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The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Honors, hosted by the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, recognize the outstanding entrepreneurial accomplishments of our alumni, students, faculty, staff, and Venture School participants. Please complete this form to enter yourself for consideration for an award.

General Application Guidelines

Graduates, former students, faculty, and staff of the University of Iowa or past participants in any JPEC-affiliated programming may apply. Please see individual award descriptions for further details.
We encourage entrepreneurs and innovators from any industry to apply for our awards.
Nominations and applications are welcome. Complete our nomination form to recognize a deserving Hawkeye, and we will contact them to collect additional information.
With the exception of the Entrepreneurial Leadership Awards, the nominee must have played a central role in creating and/or developing a new business enterprise, or have reimagined or significantly grown an existing business enterprise.
The applicant’s company must have a reputation for sound business ethics and excellent management practices
The applicant must be respected as a leader in the industry and community, as demonstrated by involvement in industry, community, and service organizations and/or activities.
The applicant is a good ambassador for the University of Iowa and/or Iowa JPEC.
If there are multiple applicants who meet the criteria within one business, they may ALL be recognized in a single application for each award.

If you have any questions regarding an application please email mackenzie-goss@uiowa.edu

Please select the award you would like to apply for:

Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year Award | Granted to an entrepreneur, who previously attended the University of Iowa, for their significant accomplishments in entrepreneurship and innovation. If there are multiple founders who meet the criteria within one business, they may all be recognized in a single nomination.
Young Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year Award | Granted to an entrepreneur, who previously attended the University of Iowa, for their significant accomplishments in entrepreneurship and innovation. Individuals must be age 35 or younger at time of nomination. If there are multiple founders who meet the criteria within one business, they may all be recognized in a single nomination.
Alumni Entrepreneurial Leadership Award | Granted to a University of Iowa alumnus for significant professional accomplishments and exemplary leadership of an entrepreneurial venture, corporation, or social enterprise.
Young Alumni Entrepreneurial Leadership Award | Granted to a University of Iowa alumnus for significant professional accomplishments and exemplary leadership of an entrepreneurial venture, corporation, or social enterprise.
Student Startup of the Year Award | Granted to a University of Iowa undergraduate or graduate student startup for significant accomplishments in entrepreneurship and innovation. Winning startup will be awarded seed capital for their achievement.
Iowa Innovator of the Year Award | Granted to startup affiliated with faculty/staff at the University of Iowa that has completed JPEC's NSF I-Corps (UI Innovators) Workshop. Winning startup will be awarded seed capital for their achievement.
Venture School Business of the Year Award | Granted to a startup company that has participated in the statewide seven week-long Venture School training program at a cohort location in the state of Iowa. Winners will be awarded seed capital for their achievement.
Entrepreneurial Leadership Student of the Year Award | Granted to a current JPEC degree or certificate student who has significant academic, professional, or personal accomplishments and brings significant value to the university, their employer, or other organizations in which they participate.
Mentor of the Year Award | Granted to individuals who are dedicated to volunteering their time and talents in Iowa JPEC programs. These programs include Iowa Venture Mentoring Service, the Professional Preparation for Entrerprise Leadership & Entrepreneurship class, and Venture School.