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Highlights from IO2026: The Art and Science of Innovation
IO2026 happened Monday at the Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln. Event organizers designed the summit to focus on human needs in the age of AI innovation, and to foster deep connections between established businesses and startups. Check out highlights from the day.
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Omaha-based Grapple raises $1 million to remove barriers to data analytics
Grapple compiles business data across sources onto a single, AI-powered platform in order for users to quickly access trends and takeaways. Founder and CEO Jack Sellwood described the importance of the local ecosystem on his journey and what’s in store for his company, including his participation in the California-based LAUNCH Accelerator.
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Poll The Vote, aided by Scott Data incubator program, aims to put Nebraska govtech on the map
Heather Nelson is trying to make civic engagement easy with her survey platform that doubles as a kind of social media for elected leaders, candidates and local nonprofits. Poll The Vote is already being used in Nebraska to survey residents about different issues, including in cooperation with state legislators.
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From hackathon idea to govtech startup serving Nebraska cities
After honing their startup idea at the 10-Hour Challenge last fall, two 23-year-old co-founders and co-CEOs of CityVerse AI have been driving across Nebraska to pitch their tool to city officials. Their tech platform for local governments is now in use in the cities of Omaha, Fort Calhoun, Hickman and York.
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First CompanyCam built the data infrastructure, then a $2B valuation
Nebraska minted its first startup unicorn last year. Lincoln-based CompanyCam was officially valued at $2 billion as of August 2025. Founder and CEO Luke Hansen reflects on the journey to unicorn status and the role of AI in construction in this story from Startland News.
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Guest Editorial: Support Nebraska Business with LB 1185
The following is a guest editorial from Health Mello, president & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber.
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How not to jeopardize your potential patents with AI
Takeaways from the “Protecting Innovation in the Age of AI” Lunch & Learn at The Combine that highlighted why patents matter, and how to reduce the risk of losing out on them in the age of AI. The most important thing to remember: Document everything.
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NU System launches AI Institute to help Nebraska lead in AI research, education and integration
The co-directors of the new institute want to put Nebraska on the map for a responsible approach to artificial intelligence. They see AI as a tool that should be tested to solve real-world problems for the state.
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IO2026 Summit to convene ‘ties and T-shirts’ for corporate-startup learning and networking on Midwest innovation
The Lincoln event comes every two years, with this year’s theme being “the art and science of innovation.” Organizer Brian Ardinger sees an opportunity to refocus on human needs in the age of AI innovation, and for deep connections between established businesses and startups.
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Business Innovation Act funding, AI regulation and online design code are top Tech Nebraska priorities for the 2026 NE legislative session
Tech Nebraska shared with Silicon Prairie News its top three bills for the 2026 session, all of which focus on innovation in the state. Funding the BIA is a key priority across the business and startup landscape after its instability in 2025.