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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.
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AI policy and workforce needs affect startups and big companies alike, panel says at NE Chamber annual meeting
Despite anxieties over how AI will make some jobs obsolete, a Tech Nebraska panel sees an opportunity to grow the tech and tech-supporting workforce. But doing so will require business-friendly policies, as the NE Chamber celebrates Nebraska but raises concerns about economic development.
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Invest Nebraska expands access to AI and entrepreneurship education through Microsoft initiative
Invest Nebraska is one of 24 nonprofit organizations nationwide selected by Microsoft to participate in its 2026 TechSpark Fellows. Both The Combine and Intersect Coworking and Incubator gain access to curriculum and resources for business and startup support.
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As AI supercharges cyberattacks, new UNO Cyber Matrix initiative aims to build up Nebraska’s security workforce
The new cyber range and physical classroom space is modeled off of real cybersecurity teams at Nebraska companies. With a custom chatbot as part of the curriculum, MATRIX looks to make students, interns and upskilling workers industry-ready and able to handle fast-changing security challenges.
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Insurtech on the Silicon Prairie puts spotlight on AI, startups and regulators
The insurance industry is all in on artificial intelligence, with many ideas but little concrete benefit so far, said speakers at the insurance technology conference. For startups, that’s an opportunity to prove their solutions to industry problems.