The competition, scheduled for January 27, 2027, at the Holmes Murphy headquarters in West Des Moines, splits participants into two distinct categories: collegiate entrepreneurs and early-stage startup founders. By hosting the event, YPO Iowa aims to provide a direct pipeline between innovators in sectors like fintech, agtech, and manufacturing technology and the state’s most influential business executives.

Dan Keough, chairman and CEO of Holmes Murphy and co-chair of the challenge, emphasized that the initiative focuses on translating bold concepts into viable local businesses. Winners in the startup category stand to secure up to $9,000, while top collegiate participants can earn $5,000. Alongside the funding, finalists will gain access to a network of mentors, including speakers such as Principal Financial Group’s retired CEO Dan Houston and Businessolver founder Jon Shanahan. Applications for the event are currently open for all Iowa-based students and early-stage companies.