On Friday, August 21, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved two Strategic Infrastructure Program grants for University of Iowa-led projects that will strengthen Iowa’s advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation ecosystem.

The University of Iowa was awarded $1,738,190 through the Strategic Infrastructure Program for its Protostudios 2.0 initiative. The project will expand the university’s advanced manufacturing and prototyping capabilities through new equipment and infrastructure investments that support entrepreneurs, startups, researchers and manufacturers across Iowa. The upgrades are designed to strengthen workforce development, accelerate product development and commercialization, and ensure Iowa remains competitive in advanced manufacturing and medical technology industries.

The University of Iowa also was awarded $900,000 through the Strategic Infrastructure Program for the Operator Performance Lab Aerospace Economic Growth Initiative. The project will add a second operational flight-test aircraft, establish classified research capabilities and create secure operational infrastructure to strengthen Iowa’s aerospace and defense ecosystem. The investment is expected to attract additional federal research dollars, expand workforce opportunities and position Iowa as a destination for advanced aerospace and defense innovation.

IEDA's Strategic Infrastructure Program supports projects that develop commonly utilized assets with the goal of providing a competitive advantage to one or more private sector entities or that create necessary physical infrastructure in the state, and such projects are not adequately provided by the public or private sectors. Award recommendations for these funds are made by an internal and external review committee and presented to the IEDA Board for approval.