Iowa Tech Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Navigating the Legislative Maze: How Legible AI is Revolutionizing Policy Engagement with Cutting-Edge Technology Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

The recent episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, hosted by Micah Walker, features an engaging conversation with Zach Krawiec from Legible AI. The podcast, recorded at the Jethro's Barbecue Studio, delves into the origin and mission of Legible AI, a company co-founded by Zach and Casey, who met as legislative interns at the Iowa State House. The duo leveraged their deep understanding of the legislative process to develop an AI-native policy intelligence platform designed to assist statehouse professionals. The platform addresses challenges such as policy discovery, tracking, research, analysis, and reporting, making it easier for users to navigate and understand the intricacies of state legislation.

Throughout the discussion, Zach emphasizes the platform's standout features, including BillChat, a tool for AI-powered bill summaries and Q&A, and policy chaining, which helps users track related bills that might otherwise be missed. These innovations are designed to streamline the policy management cycle, offering comprehensive solutions rather than focusing on a single aspect. Zach also shares insights into the challenges the company faces, such as hiring and scaling, and highlights the importance of building relationships in the government affairs sector. The episode concludes with a look at the future of Legible AI and its potential impact on policy engagement, aiming to democratize access to legislative information and foster a more informed policy creation ecosystem.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/legible-AI

Turning Pollution Into Profit: How PaniClean is Revolutionizing Water Treatment and Empowering Communities Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

In the latest episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Micah Walker sits down with Joun Lee, the founder of PaniClean, a woman-owned company that originated from the University of Iowa's Chemical Engineering Department. PaniClean is tackling the pressing issue of nitrate pollution, particularly in North America, by developing innovative, economically viable solutions for water purification. The company's roots trace back to Lee's profound experience in India, where she witnessed children playing in visibly polluted water, sparking her commitment to addressing global water crises. With a strong background in electrochemical sciences, Lee and her team have developed a technology that removes nitrates from water and converts them into useful byproducts like ammonia, turning liabilities into assets for local communities and industries.

Throughout the podcast, Lee discusses the challenges and triumphs of scaling PaniClean, including the impact of stringent environmental regulations and the importance of customer discovery in shaping their business model. Currently, the company is piloting their technology in Iowa City and plans to expand by targeting industries with significant nitrate waste, such as semiconductors and chemical manufacturing. As PaniClean seeks to raise $2 million to hire a CEO and expand their team, Lee emphasizes the importance of having a complementary leadership structure that allows her to focus on technological development. In closing, Lee expresses gratitude to her supporters at the University of Iowa and her dedicated team, reflecting a strong community spirit and commitment to making a positive environmental impact.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/joun-lee

From Dorm Rooms to Zoos: The Rise of Spock Sanctuary and the Revolutionary Nutri Cubes Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

The Iowa Tech Podcast, hosted by Micah Walker, recently featured an engaging episode with Cole and Cam from Spock Sanctuary, an exotic animal rescue startup. Originating as a project during their time at Iowa State University, Spock Sanctuary has grown into the largest reptile rescue in Iowa. The duo shared their journey from a college apartment operation to a full-fledged sanctuary, highlighting the challenges of space and resources they faced as they expanded. Their mission to combat misinformation in the pet trade and provide the best care for exotic animals has driven their growth and innovation. Their story is not only about rescuing animals but also about navigating the entrepreneurial landscape as university students, adapting and learning from each challenge they encountered.

A significant part of their discussion centered around Nutri Cubes, an innovative product developed by Cam to meet the dietary needs of reptiles. Nutri Cubes are unique because they are species-specific, formulated based on what these animals would naturally consume in the wild. This innovation came from a personal need to address the picky eating habits of their own reptiles, leading to a product that now serves a broader market. With the help of pitch competitions and the support of entrepreneurial ecosystems like Cystarters, Spock Sanctuary and Nutri Cubes have gained traction, allowing them to expand their offerings and separate into distinct entities to better serve their missions. Looking ahead, Cole and Cam aim to expand Spock Sanctuary's physical space and continue to build relationships within the community, all while fostering a greater love and understanding for exotic pets.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/spock-sanctuary

Joe Sweeney on Revolutionizing Ag Tech with BioAxis Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

In the latest episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, hosted by Micah Walker, listeners are introduced to Joe Sweeney, a fractional leader from Jennings Kallen Advisory, currently associated with BioAxis. Sweeney, who grew up on a family farm in North Central Iowa and attended Iowa State for ag business, shares his journey into fractional leadership, highlighting the influence of his entrepreneurial parents. His career trajectory included starting companies in the aquaculture space, with varying degrees of success, which eventually led him to help friends with their businesses. This snowballed into a career as a consultant and fractional CFO, where he now supports multiple startups, particularly in the Midwest, by providing financial guidance and helping them scale operations. Jennings Kallen Advisors, where Sweeney is a venture strategic advisor, plays a crucial role in helping innovative companies find resources, manage growth, and develop market strategies.

