Startup's Novel Technology Shown to Dramatically Boost Corn Yields
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Jan. 10, 2018) — The days of de-tasseling corn in fields across the Midwest could be limited, according to the co-founder of Greater Des Moines (DSM) startup, PowerPollen.
As the guest speaker at the January Square One DSM Startup Stories event, Chief Technology Officer Jason Cope will share how the Ankeny-based company has developed a novel technology that can increase corn yields by more than 20 percent.
Startup Stories is a free monthly networking event geared toward entrepreneurs, investors and those interested in entrepreneurship that features an interview-style presentation with Square One DSM Executive Director Mike Colwell. The first event of 2018 is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 17 at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, 700 Locust St.
PowerPollen simplifies and improves the biological cross fertilization of plants. It involves collecting mass amounts of pollen, which is then preserved with patent pending preservation technology. When the female plants are ready to be pollinated, the preserved pollen is taken out of storage and directedly applied at optimal times of the day or night. It increases genetic purity and seed yield while greatly simplifying and reducing many of the major expenses associated with the production of seed in hybrid crops. After three seasons of field testing, PowerPollen has shown an average of more than 20-percent yield increase and a 50-percent reduction in contamination from undesired sources of pollen.
Startup Stories will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to the public. Registration is free or $15 for those that opt for lunch. To register, go to DSMpartnership.com/events. Members of the media who wish to attend should contact Sam Hoyle at shoyle@DSMpartnership.com.
About Square One DSM
Square One DSM’s mission is to connect entrepreneurial needs with qualified community and state resources and to provide guided professional and business direction. Square One DSM helps entrepreneurs maximize their successes by helping them navigate resources, strengthen knowledge, improve skills, form strategic alliances and secure proper capitalization. Learn more at squareoneDSM.com.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 330 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.