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newsletter, July 22 – Buildertrend AI
Hiya folks, Lev here. In our informal survey about what AI tools you’re using, the balance of power seems to rest with Anthropic’s Claude. Two people mentioned not trusting OpenAI’s morals and, as a result, keeping further away from ChatGPT. Not scientific by any means, but a fun way to take the temperature. On to…
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Applications open for a free year of AI entrepreneurship tools from Omaha 100 and Bootup Studios
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.
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Five Things: 2026 CANalytics conference for data scientists
Speakers encouraged attendees to be more strategic about product development, from a clear-headed approach to prototyping to knowing that AI tools need to be rigorously evaluated before being deployed.
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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.