---
title: The Download – Iowa Tech News, Events & Insights
---

September News: Future-Ready Classrooms, UNI Quantum Technology Research, Iowa Tech Leaders to Know in Manufacturing Tech

| View in browser Photo Credit: CR Prairie EDUCATION 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. Read more ➞ 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. Learn more ➞ 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 Share Your News ➞ 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. Read more ➞ Upcoming Member Events 🗓️ Oct. 8 — We Write Code Student Hosting Day 🗓️ Oct. 21 — Powering Smarter Manufacturing with T-Mobile Submit Upcoming Events ➞ Iowa Tech Jobs Dynamics 365 Administrator @ Altorfer CAT 📍Cedar Rapids, IA   IT Project Manager @ Palmer Group 📍Des Moines, IA (Hybrid/Remote)   IT Support Specialist @ Palmer Group 📍Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, IA Job Openings ➞ Connect With Us You are receiving this email because you opted in on our website or registered for a past TAI event.   Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now to get TAI and Iowa Tech News delivered to your inbox. Technology Association of Iowa, 500 E Court Ave., #140, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 Manage preferences |
| --- |