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DED suspends $1.2 million grant to Nebraska Startup Academy after reports of mismanagement
The NSA has been a cornerstone of the startup ecosystem since its launch in 2023, helping entrepreneurs and connecting startups with local corporations. But its future is in question after both DED and the Nebraska auditor’s office allege mismanagement of a $1.2 million state grant that makes up almost 90% of NSA’s funding.
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Startup Week is back with ecosystem celebrations, networking and education from Nov. 16-21
Now in the hands of Open Range, the startup backbone organization, Startup Week is a collaboration with over 30 community partners to uplift the Nebraska startup ecosystem. Events range from pitches and networking to educational panels and a Women’s Entrepreneurship Day of events.
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AgConverge conference is back on Nov. 17-18 as Spur Ventures celebrates one year anniversary
Spur Ventures, an agtech support initiative out of UNL focused on the intersection of engineering and entrepreneurship, is gearing up for growth. Its flagship conference in Grand Island will be two days instead of one and aims to connect more farmers with startups while tackling the challenges of new tech adoption.
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Omaha and Lincoln market the region for ag and biotech with new AgWorks Corridor initiative
The Greater Omaha Chamber and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce are working together to give a brand to their region of 11 counties. By better telling the story of agriculture companies in Nebraska, they hope to bring global recognition and investment to the state.
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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…
Lev Gringauz
