2026 Biotech Showcase Pitch Competition
Applications will open on Sept. 8, 2025, and are due on Nov. 1, 2025.
Calling all biotech startups! The 2026 Iowa Biotech Showcase Pitch Competition offers the chance to present your innovation on stage at Iowa’s premier biotech event. Six startups will be selected to pitch their products or services on March 4, 2026, competing for a $10,000 grand prize, a free one-year IowaBio membership, and valuable exposure to investors, industry leaders, and potential partners.
NEW IN 2026: Each selected company will be paired with an experienced mentor for two virtual coaching sessions to refine their pitch and maximize their impact during the competition. Keep scrolling to learn more about this year's incredible lineup of mentors!
Returning in 2026, the Ag Startup Engine will offer the potential for a $25,000 dollar investment, pending final due diligence, into one company that pitches during the Biotech Showcase Pitch Competition on March 4, 2026.
Overall, this competition is a unique opportunity to elevate your startup, gain expert guidance, and connect with the biotech community.
If you have any questions, please contact Andy Bates at abates@fin-strategies.com.
Meet the Mentors
Peter Hong – Director, ISU Startup Factory
Peter brings extensive leadership and entrepreneurial experience to his role as Director of the Iowa State University Startup Factory. With a career spanning manufacturing, product engineering, and executive leadership, he has transformed startups into thriving, customer-focused companies and driven significant business growth. Peter has also held numerous local, state, and national leadership positions, and continues to strengthen Iowa’s innovation ecosystem through mentorship, commercialization strategy, and support for emerging biotech entrepreneurs.
Joe Sweeney – Venture Strategy Advisory and Director of Operations, Jennings Kallen Advisors
Shawn Baier – Chief Operating Officer, MTI Biotech