Unlock the power of collaboration! The Lichtenberger Engineering Library is partnering with the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center’ (JPEC) to bring you InnoConnect: Uniting Minds in Business and Tech. This brand-new, two-hour speed networking event on Wednesday, Feb. 7 is designed for aspiring innovators and budding entrepreneurs.

Not sure where to start? That’s fine—attendees don’t have to bring a full business plan or a completely developed idea to participate, just an open mind and an interest in collaboration.  

We caught up with Jay Cooper, director of the Undergraduate Student Incubator at JPEC, to learn more about this upcoming event. Learn more about Jay’s vision for the future of this partnership from the brief Q&A below.

How does JPEC work to support student entrepreneurship on campus?
JPEC facilitates entrepreneurial success for students through our programs and our partnerships. We have several programs, both on and off campus, which revolve around helping people solve problems for the greater community. Our undergraduate, graduate, and faculty incubator programs help those at all stages learn how to start up through classroom activities and connections to entrepreneurs and creatives throughout the state of Iowa.

What is the goal of the InnoConnect program?
My hopes for this program are to build connections between non-technical and technical people in order to build great things. There are a lot of great potential partnerships on this campus – I’m hoping to increase the number of creative collisions that occur by bringing together people who may not traditionally cross paths.

Who should make sure to attend?

The target audience for this event is individuals who enjoy building solutions to problems but don’t consider themselves “business people.” Idea people are a dime a dozen; creators, inventors, and builders are much harder to find.

Ready to sign up? Visit the official event page to reserve your spot. Space is limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis.