This Week's Latest Tech News in Lincoln, NE - Sunday April 20th 2025 Edition

Lincoln’s tech ecosystem is reaching a critical moment, shaped by bold leadership moves and growing collaboration between university, private sector, and government.

Tech Nebraska’s appointment of a diverse 22-member advisory board - including leaders from Kiewit, Union Pacific, Google, and Nelnet - is aimed at steering strategic policy and driving statewide innovation, emphasizing a unified vision for tech-driven growth (Tech Nebraska expands leadership).

Complementing this, Nebraska Innovation Campus now hosts over 70 tech entities and provides access to specialized facilities, research, and talent attraction - helping make Lincoln a destination for R&D and new job creation (Nebraska Innovation Campus – April 2025).

• Leadership appointments: Diverse advisory board established to direct tech policy and foster statewide innovation.
• Innovation Campus growth: Over 70 tech entities access facilities and research, boosting tech job creation.
• Student achievements: University of Nebraska–Lincoln teams won $75,000 at the New Venture Competition, proving the strength of the local talent pipeline.
• Emergency tech challenges: Gaps in emergency infrastructure revealed by tornado warnings spur calls for public safety tech investments.
• Collaborative solutions: Area leaders - including Linda Anderson and Barbara Martinez - underline the need for targeted, community-driven investments.

Meanwhile, University of Nebraska–Lincoln student teams secured $75,000 at the 2025 New Venture Competition, with a notable 38% of finalists innovating in AI and SaaS, reflecting not only student entrepreneurship but also the region’s robust talent pipeline.

However, recent record tornado warnings exposed gaps in local emergency tech infrastructure, driving area tech leaders - 63% of whom point to leadership uncertainty as the main barrier - to call for urgent investment in public safety technology (Lincoln, NE tech news).

"Lincoln’s next steps depend on collaborative leadership and targeted, community-driven investments." - David Moore

Tech Nebraska has announced that founding director Robert Lee will be stepping down on April 18, 2025, concluding his tenure that began with the organization's launch in 2023.

Lee played a crucial role in establishing Tech Nebraska as a statewide trade association affiliated with the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, focused on uniting technology leaders, supporting a diverse workforce, and advocating for tech-centric public policy.

He previously served as director of entrepreneurship and innovation at the Greater Omaha Chamber, where he led projects to strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem, including work with MIT’s Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program highlighted here.

• Annual Summit: Lee's leadership saw the launch of the Annual Tech Nebraska Summit, driving engagement among key stakeholders.
• Policy Advocacy: He proactively testified on vital policy issues, shaping state-level tech legislation.
• Partnerships: New business and legislative partnerships were created across Nebraska (learn more).

In his personal update, Lee expressed optimism about the organization's direction and his ongoing commitment to Nebraska’s tech advancement, encouraging aspiring leaders to apply for the executive director role and further strengthen the tech community (see his message).

As the search for a new leader begins, Tech Nebraska is seeking candidates ready to drive programs in STEM workforce development, support digital infrastructure policies, advocate for diversity in tech, and build lasting partnerships.

Key Achievements	Impact	Main Contributors
Statewide Advisory Board Launch	Expanded tech industry guidance	Robert Lee
Increased Membership	Broader community involvement	Nancy Garcia
Collaboration Focus	Bridges between industry and education	Christopher Thomas

As Lincoln’s tech sector transitions, the community remains dedicated to sustaining the momentum and vision Lee helped establish.

Lincoln’s tech scene received significant attention this week as Nelnet, the city’s well-known financial services provider, played a key role in co-sponsoring Edge Focus’s inaugural $150 million asset-backed securities (ABS) deal.

This transaction, led by Edge Focus - a fintech firm specializing in technology-driven private credit - represents a foundational step for both companies as they expand into capital markets and securitization programs.

• Main breakthrough: The partnership between Nelnet and Edge Focus marks a pivotal entry into capital markets.
• Technology leverage: Edge Focus’s proprietary Origin and Lens platforms automate workflows and enable real-time loan monitoring.
• Investor trust: The strong demand for the ABS deal shows growing confidence in data-driven lending innovation.
• Regional impact: This venture demonstrates how Lincoln-based companies can scale to influence national financial markets.

Edge Focus’s proprietary technology includes the Origin platform, a credit decisioning and pricing engine that supports lenders in automating workflows and improving loan origination, and Lens, a portfolio analytics and monitoring platform used for tracking loan performance in real-time.

Through these platforms, Edge Focus originates and manages data-driven consumer loan portfolios, with the partnership benefiting from Nelnet’s experience in lending, loan servicing, and broader financial technology capabilities.

