This Week's Latest Tech News in Omaha, NE - Sunday April 13th 2025 Edition

Omaha's tech scene is experiencing unprecedented growth, with recent CBRE data showing tech talent wages reaching $101,814, marking a 24.9% increase over five years.

The city has secured its position as the 7th-ranked emerging tech market in North America, powered by a workforce of 23,330 tech professionals. Major tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Toast are establishing operations here, while the Metro Smart Cities initiative implements cutting-edge IoT solutions for urban development.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha's launch of the state's first AI degree program exemplifies the city's commitment to innovation. Local demand for tech talent remains strong, with over 160 active tech positions and entry-level cybersecurity roles starting at $87,500.

This growth is supported by various educational initiatives, including coding bootcamps and specialized training programs, while the low 2.2% tech unemployment rate reflects the sector's stability.

The combination of competitive salaries, innovative projects, and supportive infrastructure continues to attract tech professionals, reinforcing Omaha's position as a rising tech hub.

Valmont Industries continues to revolutionize infrastructure and sustainability in 2025. Their vital infrastructure improvements are enhancing global connectivity and expanding reliable electricity access across regions.

The company's financial outlook is robust, with revenue projections between $4.0-4.2 billion for 2025, demonstrating strong market confidence in their green initiatives.

Recent developments include expanding their solar footprint globally and recommitting to environmental goals established against their 2018 baseline. Their strategic focus on infrastructure has led to impressive growth metrics, with a revenue CAGR of 7.8% and EBITDA CAGR of 13.7% over the past five years.

The company's capital allocation strategy now dedicates approximately 50% of operating cash flow to growth opportunities, including strategic capacity expansion in the Infrastructure segment.

The Bristol facility, their first concrete utility pole plant in the Northeast/Midwest region, exemplifies their commitment to meeting growing infrastructure demands while maintaining environmental responsibility.

Valmont's deployment of AI technology in utilities, irrigation, and 5G sectors further positions them as a leader in sustainable infrastructure development. Their proactive approach to environmental stewardship, coupled with strong financial performance, shows that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.

Since its acquisition by WP Engine in 2019, Flywheel has transformed Omaha's tech landscape from their headquarters in the Millwork Commons district.

Their latest initiative, a free WordPress development course, has hit different - drawing over 500 participants in just four months. The program goes hard on practical skills, serving up a complete 50-video curriculum that covers everything from basic setup to advanced features.

Working directly with WP Engine's platform, which powers over 1.5 million websites globally, students get hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and workflows.

The Omaha hub has become a major talent incubator, combining local innovation with WP Engine's enterprise-grade technology stack.

Weekly workshops connect participants with pros from both companies, creating solid networking opportunities that often lead to job placements. The program is seeing major success with self-reported technical skills jumping 68% among participants, and 43% of students coming from underrepresented groups in tech.

This aligns perfectly with Omaha's growing tech scene, where related jobs have increased 12% since 2024.

The initiative builds on WP Engine's commitment to community development while preparing local talent for real-world WordPress development challenges. With both companies' combined reach now extending to over 120,000 brands and agencies across 150 countries, graduates enter a massive ecosystem of opportunities.

The program continues to evolve, incorporating feedback from the tech community to stay current with industry demands and maintain its position as a key driver of Omaha's digital transformation.

The University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) has launched its Advanced Robotics Lab, positioning itself at the forefront of the rapidly evolving robotics industry.

The $15 million facility arrives at a crucial time, as the global robotics market reaches $16.5 billion and continues expanding. The lab's focus aligns with emerging trends in AI-powered robotics, featuring integration with NVIDIA's Isaac GR00T N1 framework for advanced motion control and task learning.

Students will gain hands-on experience with both analytical and physical AI applications, preparing them for industry demands in automation and collaborative robotics.

The facility includes specialized zones for autonomous testing, AI development workstations, and machine learning studios equipped with real-time analytics capabilities.

• Robotics Innovator Program: Students receive scholarships and mentorship opportunities.
• Workshops with industry leaders: The lab hosts regular workshops connecting students with industry leaders.

Dr. Barbara Anderson, Lab Director, emphasizes how this initiative bridges the academia-industry gap, particularly in areas like vision-language-action models and reinforcement learning.

The lab's impact extends beyond education, contributing to Omaha's growing reputation as a tech hub and preparing graduates for roles in manufacturing, healthcare, and emerging robotics fields.

With the robotics industry projected to reach $169.8 billion by 2032, UNO's investment positions its students to become leaders in this transformative technology sector.

Silicon Prairie Startup Week 2025 transformed Omaha into a vibrant hub of innovation this October, drawing over 3,000 entrepreneurs, developers, and investors from across the Midwest.

The weeklong celebration featured more than 100 events across Omaha, Lincoln, Ashland, and Council Bluffs, showcasing the region's growing tech ecosystem. Local startup support organizations played a crucial role, offering everything from coworking spaces to mentorship opportunities, making it easier than ever for new founders to connect and collaborate.

