Third Cohort of Iowa Go-to-Market (G2M) Accelerator Announced

The G2M accelerator provides advanced training, business resources and services to support Iowa startups developing innovative, technology-driven products or services

DES MOINES, Iowa (June 29, 2022) — BioConnect Iowa and its partners announced today that three Iowa companies will take part in the third cohort of the Iowa Go-To-Market (G2M) Accelerator.

The following companies have been accepted into the June 2022 G2M cohort:

  • Janas Materials (Ames) — Janas Materials is developing sustainable technology for the coating industry, including a type of additive that can help commercial water-based wood stains improve color consistency and ease of application.
  • NanoSpy, Inc. (Ames) — NanoSpy develops a rapid detection biosensor platform with application in food tech, ag tech and animal/human health.
  • Zymosense, Inc. (Ames) — Zymosense enables rapid and accurate enzyme characterization for researchers discovering next-generation biocatalysts in pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture.

The G2M Accelerator is enabled by a grant to BioConnect Iowa and its partners, VentureNet Iowa and ISU Startup Factory, from the US Economic Development Administration.

“Growing a research-driven business takes support,” said BioConnect Iowa President and CEO Steve Brody. “We’re proud to partner with ISU Startup Factory, VentureNet Iowa and Iowa G2M’s support network to help these companies continue their growth beyond the accelerator stage, and connect them with more resources.”

The accelerator is specifically designed to support Iowa companies developing technology-driven innovative products or services that have participated in another incubator, accelerator, or business assistance program, but could benefit from additional focused, customized guidance getting to market.

“I am excited to see these three companies join G2M as they continue their commercialization journey bringing university-funded research to the marketplace,” said Peter Hong, director of the ISU Startup Factory. “Each company validated their business hypothesis during their participation in the ISU Startup Factory incubator and developed an executable business model around it. Building a company around innovating deep tech is no small task, but the G2M team will meet each venture where it is at and provide access to the resources and mentoring to move these companies to scale-up, investment, and revenue.”

The G2M Accelerator now offers three start dates each year, in February, June, and October. Registration is now open for the fourth cohort set to begin in October. Cohort members will participate in group workshops, receive one-on-one mentorship and benefit from pro bono business support in a range of areas, including law, finance, branding, marketing, HR and recruiting. For more information or to apply, visit iowag2m.org.

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About BioConnect Iowa

BioConnect Iowa works with innovators and entrepreneurs statewide to create a homegrown bioscience industry that is second to none.

Together with the Iowa Go-To-Market program, BioConnect Iowa administers the state’s Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer Outreach Program, providing a gateway to federal funding dollars through America’s Seed Fund Program.

BioConnect Iowa’s goal is to support Iowa’s world-class researchers and innovators on their path towards commercialization in a global marketplace. For more information on BioConnect Iowa, visit bioconnectiowa.org.

About Iowa G2M

The Iowa Go-To-Market (G2M) Accelerator program, a partnership between BioConnect Iowa, the Iowa State University Startup Factory, and VentureNet Iowa, seeks to provide follow-on support for Iowa entrepreneurs who are developing technology-driven innovative products or services and need additional support to increase their likelihood of commercial success. The program provides entrepreneurs advanced training in sales, marketing, corporate development, and finance, and facilitates connections with support services and providers across Iowa. For more information on G2M, visit iowag2m.org.

About VentureNet Iowa

VentureNet Iowa connects ideas to resources, management, and investors, to create jobs and build businesses in Iowa. VentureNet Iowa administers Iowa’s Public Innovation Funds, a series of low interest loans for early stage, Iowa-based small businesses commercializing proprietary technology in the IT, bioscience and advanced manufacturing sectors. For more information on VentureNet Iowa, visit venturenetiowa.com.

About ISU Startup Factory

The Iowa State University (ISU) Startup Factory is an 18-week incubator program operated by the ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship. Entreprenurs in the ISU Startup Factory receive formal training, resources, and access to a network of business mentors, with the focus of helping them advance from “tech speak” to “business speak”. For more information on the ISU Startup Factory program, visit isustartupfactory.org.

Contact:

Steve Brody

515-322-7928, steve.brody@bioconnectiowa.org

BioConnect Iowa

666 Walnut St., Suite 1285

Des Moines, IA

www.bioconnectiowa.org

www.iowag2m.org