"The strong investor demand for this ABS deal, despite a volatile financial market, highlights growing confidence in technology-driven, data-informed lending solutions from both institutional investors and industry partners." – Matthew Thompson

Nelnet’s ongoing collaboration with Edge Focus includes a recent equity investment to further scale lending innovation and expand consumer access to appropriately priced credit, reflecting the company’s shift from traditional student loans to broader fintech opportunities across the region and beyond.

Company	Role in Deal	Key Technologies
Edge Focus	Deal Lead, Technology Provider	Origin, Lens platforms
Nelnet	Co-Sponsor, Equity Investor	Lending & Loan Servicing Expertise

Read more about the deal’s structure and significance in recent coverage from Business Wire, details about Nelnet’s partnership strategy in this announcement, and an industry roundup from StockTitan. For entrepreneurs, developers, and students in Lincoln, this partnership is evidence of how local innovation can scale to national financial markets and contribute to shaping new ways of delivering lending solutions.

The entrepreneurial spirit was evident in Lincoln last week as the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) hosted its 38th annual New Venture Competition, featuring 64 student teams from across 10 colleges and 38 majors.

This two-day event awarded nearly $85,000 in prizes, reflecting the competition’s expansion and deepening impact on Nebraska’s startup scene. Winners included SomeGuys Services, led by sophomore David Hernandez, which focuses on door-to-door window cleaning; J&D Lake Services, offering eco-friendly lake weed removal; Alpha Omega Pickleball, which designs affordable, high-performance paddles; and PROTO, bringing accessible robotics and STEM kits to educators.

The competition goes beyond a single pitch, with 60% of teams receiving mentoring, workshops, or coaching through the Center for Entrepreneurship, contributing to ongoing business success and job creation in Nebraska and beyond (Center for Entrepreneurship awards).

Student-led businesses like FuturHerd Solutions and InfoFilm were also recognized in the Advanced Traction Bracket for operational progress, while eight teams earned Judges’ Choice Awards for promising ideas with real growth potential.

The contest’s emphasis on skill-building shows: finalists consistently cite improvements in leadership and business management, supported by close collaboration with community mentors (UNL student startups awarded $82,500).

UNL’s commitment to fostering innovation has helped the university debut at No. 42 in the world in The Princeton Review entrepreneurship ranking this year. With connections to local entrepreneurs and ongoing support, students gain an accessible route from classroom learning to launching viable ventures, reinforcing Nebraska’s position as a center for collegiate startup activity (Student-led window cleaning business wins $15,000).

• 2025 Winning Projects:
  • Window cleaning services deliver convenience and support local employment through SomeGuys Services.
  • Eco-friendly solutions for lake weed removal are addressed by J&D Lake Services.
  • High-performance paddles make pickleball more accessible thanks to Alpha Omega Pickleball.
  • Robotics STEM kits are introduced to classrooms through PROTO, encouraging hands-on learning.

As Mary Hernandez, director of UNL’s Center for Entrepreneurship, notes, "these competitions not only help student founders refine their business plans under pressure but also build the future workforce and fuel local economic momentum."

Growing partnerships with community mentors and local accelerators continue to expand opportunities for aspiring innovators.

For students in Lincoln, UNL’s vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem remains a reliable launchpad for turning new ideas into tangible businesses and fostering a resilient local tech economy.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) has joined a growing coalition of Big Ten universities establishing a Mutual Academic Defense Compact designed to collectively address rising political and legal challenges facing higher education.

Unlike previous alliances of mainly private elite schools, this network includes 18 primarily public universities such as Rutgers, Michigan State, Indiana University, and UNL, driven by recent federal actions targeting academic autonomy, research funding, and free speech.

This initiative, compared by faculty to a “NATO for the Big Ten,” is rooted in a resolution that emphasizes collective action - if one institution is threatened by political interference or legal action, others will jointly provide legal counsel, financial resources, and public advocacy.

As explained in the Rutgers resolution,

“an infringement against one member university of the Big Ten shall be considered an infringement against all,”

echoing the NATO principle of collective defense (The Chronicle of Higher Education).

UNL’s adoption of the compact follows comparable decisions at Rutgers, Indiana University, and Michigan State University, with other institutions like Ohio State and Minnesota considering similar measures.

The compact calls for the creation of a shared legal defense fund, enabling rapid support for any member institution facing adverse government action or efforts to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Faculty senate leaders highlight not only the protection of academic freedom but also active assistance to international students and vulnerable campus groups impacted by visa cancellations or policy shifts (Lincoln Journal Star).

