Co-founders Quinn Small, Nick Small and Corey Collins shared the latest milestone for their software company, including support from Luke Hansen — founder of Nebraska’s first unicorn company. Driive offers an AI-powered booking solution aimed at contractors and home service providers.

The first Nebraska-based Startup Weekend in a decade saw roughly 60 people attend, with seven teams organized to compete in the pitch competition. Ideas ranged from better insurance software to a maker-focused marketplace to vet and support people selling homemade art.

The Lincoln-based startup, founded by veterans of Omaha software company GrainBridge, is building complex robotics and artificial intelligence systems to automate meatpacking. With its beef industry expertise and NU System talent, Nebraska has been key to Marble’s success.

SPN Executive Editor Stefanie Monge says goodbye after more than three years leading Silicon Prairie News under the Nebraska Journalism Trust umbrella. Her tenure ends May 29.

Suh Hermsen Strap LLC provides eyewear solutions for both medical professionals to use and children with unique facial traits to see. The startup resulted from collaborations with education institutions in the city, such as the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Metropolitan Community College — specifically through UNeMed and the MCC Prototype Design Lab.

Pitch Black is an annual conference, business expo and pitch competition hosted by the MAC Chamber. The organization seeks to encourage entrepreneurship among BIPOC, immigrant and refugee communities. Five women-led businesses ranging from tea blends to health diagnostic testing were finalists, with $10,000 as the first-place cash prize.

Metropolitan Community College soft-launched its new hub for entrepreneurial programming, coaching and workshops at Millwork Commons last fall. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place last week to mark its official launch and showcase its designation as Nebraska’s second Small Business Development Center. This means more opportunities for Omaha business owners.

SPN sat down with Build Más Co-founder and CEO Claudia Muñoz-Nájar following her decision to wind down operations in early 2026. She reflected on her startup journey and shared advice for other early-stage founders in Nebraska.

The Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship hosted its annual Entrepreneur Awards on April 14 in Lincoln. Leaders and advocates, ranging from experienced entrepreneurs and mentors to student founders and faculty, received recognition at the event. Festivities followed the 39th annual New Venture Competition, a pitch competition targeting student-led businesses.