Posted 24 July, 2026
Ames’ Skroot Laboratory, Inc. develops sensor technology that allows biomanufacturing companies to monitor cell growth inside sealed bioreactors without disrupting sterile production. The company’s Single-use, Metabolite, Absorbing, Resonant Transducer (SMART) sensor platform is designed for use in cell therapy manufacturing and other bioprocessing applications through partnerships with equipment manufacturers. Skroot was awarded a $250,000 Innovation Acceleration Launch Fund loan for proof-of-concept work, product refinement, market planning and entry activities, and key personnel.
Cedar Rapids-based AVEX, Inc. developed Repour, a patented wine preservation topper that removes oxygen from opened bottles to extend freshness without the need for vacuum pumps or other equipment. The technology is used by consumers, restaurants and hospitality businesses to reduce waste and preserve wine quality, including its original aroma, flavor and integrity. The company was awarded a $250,000 Innovation Acceleration Launch Fund loan for market planning and entry activities and key personnel.
SwineTech, Inc. in Cedar Rapids develops PigFlow®, an artificial intelligence-powered operating system that helps pork producers improve daily operations, workforce efficiency and animal care through real-time management and decision support. The platform is used by leading pork producers in the United States and internationally and is expanding to support the full production life cycle. The company was awarded a $500,000 Innovation Acceleration Propel Fund loan for proof-of-concept work, product refinement and market planning and entry activities.
Award recommendations for the SSBCI Innovation Fund assistance are made by the SSBCI Review Committee to the IEDA director for approval. The committee met July 9, 2026, to review eligible applications.