This Week's Latest Tech News in Lincoln, NE - Sunday April 6th 2025 Edition

Lincoln's tech scene is transforming rapidly this week, with notable developments at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Emerging Tech Conference selling out and drawing industry innovators across various sectors.

The Nebraska Innovation Campus is fostering partnerships between academia and private sector businesses, now hosting over 70 entities in its expanding facilities.

Tech Nebraska's recent legislative initiatives are championing pro-growth policies, including the Business Innovation and Startup Act aimed at strengthening Nebraska's position as a startup hub.

Digital literacy is getting a boost as Lincoln City Libraries received a $10,000 grant to provide free technology workshops for community members.

The local tech ecosystem continues to evolve with new collaborative spaces, research facilities, and educational programs emerging across the city. These developments, combined with upcoming events like the specialized AI and cybersecurity workshops at Hawks Hall, demonstrate Lincoln's commitment to technological advancement.

The city's strategic focus on innovation, supported by legislative action and community engagement, is creating a robust foundation for future tech growth.

These initiatives are particularly significant as they align with broader efforts to position Lincoln as a competitive tech hub in the Midwest.

The Nebraska Innovation Campus (NIC) is transforming into a major tech and research hub, with development ahead of schedule in 2025.

The ambitious project aims to create 2.2 million square feet of developed space, already boasting 380,000 square feet of completed facilities including offices, labs, and a cutting-edge conference center.

The campus has attracted over 70 private and public entities, creating an ecosystem where university talent meets industry innovation. A standout feature is the new 80,000-square-foot multi-tenant building, which includes a business incubator, collaboration spaces, and connects to a sustainable thermal energy system utilizing treated wastewater for heating and cooling.

The campus masterplan projects employment for 5,000 people, with two-thirds coming from the private sector.

• Innovative spaces: Current facilities include makerspaces, pilot plants, and specialized research areas focused on food science, biotechnology, and agricultural technology.
• Driving economic impact: The campus is driving economic impact through strategic partnerships between industry leaders, researchers, and students, while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and research development.

Key initiatives include the Food Innovation Center's collaboration with ConAgra Foods, a state-of-the-art greenhouse facility with LemnaTec imaging technology, and expanding pathogen surveillance programs in livestock production.

This growth represents a significant investment in Nebraska's future, combining university expertise with private sector innovation to create a dynamic environment for technological advancement and economic development.

In an exciting development this week, GrainWealth, a pioneering Lincoln-based fintech startup, announced it has successfully secured $5 million in its Series A funding round.

The timing is particularly significant as global grain market dynamics shift, with increasing attention on agricultural resource management and food security.

Founded in 2022, GrainWealth has quickly established itself by providing tech-driven financial solutions for the agricultural sector, helping farmers optimize resources and enhance yield predictions.

The company's platform aligns with emerging nutritional program standards, supporting sustainable farming practices while ensuring market competitiveness.

Through their innovative approach, they've developed tools that help farmers navigate complex regulatory requirements and market demands, particularly as agricultural policy continues to evolve.

The fresh capital will accelerate platform development, expand user reach, and enhance predictive analytics capabilities. CEO Mary Davis emphasized their commitment to revolutionizing agriculture through technology, stating,

"We aim to empower farmers with tools that maximize efficiency and profitability in an increasingly complex global market."

This investment not only validates GrainWealth's mission but also reinforces Lincoln's position as an emerging tech hub, where agricultural innovation and financial technology converge to address modern farming challenges.

AgriTech Enhance, a pioneer in innovative agricultural solutions, is set to revolutionize crop management with its recent $3 million investment. The global precision farming market is projected to reach $24.09 billion by 2030, highlighting the sector's massive growth potential.

Founded in 2018, the company emerged from Lincoln's tech ecosystem with a mission to tackle modern farming challenges through data-driven solutions. AgriTech Enhance's systems utilize AI, big data analytics, and robotics to provide comprehensive crop monitoring and management solutions.

Their technology analyzes soil quality, moisture levels, and weather patterns, enabling farmers to optimize resource usage and increase yields sustainably. The platform's precision feeding recommendations and environmental tracking features have already demonstrated significant cost reductions and productivity improvements for users.

The recent funding will accelerate R&D initiatives, expand service coverage to underserved areas, and strengthen the local talent pool.

CEO Karen Garcia emphasizes that this investment validates their mission to transform agriculture through technology. With their flagship platform SeedSight gaining recognition for its user-friendly interface and robust analytics, AgriTech Enhance is positioning Lincoln as an emerging hub for agricultural innovation, contributing to both technological advancement and regional economic growth.

In a groundbreaking development for tech education, Lincoln Public Schools students are showcasing impressive results in computer science education, following the district's strategic partnership with Code Lincoln.

The collaboration has already yielded positive outcomes, with students actively participating in coding challenges and computer science puzzles at community-wide events.