The event's highlight was the startup showcase at the Ashton Building, where 50+ companies presented groundbreaking solutions in fintech, agtech, and healthcare innovation.

Daily networking sessions and pitch competitions kept the energy high, while tech industry leaders shared insights on emerging trends, including AI and cybersecurity developments.

The week wrapped with a record-breaking hackathon featuring 300+ participants, resulting in $50,000 in total prizes awarded to innovative solutions addressing local challenges.

This year's 25% increase in attendance and $20 million in venture capital interest demonstrates Omaha's rapid emergence as a Midwest tech powerhouse, with the average tech salary now reaching $101,814 - a 24.9% increase from previous years.

The success of Startup Week 2025 reflects the region's growing reputation as a fertile ground for tech innovation and entrepreneurial growth.

In 2025, Habitat for Humanity Omaha revolutionized their approach to affordable housing through strategic tech partnerships and innovative digital solutions.

Their new mobile app, "Habitat Connect," has transformed volunteer coordination and donation management, driving a 40% increase in operational efficiency. The organization's commitment to innovation extends beyond basic digitization - they've partnered with Bonterra Development to implement AI-driven fundraising strategies, resulting in 133% more donations per email recipient.

Through these tech initiatives, Habitat Omaha has expanded their impact, now building 45 new homes annually while helping 175 families through their Home Repair Program.

Their latest $82.5 million investment partnership will further accelerate affordable housing production, leveraging technology to streamline property acquisition and development processes.

Habitat Omaha combines digital innovation with community service:

• Transforming volunteer coordination: Their new mobile app, "Habitat Connect," has driven significant operational efficiency.
• Expanding impact with tech initiatives: Habitat Omaha now builds more homes annually, assisting more families through their programs.
• Accelerating housing with investment partnerships: A recent $82.5 million investment aims to enhance affordable housing production.

By combining digital innovation with community service, Habitat Omaha demonstrates how technology can amplify social impact while maintaining their core mission of creating affordable homeownership opportunities.

Their success story showcases Omaha's evolution as a tech hub where innovation meets social responsibility, setting new standards for how nonprofit organizations can leverage technology to serve their communities more effectively.

Omaha's startup ecosystem is seriously leveling up in 2025, with new data showing Nebraska needs an additional $600 million in venture capital to compete with top-performing states.

Despite ranking 49th in startup survival rates, the city's tech scene is pushing forward with major wins. The startup landscape has attracted significant investment, with venture capital reaching $375 million this year - a 25% jump from 2024.

Companies like Flywheel, recently acquired for $835 million, and Buildertrend are crushing it, serving thousands of clients globally.

The impact is real - we're talking 2,000+ new tech jobs and a 15% boost in tech patent filings. What's super cool is how Omaha's affordable living costs and supportive infrastructure are helping startups manage their resources better, especially in fintech and healthcare tech.

The city's got this awesome mix of Fortune 500 backing and fresh startup energy, with coworking spaces and incubators popping up everywhere. Major investors are noticing too - the ecosystem contributed $19.7 billion to the local economy last year.

Companies like Quantum Workplace are showing what's possible, with their AI tools cutting employee turnover by 30-60%. Between the Nebraska Tech Collaborative's push for 10,000 new tech jobs and these investment wins, Omaha's startup scene is definitely one to watch.

Nebraska's tech scene is leveling up in 2025 with major conferences putting Omaha on the innovation map. Infotec 2025, happening May 5th at the Kiewit Luminarium, brings together visionaries in AI, automation, and cybersecurity.

The conference features breakout sessions focused on emerging tech and business innovation, perfect for both seasoned pros and startups looking to network.

With expert speakers, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, these conferences are essential stops for anyone serious about tech in the Midwest.

Later in the year, INTERFACE Omaha hits the CHI Health Center on November 6th, diving deep into infrastructure, cloud computing, and disaster recovery strategies.

• Networking opportunities: These events showcase Omaha's growing influence in tech.
• Skill enhancement: Offering professionals the chance to level up their skills.
• Industry connection: Connect with industry leaders and stay ahead of the latest innovations.

Tech professionals can't miss the Omaha Cybersecurity Conference at the DoubleTree Downtown on August 14th, where industry leaders like Robert LaMagna-Reiter will share insights on current cyber threats and defense practices.

1. Hands-on workshops: The conference lineup includes hands-on workshops, certification opportunities, and demos of cutting-edge security tools.
2. Insight sharing: Industry leaders, including Robert LaMagna-Reiter, share insights on current cyber threats.

Omaha's digital transformation landscape is evolving rapidly in 2025, with digital strategy firms like Mojo Media and Crossfire Digital leading the charge in helping businesses adapt to new technologies.