Sweeney's expertise and passion for entrepreneurship shine through as he discusses his work with various startups, including BioAxis, a company addressing biosecurity challenges in the protein industry. He emphasizes the advantages Iowa offers in scaling ag bio companies, highlighting the region's productive land and efficient operators. The discussion also touches on the fundraising landscape in Iowa, with Sweeney providing insights into the challenges and opportunities within the venture capital ecosystem. He underscores the importance of building relationships and fostering creativity while maintaining focus. The episode concludes with resources and shoutouts to various organizations supporting Iowa's entrepreneurial ecosystem, encouraging founders and stakeholders to engage and connect for growth and innovation.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/joe-sweeney

Revolutionizing Agriculture Insurance: How Layer One AG is Using AI to Transform Farm Risk Assessment Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

In a recent episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Micah Walker welcomed Roberta from Layer One Ag, a promising startup in the agricultural insurance space, to discuss their innovative approach to managing crop risk. Recorded from the Jethro's Barbecue Studio, the episode delved into how Layer One Ag is leveraging AI to reimagine risk assessment at the farm and field level, enabling precision underwriting for farms that have traditionally been priced out of the market. Roberta, whose background ties deeply with Brazil's rich history in sugar and ethanol production, shared insights into how her experiences in bioenergy and agriculture informed the development of Layer One Ag's risk assessment methodologies. She emphasized the limitations of traditional risk assessments that focus heavily on historical yield data, which can often miss the nuances of farm resilience to pests, disease, and climate shocks.

Layer One Ag is navigating the complex landscape of agricultural insurance by using a wealth of agricultural data, including inputs from IoT devices and satellite data, to create a new dimension of risk evaluation. Their platform, L1A Risk, provides predictive risk scoring akin to a FICO score for farms, assessing risk across multiple dimensions such as crop practices, location-based vulnerabilities, and resilience strategies. This approach allows for the creation of more tailored crop insurance products that better serve the needs of diverse agricultural operations, beyond the conventional row crop insurance. The podcast also highlighted the strategic advantages of building such a company in Iowa, a hub for insurance and ag-tech innovation, which has provided Layer One Ag with invaluable connections and resources. As Layer One Ag looks to expand its reach, the company is also eyeing the Brazilian market, where regulatory landscapes and data availability present both challenges and opportunities for growth.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/layer-one-ag

Unlocking Innovation: How Zymosense is Revolutionizing Enzyme Measurement with Cutting-Edge Technology Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

In a recent episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Micah Walker engaged in a compelling conversation with Nigel Reuel, the founder of Zymosense, a pioneering company emerging from Iowa State University. Nigel, an innovator and entrepreneur at heart, shared his journey of establishing Zymosense to revolutionize enzyme activity measurement. With a robust background in chemical and biological engineering, Nigel explained how his experience with global enzyme development leaders inspired him to tackle the challenges of enzyme activity measurement. Zymosense's cutting-edge sensors provide a sustainable, efficient solution for various industries, enhancing material research and development. The company has rapidly evolved since its inception in 2021, securing intellectual property and initial funding through strategic partnerships and federal grants.

Throughout the podcast, Nigel emphasized the supportive ecosystem at Iowa State University that fosters innovation and venture creation. He credited the university's resources and collaborative culture for facilitating his entrepreneurial endeavors. Nigel also highlighted the importance of assembling a dedicated team, including his collaboration with students and industry experts like CEO Scott, to drive Zymosense's growth. The conversation further delved into the intricacies of transitioning from research to commercialization, underscoring the critical role of customer feedback and strategic partnerships. Nigel's insights not only illuminate the potential of enzyme technology but also serve as a testament to the vibrant startup landscape in Iowa, paving the way for future breakthroughs in biotech and beyond.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/zymosense

How Iowa's APEX Program is Shaping Young Entrepreneurs Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

The Iowa Tech podcast episode features an engaging conversation between host Micah Walker and guest Russell Goerend, a key figure in the Waukee APEX program, which stands for Aspiring Professional Experience. Broadcasting from the Jethro's Barbecue Digital Studio, the episode dives into the innovative educational model at Waukee, designed to provide high school juniors and seniors with authentic career experiences. Russell explains how Waukee's approach, inspired by the CAPS program in Kansas, allows students to immerse themselves in real-world professions like graphic design, construction leadership, and web-based technology development. By offering hands-on, client-centered projects, the program aims to help students discern their career interests before they graduate, equipping them with practical skills and insights that traditional classroom learning often misses.

