West Des Moines, Iowa – October 01, 2026 -- YPO Iowa will award $20,000 in prize funding through its inaugural Innovation Challenge, a statewide pitch competition set for January 27, 2027, at Holmes Murphy's headquarters in West Des Moines.
Eight finalists will compete across two tracks for cash prizes
The one-day event, running from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 7000 Vista Drive, will select eight finalists split between Collegiate Entrepreneurs and Iowa Startup Founders tracks. In the Startup Founders track, first place receives $9,000 and second place $4,000. In the Collegiate Entrepreneurs track, first place receives $5,000 and second place $2,000.
Applications open October 1, 2026, targeting fintech and agtech ventures
Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate students at any Iowa college or university, alongside early-stage founders headquartered and operating in the state. Organizers are specifically seeking applicants in fintech, insurtech, manufacturing technology, agtech, and general technology sectors.
Finalists gain direct access to YPO Iowa members and sector executives
Participants will pitch directly to YPO Iowa members, gaining exposure across the state's business and innovation networks. Featured speakers include Dan Houston, retired Chairman, President and CEO of Principal Financial Group; Jon Shanahan, Founder, President and CEO of Businessolver; and Kyle McMahon, Founder and CEO of Tractor Zoom.
Event backed by five Iowa-based corporate sponsors
The challenge is chaired by Dan Keough, Holmes Murphy Chairman & CEO and Co-CEO for BrokerTech Ventures, alongside Brent Cobb, CEO of World Class Industries. Supporting sponsors include Holmes Murphy, World Class Industries, Grace Technologies, Kendall Hunt, and Shift Interactive. Keough said the challenge aims to connect founders with business leaders, practical insight, and resources to turn ideas into functioning Iowa companies.