The countdown to Silicon Prairie Startup Week has officially begun! The SPSW Pitch Competition sponsored by Open Range is accepting submissions now through Monday, Sept. 1 at 11:59 p.m. CDT. Nebraska startups have the chance to win a $10,000 cash grand prize or be named the people’s choice winner and receive a $2,500 cash prize.…

In 2022 and 2023, a group of around 10 representatives from the startup community in Omaha and Lincoln took part in a program to accelerate entrepreneurship in Nebraska. They traveled to different cities, including Boston and Perth, Western Australia, on a mission to learn from peers and experts.  The goal: To define the “must-win battles”…

A seasoned economic development professional with national experience and Nebraska ties has been named the executive director of the Omaha Inland Port Authority. Garry Clark’s leadership comes at a pivotal moment as the port authority is advancing two cornerstone initiatives: a $90 million Airport Business Park and a $30 million Innovation District designed to foster…

The NCAA’s landmark $2.77 billion settlement is changing college athletics by letting schools share revenue directly with student-athletes for the first time. But in Nebraska, universities and student-athletes are dealing with unresolved issues, including roster limits, gender equity and how this change will alter the business of college sports. The settlement stems from three consolidated…

What started as a simple (and powerful) idea to show appreciation for teachers in Nebraska by sending them care packages has grown into an award-winning startup with a mission to increase engagement among educators around the country. Camp Alpaca is one of the latest initiatives from Omaha education startup Alpaca. It’s a two-week internship that…

The Techstars global startup network and accelerator has selected the Omaha and Lincoln region to participate in its first-ever cohort of community partners. The Techstars Startup Community Partnerships program will funnel programming and resources to entrepreneurs in Nebraska over the course of four years. The greater Omaha region, including Lincoln, is the only Techstars community…

The Bay is a nonprofit that offers community space and educational resources for youth centered on creative expression. Originally founded in Lincoln with a focus on skateboarding, the organization now offers programming at the Benson Community Center and will begin leading Omaha Girls Rock in 2026. The team at The Bay says one thing that…

From an invention standpoint, COVID shutdowns created an environment full of problems in need of solving and processes in need of revamping. One UNMC researcher saw an opportunity for a more standardized way to gather nasal samples (remember those swabs up your nose during COVID tests) while keeping medical staff safe.  The origins of MicroWash…

A new innovation district is underway in North Omaha, raising hopes for investment and revitalization, but also concerns about displacement and transparency. The North Omaha innovation district is being developed under the direction of the Omaha Inland Port Authority board with support from a group of national real estate and economic development consultants. Leaders say…