Connecting Industry Leaders With University Resources

EDIR announces call for FY25 Innovation Acceleration Fund proposals

Request for Proposals – FY25 Innovation Acceleration Fund (IAF) Proposals The Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations (EDIR) is now accepting applications for FY25 Innovation Acceleration Fund (IAF) grants designed to expand the commercialization of ISU technology. The funds are...

Iowa State recognized for spurring innovation, talent and economic wellbeing

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University received the top Innovation and Economic Prosperity University Award on Nov. 14 at the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities conference. The annual event honors institutions in North America that are “performing exemplary work to advance the economic...

America’s SBDC Iowa’s State Director, Lisa Shimkat, elected Chair of the Board of the National Association

                  America’s SBDC proudly unveils its newly elected board members and officers for the upcoming year. Every year, a select group of nominees is chosen during the National America’s Small Business Development Center Conference, reflecting...

Spalding Appointed to Lead Economic Development Unit

President Wendy Wintersteen has permanently appointed David Spalding to vice president for economic development and industry relations (EDIR), effective Sept. 1 and pending approval by the state Board of Regents.

New Director Named for the Center for Industrial Research and Service at Iowa State University

The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University has announced the appointment of Mike O’Donnell as its director, effective June 16. With a distinguished background in manufacturing and engineering, O’Donnell brings a wealth of knowledge and exemplary leadership experience to this position.

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About Us

The Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations (EDIR) assists external stakeholders in accessing the unique capabilities and services of Iowa State University. EDIR is a single point of contact to streamline the process of making connections between industry and the university.

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If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at (515) 294-7444

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Our Services

EDIR assists external stakeholders,  both individuals and companies, in connecting with appropriate university specialists who can offer business and technical assistance, research and development, access to facilities (including the ISU Research Park, laboratories, and equipment), and assistance with workforce development. Learn more >

Center for Industrial Research and Service

The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) serves Iowa companies in five main areas: Growth, Leadership, Productivity, Technology, and Workforce. Over the past five years, CIRAS’ work with Iowa businesses has generated an economic impact of more than $2.5 billion. 

America’s SBDC Iowa

The Iowa Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provides free, confidential, customized business advice in all 99 Iowa counties to businesses with 500 employees or less.

ISU Research Park

The Iowa State University Research Park Corporation is a non-profit, independent corporation that serves as an innovation community and incubator for new and expanding businesses. The park currently houses 16 buildings and tenants employ more than 2,000 employees.

Office of Innovation Commercialization (OIC)

The Office of Innovation Commercialization (OIC) comprises the Iowa State University Research Foundation (ISURF) and the Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer.  OIC evaluates and develops intellectual property strategies for technology emerging from the research at ISU and the Ames National Lab and executes partnerships for their commercial development with companies.

ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship

The ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is the catalyst that brings together the people and ideas necessary for launching or growing successful enterprises.