In late October, Social Assurance announced that it acquired civic engagement platform MindMixer. The Lincoln-based company plans to use the acquisition to expand its reach and communication tools for regulated industries. Both companies have ties to the early startup scene in Nebraska.

Hudl, a Lincoln-based company offering analysis and video tools for sports teams, recently announced its 18th acquisition. Sports tech startups FanWord, SheMate and SportsTrip shared the impact of scaling a company in Nebraska and seeing the growth of industry leaders such as Hudl.

The Nebraska-based startup offers AI tools and expert mentors to help non-technical entrepreneurs with software development. The new office marks the first time the CodeBuddy team has had a space of their own and is another milestone in the startup’s latest traction.

The event was a convening of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, university faculty and young professionals at the Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln. Panelists shared insights into building robots and pursuing a career in robotics. The conference is an initiative of the Heartland Robotics Cluster.

University of Nebraska System researchers, local entrepreneurs and community partners gathered for a night of honors at UNeMed’s Innovation Research Awards. The festivities come following Bio Nebraska’s celebration of the bioscience sector in the state in early October.

Co-founder and Managing Partner Doug Durham is stepping away from his role and will remain an adviser to DPL leadership. He said the Lincoln-based software engineering and innovation consulting company will continue helping local entrepreneurs build their ideas into businesses.

Service Stories, an Omaha-based startup, took home the grand prize. The $2,500 people’s choice prize went to the nonprofit organization Nebraska Innovation Labs. Keep reading to learn about the five finalists who pitched live to an expert panel of judges during the community event.

A panel on scaling at this year’s Silicon Prairie Startup Week talked about embracing the challenges that come with scaling. Problems mean progress, and hearing how companies like CompanyCam, Hudl and Bulu navigated big changes offers lessons to any founder.

FindU co-founders and University of Nebraska-Lincoln juniors Kenny Morales and Wilson Overfield won the $10,000 grand prize last year during SPSW. They said the victory helped them build their company, allowing them to raise funds and launch their app. Nineteen Nebraska-based startups are in the running tonight for the same opportunity.

The second annual Silicon Prairie Startup Week is officially underway! Events on Monday and Tuesday take place in Lincoln. Registration is appreciated, but not required. Come out and join the celebration!