The initiative ties directly into LPS's broader educational vision, as evidenced by their 2025-26 strategic planning which emphasizes competitive compensation and benefits to attract top-tier tech educators.

The Foundation for LPS has further strengthened this commitment by providing enhanced opportunities for students to learn and grow in technology fields.

Recent programs include:

• Fourth-grade video game design projects: Encouraging creativity and technical skills among younger students.
• Virtual reality equipment implementation: Bay High now offers immersive learning experiences with cutting-edge VR technology.
• Specialized computer science curriculum: Development across elementary schools to introduce fundamental tech skills early on.

The partnership has particularly excelled in creating hands-on learning experiences, with students now building their own video games and exploring artificial intelligence applications in classroom settings.

Going beyond traditional coding instruction, the initiative incorporates real-world problem-solving scenarios and industry-relevant projects that prepare students for future tech careers.

Teachers report increased student engagement and confidence in tackling complex technological challenges, while local tech industry partners have begun offering internship opportunities to high school students showing promise in computer science courses.

The cybersecurity landscape in Nebraska is heating up this spring with multiple major events. The Nebraska Extension Road Show kicks off in early April, setting the stage for a month packed with security-focused gatherings.

On April 8, 2025, the NITC Technical Panel will host a crucial public hearing on cybersecurity regulations at Varner Hall, addressing critical infrastructure protection protocols.

The highlight of the season is the Kernelcon 2025, the Midwest's premier information security conference, bringing together experts, enthusiasts, and industry leaders.

The event features hands-on workshops covering emerging cyber threats, AI-driven security solutions, and practical defense strategies.

• Protecting critical infrastructure: Topics include practical ways to safeguard essential frameworks.
• Implementing zero-trust architectures: Explore strategies that limit data access to verified users.
• Responding to evolving ransomware threats: Learn how to effectively manage and mitigate these threats.

Interactive sessions will focus on building cyber-ready workforces and strengthening public-private security partnerships.

Local tech companies will showcase their latest security tools and solutions, while networking sessions will connect participants with potential employers and collaborators.

The conference also includes specialized tracks for both beginners and advanced practitioners, making it accessible to students, professionals, and anyone interested in cybersecurity.

Participants can expect practical demonstrations of security tools, discussions on compliance requirements, and insights into the latest threat detection techniques.

With Nebraska's growing tech sector, these events play a vital role in developing local cybersecurity talent and fostering a security-conscious tech community.

Lincoln's startup ecosystem is hitting new heights in 2025, with six promising startups receiving $20,000 non-dilutive grants through LaunchLNK.

The selected companies span diverse sectors, from agricultural innovation to educational technology. FuturHerd Solutions is revolutionizing swine care with their Nursery Nanny robot, while Bullseye GX, Inc.

is advancing genetic testing solutions for the livestock industry. Nebraska's biotech sector is particularly thriving, attracting talent from Silicon Valley and securing significant funding - as demonstrated by Bluestem Biosciences, which recently landed over $4 million in government contracts.

The startup scene's momentum is further evidenced by significant investments like Alpaca's $1.8 million seed round to support their EdTech platform.

Local startups benefit from robust support networks, including expert mentorship, accounting services, and intellectual property guidance. Since 2018, LaunchLNK program graduates have secured over $100 million in follow-on funding, highlighting Lincoln's emergence as a serious player in the Midwest's innovation landscape.

This growth is creating new job opportunities in technology, research, and development, while strengthening Lincoln's position as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

In 2025, Lincoln's tech sector is experiencing remarkable growth, with projected growth of 16.4% in computer and math fields by 2030.

The city has added nearly 1,800 tech positions in January 2024 alone, with tech workers earning about 60% more than the average salary. According to recent data, entry-level software developers command salaries starting at $90,530, with experienced developers earning upwards of $130,000.

The job market is particularly hot for cloud architects, cybersecurity engineers, and AI professionals, with job postings for AI-related positions increasing by 40%.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Southeast Community College are stepping up to meet this demand through specialized programs in cloud computing, JavaScript, and AI/ML. Problem-solving and adaptability remain core requirements, with 79% of employers prioritizing these skills.

The tech industry's economic contribution to Lincoln has reached $1.2 billion, with approximately 9,000 total jobs in the sector. Remote work has gained traction, with 26% of employers expanding their policies and the average number of remote workers increasing from 11% to 17%.

The city's commitment to tech education and training, combined with competitive salaries and flexible work arrangements, positions Lincoln as an emerging tech hub in the Midwest.

Lincoln's agricultural technology scene is experiencing a major glow-up in 2025, with groundbreaking research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln transforming precision farming into predictive farming.

The university's CropTwin project, led by a team of computing and engineering experts, is developing digital twin technology for modeling crop growth and smart irrigation management.

