UNI’s first Startup Showcase cultivates future Panther entrepreneurs
The University of Northern Iowa recently hosted its inaugural Startup Showcase, an entrepreneurial-focused visit day that engaged nearly 50 high school sophomores and juniors. The event reflects UNI’s commitment to developing Iowa’s next generation of business leaders and innovators.
Students participated in an “Everyday Object Competition,” where they transformed ordinary items into creative business concepts and pitched them to a panel of judges. One winning idea — a collapsible frisbee redesigned as a laundry hamper to efficiently scoop clothes from the dryer — highlighted the kind of practical, problem-solving innovation the event was designed to spark.
“Attending the Startup Showcase was a fun experience,” said Evelyn Schmitz, sophomore at Cedar Falls High School. “I got to work with new people and make connections to help me in the future. Everyone at the JPEC was so welcoming when it came to supporting and helping work through goals and problems. I hope to someday be a part of it!”
The experience was led by student entrepreneurs from UNI’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC), housed in the R.J. McElroy Student Business Incubator. Through peer mentorship and hands-on activities, participants built foundational skills in creativity, collaboration and business development.
“Speaking on a panel with fellow student entrepreneurs to a group of high schoolers was such a powerful experience. We were all in their shoes not long ago, so seeing their curiosity and excitement for entrepreneurship was incredibly inspiring. It was especially meaningful to help break the stigma that you have to choose between higher education and building a business, because the truth is, you can absolutely do both,” said Haley Hamm [‘25, Public Relations].
Following the competition, students toured UNI’s campus, connected with the admissions team over lunch, and engaged directly with JPEC staff, offering them a glimpse into the educational and entrepreneurial opportunities available right here in Iowa.