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…

As artificial intelligence gains traction across industries, Nebraska’s business and startup communities are exploring how to adopt the technology through meetups, forums and cautious experimentation. While some warn that companies risk falling behind without AI, others emphasize the need for thoughtful implementation amid evolving regulations and risks. SPN Reporter Ani Schutz took a deep dive…

Silicon Prairie Startup Week is coming back October 6-11. Last year’s inaugural event brought together communities across cities, blending the best of Omaha and Lincoln Startup Weeks into a single, unified experience. This year we’re leveling up and we want your ideas to help shape the programming. Let us know what events you’d like to…

Silicon Prairie News and Technical.ly launched an editorial partnership to share stories about innovation and entrepreneurship between the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. This week I’m headed to Philly Tech Week to discuss the role of ecosystem storytellers located outside of Silicon Valley and the coasts. The first story in our collaborative publishing effort was posted today.…

Don’t Panic Labs (DPL) originally started as a product development arm of Nebraska Global, building tech products and companies for the venture capital fund. Over the years the software development and innovation consulting company expanded to work with other startups and existing companies in 20 states. On Friday Don’t Panic Labs hosted an open house…