Business/Industry Assistance
Iowa State University has established a network of centers and institutes focused on serving the needs of Iowa businesses. The assistance available ranges from help in evolving business practices to correcting manufacturing defects, designing critical technologies and testing products. The scope of these programs is reviewed below. In addition, the eight colleges at ISU and ISU Extension provide a vast array of services to the business community.
Center for Industrial and Research Service (CIRAS) : This center assists manufacturing and processing firms by focusing on management and manufacturing techniques, such as Theory of Constraints, Kaizen, feasibility studies, etc.; product design development and engineering; rapid prototyping; simulation, including plant layout and factory flow; information technologies; quality issues including ISO 9000, QS 9000, etc.; and other client needs.
College of Business, Business and Partnership Development Program: This program provides businesses with the expertise, training, and services
needed in today's fast-paced economy. Faculty can help a business
move from a local or national business to a global enterprise;
solve current or future industry challenges; streamline processes
to save time and money; or implement best practices to name
just a few.
Institute for Physical Research and Technology (IPRT) : IPRT is a network of scientific research centers conducting cutting-edge, interdisciplinary
research in a broad spectrum of areas, and through IPRT Company
Assistance, delivers the centers' world-class expertise and
equipment to Iowa manufacturers and entrepreneurs. IPRT provides
short-term, no-cost technical assistance in materials-related
areas and nondestructive evaluation, contract research and
development for product and process development or improvement,
assistance
to commercialize
technologies,
and services to help Iowa companies win federal R&D grants. http://www.iprt.iastate.edu/assistance/index.html
Iowa State University Research Park (ISURP) : The ISU Research Park provides a home to companies that wish to be located near Iowa State University. Through its incubator, it helps new companies develop business plans, identify capital resources and find trained staff to get the company up and running.
Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship : The Pappajohn Center assists individuals starting new businesses, with emphasis on those focusing on ISU-based technologies. This includes assistance with the development of business plans, sources of financing, and market research.
Small Business Development Center : Through a statewide network, the SBDC counsels and trains business people in management, financing and operating small businesses.
