Cedar Rapids Teachers Prepare for AI and Future-Ready Classrooms

CR Prairie: At the start of the school year, 450+ educators from the College Community School District joined a professional development session on AI’s impact in education and the workforce. A panel of local leaders—including TAI members Google Data Center, University of Iowa, and Van Meter, Inc.—shared insights on preparing students for future-ready classrooms. Afterward, teachers toured 24 local businesses to hear directly about the skills needed to build tomorrow’s workforce.

On the Move

➞ Michael Bissen joined Casey’s as Manager, IT Operations

➞ Nathanael Bunge joined Casey’s as IT Operations Analyst

➞ Benjamin Driscoll appointed as Director of AI at Twin State Technical Services

➞ Shivani Kharbanda promoted to Director - Data Science at Principal Financial Group

➞ Eric Wenck joined ACT as Chief Technology Officer

➞ Matthew Wharff started new role at ITA Group, Inc. as Software Developer

LEADERSHIP

Iowa Tech Leaders To Know

▸ Manufacturing Tech

Meet the Leaders ➞

Photo Credit: Iowa Capital Dispatch

INNOVATION

UNI Secures NSF Grant for Quantum Research

Iowa Capital Dispatch: The University of Northern Iowa is leading a $1M+ National Science Foundation–funded study on advanced materials for quantum technologies, partnering with other universities to explore whether magnetic materials could serve as the foundation for quantum computing and advanced data storage. The competitive grant will also give UNI students hands-on experience at the forefront of this research.

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TAI Member Achievements

🏆 ITA Group receives 2025 Economic Impact Award from Greater Des Moines Partnership

🏆 Velera Named to IDC FinTech Rankings Top 25 for Second Consecutive Year

🏆 Workiva named one of the 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces in Technology

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Photo Credit: Iowa DOE

EDUCATION

Iowa DOE & Google Seek Nominations for 2026 Iowa STEM Teacher Award

Iowa Department of Education: The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education, in partnership with Google, is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Iowa STEM Teacher Award. Announced during STEM Day at the Iowa State Fair, nominations are open through Wednesday, Oct. 22.