The discussion also highlights the collaborative efforts with InnoVenture Iowa, through which students gain exposure to venture capital concepts and entrepreneurship. Venture Tuesdays and Thursdays are specially designed sessions where students and local entrepreneurs learn about the intricacies of venture capital, enhancing their understanding of the startup ecosystem. The program's open-door policy extends beyond Waukee, inviting students from neighboring districts to partake in this transformative educational experience. Russell emphasizes the program's commitment to creating a value exchange between students and businesses, ensuring that students leave not just with knowledge, but with a clearer vision of their future paths. This episode of the Iowa Tech podcast not only showcases the innovative spirit of the Waukee APEX program but also underscores the importance of experiential learning in shaping future entrepreneurs and professionals.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/iowa-apex-program

A Fellows Perspective of the Iowa Entrepreneurial Ecosystem with Gabe Howard Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Micah Walker welcomes Gabe Howard, the third fellow of the InnoVenture Iowa Fund, to discuss his experiences and insights into the Iowa entrepreneurial ecosystem. Gabe, a finance major at Drake University, shares how his background in a small town and family business sparked his interest in venture capital. He recounts his journey from a high school student dabbling in the industry to becoming a fellow, emphasizing the importance of personal interactions and mentorship from influential figures like Kaylee Williams. Gabe highlights the role of Iowa's educational institutions in fostering entrepreneurship and describes how diverse faculty members at Drake helped ignite his passion for the field.

Micah and Gabe delve into the intricacies of the fellowship experience, discussing the challenges of reaching out to founders and navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. Gabe reflects on the valuable lessons learned from interacting with founders, including the importance of respecting their stories and the entrepreneurial spirit required to succeed. The conversation also touches on the significance of effective communication and pitching skills for early-stage startups. They emphasize that while having a solid business idea is crucial, the ability to convey that idea convincingly to investors is equally important. Gabe concludes by expressing his desire to continue his career in venture capital, inspired by his fellowship experience, and Michael extends his gratitude for Gabe's contributions to the program.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/gabe-howard

From Dorm Room Dreams to Startup Success: Unleashing Entrepreneurial Spirit at Iowa State with Megan Grettinger Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

The Iowa Tech Podcast, hosted by Micah Walker, recently featured an insightful discussion with Megan Grettinger, the Program Director of the Cystarters Business Accelerator at Iowa State University. In this episode, they explored the intricacies of the Cystarters program, which is designed to support student entrepreneurs in developing their business ideas. Megan shared her journey from being an undergraduate at Iowa State to becoming a key figure in the entrepreneurial ecosystem there. Her firsthand experience as a former Cystarter herself offers a unique perspective on how the program has evolved. The Cystarters program, which spans 11 weeks during the summer, provides funding, mentorship, and educational resources to students, allowing them to forgo traditional internships and instead work on their own startups. This initiative is part of the broader efforts by the Papa John Center to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across the university, emphasizing real-world experiences and customer-focused development.

Throughout the conversation, Megan and Micah highlighted the diverse student ecosystem at Iowa State, where students from various colleges come together to collaborate and innovate. The Papa John Center plays a crucial role in this by offering a range of extracurricular activities, including pitch competitions and workshops, to engage students year-round. Megan underscored the importance of customer discovery in the entrepreneurial process, sharing her own experiences and advising students to thoroughly understand their target market. The podcast also touched on Megan's current entrepreneurial venture, a flower farm, demonstrating her continued passion for entrepreneurship. Both Micah and Megan emphasized the value of taking advantage of the resources available at Iowa State, encouraging students to get involved with the Papa John Center early in their college careers to maximize their entrepreneurial potential.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/megan-graettinger-cystarters

Casmium: High School Innovators Revolutionizing Baseball Analytics Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

In a recent episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, hosted by Micah Walker, the spotlight was on Henry and Nikhil, co-founders of Casmium, a baseball analytics app created by a group of high school students. The app originated from a school project aimed at transforming paper-based statistics into a digital format, prompted by their high school varsity baseball coach. Initially, the project was just a means to secure a good grade, but as the pandemic hit and the students had more time, they realized its potential beyond the classroom. By January 2021, they recognized the app's promise and decided to pursue it as a business endeavor. Despite the challenges of maintaining a business while attending different colleges, the founders utilized digital tools like Zoom and Discord to continue collaborating effectively.

The journey of Casmium emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and iterative design. Even as technical students, the team learned to prioritize user feedback over their own technical aspirations. The business side of their venture was significantly bolstered by support from programs like JPEC at both Iowa and Iowa State, which provided mentorship and funding through pitching competitions. This support enabled them to grow Casmium without incurring personal expenses. As they look to the future, Casmium plans to expand its reach by attending trade shows and partnering with various baseball and softball teams across the country, aiming to enhance its impact and continue its growth.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/casmium