University of Iowa

R&D and Entrepreneurial Development

Research fuels the engine for economic development . . . The discovery of new knowledge has a direct impact on the lives of all Americans and the world community. The Iowa City Area Development Group and the University of Iowa are creating exciting new research alliances with industry partners, strengthening relationships in the University community, with area businesses to improve our overall economic vitality.

Creative partnerships enhance the quality of life in our communities and state, and advance the University’s mission of education, research and service, and the Iowa City Area Development Group’s mission of continued growth. It’s a win-win relationship and opportunity.

University of Iowa

For more than 150 years, the University of Iowa has served as the state’s flagship comprehensive institution of higher education. The University is advancing Iowa's tradition of excellence in education through high-quality programs in teaching, research and service. The University continues to rank among the nation’s best – from the arts and humanities to business and health sciences. Iowa has nurtured innovation and creativity across and between disciplines for decades. The state is committed to make education accessible and affordable for all.

The University has world-renowned research programs in genetics, hydraulics, and speech and hearing, and recorded major innovations in agricultural medicine, biocatalysis, biomedical engineering, biomedical sciences, and pharmacology education. The UI’s graduate programs in audiology, printmaking, creative writing, speech-language pathology, and nursing service administration are among the nation’s first-ranked.

Iowa scientists have been pioneers in space research, designing and building research instruments for more than 50 successful U.S. satellites and space probes. The University of Iowa operates one of the nation's most advanced and comprehensive, university-owned teaching hospitals and has developed the most technically advanced driving simulator in the world. Several of the UI colleges offer unique opportunities to business development including the College of Engineering, College of Pharmacy and Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.

The UI is one of 57 members of the select American Association of Universities, the premier U.S. organization for research universities. This past year, the university generated a record $366.4 million in grants, gifts and contracts for University research and development. And, the UI offers its 30,000 student population in 11 University colleges, a remarkable student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1.

The Iowa City Area Development Group, partnering with University of Iowa colleges and external units, works to ensure and guide entrepreneurial opportunities, transforming new ideas into business ventures and employment for our communities.

Click here to read more about the UI, its colleges and programs.