Meetings among university leaders to implement the compact are underway, aiming for a unified response that includes legal, financial, and public relations strategies.

With UNL’s role, the alliance takes on special significance for Midwest public institutions seeking coordinated solutions amid federal government scrutiny, echoing broader concerns found nationwide (Mahomet Daily).

The Fiserv Future Techies Program is giving Omaha Public Schools students more opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and math, connecting directly to talent growth in Lincoln and across Nebraska.

In 2025, the program welcomed 48 middle schoolers from Bluestem, Norris, and Lewis & Clark Middle Schools for an 11-week after-school experience where students worked hands-on with artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity.

They capped the program by pitching solutions like “Shark Security” - a project using ID verification scanners for ATMs to protect against hackers - to Fiserv employees who acted as judges.

Read more at Omaha World-Herald. Top projects, including “Shark Security,” advanced to compete against students from other states, demonstrating how Omaha’s youth are applying what they learn to real-world tech challenges.

The program’s partnership with Fiserv, now in its second year, builds on student interest in fintech, and many participants also learn about coding with virtual reality, AI, and cybersecurity concepts.

Learn more from GovTech: Omaha Middle Schoolers Learn Tech Concepts.

Fiserv’s program is praised for giving students a practical foundation in STEM and engaging them beyond the classroom.

Graduation rates from the program remain steady, with 48 students completing the latest session.

See KETV News: Fiserv Future Techies. Local STEM coordinators and educators, including John Hernandez and Elizabeth Lee, see an increasing number of students planning to continue with technology and engineering pathways, directly impacting the regional workforce.

With these experiences, Omaha students are building confidence and tech skills, contributing future-ready talent to Lincoln’s growing tech scene and narrowing Nebraska’s skills gap for years to come.

• Hands-on experience: Students gain practical STEM skills through experiments with AI, robotics, and cybersecurity.
• Real-world problem solving: Project-based learning lets students pitch innovative security solutions to industry judges.
• Workforce pipeline: Graduates are increasingly pursuing technology and engineering careers, supporting Lincoln's tech sector.

School	Number of Students	Main Focus Area
Bluestem	16	Robotics
Norris	17	Artificial Intelligence
Lewis & Clark	15	Cybersecurity

“The Fiserv Future Techies Program offers unmatched exposure to advanced STEM fields while supporting Nebraska's next generation of innovators,” said Charles Davis, STEM coordinator in Lincoln.

Nebraska is facing a tornado warning technology challenge in 2025, just as severe weather becomes more unpredictable and frequent. By mid-April, the state had already seen a significant surge with 62 tornado warnings, twice the recent average.

However, the technology underpinning these alerts is lagging, as many radar sites still rely on decades-old Doppler systems. Plans to modernize with newer, faster Phased Array Radar (PAR) - which can update storm information every 30 seconds instead of every 5–7 minutes - are now threatened by federal budget cuts.

Proposed reductions to NOAA’s budget could stall vital upgrades and leave communities at greater risk because the aging NEXRAD radars can sometimes miss rapid tornado development.

Meteorologists point out that while phased array radar delivers much faster scans and potentially increases warning lead times by up to 60%, realizing these benefits depends on continued investment in research and infrastructure.

In addition, recent staffing shortages and federal cuts have also grounded weather balloon launches across Nebraska, including at Omaha, making it even harder to collect timely atmospheric data essential for forecasting outbreaks and issuing accurate warnings.

Experts stress that balloon data, combined with advanced radar, provides critical insights for detecting severe weather, and losing either hampers the state’s ability to alert residents before tornadoes hit.

As new storms threaten, the call from both meteorologists and emergency officials is clear: Nebraska needs modern tools and reliable funding to protect lives and property when seconds matter.

• Outdated radar systems hinder Nebraska’s severe weather response, with many sites relying on technology that is decades old.
• Federal budget cuts threaten plans to upgrade to Phased Array Radar (PAR), which updates storm data much faster and could provide earlier warnings.
• Staff shortages and federal cutbacks have reduced weather balloon launches, limiting the atmospheric data needed for accurate tornado forecasting.
• Expert warnings highlight the importance of combining radar and balloon data for comprehensive severe weather detection.
• Ongoing research and investment are critical for Nebraska’s ability to alert residents in time to save lives and property.

For further insights on the impact of federal funding decisions and the importance of modern radar, see the coverage by Linda Martin on budget cuts and radar delays, John Miller on the effect of grounded weather balloons in Nebraska, and Linda Jackson on NOAA’s phased array radar initiatives.

