Student researchers could earn money and gain business experience under legislative proposals intended to spur economic growth in Iowa.

Proposals to commercialize research at Iowa’s regent universities could help ISU students cash in on research conducted in the classroom and start their own businesses, said Rep. Willard Jenkins, R-Waterloo.

“These proposals give students a chance to become part-time business owners,” he said.

With Iowa State’s emphasis on biotechnology and engineering, students conducting their own research could either sell new innovations and technologies to already existing businesses in exchange for royalties, or start their own business, Jenkins said.

Commercializing student research would encourage economic growth in the state and keep skilled entrepreneurs in Iowa, said Jenkins, who is a member of the House Economic Growth Committee.

Part of the proposed legislation would also provide the state schools with additional funding for staff and buildings to accelerate research, he explained.

Rep. Lisa Heddens, D-Ames, offered her support for the proposals, but voiced concern about the bills’ prospects for passage.

“Whatever we can do to showcase our students’ accomplishments is important,” she said.

“But as long as money is attached to the bill, it could be tough to pass.”

Heddens said this year’s already tight budget could prevent the student research bill from coming to a vote this early in the legislative session.

These new measures were proposed as part of the $503 million Iowa Values Fund, which is still in committee. The Legislature is expected to vote on the bill within a month.

The Values Fund aims to expand Iowa’s economy by developing business, creating new jobs, encouraging research and development at Iowa’s universities, and investing in Iowa’s public education system.

Iowa State officials have praised the proposal Jenkins introduced Feb. 2.

It would create important new opportunities for ISU students, said James Bloedel, vice provost of research and advanced studies.

“Iowa State works hard to interface with the state government as well as private industry,” he said. “If a student develops a completely novel innovation or technology, ISU has ways of assessing the product. If it’s found viable, this could be the basis for a new business.”

Bloedel mentioned the possibility of students working with professors to develop ideas.

“This university is a marvelous interface between faculty and students,” he said.

“Professors give students a wonderful resource to develop their energy and curiosity into something tangible and potentially profitable.”

EnzEye, Inc. President Katie Thompson said she would have no problem using research conducted by students if the research made a valid contribution to her work. EnzEye, Inc., located in Fostoria, is researching a new method of identifying genetically altered crops.

Thompson, who worked with two biotechnology companies in California before her current efforts in Iowa, said she likes the idea of working with students.

“Someone with little experience can be a good thing because they want to learn,” she said. “A lot of what’s done in a lab can be done by students.”