CIRAS

The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) was created in 1963 to improve the quality of life in Iowa by helping businesses and their communities prosper and grow.

At the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), we help Iowa businesses solve complex problems by providing innovative expertise and strategic resources, moving our clients forward with confidence.

CIRAS is part of the College of Engineering and the Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations (EDIR) at Iowa State University. Since 1963, our mission has remained simple: to strengthen Iowa communities by helping businesses grow, innovate, and thrive.

What we do

We deliver practical, research-driven solutions that make an impact — from improving operations and developing leaders to expanding markets and building a skilled workforce.

Our four core service areas can stand alone or work together to meet each client’s goals:

Executive Strategy – Empowering leaders to plan for the future, strengthen performance, and drive change.
Growth – Helping companies seize opportunities through marketing, exporting, and government contracting.
Operational Excellence – Improving quality, efficiency, and innovation through proven best practices.
Workforce – Building and sustaining strong teams with strategies for recruitment, engagement, and retention.

We also guide companies through Emerging Topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Applied Research, and Industry 4.0 — ensuring Iowa businesses stay ahead of what’s next.

CIRAS

Vast Network

Our partnerships stretch across Iowa State University and beyond. Relationships with public and private experts enable us to deliver solutions that meet client needs.

Over the past five years, CIRAS and its partners have reported impact from companies in all 99 counties, totaling more than $2.7 billion (sales gained or retained $2 billion, new investments $501 million, costs saved or avoided $152 million) and over 29,000 jobs created or retained as a result of the assistance they received.

For more information, visit the CIRAS website.

Connect

For information on CIRAS services, please visit https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/ or call (515) 294-3420. The CIRAS offices are located in the Iowa State University Research Park.