Statewide Venture School Crowns 4 Innovative Startups

25 Nov 2025


News

The University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC) concluded its statewide fall Venture School program the week of Nov. 17 by awarding $16,000 in prize money during final pitches.

Placing first at the centers were River City Silent Disco (Omar Munoz) from Des Moines/Sioux City, Ambient Grid (Chris Beyer) from Iowa City/Cedar Rapids, Stone Heritage Jewelry (Cait Dillavou) from Mason City, and Decoded Health (Catherine Colley) from the Quad Cities.

River City Silent Disco puts a twist on dancing by giving everyone wireless headphones. You pick the music you like best, and dance to your own beat while people next to you might be dancing to something totally different. Ambient Grid makes small sensors that attach to utility poles and act like early warning systems. They help spot things like fires, wear and tear, or changing weather conditions so problems can be fixed before they get serious. Stone Heritage Jewelry provides jewelry design and creation that is crafted with care in a private, one-on-one setting, to become cherished heirlooms. Decoded Health is an integrative, concierge medical clinic specializing in preventive care.

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