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Highlights from IO2026: The Art and Science of Innovation
IO2026 happened Monday at the Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln. Event organizers designed the summit to focus on human needs in the age of AI innovation, and to foster deep connections between established businesses and startups. Check out highlights from the day.
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An industry shift pushed universities to do more entrepreneurship. Tech transfer is learning to adapt
Companies want new technologies to be more developed and ready for market before they buy. As a result, tech transfer offices in Nebraska and across the Midwest have leaned into startups — changing the economics of how university innovation reaches the public.
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Aging power supply, local barriers: All The Above Energy event digs into Nebraska’s energy crunch
Nebraska developers, utility staff, state policymakers and local government officials attended a Nebraska Chamber event in Norfolk to take stock of the state’s energy challenges. Meeting demand means navigating a tangle of regulatory hurdles and uncertainty around new power plant development.
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New UNMC Office of Industry Engagement makes first leadership hire
Agnes Lenagh hopes to leverage her experience working both at UNeMed, the tech transfer organization that serves UNMC, and Streck, the Nebraska-based medtech company, to build trust between researchers and industry partners.
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MCC unveils new biotech program to prep workforce and careers in Nebraska
The program, which launches in the fall, includes different pathways to be industry-ready, ranging from micro-credentials to a full associate degree. A $3 million lab modeled on real industry facilities is also being built to give students the hands-on skills that companies are seeking.
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IO2026 Summit speakers hope to remind attendees of the essential human nature of innovation
Several speakers for the upcoming April 13 conference shared previews of their talks. Core ideas include facing the existential anxiety and change that artificial intelligence is bringing to business and the act of creativity.
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Omaha Inland Port Authority connects with local businesses to discuss needs and collaboration
The Omaha Inland Port Authority is working to improve outreach to local businesses within its district. Understanding their needs — and being able to partner for local development — is core to OIPA’s approach to revitalizing North Omaha.
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How not to jeopardize your potential patents with AI
Takeaways from the “Protecting Innovation in the Age of AI” Lunch & Learn at The Combine that highlighted why patents matter, and how to reduce the risk of losing out on them in the age of AI. The most important thing to remember: Document everything.
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NU System launches AI Institute to help Nebraska lead in AI research, education and integration
The co-directors of the new institute want to put Nebraska on the map for a responsible approach to artificial intelligence. They see AI as a tool that should be tested to solve real-world problems for the state.
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IO2026 Summit to convene ‘ties and T-shirts’ for corporate-startup learning and networking on Midwest innovation
The Lincoln event comes every two years, with this year’s theme being “the art and science of innovation.” Organizer Brian Ardinger sees an opportunity to refocus on human needs in the age of AI innovation, and for deep connections between established businesses and startups.