,000 and second place will receive $4,000. In the Collegiate Entrepreneurs track, first place will receive $5,000 and second place will receive $2,000.

Finalists will present their ventures directly to YPO Iowa members and gain exposure across Iowa's business and innovation communities. The YPO Iowa Innovation Challenge is seeking applicants in fintech, insurtech, manufacturing technology, agtech, and general technology.

Featured speakers include Dan Houston, retired Chairman, President and CEO of Principal Financial Group; Sean McMurray, Startup Founder and Entrepreneur; Jon Shanahan, Founder, President and CEO of Businessolver; and Kyle McMahon, Founder and CEO of Tractor Zoom. The event is chaired by Dan Keough and Brent Cobb, CEO of World Class Industries.

The YPO Iowa Innovation Challenge is supported by Holmes Murphy, World Class Industries, Grace Technologies, Kendall Hunt, and Shift Interactive.

About YPO Iowa

YPO Iowa is the Iowa chapter of YPO, a global leadership community of chief executives. Through peer learning, leadership development, and shared experiences, YPO Iowa connects business leaders committed to growing as leaders and creating positive impact in their companies and communities.

Learn More

Applications open October 1, 2026. Visit YPO Iowa Innovation Challenge for eligibility, application, and event information.

Media Contact

Susan Hatten
Chief Marketing Officer, Holmes Murphy
Chief Operating Officer, BrokerTech Ventures
[email protected]
515-441-2318

SOURCE YPO Iowa