The summit was launched in 2025 by the Nebraska Tech Collaborative, a talent and workforce initiative under the Aksarben Foundation, after seeing Nebraska women fall behind. The event returns with new panels and sessions on leadership and work-life balance. An awards ceremony will also honor five Nebraska women for their work.

Staff of the Omaha Inland Port Authority emphasized that development in North Omaha should benefit current residents so they aren’t left out of new wealth generated in the historically disinvested community. The innovation district aims to support early and growing companies, though there’s a long road from plan to action.

The nonprofit named Laurel Oetken as its new chief executive officer. Launched in 2025, Open Range aims to link and grow the Greater Omaha and Lincoln entrepreneurial hubs through events, outreach and resource connections. Oetken had served as vice president of operations.

Entrepreneurship can be lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. The Nebraska startup ecosystem hosts a variety of organized events to bring entrepreneurs, experts, community members and resources together in one space. Here is a current list of free weekly and monthly gatherings open to the public that encourage collaboration and innovation around the state.

CQuence Health, UNeMed and the UNeTech Institute are partnering on the 16-week curriculum to prep Nebraska startups to navigate the complex world of health care. As part of the program, companies will hone their business plans and apply for federal SBIR funding.

The Omaha-based nonprofit organization launched in 2023 to connect and educate the Nebraska startup ecosystem. It has since expanded to offer a range of programs and services to support entrepreneurs across the Midwest.

The 10-week pre-accelerator convenes early-stage founders from around the world. Participants gain access to curated curriculum and expert-led coaching to help them scale their startup. Applications close Feb. 13. Local founders from the inaugural Fall 2025 cohort will participate in a showcase event Jan. 21.

The Werner Exchange is a new initiative and partnership between Werner and the Nebraska Startup Academy. The 12-week program offers enterprise validation and mentorship opportunities for logistics founders. Applications are open now and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Bartholomew, who started Jan. 5, is an entrepreneur and business owner hoping to support all parts of the entrepreneurship ecosystem. Top of mind: making sure all businesses know about and can access the founder community for help.