Iowa's Premier Startup Event EntreFEST Returns to Iowa City

The annual entrepreneurship festival will showcase the state's thriving innovation ecosystem.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:25pm

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A minimalist, high-end studio still life photograph featuring a sleek laptop computer, a modern desk lamp, and a potted succulent plant, symbolizing the abstract concepts of entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation.The annual EntreFEST event in Iowa City showcases the state's thriving startup ecosystem and entrepreneurial spirit.Iowa City Today

EntreFEST, Iowa's premier annual entrepreneurship and innovation festival, is set to return to Iowa City on May 15-17, 2026. The three-day event will bring together founders, investors, community leaders, and tech enthusiasts from across the state to celebrate Iowa's thriving startup ecosystem.

Why it matters

EntreFEST has become a crucial platform for showcasing Iowa's growing reputation as a hub for entrepreneurship and technological innovation. The festival attracts thousands of attendees each year, providing valuable networking opportunities, educational sessions, and exposure for the state's most promising startups.

The details

The 2026 edition of EntreFEST will feature a diverse lineup of keynote speakers, panel discussions, pitch competitions, and networking events. Attendees can expect to learn from successful entrepreneurs, connect with potential investors, and discover the latest trends and technologies shaping the Midwest startup landscape.

  • EntreFEST 2026 will take place from May 15-17 in Iowa City.
  • The festival has been held annually since its inception in 2015.

The players

Erica Cole

The founder and CEO of a local startup that has seen significant growth in recent years, Erica Cole is a prominent figure in Iowa's entrepreneurial community and a regular speaker at EntreFEST.

EntreFEST

An annual entrepreneurship and innovation festival held in Iowa City, EntreFEST is a key event for the state's startup ecosystem, attracting founders, investors, and community leaders from across the Midwest.

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What they’re saying

“EntreFEST is the heartbeat of Iowa's innovation scene. It's where our state's most ambitious entrepreneurs come to connect, learn, and be inspired.”

— Erica Cole, Founder and CEO

What’s next

Organizers are currently finalizing the speaker lineup and event schedule for EntreFEST 2026, which will be announced in the coming months. Tickets for the festival are expected to go on sale in early 2026.

The takeaway

EntreFEST has become a must-attend event for anyone interested in the Midwest's thriving startup ecosystem. The festival's continued growth and success underscores Iowa's emergence as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, attracting talent and investment from across the country.