-
The do’s and don’ts of SBIR/STTR federal funding for startups from NIH managers
UNeMed, the tech transfer organization for UNO and UNMC, capped off its Innovation Week with a virtual panel of program managers from various National Institutes of Health agencies. They discussed the SBIR/STTR federal funding program for startups and small businesses, and what entrepreneurs in Nebraska should know when applying.
-
Early-bird registration ends Nov. 30 for 2027 Nebraska Women in STEM Conference
The conference will focus on helping attendees develop leadership skills, feel more comfortable in STEM spaces and learn to navigate career changes.
-
Newsletter, October 14 – BIA update
Hiya folks, Lev here. In late July I got a tip that something wasn’t right with the Business Innovation Act (again). New contracts were delayed – which meant awardees couldn’t get the grants they had planned for. Startups often burn cash to build products and revenue, and an unexpected loss of funding can be debilitating. “If I hadn’t been as tenured of an entrepreneur as I am…
-
In ‘rug pull,’ DED delayed new BIA contracts for months and left startups with few answers
A legal review at DED and a new funding stream for the BIA was poorly communicated to new awardees under the program, who had to wait from July until mid-September to start receiving expected grant funding. Questions remain about how and to what level the BIA is being funded this year.
-
Registration still open for the Tech Nebraska Summit on Oct. 21
The summit is Tech Nebraska’s first since spinning out from the Nebraska Chamber and becoming an independent organization in September. Over 500 executives, founders, policymakers and business leaders are expected to attend.
-
Newsletter, October 7 – Open Range book
Hiya folks, Lev here. A big announcement: Silicon Prairie News is finally in print! Sort of. We are honored to be involved in the making of “Open Book,” a new physical and digital coffee table book documenting the stories of Nebraska’s startup ecosystem. The publication features 40 startups of various development stages across nine communities. Several of our…
-
DARO announces $2.5 million fund close to expand disease testing capacity for the swine industry
The Nebraska-based startup is led by a UNMC veteran and the former program manager at The Combine, the agtech incubator and accelerator in Lincoln. Like many local agtech startups finding success, DARO was incubated at The Combine.
-
LaunchLNK applications open until Oct. 16 for $20,000 non-dilutive grants for Lincoln startups
The program, run by the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development, aims to grow Lincoln’s economy by offering seed funding and the equivalent of $23,000 in business support to six companies.
-
Ben Williamson makes the case that agtech is a blueprint for innovation across Nebraska
Williamson has been involved in Nebraska’s innovation ecosystem for about a decade, first while working at Invest Nebraska and now as a partner with Grit Road Partners. After being part of agtech’s exponential growth over the past few years, there are important lessons to learn about creating jobs and economic opportunity here.
-
newsletter, September 23
Hiya folks, Lev here. We’ve all got some kind of physical pain we’re dealing with. In my case, it’s a wonky knee and what is probably a slipped disk in my back. Lying down or sitting, including for car rides or while writing this newsletter, can be uncomfortable on account of both issues. It’s part of the reason I work out and try to eat healthy, which — so far — have been successful ways to keep…
Lev Gringauz
