Participant NanoBio Designs continues to see growing commercial interest in its innovative genetic detection platform. Emerge Foundation stakeholders invested $375,000 in capital in addition to the initial $40,000 seed capital used as local match for NBD's Proof of Commercial Relevance state funding. Validation research and development are occurring at Maple Ventures, a device-based co-working center in West Des Moines led by Simpson College alumni Hank Norem.  Milestones anticipated to be reached in 2021 include having 5-10 working detection devices developed for pilot project partners.

​Although it was a challenging year for students to focus on an entrepreneurial activity, several teams moved forward and virtually presented on their progress in December (see screenshots of a few below).  Several Carver Connections participants from the Indianola business community were online to offer ideas and support, demonstrating the evolving Simpson ecosystem.  Gear Athletics and LuvByPenny are generating revenue from online sales.  Others, such as Timber Nation, are gaining online audiences to build their digital brand.

New realities bring new opportunities!  MapleTree Marketplace is launched, students are engaging with the Indianola business community to improve service offerings, and DNP123 Co. is providing STEM recognition for Simpson College.

EMERGE@Simpson company DNP123 Co. presented to the 1 Million Cups DSM audience on their core technology today.  Co-founder Aaron Santos challenged the audience to help build an online learning community about commercial applications. He demonstrated commercialization options and the need to combine researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs into virtual teams.  DNP123 Co. would build the nanocubes sought by those teams and license the technology, with EMERGE@Simpson providing business incubation services as needed.  We look forward to adding Carver Connection program research institutions to the growing list of private and community colleges to that program.

Terry Rich recently provided insights on entrepreneurship, creativity, and perseverance to EMERGE@Simpson students.  These are the types of external resources and connections the program brings to campus.  The Emerge Foundation provides the staff to make these off-campus connections with metro and state entrepreneurial leaders.  Then on-campus faculty and staff help students connect.

Professor John Walker was spotlighted on the Speaking of Simpson podcast.  Click here for the :30 interview!  Shawnna Stiver of KindCo.org also talks about her Simpson experience.

Here's a link to the RSVP.  Looking forward to your attendance!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/technology-and-innovation-showcase-tickets-56286532534

Confirmed presentations to-date on how Simpson and Indianola bring innovations to the world include-

Dr. Derek Lyons presenting an update on NanoBio Designs' ExpresSeed genetic detection platform.

Aaron Santos presenting a Computer Aided Design and nanoparticle construction platform by DNP123 Co.

IdRamp presenting the technology behind their novel network identity interface with 3rd-party applications.

Cemen Tech presenting a mobile concrete supply chain application they debuted at the World of Concrete show in Las Vegas this week.

The Simpson Palmer Amaranth predicative model for roundup resistant strains.

CTE Hope protein test for concussion protocols.  

The Emerge Foundation and Launchpad 65 are hosting an Innovation & Technology Showcase on Tuesday, February 26 from 2:00-4:00 in Hubbell Hall at the Simpson College Kent Center.  The event will spotlight several technologies and faculty-led STEM projects both at Simpson College and in the greater Indianola business community.

The format includes networking with researchers, a series of 10-15 minute presentations, and individual project Q&A time at the end.  An Indianola Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting and social event highlighting how LaunchPad65 and The Emerge Foundation are supporting local entrepreneurship will follow at Salem Connection, 222 W. Salem, Indianola from 4:30-6:00.

Industry connections, technology investors, Emerge Foundation stakeholders, Simpson faculty, staff, students, and the Indianola business community are welcome to attend.  Please RSVP your plans to attend the showcase to todd.kielkopf@simpson.edu to ensure ample seating.

Indianola-based LaunchPad65, formerly the Indianola Development Association, recently joined The Emerge Foundation's Carver Connections Memorandum of Understanding.  Plans are now underway for the two groups to jointly host a south-central Iowa technology demonstration day and LaunchPad65 ribbon-cutting event in late February or early March.  The LaunchPad65 board meets this Friday to discuss next steps.

An EMERGE@Simpson CEO student team that is soft-launching an event planning business will be tasked with organizing the event.  Simultaneously, a Management Capstone team will be working with LaunchPad65 stakeholders to launch the Maple Tree Marketplace in the Indianola business community.  This includes developing a business plan for a local TV channel in conjunction with the Indianola Chamber of Commerce, who is also involved with LaunchPad65.

EMERGE@Simpson facilitated the annual Global Entrepreneurship Week event at Simpson College.  Over 70 high school students attended morning sessions and another 60 college students participated in afternoon sessions.  Features included presentations with successful Iowa entrepreneurs and words of wisdom from Diana Kander, author of best-seller All in Startup.