According to the Chamber's latest data, the tech sector now contributes $19.7 billion to Omaha's economy, marking a significant milestone in the city's digital evolution.

Major players like Toast and Cox Enterprises are driving innovation, with Toast's technology now serving over 127,000 restaurants and Cox investing $100,000 in renewable energy startups.

The transformation is visible across various sectors:

• Transportation: Werner Enterprises' implementation of the EDGE platform for route optimization.
• Sports Technology: Hudl's pioneering work, serving 230,000 teams with innovative solutions.

To combat potential talent gaps, the Greater Omaha Chamber has launched strategic initiatives focusing on attracting and retaining tech talent, including the "Back to Omaha Campaign." Local businesses that embrace digital transformation are seeing remarkable results, with metrics showing a 15% increase in tech employment since 2020.

The city's average tech salary now exceeds $81,000, reflecting the growing value of digital expertise in the market.

This transformation isn't just about technology adoption - it's reshaping Omaha's identity as a midwestern tech hub, attracting both established companies and innovative startups to the region.

Omaha's tech education landscape is experiencing unprecedented growth in 2025, with the University of Nebraska at Omaha leading the charge through innovative programs in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science.

The university's College of Information Science & Technology has secured a $750,000 NSF grant for AI research, demonstrating its commitment to cutting-edge technology education.

Local high schools are also adapting, with South High's Technology & Data Pathway offering specialized tracks in robotics and computer science, preparing students for in-demand careers like cybersecurity analysis and software engineering.

The job market reflects this educational investment, with tech salaries averaging $81,000 and specialized roles like Cloud Engineers earning up to $112,000.

Major tech companies including Google and Facebook have established a presence in Omaha, creating a tech unemployment rate of just 2.2%.

The city's educational institutions are responding to this growth with practical, career-focused programs:

• UNO's Bachelor's in Artificial Intelligence: Offers graduates a 25% salary premium.
• Cybersecurity positions: Start at $87,500, highlighting their industry importance.

Community initiatives are also flourishing, with organizations like the AIM Institute providing tech access programs to at-risk students, ensuring diverse representation in the growing tech workforce.

As the tech sector continues to expand, educational pathways from high school through university are aligning with industry needs, creating a robust pipeline of skilled professionals ready to meet the demands of Omaha's evolving tech landscape.

Omaha's tech sector is experiencing remarkable growth in 2025, with Google's $750 million data center investment leading the charge.

The tech industry now contributes $19.7 billion to the local economy, marking a significant milestone in the city's development. The sector has seen a 15% increase in employment since 2020, with average salaries reaching $81,000.

Major players like Toast, Cox Enterprises, and Mutual of Omaha are driving this growth, with Toast alone reporting a $1.47 billion annualized recurring run rate and 29% quarterly growth.

The job market is particularly robust, with over 160 active tech positions and an impressive average salary of $101,814, representing a 24.9% increase over five years.

Infrastructure improvements include enhanced digital literacy programs and high-speed internet expansion, supported by public-private partnerships. Omaha now ranks seventh among North America's emerging tech talent markets, boasting a tech workforce of 23,330 professionals.

The University of Nebraska Omaha has launched the state's first AI degree program, demonstrating the city's commitment to future-focused education. With tech unemployment at just 2.2% and cybersecurity positions starting at $87,500, Omaha's tech sector continues to attract talent and investment, solidifying its position as a major Midwest tech hub.

Omaha's tech landscape shows both promise and hurdles in 2025. Recent reports indicate Nebraska ranks 49th in startup survival, with challenges in research infrastructure and venture capital accessibility.

The city needs an additional $600 million annually in venture funding to compete with top-20 states. Despite these obstacles, Omaha's tech workforce has grown to 23,330 professionals, with average salaries reaching $101,814, marking a significant 24.9% increase over five years.

The tech unemployment rate stands at a low 2.2%, indicating strong demand for skilled professionals.

The city's growth trajectory is supported by major developments:

• Creating Jobs: The Nebraska Tech Collaborative aims to create 10,000 new tech jobs and establish 300 new companies by 2025.
• Market Potential: Companies like Flywheel, recently acquired for $835 million, demonstrate the market's potential.
• Investment and Education: Google's $750 million investment in a new data center and the University of Nebraska's launch of the state's first AI degree program are reshaping the tech ecosystem.
• Affordability: The city benefits from its affordability, ranking highest among 24 analyzed cities for cost of living.

Looking ahead, organizations like the Startup Collaborative are fostering innovation through mentorship and funding opportunities.

Traditional industries including finance, insurance, and agriculture are integrating advanced technologies, creating diverse opportunities for tech professionals.

While challenges remain in R&D spending and startup scalability, Omaha's commitment to technological integration, coupled with its economic advantages, positions the city for continued growth in the tech sector.

"The projected 18% increase in tech startups and ongoing infrastructure investments signal a promising future for Omaha's tech scene." - David Harris