group of students in a small cohort setting with the words Smart Something on the photo

Start Something LAS

You have curiosity and drive. We have a network of support and opportunities that can jump start or expand your impact on the world. Start Something LAS is a hub of resources that can help you transform an innovative or entrepreneurial idea into reality. Explore our Start Something LAS Academy, entrepreneurial courses, and experiences.

Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) are creative, inquisitive, passionate, and problem solvers. You can plug your strengths and ideas into opportunities that fit your vibe.

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Start Something LAS Academy

Join a cohort of peers as you learn how to develop your innovative ideas for social change, your own company, or any collaborative change for the better.

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Experiences

Delve into innovation and entrepreneurship through hands-on experiences like pitch competitions, training, and research

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Learning

From Media Entrepreneurship: Launching a Media Brand to Technology, Globalization and Culture, you’ll find courses in LAS that can help you hone your skills and even earn a minor in entrepreneurship!

Portrait of Madeline Ladehoff, a LAS Start Something Academy alumni

The academy gives you the capacity to learn and grow and take those risks. But there’s always someone to cheer you on and catch you if you fall, which is great.

Madeline, entrepreneurship, dance, Spanish

Innovation at Work

  • Portrait of Kaleb Nichols

    Kaleb

    A desire to help Black youth in his community inspired Kaleb Nichols to turn his passion into a profession.

  • Two LAs undergraduate students pose with their entrepreneurial idea

    Chloe and Kailee

    Two students in the Start Something LAS Academy plan to create a personalized vitamin for women that caters to different personal needs.

  • Photo of three LAS students who won money at the college by college pitch off

    Pitch Offs

    You could win cash prizes for your big ideas!

innovate-at-iowa-state

Start Something

The Start Something LAS Academy is part of Iowa State’s Start Something Network, where you can find academic opportunities, all fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in your favorite area of study—that range from credit-earning coursework to capstone projects to internships.

So you can create your own educational experience where innovation is nurtured and entrepreneurship promoted.