Omaha vs. Philly: How do the healthtech ecosystems stack up? Two regions are taking different paths to become leaders in health innovation, showing how local culture and partnerships can shape national impact. Nebraska’s emerging healthtech scene mirrors Philly’s early days — and could teach its more mature counterpart a thing or two.

The RISE Business Academy has graduated its 13th cohort, adding eight new businesses led by entrepreneurs impacted by the justice system to Nebraska’s small business landscape. Through mentorship, practical training and community support, the 12-week program helps participants turn personal challenges into thriving ventures.

The annual conference hosted by the Midlands African Chamber brought together five local startups in a pitch competition for a grand prize of up to $15,000. The event also highlighted the struggles faced by minority business owners and the community resources available.

Camp Alpaca is a two-week paid summer internship in Omaha where educators gather to create practical, culture-focused tools for schools. Developed by education startup Alpaca, the program centers teacher voices, creative confidence and collaborative resource design.

Hudl has acquired Titan Sports and Balltime, expanding its performance tracking and AI analytics tools for teams across all levels of sport. The acquisitions aim to make athlete data more accessible and actionable, from high school fields to professional courts.

The region encompassing Omaha and Lincoln joins Sarajevo and Istanbul in the inaugural cohort of the Techstars Startup Community Partnerships program. The new initiative from the global startup accelerator is dedicated to fostering growth in startup communities worldwide and means additional resources for local founders in Nebraska.

The Bay is a nonprofit organization 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.

Elevator is bringing its flexible co-warehousing and office space model to downtown Lincoln with a new 25,000-square-foot location in the Atrium building. Set to open this fall, the space aims to support small businesses with month-to-month leases, shared logistics and a vibrant entrepreneurial community.

MicroWash is a medical device used for nasal specimen collection that was created by UNMC researchers. It’s the first product available from University Medical Devices and its development highlights the collaboration between universities, manufacturers and startup support organizations in Nebraska.