ISU Research Park tenants share why the city is the right place to build, scale, and thrive

When companies decide where to plant roots, the question is rarely just about geography. They want an environment where talent is abundant, costs are manageable, and connections drive growth. For tenants of the Iowa State University Research Park (ISURP) in Ames, the benefits of locating here extend far beyond a convenient address.

“Whether it’s accessing talent, collaborating with other companies, or leveraging resources from Iowa State University, Ames makes it easier to grow faster and smarter,” says Alison Doyle, Associate Director of the ISU Research Park. “It’s a place where big ideas can take shape, regardless of whether you’re a startup or a global company.”

A Deep Talent Pool to Draw From

One of the most consistent advantages cited by ISURP tenants is the ability to tap into Iowa State University’s deep talent pool.

“We started in Iowa because it was an efficient place to launch a software company,” says Jill Klindt, EVP and Chief Financial Officer at Workiva. “Our resources stretched further here, and the supportive ecosystem provided by ISURP, Iowa State University, and local organizations was instrumental to our success.”

That sentiment is echoed across industries. Sukup Manufacturing has seen its Ames workforce grow from two to 23 employees in just two years, thanks in large part to the accessibility of Iowa State talent. 

“ISU Research Park offers us the opportunity to innovate just down the road from where we were founded,” says Emily Schmitt, Sukup’s Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel. “We’re surrounded by other forward-thinking businesses, world-class researchers, and top-tier students, all of whom share the same passion for advancing agriculture.”

For Stellar Industries, the proximity to campus has been equally impactful. 

“We generally have two to four interns working out of the Park office each semester,” says Nathan Meyer, Lead Design Engineer. “It’s allowed us to maintain meaningful connections with high-performing students and, in several cases, bring them on full-time after graduation.”

A Community Built on Connection and Collaboration

Beyond talent, Ames provides a community that naturally encourages innovation and partnership.

“The Research Park fosters connections among different companies, and it’s incredibly useful to be in an environment where innovation is constantly happening,” says Colin Hurd, CEO of Mach. “We can leverage that.”

Kyle Bermel, CEO of Metalcraft, agrees. 

“We weren’t just looking to expand—we needed redundancy, innovation, and a deeper talent pool,” Bermel says. “Ames checked every box.”

This spirit of connectivity benefits young companies, too. Nacu Hernandez, Lead Researcher at SoyLei, notes that geing close to Iowa State offers access to equipment they would have a difficult time finding otherwise and allows the biotech firm to collaborate with professors and students who are already familiar with their work.

From formal partnerships with university labs to spontaneous hallway conversations, these connections create an ecosystem that helps businesses navigate challenges and pursue new opportunities.

“That’s one of the things we hear most from our tenants,” Doyle says. “They value the access—to people, to resources, to other innovators. It shortens the learning curve and amplifies momentum.”

Flexibility to Scale Without Limits

The ability to scale operations is another hallmark of doing business in Ames. Workiva’s growth from a lean startup into a global leader in integrated reporting illustrates that point.

“The Research Park’s resources and community have been invaluable,” Klindt says. “From logistical support in our early years to fostering connections with other innovative companies and Iowa State University, ISURP has been more than just a location—it’s been a partner in our growth.”

That flexibility matters to companies of all sizes. 

“Space is limited at our Mason City headquarters, and we want to keep that footprint efficient,” Bermel says of Metalcraft’s decision to expand to Ames. “Ames gives us the room and the resources to grow strategically.”

As Doyle explains, what makes Ames stand out isn’t any single factor—it’s the combination of resources, community, and a cost structure that allows companies to stretch their investments further.

“When companies come here, they see that they don’t have to compromise,” Doyle says. “They can access a world-class university, surround themselves with a vibrant business community, and still enjoy a lower cost of living and doing business than in a major metro.”

Genvax founder Joel Harris says the location has been foundational to his animal health startup. 

“Our ties to Ames and Iowa State run deep,” Harris says. “From having access to world-class researchers at Iowa State to being in a community committed to agricultural innovation, this is the perfect place for Genvax to grow.”

For Doyle and her team, that’s exactly the point. 

“Our goal is to make Ames the easiest place for companies to land, launch, and scale,” she says. “When you have that kind of foundation, there’s no limit to what you can build here.”