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Pillen un-pauses BIA but signals “new direction” that leaves the program’s future cloudy
In a victory for startup ecosystem advocates, Gov. Jim Pillen announced on Dec. 22 that the Business Innovation Act will resume operating. The program was paused for over two months in a move seen as damaging to business and innovation in Nebraska.
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Cabela’s headquarters back in local hands and an Economic Development Corporation is on the way as Sidney aims for long-term stability
An EDC is a common model in Nebraska to provide gap financing for small businesses while also supporting such workforce development needs as housing and business attraction. Learning lessons from its previous dependence on one employer, an EDC could anchor Sidney’s efforts to diversify its economy.
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Omaha 100 acquires the Omaha Innovation Connection Hub, with Trevon Brooks to take over as CEO from Malinda Williams
The acquisition marks another milestone for Omaha 100 as it continues expanding efforts to support North Omaha. The “innovation hub,” a state designation, will help the organization unlock funding and support for entrepreneurship and workforce development.
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Innovation After Hours celebrates Midwest agtech as Nebraska-based DARO takes home competition prize
Innovation After Hours, an invitation-only dinner and competition that was part of the Nebraska Ag Expo, brought together startups, investors, equipment dealers and farmers from across the country to celebrate the progress of agtech in the Midwest.
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Application deadline extended to Dec. 19 for the Pitch Black competition for BIPOC, immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs
Pitch Black is a flagship event for the Midlands African Chamber, held during its conference of the same name. The competition will take place on May 2, 2026, with a grand prize of up to $15,000.
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As AI supercharges cyberattacks, new UNO Cyber Matrix initiative aims to build up Nebraska’s security workforce
The new cyber range and physical classroom space is modeled off of real cybersecurity teams at Nebraska companies. With a custom chatbot as part of the curriculum, MATRIX looks to make students, interns and upskilling workers industry-ready and able to handle fast-changing security challenges.
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Lincoln-based Bulu keeps name and leadership after acquisition by The Avid Group, with plans to expand
After a winding startup journey that included venture capital funding, buying back the company for private ownership and several business pivots, Bulu sold to a Canadian apparel startup invested in growing its U.S. presence in Nebraska.
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With tough times for farms, agtech adoption is no easy task. But at a new UNL conference in Gothenburg, startups and farmers see potential
The Spur AgConverge event served as a launch event for Spur Ventures, a new entrepreneurship hub to better connect producers with innovation. In centering farmers, the event dug deeper into the pitfalls and opportunities for agtech on Nebraska agriculture’s home turf.
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In 2025 report, UNeMed celebrates startups and new records with inventions and patents
UNO and UNMC innovation looks up despite rocky federal research funding as startups supported by UNeMed continue to make headway with FDA approvals and new products on the market.
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Nebraska sees $1.74 billion economic loss from child care shortage as piecemeal solutions try to keep up, new report says
Even as businesses and local communities across the state have stepped up with local child care offerings, economic losses from child care struggles have doubled since 2020. Facilities have closed, and Nebraska has the highest rate of child care workers leaving the field compared to neighboring states.
Lev Gringauz
