Innovation at Work: 2025 By the Numbers
April 29, 2025
Innovation with impact
Iowa State-licensed technologies generated $133 million in global sales, and Iowa companies reported $3.6 million in revenues during 2023. Additionally, the National Academy of Inventors ranked Iowa State 42nd for its Top 100 U.S. universities granted utility patents.
Record Research Funding
Iowa State set back-to-back records for external funding with a 15% – or $44.9 million – increase for fiscal year 2024. The funding supports research on agrivoltaics, windstorms, cybersecurity and more.
Growing to meet demand
The addition of two new buildings, which includes the Alliant Ag Innovation Lab, enabled the ISU Research Park to accommodate 24 additional tenants and add talent hubs for several manufacturing companies based in rural Iowa.
Helping businesses grow
Iowa’s Small Business Development Center supported 5,017 Iowa companies in fiscal year 2024. Those businesses accounted for $56,121,294 in new capital, including the creation of 1,202 jobs and 156 business starts.
Entrepreneurial ecosystem
ISU’s Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship and local SBDCs served 1,738 clients and delivered more than 6,500 hours of mentoring in 2023-24. This resulted in 129 new ventures, 234 new jobs and nearly $13.4 million in capital raised.
Strengthening Iowa's workforce
ISU Extension and Outreach provides vital workforce training across Iowa. For fiscal year 2024, 139,140 childcare teachers and providers participated in professional development focused on child learning, behavior, nutrition and health and safety practices.
