ICAD Group Co-Hosting TechBrew on November 18

Part of Larger Strategy to Develop a Culture of Innovation

The Iowa City Area Development Group (ICAD Group) is joining other local entrepreneurial organizations in hosting the area’s first TechBrew on November 18 at the Vine in Coralville.

TechBrews launched in Silicon Valley and have gained traction across the country.  The event is an informal gathering that brings entrepreneurs, technologists, business people and funders together to talk over a beer.  The November 18 event will start promptly at 5 p.m. and reservations can be made through the Technology Association of Iowa website at www.technologyiowa.org.

Mark Nolte, ICAD Group Business Development Director, notes ICAD Group has refocused much of its entrepreneurial programming on promoting and creating events such as the TechBrew. 

“These types of events help bring people and ideas together in new ways,” said Nolte.  “If we continue to encourage and support events and activities that foster collaboration and embrace innovation we can build the type of culture we envision for this region.”

ICAD Group worked with COWRK Iowa City last month to host an open coworking event, called a Jelly, at the Iowa City Public Library.  ICAD Group’s next Jelly is December 2.

Nolte says there is a need in the region to catalyze connections between ideas, people and companies.  “TechBrews and Jellys are just a few of the ideas we’re trying locally,” said Nolte.  “We plan to launch a series of events in 2011 designed to change the culture of the area.”

The TechBrew event is a first for this area after the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) brought the idea to Des Moines in 2009.  “Due to its popularity, we decided to bring TechBrew to other communities across the state,” said Jennifer O’Connor, Director of Programs and Services for TAI.  “Cedar Valley was launched in September, and now TechBrew Iowa City is launching this month.”

Locally the TechBrew is hosted by ICAD Group, Integrated DNA Technologies, the University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, Letter B, Technology Association of Iowa, and the Entrepreneurial Development Center.