Office of Innovation News
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Alireza Salimi Receives UI Innovation Fellowship for Regenerative Glaucoma Research
Monday, August 24, 2026
The Iowa Innovation Leadership Fellowship, administered through the University of Iowa Office of Innovation, will provide Salimi an opportunity to develop another dimension of his translational research: learning how promising discoveries can move from the laboratory through intellectual property protection, regulatory pathways, commercialization, and ultimately clinical application.
Iowa Innovation Leadership Fellows Announced for 2026-2027
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Selected for their curiosity, resourcefulness and commitment to advancing healthcare innovation, the 12 Fellows will spend the next year developing entrepreneurial skills while engaging with faculty innovators, as well as successful medtech entrepreneurs, industry leaders and venture capitalists visiting campus.
Honoring Jordan Kaufmann
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Jordan Kaufmann retired from the University of Iowa July 1st of this year after serving the University since 2014 in a variety of roles including Executive Director of UI Ventures, the Iowa MADE and Iowa Nurse Innovators programs.
From Iowa City to Boston Scientific: How Iowa MADE Prepared a Biomedical Engineer Student for a Career in Medical Device Marketing
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
When Mukundan Kasturirangan enrolled at Iowa, he had a clear goal: gain real-world, industry-relevant experience. That ambition led him to Iowa MADE, a student run manufacturing and e-commerce marketplace facilitating the growth of MedTech innovation in Iowa.
Drops of Genius: Iowa Team Eyes Next Big Thing in Vision Care
Monday, June 1, 2026
On the first day of the Iowa Innovation Leadership Fellows program, Ashley Cooney introduced herself as a lung biologist. Optometrist Christine Sindt wasted no time: “I want to talk to you.” That conversation led to a breakthrough for patients with severely dry eyes.
University of Iowa Innovators Showcase Healthcare Inventions at Inaugural GAP Pitch Competition
Monday, June 1, 2026
The event awarded $25,000 in non-dilutive funding in each of two categories: Therapeutics and Medical Devices.
A possible new approach to depression treatment
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
UI postdoc Maddie Mocchi’s research examines pupil as indicator of depression severity
A path to improving lung defense systems
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Doctoral student Winter Philibert analyzes the physical properties of mucus and how the lungs clean themselves in both healthy and diseased models.
Johnson & Johnson Acquires Atraverse Medical, Inc.
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Johnson & Johnson has completed the acquisition of Atraverse Medical, a privately-held medical device company pioneering next-generation left-heart access and radiofrequency technology.
Media Highlights
University of Iowa opens two new spaces to support entrepreneurs
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
The University of Iowa has opened two new facilities intended to support startups at different stages of growth: the Medical Innovation Launch Lab (MILL), operated by the Office of Innovation, and a new downtown Iowa City incubator operated by the Tippie College of Business’ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC).
Iowa City’s Invizix wants to treat cancer while you sleep
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
An Iowa City-based biotech startup has created a non-invasive medical device the company hopes is capable of treating chronic diseases, including certain cancers, at the source.
UI, Iowa City Downtown District host first event in First Round Series
Thursday, February 19, 2026
After announcing the partnership on Feb. 10, the first event in the series was held at the Prairie Lights Cafe with UI associate professor Robert Cargill.
Upcoming Events
Biotechnology Reception hosted by IowaBio and the University of Iowa Office of Innovation
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Mix, mingle, and spark new collaborations with Iowa's biotech innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry partners.
Food Truck Tuesdays at the Iowa Research Park
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 11:30am to 1:30pm
Food Truck Tuesdays feature a rotating lineup of local food trucks on the third Tuesday of each month, May through October, at the BioVentures Center.
Food Truck Tuesdays at the Iowa Research Park
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 11:30am to 1:30pm
Food Truck Tuesdays feature a rotating lineup of local food trucks on the third Tuesday of each month, May through October, at the BioVentures Center.
