Iowa Tech Podcast

Iowa Tech Podcast
  • 5.0 (6)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Iowa Tech Podcast, your gateway to the vibrant world of technology and innovation right here in Iowa. Each week, we dive into the dynamic landscape of Iowa's tech industry, showcasing the brilliant minds, groundbreaking startups, and transformative ideas that are shaping the future. Join our host, Kaylee Williams, as we sit down with tech entrepreneurs, industry experts, and thought leaders who are driving change and pushing boundaries in fields ranging from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to agtech and clean energy. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a budding innovator, or simply tech-curious, the Iowa Tech Podcast offers insider insights, inspiring stories, and practical advice to keep you at the forefront of the digital revolution. Tune in to explore how Iowa is making waves on the global tech stage and discover how you can be a part of this exciting journey.

  1. 6H AGO

    Insurance in an Era of Possibilities: Julie Pearce on the Global Insurance Symposium

    In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee welcomes Julie Pearce, co-chair of the 12th Global Insurance Symposium, to preview this year's event happening April 14–15 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. With the theme "Insurance in an Era of Possibilities," Julie shares how the program is designed by industry executives for industry professionals, balancing cutting-edge innovation with real-world priorities across P&C, life and health, risk management, and reinsurance. Expect deep dives into AI's impact on talent and operations, global regulatory perspectives (including digital assets and payments), and a must-see CEO panel moderated by Terri Vaughan. The symposium has evolved into a focused, day-and-a-half format that maximizes high-value networking with more than 500 executives and regulators from Iowa and around the world. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/global-insurance-symposium/ 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq Julie also spotlights two signature features: the Future of Insurance Showcase on day one—where startups deliver three-minute pitches, meet decision-makers at dedicated tables, and compete for Best in Show—and the Global Insurance Accelerator cohort's demo day on day two. Beyond founders, the event is a strong fit for young and mid-career insurance professionals, with programming shaped directly by carriers and brokers to address timely topics like bolt-on products and private credit. A Student Case Competition brings fresh thinking from universities nationwide, reinforcing the symposium's role in talent and ecosystem development. Tickets, sponsorships, and Showcase applications are available on the GIS website; innovators and sponsors can also connect with co-chair Cory McAnelly of Principal Financial Group. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome + Meet GIS Co-Chair Julie Pierce 01:10 - What is the Global Insurance Symposium (Dates, Scale, Theme) 01:54 - AI & Talent: How Tech Is Reshaping Insurance Work 02:59 - Global Insurance Accelerator: The 100-Day Program & Startup Pitches 04:29 - Future of Insurance Showcase: 3-Minute Pitches, Tables & Best-in-Show 06:38 - Julie's Background + Why GIS Hits the Sweet Spot for Networking 08:38 - Big 2026 Agenda: Stablecoins, Reinsurance, and the CEO Panel 10:35 - How to Network, Register, and Who Should Attend 13:32 - Panels for Every Insurance Track + A Customer-Driven Planning Committee 16:24 - Why GIS Works 17:29 - How to Get Involved: Tickets, Showcases, and Sponsorships 19:48 - Julie's Iowa Roots & Why Insurance Matters to Consumers 23:19 - How GIS Evolved 25:34 - Student Case Competition & Gen Z Ideas Shaping the Future 27:48 - Closing