• Support for startups: Six innovative startups just received $20,000 grants through the LaunchLNK program, including FuturHerd Solutions with their Nursery Nanny robot and Bullseye GX's genetic testing solutions for livestock. Learn more about these startups.
• Incubating Success: The Combine incubator program has already helped launch nine companies focused on enhancing farmer safety and maximizing efficiencies, with 13 more currently in development.
• Fostering Youth Engagement: The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute is keeping the momentum going by connecting high school students with these cutting-edge technologies through hands-on experiences.

Industry leaders note that Lincoln's unique advantage stems from its deep agricultural roots combined with access to real farmers for piloting new solutions.

With the Nebraska Ag Expo showcasing over nine acres of exhibits and an innovation hub featuring AI-powered tools like solar-powered robotic weeders, Lincoln is seriously leveling up its ag-tech game.

Program	Impact	Description
LaunchLNK	$20,000 grants	Support for innovative ag-tech startups.
The Combine	22 Companies	Incubator focused on agricultural tech.

The economic impact is huge - program graduates have already raised over $100 million in follow-on funding, and the sector continues to attract investment and talent. This mix of academic research, startup innovation, and industry collaboration is transforming Lincoln into a legit powerhouse for agricultural technology advancement.

Fintech has swiftly ascended within Lincoln's bustling tech ecosystem, with a 30% increase in tech employment since 2020 and over 7,000 tech jobs shaping the local economy.

The sector's growth is highlighted by Congressman Mike Flood's upcoming Flyover Fintech 2025 conference, which will bring together industry leaders to discuss AI, cybersecurity, and digital assets.

Companies like Q2, a leading fintech employer, offer competitive benefits and innovative solutions through their Q2 Fabric platform, while fostering a culture of flexibility and growth.

The sector's expansion is further evidenced by networking opportunities between policymakers, payments companies, and financial marketers, creating a robust ecosystem for innovation.

Local startups benefit from LaunchLNK's grant program, which has helped companies raise over $100 million in follow-on funding since 2018. This investment in the fintech sector has created a ripple effect, with businesses reporting enhanced operational efficiency and reduced transactional costs.

The University of Nebraska's Innovation Campus serves as a hub for fintech development, hosting key industry events and fostering collaboration between academia and industry.

Looking ahead, Lincoln's fintech scene is positioned for continued growth, supported by a strong foundation of educational initiatives, startup accelerators, and strategic partnerships.

The combination of affordable living costs, competitive salaries ranging from $115,000 to $180,000, and a collaborative tech community makes Lincoln an attractive destination for fintech talent and innovation.

Lincoln's cybersecurity landscape is experiencing unprecedented growth in 2025, with major companies like CrowdStrike and Cisco actively expanding their presence in the region.

The local market shows a remarkable 267% employment growth rate, nearly triple the national average, with cybersecurity salaries ranging from $60,000 for entry-level positions to $228,000 for senior roles.

Recent data indicates that cloud security, incident response, and IoT security have emerged as key growth areas, with a projected 21% increase in job openings this year.

To address the skills gap, Southeast Community College and the University of Nebraska are aligning their training programs with industry needs, emphasizing certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, and CEH. The region's commitment to cybersecurity is further demonstrated by a proposed $11 million annual investment in infrastructure and the implementation of comprehensive state privacy laws that took effect in early 2025.

The County Network Security Cooperative now provides professional IT services across 92 out of 93 counties, establishing a robust framework for regional cyber defense.

This strategic focus on cybersecurity development positions Lincoln as an emerging hub for cybersecurity talent and innovation, offering competitive opportunities for professionals at all career stages.

Lincoln's emergence as a dynamic tech hub in 2025 is marked by unprecedented growth, with the tech industry experiencing a remarkable 21% expansion over the past five years, contributing $10.5 billion to the state's economy.

This growth trajectory is projected to accelerate further, with an anticipated 20% surge by 2024, accompanied by an 8% boost to the city's GDP. The tech scene's vitality is exemplified by success stories like CompanyCam, which recently secured $30 million in funding, and Sentinel Fertigation, which closed a $2.5 million seed round.

These achievements underscore Lincoln's growing reputation as a fertile ground for tech innovation and entrepreneurship.

Supporting this growth is a robust ecosystem of organizations including the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development (LPED), NMotion accelerator, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which recently launched pioneering initiatives in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

The university's innovation campus continues to drive workforce development, while local programs focus on nurturing tech talent through specialized training in high-demand areas such as AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity.

This comprehensive approach to talent development, combined with the city's affordable living costs and supportive business environment, has earned Lincoln recognition as "the most economically integrated community in the nation."

Looking ahead, Lincoln's tech sector is poised for continued expansion, focusing on cutting-edge areas including AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and IoT. With over 109,000 tech professionals already employed in the region and a growing network of support systems for startups, Lincoln stands as a testament to the power of strategic vision and community-driven growth in building a sustainable tech ecosystem.