NewBoCo blog

A note from our Executive Director

I wanted to share some personal news with you all that I will be stepping down as Executive Director on April 30th, 2023 to take a new position as Chief Information Officer with Benchmark, Inc, a national roof and pavement consulting firm based in Cedar Rapids.

Read More »

Spring Break STEM Activities for Kids

Spring break is around the corner, and many families are opting for a staycation this year. If you’re looking for fun and educational activities to do at home, consider trying out some STEM-based activities with your kids. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math, and these activities can be both educational and entertaining. Create a Nature Journal Wickiup Hill

Read More »
Two CoderDojo students marvel at a "robot arm" they build with consumer building blocks.

STEM Gift Guide for Kids

The holidays are here! And as we all know, all of that jolly spirit comes with the dreaded “gift shopping,” too. But have no fear; NewBoCo is here! We have curated a list of STEM toys and games suitable for elementary and middle school-aged kids that encourage open-ended play and support cognitive development, problem solving, and critical thinking. These gifts

Read More »
TikTok Hacked

How to Stay Safe in the Wake of the TikTok Hack

Monday’s announcement of a potential TikTok data breach (involving more than 2 billion users) is a stark reminder of the constant threat that IT systems and users face.  While not all of the details of the alleged attack are completely known (and with TikTok denying that an incident has even taken place), several sample files have been leaked. Those claiming

Read More »
Iowa Innovation Powered by NewBoCo

PODCAST SUMMARY: Ecosystems and Rural Entrepreneurship

Episode 2 of the Iowa innovation podcast is here! This is where I, Dr. Jennifer Murphy, and Not-A-Doctor, Rob Merritt talk to leaders in innovation, education, and entrepreneurship. Our guest was Mo Collins, and it was tough, not fangirling all over her! Thank goodness I had Rob there to keep me cool. Mo is currently a nationally recognized speaker she

Read More »
Iowa Innovation Powered by NewBoCo

PODCAST SUMMARY: Diversity and Inclusion in Technology 

Listen to the very first episode of Iowa Innovation! Find it at iowainnovation.org or on all your favorite podcast platforms. The very first episode of the Iowa Innovation Podcast premiered to all local Innovators, educators, entrepreneurs,  ecosystem builders, and those who are inspired to go against the grain of the mundane. On April 13, Keith Dahlby, a Software Architect from

Read More »

Master These Top Five Challenges in Intrapreneur Academy

After investigating feedback from graduation presentations, session feedback forms, and two alumni focus groups, we have narrowed down the top five challenges Intrapreneur Academy can help you master. Challenges ranging from perspective to planning to shifting the way you interact with systems are not easy to solve in a vacuum. This list focuses on the core challenges we can help

Read More »