Casey's Expands AI Ordering Platform Partnership

CS News: Casey's General Stores Inc. is renewing and expanding its partnership with SoundHound AI Inc., whose AI-powered ordering agents are designed to improve both customer service and operational efficiency.

The convenience store operator is deploying the technology across more than 2,600 locations, extending the companies' initial collaboration. To date, SoundHound's ordering agents have supported Casey's in handling more than 21 million guest interactions to answer incoming calls for pizza even during peak meal times.

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INNOVATION

Iowa State University’s Innovation at Work

ISU: Iowa State University recently shared a by-the-numbers look at its impact on Iowa’s innovation economy in 2026:

🔬 ISU researchers attracted $329M in FY2025 to advance work that improves the lives of Iowans.

🤖 ISU's CIRAS helped more than 1,400 industry professionals explore how AI can solve problems, improve performance, and strengthen competitiveness through expert-led training sessions.

💡 Nearly 20 Iowa companies licensed Iowa State technologies in FY2025, generating $15.3M in revenue and business growth.

🚀 During the 2024–25 academic year, more than 20K students enrolled in entrepreneurship courses. The ISU Pappajohn Center also awarded $268K to help launch new startups.

📈 Iowa’s Small Business Development Center supported 5,467 businesses in 2025, reaching at least two unique clients in every Iowa county.

🌱 ISU Extension and Outreach generates $35M annually in financial value for farmers through in-person training programs. Over the past five years, the program has delivered more than $100M in value across the state.