Industrial Innovation in the heartland Sponsorship

Sponsored by Grace Technologies & Maple Studios Davenport

Eastern Iowa has been a hub for innovation and industry-leading technology for over 100 years. From manufacturing breakthroughs to cutting-edge advancements, this region has been home to great minds with great ideas.

We believe the next generation of industrial automation, power, electrification, safety, and AgTech innovations will be built right here. That’s why Grace Technologies and Maple Studios Davenport are proud to sponsor two University of Iowa Venture School Quad Cities teams for the upcoming Spring cohort. (Wednesdays (March 5, March 12, March 26, April 2, April 9, April 16, April 23))

We’re looking for bold ideas, emerging startups, and disruptive technologies that have the potential to shape the future of industry. If you have a concept, a team, or a company working in Industrial Automation, Power & Electrification, Safety, AgTech, or other hard technology ventures, this is your chance to accelerate your progress with hands-on support.

What’s Included in the Sponsorship?

✔Full sponsorship of all Venture School fees

✔Free access to Maple Studios Davenport office space & storage for your startup from March 1 – May 31

✔Access to Maple Studios' full suite of startup resources, including:

  • Prototyping, engineering, and product design services

  • CFO & financial guidance

  • Branding, marketing, and go-to-market strategy support

  • Advisory from experienced startup mentors

What Are We Looking For?

Applications will be evaluated based on:

  • Strength of the idea – Is it innovative and impactful?

  • Team quality – Do you have the right people to execute?

  • Scalability & market potential – Can this grow into something significant?

  • Fit within our target industries – Industrial Automation, Power & Electrification, Safety, AgTech, and other hard technology ventures

  • Commitment to building in Eastern Iowa – We want to support ideas that strengthen the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are looking for teams within 2 hours of the Quad Cities.

How to Apply

Step 1: Apply for the Industiral Innovation in the Heartland sponsorship using the form below. Grace Technologies & Maple Studios will review all applicants and let each applicant know their application status within 48 hours of application.

Step 2: Upon acceptance into Maple Studios Davenport, apply to [Venture School at the University of Iowa] and pay the application fee.

This is an opportunity to launch your idea, gain critical industry support, and build something truly game-changing in Eastern Iowa.

Let’s build the future—together.