The Iowa Tech Podcast, hosted by Micah Walker, recently featured an engaging episode with Cole and Cam from Spock Sanctuary, an exotic animal rescue startup. Originating as a project during their time at Iowa State University, Spock Sanctuary has grown into the largest reptile rescue in Iowa. The duo shared their journey from a college apartment operation to a full-fledged sanctuary, highlighting the challenges of space and resources they faced as they expanded. Their mission to combat misinformation in the pet trade and provide the best care for exotic animals has driven their growth and innovation. Their story is not only about rescuing animals but also about navigating the entrepreneurial landscape as university students, adapting and learning from each challenge they encountered.

A significant part of their discussion centered around Nutri Cubes, an innovative product developed by Cam to meet the dietary needs of reptiles. Nutri Cubes are unique because they are species-specific, formulated based on what these animals would naturally consume in the wild. This innovation came from a personal need to address the picky eating habits of their own reptiles, leading to a product that now serves a broader market. With the help of pitch competitions and the support of entrepreneurial ecosystems like Cystarters, Spock Sanctuary and Nutri Cubes have gained traction, allowing them to expand their offerings and separate into distinct entities to better serve their missions. Looking ahead, Cole and Cam aim to expand Spock Sanctuary’s physical space and continue to build relationships within the community, all while fostering a greater love and understanding for exotic pets.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/spock-sanctuary