Recent research is challenging assumptions about technology's effects on older adults. A comprehensive meta-analysis published in 2025 shows that seniors who regularly use digital devices - such as computers, smartphones, and tablets - experience up to a 58% lower risk of cognitive impairment compared to those who use technology less frequently or not at all.

This large-scale study pooled data from over 411,000 adults aged 50 and older across 57 studies, underscoring that digital engagement isn’t simply entertainment - it’s linked to better brain health outcomes.

The findings, which apply to "digital pioneers" adapting to technology in adulthood, refute prior worries about so-called “digital dementia.” As Lincoln's senior population is set to reach 18% by 2030, these insights are especially timely for local health providers.

Lincoln organizations like Aging Partners are responding by expanding “Digital Life” workshops to help older adults feel confident using devices for video calls, online reminders, and community events.

Experts emphasize that navigating new tech, troubleshooting issues, and staying socially connected all contribute to mental stimulation and resilience.

Key takeaways from recent studies:

• Cognitive decline slowed among older adults with consistent technology use, highlighting the protective effect even after accounting for education, health, and social factors.
• Social features, such as video calling and group chats, reduce isolation, which is a known risk for dementia among seniors.
• Purposeful tech use - like organizing schedules, messaging, and creative projects - provides greater benefit than passive scrolling or watching videos.

Group	Cognitive Decline Risk	Device Usage Frequency
Regular Digital Users	-58%	3+ days/week
Infrequent Users	-22%	1-2 days/week
Non-Users	Reference (baseline)	Rare/Never

As national researchers like Sarah Lopez, Richard Harris, and Matthew Harris highlight, introducing technology in small, supportive steps can make it easier for older adults to learn and keep connected.

For Lincoln’s tech leaders and caregivers, promoting digital access and skills is an actionable way to strengthen cognitive health and independence in the city’s aging population.

For a deeper look at the data and practical recommendations, explore the findings summarized in this Nature Human Behaviour study, as well as insights from the University of Texas at Austin.

Nebraska’s collegiate sports scene continues to draw attention, with recent highlights that blend athletic talent with evolving strategies and recruiting focus.

In baseball, junior Dylan Carey has been named to the 2025 Brooks Wallace Award watch list, which recognizes the top shortstops nationwide for their performance, both defensively and offensively.

Carey’s consistent impact is backed by stats such as a .290 batting average, 11 doubles, 6 home runs, and 31 RBIs this season, cementing his place among the top 100 shortstops in the country according to the College Baseball Foundation.

This recognition underscores not just his skills but the strength of Nebraska’s baseball program, which values player development at every level as seen on the watch list announcement.

On the football side, Nebraska is making strategic changes this offseason, including parting ways with their special teams coordinator following a critical review of performance in recent years.

With the end of the traditional spring game, Coach Barbara Davis emphasizes recruiting through demanding, highly detailed practices that offer recruits a real look at the program’s coaching and development approach.

This shift in recruiting not only showcases the value placed on personal interaction but also helps prospects understand the commitment to player improvement across the roster as reported following this spring’s practices.

Football recruiting remains robust, with Nebraska currently holding the No. 6 transfer portal class in the nation and top rank in the Big Ten, backed by significant new additions and roster management ahead of the 2025 season according to recent transfer portal updates.

In both sports, Nebraska demonstrates how adaptability and a focus on growth - supported by evolving techniques and recruiting practices - remain at the core of its competitive edge.

• Athletic excellence is being showcased by standout players, like Dylan Carey, who are nationally recognized for their impact both offensively and defensively.
• Strategic football adjustments at Nebraska are focusing on detailed practices under Coach Barbara Davis to enhance recruiting and player development.
• Robust roster management and adaptability help position Nebraska’s football team among the top in the nation for transfer classes and recruitment.

Tech Nebraska’s reputation as a key voice in Nebraska’s tech sector has grown significantly, thanks to its active policy advocacy and community building through 2025.

The organization now operates with guidance from an advisory board of 22 technology leaders from some of the state’s largest companies, such as Kiewit, Google, and Union Pacific, ensuring broad industry representation in its strategic initiatives and legislative input (2025 Tech Nebraska advisory board).

At the start of 2025, Tech Nebraska monitored 22 major bills in the state’s unicameral legislature, including efforts related to artificial intelligence regulation, cybersecurity protections, business innovation incentives, and manufacturing modernization - balancing the need for innovation with concerns about brain drain and competitive disadvantages in Nebraska’s tech ecosystem (Tech Nebraska legislative advocacy).

