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Student Innovation Center

Building Partners

Image of neon red sign that says start something here in cursive.

As the central hub of innovation at Iowa State, we are proud to host a diverse array of partners who call the Student Innovation Center their home.

Innovation Meets Education

The Student Innovation Center is home to a variety of academic programs and university partners that give students the chance to learn by doing. Whether you’re experimenting with molecular gastronomy, launching a startup, visualizing scientific concepts, or managing a real café, these programs turn classroom concepts into real-world experiences.

Explore the academic groups and spaces below to see how you can get involved, grow your skills, and lead with confidence.

Image of students working in the culinary creation lab.

Culinary Creation Lab

The College of Human Sciences operates the Culinary Creation Lab, where students apply the concepts of physics, biology and chemistry to the culinary arts. Examples include the Molecular Gastronomy and Innovations in Chocolate half-semester workshops.

Third floor (3238)

Image of student receiving an award at an event located in the student innovation center.

Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship

The Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship offers student entrepreneurs many resources and opportunities, including pitch competitions, entrepreneurial events, and guidance for starting or growing a business.

Third floor

Image of student presenting to others in the Start Something LAS Academy located on the second floor of the student innovation center.

Start Something LAS Academy

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ two-year Start Something LAS Academy engages students in online, face-to-face, and interactive activities to experience and develop an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset.

Second floor (2231)

Image of six students from the Biological and Premedical Illustration program smiling as they celebrate their award-winning project.

Scientific Illustration and Visualization

Iowa State University’s interdepartmental undergraduate major in Scientific Illustration and Visualization (formerly Biological and Pre-Medical Illustration- BPMI) is a shared program of the ISU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) and the College of Design.

Second floor (2106)

Image of two female students studying in the Women in Science and Engineering program located on the third floor of the student innovation center.

WiSE West

The Program for Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) provides a supportive and empowering community with engaging experiences, resources, and meaningful connections so that students can excel in their studies, approach their careers with confidence, and become leaders in their communities.

Third floor (3135)

Shop. Dine. Work.

  • Image of merchandise at the student-run Innovate 1858 store located on the first floor of the student innovation center.

    Innovate 1858

    The Innovate 1858 hands-on learning lab store is managed by students and faculty in the Apparel, Merchandising, and Design Department. Store inventory includes products made by student entrepreneurs and makers.

    First floor

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  • Image of paper being printed at printing services.

    ISU Printing Services

    The quick print center handles printing needs from course materials to posters for students, faculty, staff, and ISU units. Larger and more complex jobs can be sent to Printing Services’ main building.

    Second floor (2114)

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  • Image of coffee being poured at Sparks Cafe located on the fourth floor of the student innovation center.

    Sparks Café

    Students in the Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Department are fully responsible for managing the café, making daily business decisions about inventory, food safety, hiring and salaries, product pricing, marketing, and defining sales strategies.

    Fourth floor

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Looking to join a student organization?

Discover the student organizations housed in the Student Innovation Center, where members bring ideas to life through hands-on projects, national competitions, and teamwork across majors.