In 2011, Young helped pass the Business Innovation Act, the cornerstone state program helping startups. He also has worked across the Nebraska business community on policy issues. Young takes the helm of the NE Chamber as the state wrestles with brain drain and job growth issues.

Techstars is a global startup accelerator and professional network. The Nebraska-based nonprofit Open Range helps lead the local reach of the 10-week program, connecting founders across Omaha, Lincoln and the wider state to the mentorship and connection-building opportunity. The deadline to apply is Aug. 21.

After a six-month lapse, these federal grants are available again — with new rules on foreign ties, proposal limits and opportunities for additional money.

The four-month program is meant to help pre-seed companies prepare their go-to-market strategies for the complex world of healthcare. Prospective companies are invited to apply by July 3.

OMA x AI is the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s way of setting a citywide agenda for AI use at local companies and organizations. The conference will include speakers from Nebraska companies like Buildertrend and Pedal Works, with sessions ranging from how founders can use AI to the way local hospitals are deploying AI tools.

The Employer Partner Network is a formalized approach to work with companies and nonprofits trying to cut through hiring processes clogged with AI applicants. For Ignite Nebraska, the network is a stepping stone to expanding beyond Omaha and helping Nebraskans find entry-level jobs.

Omaha 100 is partnering with Bootup Studios, a Miami-based startup, to offer 100 businesses free one-year access to Bootup’s AI tools. Applications close at noon June 12 for the first cohort of the two-year partnership.

The conference will celebrate Midwest innovation and bring together stakeholders across agriculture, startups and venture capital to network about the tech ecosystem. AgTech Connect will be held on the Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln.