Demonstration Fund

Helping businesses develop and bring new technologies and concepts to market

The Demonstration Fund is designed to provide assistance to companies with market-ready innovative technologies or products that have a clear potential for commercial viability.

• Assists companies with marketing and business development activities
• Helps businesses with high-growth potential reach a position to attract follow-on private sector funding
• Awards up to $100,000
• Funds are primarily in loans or royalty arrangements with a 1:2 (private:public) match
• Funds can be used for:
  • Acquiring management/marketing personnel or expertise
  • Purchasing equipment
  • Developing and executing marketing and distribution strategy
  • Creating marketing materials
  • Developing/expanding lead compounds (bioscience - pharmacology)
  • Business model validation and refinement
  • Market feedback on technology and recommended enhancements

Eligibility

• Iowa-based company with innovative technology solution
• Fewer than 500 employees
• Commitment to commercialize product(s) in advanced manufacturing, bioscience or information technology industries
• Competitive and protectable product, technology or process
• Product ready for market introduction (exception for bioscience and medical device requiring regulatory approval)
• Essential management team in place (business development, financial operations and technology) 

How to Apply

• Applications reviewed on an ongoing basis with funding decisions bi-monthly

• Submit completed application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)
• IEDA has engaged the services of VentureNet Iowa to manage the application review process
• Applicant completes panel review process and presentation to the IEDA Technology and Commercialization Committee (TCC).