The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has approved innovation funding in support of seven Iowa startups. In total, $425,000 was awarded. Here are the seven startups that received funding.
Skroot Laboratory
Skroot Laboratory in Ames creates technical shortcuts for the biomanufacturing industry with the creation of a sensor system that monitors the health of cells in culture, without product contact. With a focus on the biopharmaceutical industry, their goal is to shorten product development timelines and improve product quality. While currently working with customers in the pharmaceutical, food and agriculture industries, the company plans to extend their sensor platform to new markets, like aquaculture, dairy and cell therapies.
The company was awarded a $125,000 Demonstration Fund loan for IP development and evaluation, market planning/entry activities, key personnel and equipment.
Groma
Based in Clive, Groma provides a web platform for land developers and home builders to manage and access their data in a single location. Removing manual processes, the technology simplifies the new construction home buying experience with a one-stop-shop to managing the entire operation in real-time.
The company was awarded a $25,000 Proof of Commercial Relevance (POCR) loan for product refinement and market planning/entry activities.
Line Call LLC
A mobile application creation for tennis players, Line Call LLC out of Des Moines helps make the right in/out call when the ball bounce is questionable. With a smartphone, the Tennis Line Call app and the phone mounts that are sent once an individual subscribes, the platform builds a mobile line judge for amateur games.
The company was awarded a $25,000 POCR loan for proof-of-concept work.
OpenLoop
Des Moines-based OpenLoop is a web platform for staffing clinicians. The network matches clinicians that fit the requirements and availability for open placements. Helping to make a complex, time-consuming process handled by multiple people and organizations into a painless, streamlined method, the platform collects information, attains licenses and works with partners to implement requirements in advance of the placements.
The company was awarded a $100,000 Demonstration Fund loan for product refinement, market planning/entry activities and key personnel.
Iowa Simulation Solutions
Iowa City’s Iowa Simulation Solutions provides a radiation-free simulator to aid in the training of new orthopedic surgeons learning the skill of wire navigation. Using computer vision algorithms, the resident can utilize models and images to replicate what they would experience in the operating room while also receiving feedback about their performance.
The company was awarded a $25,000 POCR loan for market analysis, proof of concept work, product refinement and market planning/entry activities.
ReEnvision Ag
ReEnvision Ag in Nora Springs created a planter system for farmers that uses precision seed placement to replace industry-standard disk openers for dibble-style planters, which individually places each seed with consistency in depth and spacing. The technology expands the planting window, reduces compaction and returns full yield and profit potential to the farmer.
The company was awarded a $25,000 POCR loan for IP development and evaluation, market analysis and product refinement.
Continuum Ag
Washington, Iowa’s Continuum Ag developed software to keep track of field management and connect with farmers that are implementing sustainable practices. TopSoil, the proprietary software, imports soil data into a universal format to benchmark metrics, which offers growers a roadmap to soil improvement. TopSoil’s platform combined with Continuum Ag’s consultant expertise, allows farmers to have the data and be advised on best practices for each farm.
The company was awarded a $100,000 Demonstration Fund loan for IP development and evaluation and market planning/entry activities.
Previous coverage
3 startups receive funding from IEDA -March 22, 2021
IEDA awards $500,000 in funding for Three entrepreneurial projects -April 19, 2021