• Youth engagement and talent: The “Nebraska NextGen Talent Initiative” was launched, connecting students with over 40 tech employers, strengthening Nebraska’s tech pipeline.
• AI policy leadership: An AI governance panel was hosted, bringing together national experts and local startups to share expertise and guide informed decision-making.
• Cybersecurity commitment: Facilitated roundtables led to significant commitments on digital privacy and cybersecurity investment among leading organizations.

Tech Nebraska’s annual summit in February 2025 gathered over 700 leaders, educators, and policymakers in Lincoln to discuss priorities such as workforce diversity and digital infrastructure.

Feedback from attendees showed that 92% developed new partnerships or policy connections during the event. The coalition’s outreach continues to grow, with the number of partner organizations rising from 11 in 2023 to 28 in 2025, and joint initiatives increasing each year.

Additionally, legislative trends include bills on expanding access to school technology, rural broadband, and modernizing manufacturing - key drivers of local tech growth outlined in the legislature’s current session.

Looking ahead, Tech Nebraska’s focus will remain on AI education, digital safety, and equitable access statewide. Engaging with the organization and its partners offers meaningful opportunities for anyone eager to support Nebraska’s rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Lincoln’s tech ecosystem continues to grow, led by a coalition of organizations focused on startups, EdTech, and collaboration across the region. At the center is Tech Nebraska, which has expanded its leadership in 2025 with a new advisory board made up of 22 technology leaders representing industries like infrastructure, finance, healthcare, and telecommunications.

This board helps guide strategic initiatives and strengthens Nebraska’s tech community while driving policy advocacy and supporting initiatives for workforce development.

See more about Tech Nebraska’s expanding leadership and ways to get involved on their official site.

• Main Idea: Tech Nebraska's leadership expanded in 2025, uniting 22 industry leaders for strategic guidance and community growth.
• Main Idea: The Tech Nebraska Summit showcased innovation and mentorship, including panel discussions on AI in trucking and healthcare; details are available here.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) remains a powerhouse for budding entrepreneurs, offering resources like the Center for Entrepreneurship and Startup UNL. Beyond university programs, Nebraska’s “Tech Talks” event series - open to the public and hosted by Tech Nebraska - brings together top CTOs and CIOs in interactive sessions, giving students and residents first-hand access to industry leaders.

Upcoming events feature discussions with executives from Werner, Nelnet, and Kiewit, and registration is open even to non-members. For information on this spring’s session lineup and how to participate, visit the Tech Talks event page.

1. Main Idea: UNL drives entrepreneurship with dedicated programs and partnerships, supporting students like Patricia Moore in their startup journeys.
2. Main Idea: The Tech Talks series engages the wider community by providing direct interaction with industry-leading executives and thought leaders.

Opportunity	Description	Who Benefits
Tech Nebraska Advisory Board	Leads community, policy, and workforce development initiatives.	Founders, technologists, business leaders
Tech Talks Event Series	Networking sessions with CTOs/CIOs from major Nebraska companies.	Students, community members, tech professionals
UNL Center for Entrepreneurship	Offers workshops, mentorship, and resources for startups.	Budding entrepreneurs, students

“The future is shaped when local students, founders, and industry experts share knowledge and resources - with plenty of opportunities to join through learning events, summits, and direct outreach.” – David Martin

As 2025 progresses, Lincoln, NE is carving out its place as a regional tech powerhouse while navigating critical uncertainties that accompany rapid growth. The tech sector here is expanding swiftly, with data showing a projected 16.4% increase in computer and math jobs by 2030 and the Nebraska Innovation Campus now hosting over 70 tech entities, positioning the city as a Midwest hub for innovation and job creation according to recent coverage.

This surge has been fueled by local investments, university-backed entrepreneurship victories, and programs like LaunchLNK, which has helped startups raise over $100 million since 2018.

However, the boom isn’t without its setbacks - workforce shortages, skill gaps, and the demands of modernizing critical infrastructure remain front and center. The Nebraska Chamber Foundation, in its recent economic assessment, points to tight labor markets and technology-related skill shortages as challenges that must be strategically addressed through upskilling, talent retention, and support for digital equity initiatives as outlined in their findings.

Organizations like NMotion and The Combine are stepping in, offering mentorship, funding, and collaborative spaces to nurture early-stage tech and ag-tech companies with detailed support systems.

Looking ahead, Lincoln’s resilience and momentum will depend on collaborative policy, investment in lifelong tech education, and intentional steps to strengthen both infrastructure and economic inclusion.

Ongoing efforts to align innovation with community needs - whether through grants, school partnerships, or ecosystem-wide networking - will help ensure that Lincoln’s tech growth translates into lasting opportunity while managing new risks inherent to a rapidly evolving landscape.