The University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business has partnered with the Des Moines-based Global Insurance Accelerator to develop innovative insurance technology businesses.

The entrepreneurs participating in the GIA’s 100-day accelerator program will be able to tap the college’s expertise in risk management and insurance through the Vaughan Institute of Risk Management and Insurance and entrepreneurial insight through the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center.

“We’re thrilled to be involved with this organization that is truly putting the state of Iowa at the epicenter of the insurtech industry and we look forward to supporting so many of these ventures,” Amy Kristof-Brown, dean of the Tippie College of Business, said in a prepared statement.

Each year the GIA selects six to 10 startup businesses for the program, which provides a $50,000 investment and access to a network of local mentors and professionals as well as alumni of the program.

To date, the accelerator has spun out 65 companies that operate around the world, Jim Lewis, alumni director of the GIA, said in a news release.

Dave Wingert, executive vice president at Grinnell Mutual Insurance and GIA board chair, said in a prepared statement: “The resources of the Tippie College of Business, the Vaughan Institute and Iowa JPEC will help our founders fill some of the key gaps to speed up the validation of product market fit. The insurance industry needs bold ideas, innovative teams and a new generation of employees. This opens the eyes of the future talent pool to the insurtech industry that is making the world safer and smarter.”

Lewis said there will be opportunities for students to get involved through class projects and internships and help startups with efforts like marketing.

The college has worked to expand its connections to the state’s insurance industry with the new risk management and insurance major starting this fall and participation in the Insure Your Future program with the Iowa Economic Development Authority, which offers students internship opportunities at Iowa insurance companies.