What
The Jacobson Institute presents startup events engaging high school students and educators in one-day, fast paced innovation and entrepreneurial excursions. HS students work in teams with entrepreneurs/business & industry partners to solve problems they face, using innovation and entrepreneurial solutions. This is authentic, experiential learning at its best!
Who
Iowa high school students and their teachers. Entrepreneurs and business/industry partners who want to get involved.
Target Audiences: Entrepreneurial-minded, Startup/Innovation, Engineering, Invention, 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.
Thanks to sponsors, DesignDash is provided to Iowa students, educators, and community partners at no cost.
Fall 2025 registration!
Sept 19, 2025
EVENT FULL FOR EDUCATORS & STUDENTS. WAITLIST ONLY.
Specialty DesignDash Program with Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
Theme: Conquering Cancer One Idea at a Time
Iowa City, IA | 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Location: University of Iowa Memorial Union
Registration open. Educators, reserve your spot!
Register your students anytime between now and the end of August.
This event is great for High School STEM Educators!
Iowa City
Iowa City, IA | 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Location and Date: TBD
Registration will open late August
Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls, IA | 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Location and Date: TBD
Registration will open late August
Des Moines
Des Moines, IA | 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Location and Date: TBD
Registration will open late August
DesignDash Sponsors
16
Total Number of DesignDash Events Since 2022
992
Total Student participants since 2022
111
Total Schools participated since 2022
"Design Dash is an excellent opportunity for students to collaboratively 'test-drive' entrepreneurship by solving problems that occur daily."
Read more
Read about the DesignDash Fall 2024 Event
Read about the DesignDash Spring 2023 Event
Read about the DesignDash Spring 2022 Event
Innovation programs for students and educators
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. Students have the opportunity to receive three college credits. Held annually in the summer.
Teachers - 2 day, onsite, professional development offered by BizInnovator Startup. Held annually in conjunction with Business Horizons.
Tippie Gateway Summer Program
Students - Tippie Gateway is your opportunity to experience life on campus at the University of Iowa. Free, weeklong program for high school students. Participants receive three college credits. Held annually in the summer.
"As a mentor, I was inspired and energized by the commitment and creativity of student groups... all in a day's work. If they can do it, so can I."
Educator opportunities
Professional development and opportunity for high schoolers to earn college credit
- BizInnovator Startup Deep Dive into Entrepreneurship Education for High School educators
Curriculum toolkits
- BizInnovator Startup for high school entrepreneurship education
- KidInnovator for upper elementary and middle school