Explore the Possibility

A startup event engaging high school students with industry partners in a one-day, fast paced entrepreneurial excursion.
Design Dash Logo

Save the date - Registration open Monday, February 13th!
April 11th, 2023 - Cedar Rapids
May 8th, 2023 - Iowa City

Designdash

WHAT:
The Jacobson Institute and the Iowa EdTech Collaborative partner to host startup events engaging high school students and educators in one-day, fast paced entrepreneurial excursions. Participants work in teams to solve problems they face using entrepreneurial solutions that drive innovation forward.  
 
WHO:
Iowa High School Students and Their Teachers
Target Audience: Entrepreneurial-minded, Startup/Innovation, Engineering, Design, Hackers, Tech Gurus, Problem Finders & Solvers, Creatives, Gamers, 3D, Artists
 
HOW:
Each teacher registers a maximum of 10 students for the day-long startup event. Registration will be determined by a combination of the following: date of registration, number of schools/school districts represented. Registration will be confirmed 4 weeks prior to the DesignDash event. The teachers attending will be actively engaged and able to earn graduate credit for their participation.
 
WHEN:
Cedar Rapids, IA - Tuesday, April 11, 2023 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Iowa City, IA - Monday, May 8, 2023 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (NOTE: DATE CHANGE!)
 
Step 1: Educators and Community Partners Register Here:
 
 
 
Step 2: Educators only - Register your students at least 4 weeks prior to the event date:
        
 
LEARN MORE:
 

INTERESTED IN IMPACTING MORE STUDENTS?
If you would like a larger number of students to have the DesignDash experience, please reach out to jacobson-institute@uiowa.edu to discuss a custom DesignDash event.

Innovation Programs for Students and Educators:

Innovator Competition

Students - every Fall and Spring you have the opportunity to submit your business idea to win up to $1,500 in capital seed money!

Teachers - invite your students to submit their ideas!

Business Horizons

Students - Business Horizons is a five-day innovation simulation bringing students (grades 9-12) of all experience levels from across the state of Iowa together to gain a better sense of how their skills connect to the business world and the real world. July 16-20, 2023.

Teachers - 2 day, onsite, professional development offered by BizInnovator Startup. Offered select dates July 16-20, 2023.

Startup Weekend

Students and Teachers - join in this community weekend entrepreneurial event! July 7-9, 2023. 

Educator opportunities:

Professional Development with Opportunity to Offer High School Students College Credit:

Curriculum Toolkits: