NewBoCo to lead Iowa Aviation Technology Center development

NewBoCo will spearhead ecosystem development for the Iowa Aviation Technology Center, a regional initiative aimed at expanding Iowa’s aerospace and aviation workforce capacity, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The nonprofit announced the effort is supported by philanthropic funding from JPMorganChase. The initiative seeks to address workforce gaps, support educational programming aligned with industry needs, and increase accessibility to aerospace career paths for students.

“The Iowa Aviation Technology Center will help Iowa’s workforce, entrepreneurs, and small businesses participate in, benefit from, and grow our state’s burgeoning aerospace industry,” said Majda Hadzic, JPMorganChase market director for Iowa. “We’re proud to support an initiative that will help drive a stronger economy in the state.”

The initiative will establish an advisory group and strengthen partnerships among educational institutions, industry, government, economic development organizations and other stakeholders, according to NewBoCo. The organization aims to help aerospace entrepreneurs move from research to market while building a stronger business support ecosystem.

Marty Lenss, director of the Eastern Iowa Airport, said the work planned for the Iowa Aviation Technology Center complements CID’s creation of an Aerospace Industry Cluster.

CID and the Iowa Economic Development Authority recently partnered on a comprehensive study with consulting firm Oliver Wyman exploring ways to enhance the region’s economic development footprint in aerospace.

“This is a blueprint for us to move forward in a strategic way,” Mr. Lenss said. “We believe aviation is an origin story for this region, from the beginnings of Collins Radio, to today’s Collins Aerospace, BAE, the University of Iowa’s Operator Performance Laboratory, and other regional businesses with an aerospace focus. With the creation of the IATC, it is another tool for CID and the region to take ownership of our aerospace roots.”

During the initial planning phase, NewBoCo will convene partners and develop a focused plan to reach shared goals. The organization will work with economic development organizations to determine industry needs over the next decade and expand the pipeline of learners entering aerospace fields.

Within the first year, NewBoCo expects to deliver a comprehensive, multi-phase project plan, define resource requirements, invite stakeholders to participate and establish structures to ensure long-term sustainability.

NewBoCo will also help build an Aerospace Advisory Group bringing together industry expertise, research elements, workforce needs and data to support the overall IATC project and help manage project tasks and partnerships.

According to a news release, the ultimate goal is to position Iowa as a global leader in aviation technology, innovation and workforce development.