Iowa State Start Something College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

09/04/2026

Taking learning beyond the classroom 🌾

This summer, five Rural Entrepreneurship Academy students traveled across Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas to meet entrepreneurs, explore businesses, and see firsthand how innovation and entrepreneurship are shaping rural communities.

From specialty agriculture and food production to energy, education, and more, the trip gave students the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, build connections, and gain new perspectives along the way.

Read more about their journey and the impact of the Rural Entrepreneurship Academy! 🗺 https://startsomething.cals.iastate.edu/post/road-rural-entrepreneurship-academy

09/03/2026

💡 Have a business idea you’re ready to bring to life? Or an existing business you want to grow?

The Student Incubator Program is designed to help Iowa State students take the next step. 🚀

Through mentorship, a community of like-minded peers, and built-in support and accountability, you’ll have the resources to turn your ideas into action.

Whether you’re starting with an idea or already building a business, the Student Incubator is a place to learn, grow, and make an impact.

📲 Ready to take the next step? Apply today by scanning the QR code on the graphic!

08/31/2026

We’re excited to announce a new program coming to Start Something CALS! 🚀

Register by September 15th here ➡ https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mthHA3QB002t6zM5yJw19S9FaRHUfpVIi3IeEnj1FWhURTI3S1VON01YSU04RjhFMzlGREhJWjJLOS4u

🚜 AgTech Forum is Start Something's new paid internship program, taking the place of Change Maker Academy. This year-long program puts Iowa State students inside real ag companies to explore the technologies changing the industry.

📅 Fall semester, meet with like-minded individuals to discuss and investigate how AI is being used across agriculture. Spring semester, you and a partner will be matched with a company to see firsthand how they are using AI.

To learn more about the program, visit our website here ➡ https://startsomething.cals.iastate.edu/post/agtech-forum-internships-working-future-agriculture

08/25/2026

A new semester means new opportunities, new connections, and plenty happening around CALS.

Check your to-do list, save the dates, and get ready for a semester full of events you won’t want to miss with Start Something CALS! ✨

06/03/2026

Huge congratulations to our recent graduate, Beau Klaver, for earning the Republican nomination for Iowa House District 55!

Thank you to my friends, family, supporters, and everyone who voted yesterday! I am incredibly grateful and honored to have earned the Republican nomination for Iowa House District 55!

This would not have been possible without your support, and I truly appreciate everyone who helped make this victory possible!

Now let’s keep the momentum going to November!

05/15/2026

Each year, Start Something CALS recognizes outstanding students who demonstrate innovation, leadership, and an entrepreneurial spirit 🌟

🏆 Murray Wise Award
Rewards high-achieving seniors in the Agricultural Entrepreneurship Initiative while supporting entrepreneurial ventures and career development in agriculture.

🏆 Ryan Pellett Family Award
Supports undergraduate students who demonstrate aptitude for and involvement in entrepreneurship.

🏆 Bob Jolly Entrepreneurship Award
Recognizes undergraduate students with exceptional interest, involvement, and potential in entrepreneurship.

🏆 Brian Carr Award
Presented to Iowa State students who embody an entrepreneurial spirit, a “figure-it-out” mindset, and a commitment to serving others above themselves.

Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients and thank you to those who continue to support the next generation of entrepreneurs 🚀

05/15/2026

From everyone at Start Something CALS, we want to congratulate the Iowa State University Class of 2026 on all of your incredible achievements!

Thank you for your leadership, determination, innovation, and the energy you’ve brought to Iowa State. Once a Cyclone, always a Cyclone ❤️💛🌪️

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

05/14/2026

The Start Something CALS Winternship Program is a 5-day, hands-on work experience that connects students with startups and entrepreneurs during winter break ❄️💡

Through the program, students have the opportunity to:
✨ Gain real-world experience working on innovative projects
✨ Connect with entrepreneurs and startup teams
✨ Explore agricultural business development and innovation
✨ Build professional skills through hands-on learning experiences

Thank you to the students, entrepreneurs, and partners who make the Winternship Program such a valuable experience each year 🚀

05/14/2026

Entrepreneurship in Agriculture gives students the opportunity to turn innovative ideas into real business concepts 🌱💡

Through ECON 3340, students develop startup business plans while gaining hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and agricultural innovation. The course culminates in a final pitch event where students present their ideas and solutions.

✨ Develop and refine a startup business plan
✨ Gain experience in entrepreneurship and innovation
✨ Build presentation and pitching skills
✨ Explore creative solutions in agriculture and business

Thank you to the students, faculty, and mentors who make this experience impactful each year 🚀

05/13/2026

Start Something CALS Experiential Internships provide students with structured, hands-on learning experiences that support both professional growth and real-world skill development 🌟

Through these opportunities, students can:
✨ Gain valuable experience outside the classroom
✨ Apply knowledge in real-world professional settings
✨ Build connections with industry professionals and mentors
✨ Develop skills that prepare them for future careers

Thank you to everyone who helps make these experiential learning opportunities impactful for our students each year 🚀