Startup Week is back this year from Nov. 16-21, uniting the Omaha, Lincoln and broader Nebraska startup community for a week of networking, learning events and ecosystem celebrations, supported by more than 30 community partners

“Startup Week shows what’s possible when our community comes together to support entrepreneurs and startups,” said Laurel Oetken, CEO of Open Range, the organizer for Startup Week, in a press release.

“With more than 30 partners involved, we’re creating opportunities for founders to build meaningful relationships and connections, share what they’re working on, and find support to take them to the next level,” she said. “We want people in the community to see the growth and momentum that’s happening here and know they can be a part of it.”

Here are some of the highlight events to know about:

• The 2026 JumpStart Challenge, which kicked off on Nov. 2 and concludes on Nov. 16 with a final pitch event. Winners will be announced later that same day at the Startup Week Launch Party in Ashland.
  
• The Innovation in Business Panel on Nov. 17, where you can hear Nelnet, Olsson, Conagra, Werner Enterprises and Kiewit Corporation talk about how they work with startups — and get a better idea on how to land corporate customers as a founder.
  
• The Techstars Founder Catalyst Program Showcase on Nov. 17 to celebrate and hear pitches from the third Omaha Techstars cohort.
  
• A first ever 1 Million Cups Nebraska as organizers for the startup networking events across Omaha, Lincoln, Norfolk and Grand Island join forces in Lincoln on Nov. 18.
  
• An AgTech Showcase in Lincoln on Nov. 18 to see the latest and greatest in startups solving agriculture problems.
  
• The Women’s Entrepreneurship Day with all day events on Nov. 19 in Omaha, including UNeMed’s Idea Pub morning networking event, founder and product panels and conversations about navigating male-dominated industries.
  
• A Healthtech Showcase in Omaha on Nov. 19 to see the latest and greatest in startups solving medical and healthcare issues.
  
• Elevator Pitches and Prosecco on Nov. 20 in Omaha for some relaxed networking and pitch feedback.
  
• The Startup Week Tailgate to network and celebrate startups on Nov. 21 in Lincoln as the Huskers face off against Ohio State University.