    30 min

  2. FEB 10

    Inhalable, Room-Temp, Needle-Free: Immuno‑Nanomed's Vaccine Moonshot

    On this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee sits down with Dr. Balaji Narasimhan, CEO and founder of ImmunoNanoMed, to explore a moonshot innovation: a dry-powder, needle-free vaccine platform called "powder wax" that's inhaled through the nose. Balaji explains how their particle-based technology could deliver stronger, faster mucosal immunity right where respiratory pathogens take hold, improve protection against variants, and eliminate the cold chain—potentially slashing costs and enabling at-home, self-administered vaccination. He also shares how the platform could multiplex vaccines (think flu, RSV, COVID, pneumonia) and extend to companion animals and even livestock and poultry via mass-vaccination approaches, with an eye toward DIVA compatibility and safeguarding human health supply chains. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/immunonanomed... 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq Balaji traces the technology's origins to a Seahawk collaboration between Iowa State University and the University of Iowa, then details ImmunoNanoMed's path from lab success to commercialization: building a cross-functional team, partnering with CROs to get FDA-ready, pursuing scalable, high-quality manufacturing, and engaging potential big-pharma partners—all targeted over the next 6–18 months. He reflects on Iowa's innovation ecosystem (Startup Factory, I-Corps, IEDA, InnoVenture) and why he's committed to proving world-class health tech can emerge from the Midwest. The episode closes with personal notes on mentors, teamwork, and family, plus a call for collaborators. Learn more or get in touch at immunonanomed.com. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:01 Immuno Ed's Innovative Vaccine Technology 02:14 Advantages of Powder Wax Technology 04:18 Potential Applications and Impact 07:25 Journey and Collaborations 15:39 Challenges and Future Steps 18:30 Why Iowa? 22:04 Personal Inspirations and Family 25:04 Conclusion and Contact Information

    27 min

  3. FEB 3

    Uniting Iowa's Private Colleges: Dr. Paula Kueter on Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and AI in Northwest Iowa

    On this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee sits down with Dr. Paula Kueter, professor at Morningside University and director of the Joan and Larry Arnold Entrepreneurship Center. Paula shares her journey across Iowa's private colleges and her mission to elevate entrepreneurship beyond the state's flagship institutions, spotlighting smart, creative students who often fly under the radar. She details how Morningside is scaling its MBA, integrating AI across the business curriculum, and partnering closely with Sioux City, SIMPCO, and neighboring schools like Dordt, Buena Vista, Northwestern, and Briar Cliff to build a stronger Northwest Iowa ecosystem. The conversation explores redefining innovation around practical scaling, process improvement, and buying-and-improving existing businesses—plus the importance of data literacy, critical thinking, and ethical AI use for the next generation of founders.   💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/uniting-iowa-private-colleges 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq    Paula also previews a growing collaboration among Iowa's private colleges, including a new consortium pursuing 501(c)(3) status to pool resources for pitch competitions, shared courses, and donor support—"entrepreneurship as Switzerland," where all ships rise together. She and Kaylee discuss post-COVID student dynamics, the power of belonging and small class sizes, and why private campuses function like innovation extension offices for local businesses. From Manufacturing 4.0 opportunities to unsung ecosystem champions like NIACC's Candy Carstens and longtime connector Judy Iles, Paula makes a passionate call to action: if you're a business with a problem, tap into your nearby private college—students are capable, eager, and ready to build. To connect with Paula and Morningside, email kueterp@morningside.edu.   Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to the Iowa Tech Podcast 01:06 Introducing Dr. Paula Keter 01:34 Paula's Journey at Morningside 02:56 Championing Entrepreneurship in Iowa 04:56 The Ecosystem of Private Colleges 07:46 Collaborative Efforts Among Colleges 11:05 Innovation and Scaling in Northwest Iowa 13:24 The Role of AI in Modern Education 20:12 The Transformation in Private Institutions 20:38 Benefits of Private Colleges for Students 21:46 Sense of Belonging and Community 24:10 Adapting to Changing Student Needs 25:57 Encouraging Entrepreneurship and Innovation 27:33 Collaborative Efforts Among Institutions 35:20 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

    39 min

  4. JAN 27

    Krista Martin from Novy on Building a Healthcare Venture Studio (and Fixing ER Scheduling)

