Leadership insights from Billi Hunt, executive director of America's Cultivation Corridor
Connect. Collaborate. Celebrate.
I can’t think of three better words to describe 2024 for America’s Cultivation Corridor.
We hear over and over again that a great advantage of doing business in Iowa – whether you are a startup, scaleup or global leader – is the ability to make meaningful connections to advance and grow your business.
We completed a Cultivo® Virtual Academy cohort of scaleup companies from Australia and Canada, and announced a partnership with the United Kingdom to host a Cultivo cohort with UK based scaleups beginning in February 2025.
Our Next Gen Innovation Impact Study program connected eight students from Iowa State University with university, association and business leaders to learn about the innovations that are driving sustainability and productivity now and into the future.
In October, we announced a collaboration with the World food Prize to host the Innovate for Impact Challenge in 2025, aimed at identifying and supporting early-stage, tech-driven startups whose solutions hold the potential to revolutionize agriculture and address the most pressing issues of global food security. Applications will open in early 2025, culminating with a pitch competition during the 2025 Borlaug Dialogues and a $50,000 prize awarded to the winner.
Collaborations across the industry have resulted in exciting projects such as the opening of the new Digital Ag Innovation Lab facility at Iowa State University Research Park, the announced expansion of Dairy Brand LLC with a new manufacturing facility in Iowa, and more.
Finally, we celebrated 10 years of America’s Cultivation Corridor with a reflection on our progress, and look at the many ways that Iowa innovation makes the world a better place. From sustainable solutions to increasing productivity and new ideas to make our farms, business and communities more successful, it is happening in Iowa.
We’re not the only ones recognizing the opportunity and advantages of Iowa. U.S. News and World Report ranked Iowa the #6 state overall and #3 for opportunity. Forbes Advisor ranked Des Moines as the #2 metro for young professionals and Iowa was named #1 for lowest housing costs by Wallet Hub.
Thank you to everyone who made the year a success – our investors, sponsors and partners, volunteers and more — and best wishes for a happy holiday season and a healthy and prosperous New Year.
Published December 2024.