August 15, 2025 (DES MOINES, IA) – BioConnect Iowa today announced that Steve Brody will retire and step away from his role as President and CEO. Brody has led the organization with efforts focused on advancing Iowa’s bioscience sector and fostering innovation through strategic partnerships with the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.
Under Brody’s leadership, BioConnect Iowa launched the InnoVenture Iowa Fund, the state’s first publicly funded venture capital initiative. Since its inception in 2022, the fund has invested over $13 million in 36 Iowa-based companies, catalyzing growth and innovation across the state.
In 2023, following an update to Iowa’s bioscience strategy by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, BioConnect Iowa introduced the Iowa Bioscience Innovation Flywheel. This initiative connects entrepreneurs with key innovation programs, including the InnoVenture Iowa Fund, the SBIR/STTR America’s Seed Fund, and the Iowa G2M Accelerator—a collaborative effort between Iowa State University Startup Factory, VentureNet Iowa and BioConnect Iowa.
Reflecting on his tenure, Brody expressed his heartfelt gratitude by sharing, "Before joining BioConnect Iowa, my career was largely dedicated to global efforts in the agriculture and bioscience industries, despite being based primarily in Iowa. However, joining BioConnect Iowa in 2021 was a thrilling opportunity to channel my energies towards serving the state I love. It has been incredibly rewarding to witness the groundbreaking bioscience research and innovation driven by Iowa's talented entrepreneurs and researchers. This experience stands out as one of the most fulfilling periods in my career, and I am genuinely appreciative of the chance to contribute to something so impactful for Iowa."
Dan Jacobi, Board Chair of BioConnect Iowa, commended Brody’s impact: "The development and launch of the InnoVenture Iowa Fund is a game-changer for Iowa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Brody has also sustained strong efforts and programs with the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the University of Iowa, and Iowa State University to foster growth in Iowa’s bioscience sector."
Brody will remain involved during the transition period until a successor is appointed.
About BioConnect Iowa
BioConnect Iowa is the state’s public-private partnership for economic development in Iowa’s targeted bioscience platforms and was established after the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Iowa Innovation Council commissioned a third-party analysis of Iowa’s bioscience industry in 2017. BioConnect Iowa drives economic opportunity in Iowa by advancing bioscience innovation and commercialization. Through strategic partnerships and programs, the organization supports entrepreneurs and accelerates the growth of Iowa’s bioscience sector.
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