    On this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee sits down with Krista Martin, Partner at Novy, a healthcare-focused venture studio building software companies from the ground up. Krista shares her path from Iowa-born product leader to venture studio operator, influenced by her time in Indianapolis and exposure to High Alpha's model. She breaks down Novy's six-stage approach—ideation, validation, creation, and growth at its core—and how the team co-founds with physicians and industry experts to move ideas from back-of-napkin to market. Novy runs a highly selective funnel (their first round took 50 ideas down to zero, the next 25 down to one), and every applicant gets value: a 90-minute working session to produce a product-market fit narrative that doubles as a practical business plan. The studio invests up to $1M in each portfolio company, tailors financing strategies case-by-case, and stays hands-on with operating support. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/novy-venture-healthcare 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ Krista also lifts the curtain on Novy's first portfolio company: an AI-enabled emergency medicine scheduling platform born from a University of Iowa physician's insight into the complexity and strain of 24/7 shift coverage across multiple hospitals. With Krista serving as CEO during creation, the team continues deep customer discovery and pilots while preparing for go-to-market. They discuss why healthcare innovation matters—professionally and personally—and how the studio model can accelerate founders who might otherwise stay on the sidelines. Want to get involved? Novy is expanding its subject matter expert network, seeking emergency medicine contacts for pilots and presales, and welcoming healthcare software ideas via their open application. Connect with Krista on LinkedIn or visit Novy's site to learn more.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome  01:41 Krista Martin's Background and Career Journey 03:51 Role and Evolution at Novy 04:34 Novy's Venture Studio Model 06:09 First Business Creation and Growth 06:41 Ideation and Selection Process 08:16 Healthcare Focus and Challenges 09:10 Operational Involvement and Team Dynamics 10:53 Why Choose a Venture Studio? 13:50 Future Plans for Novy

    40 min

  5. JAN 20

    Pivoting in Biotech with Dr. Tony Vanden Bush of Syntherna

    On this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee Williams welcomes back Dr. Tony Vanden Bush, CEO of Syntherna, for a candid look at how the biotech startup has navigated a shifting market. Since their last chat in August 2024, attitudes toward RNA vaccines have cooled and animal-health regulatory timelines have lengthened - two forces outside the company's control. Tony explains Syntherna's dual pivot: opening their in-house RNA manufacturing capabilities as a CRO-style "pick-and-shovel" service to generate non-dilutive revenue, and elevating their slow-release vaccine implant for companion animals (with potential in livestock) to the front of their R&D roadmap. He details how a four-person team re-triages time and talent, explores crossovers like RNA delivery via implant, and keeps stakeholders aligned through frequent, transparent communication - even when the answer is "I don't know." The conversation broadens into practical founder wisdom: why platforms beat "widgets," how to think about failure as learning, and the realities of capital in Midwest biotech - balancing smart, value-add investment with the occasional need for passive dollars to bridge gaps. Tony remains bullish on RNA's long-term role, especially in cancer immunotherapeutics, even if broad adoption takes years. They close with a teaser for his forthcoming book, The Elements of Science: a pocket guide to thinking and experimenting like a scientist - applicable well beyond the lab - and an invitation to connect via the email in the show notes.

    35 min

  6. JAN 14

    Welcoming the 12th GIA Cohort with Dan Israel

    In this New Year's kickoff episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee welcomes back Dan Israel, Managing Director of the Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA), to preview their most international cohort yet. Six startups selected from roughly 75 applicants have descended on Des Moines for "day 2 of 100," with founders hailing from Sweden, the UK, Germany, Wales, Canada, and across the U.S. Dan explains how AI has shifted from flashy differentiator to expected infrastructure—what matters now is using it thoughtfully to solve real industry problems in approachable ways. He outlines the mentor-driven program: three intense weeks of "mentor speed matching" (about 75, 30-minute meetings), followed by tailored mentor teams, workshops with industry leaders, and a culminating pitch at April's Global Insurance Symposium. With 79 alumni and a striking 70–75% still operating, Dan credits rigorous, investor-led selection and a uniquely supportive Iowa ecosystem. The GIA's "handprint wall" symbolizes that family ethos—and the organization's 12-year legacy as the original insurance-focused accelerator. The conversation also highlights how the GIA adapts for companies at different stages—pre-revenue to early traction—crafting a bespoke experience that often sparks smart pivots. A standout example: Lloyd Thileman's body-scanning tech shifted from insurance to agriculture in Iowa, illustrating how open doors (and not requiring companies to relocate) help founders find the right customers, partners, and investors. Dan invites listeners to meet the new cohort at the public welcome reception: Thursday, 5:30–7:30 p.m., at the New Northwestern Bar (321 East Walnut). Expect quick pitches from all six startups and remarks from GIA leaders and partners, with support from the University of Iowa—a perfect "start line" moment to plug into Iowa's insurtech community.

    28 min
  7. Poking Holes in Tradition: ReEnvision Ag's Seed Spike and the Future of Precision Planting

    12/23/2025

    Poking Holes in Tradition: ReEnvision Ag's Seed Spike and the Future of Precision Planting

    Jayson Ryner, founder and CEO of ReEnvision Ag and entrepreneurship professor at NIACC, explains the Seed Spike planter—the first ultra–low soil disturbance planter built for the soil-health era. 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq 💡 Find this show on your favorite player:  Chapters: 01:42 - Reenvision Ag: Revolutionizing Planting 08:50 - Challenges and Innovations in Agriculture 20:26 - Challenges and Opportunities in Market Gardening 23:46 - Innovations in Agricultural Technology 28:55 - Future Vision and Business Strategy More Details: Jayson explains how the simple "poke-and-place" mechanism lets farmers plant earlier with less power, improves emergence and spacing, and thrives in no-till and plasticulture conditions where traditional double-disk openers struggle. He shares why ReEnvision Ag is wedging into market gardens and commercial vegetables first—where labor is scarce and time savings are quantifiable—while building toward broader row-crop adoption. The company has first paying customers, defensible IP (an issued U.S. utility patent on the two-pin spike mechanism), third-party validation from an Iowa State study showing more even emergence, and is raising $1M to commercialize. Jayson also paints a vision for precision ag: because Seed Spike geo-locates every seed, future AI tools can "know" cash crop positions, reduce compute for see-and-spray, cut herbicide and fertilizer use, and enable early robotic weeding—even pre-emergence. With dramatically lower horsepower needs, small electric robots or sub-100HP tractors can plant 12-row units without compacting soil, protecting Iowa's most valuable resource: its topsoil. Long-term, Jayson sees licensing or an OEM exit once product-market fit and sales are proven via paid trials, leases, and a dealer network. Want to see it in action or connect as an investor or grower? Visit reinvisionag.com and follow ReEnvision Ag on Facebook and YouTube.

    37 min
  8. Building an Entrepreneurial Culture at Drake University with Chase Spencer

    12/16/2025

    Building an Entrepreneurial Culture at Drake University with Chase Spencer

    Host Kaylee welcomes Drake University's Chase Spencer to the Iowa Tech Podcast from the Jethro's Barbecue Studio for a lively conversation about cultivating entrepreneurs in Iowa. Chase shares his path from Monroe, Iowa to Drake—pivoting during 2020 from a dream of theme park design to politics, and ultimately to entrepreneurship after a formative class sparked his venture "Chasing Cars," a QR-code storytelling tool for classic car owners now used by hundreds across the country. He explains his evolution at Drake from contractor to program manager overseeing entrepreneurship initiatives that bridge students and the community—spanning student-focused support and community outreach, the Drake Business Clinic, and a new student accelerator launching this spring with awards ranging from $500 up to $300,000 to help founders launch, learn, and iterate. Together, Kaylee and Chase dig into the "why now" for ideas (QR codes, anyone?), the complementary strengths and gaps between arts and sciences and business students (big vision vs. execution), and how a culture shift in the Midwest can empower more builders to tackle big, hairy problems. Chase details the Drake Business Clinic's Demo Day—think speed-dating for founders and advisors—centered on "three goals, five things" to drive real progress beyond pitch decks. He makes a simple ask of the ecosystem: answer those .edu emails, show up as mentors, and invest time, relationships, and resources in students while they have a supportive safety net to experiment. To get involved with Drake's entrepreneurship programs, reach Chase at chase.spencer@drake.edu. Full show notes: https://iowapodcast.com/chase-spencer

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Iowa Tech Podcast, your gateway to the vibrant world of technology and innovation right here in Iowa. Each week, we dive into the dynamic landscape of Iowa's tech industry, showcasing the brilliant minds, groundbreaking startups, and transformative ideas that are shaping the future. Join our host, Kaylee Williams, as we sit down with tech entrepreneurs, industry experts, and thought leaders who are driving change and pushing boundaries in fields ranging from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to agtech and clean energy. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a budding innovator, or simply tech-curious, the Iowa Tech Podcast offers insider insights, inspiring stories, and practical advice to keep you at the forefront of the digital revolution. Tune in to explore how Iowa is making waves on the global tech stage and discover how you can be a part of this exciting journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Iowa Tech Podcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Iowa Tech Podcast