LINCOLN / OMAHA, NE. – The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Silicon Prairie News, and Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking collaboration to host the inaugural Silicon Prairie Startup Week later this year.

This regional event, set to take place the week of November 11, 2024, aims to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs and business leaders to celebrate and foster the thriving startup ecosystem in the Silicon Prairie region with events in Lincoln, Omaha, Ashland and Council Bluffs.

Silicon Prairie Startup Week will showcase the unique strengths and opportunities present in Lincoln, Omaha and the surrounding areas. Through a series of dynamic events, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, the week-long program will provide a platform for collaboration, idea exchange and knowledge sharing.

“We are incredibly excited for the opportunity to partner with Silicon Prairie News and the Greater Omaha Chamber in support of local and regional entrepreneurship,” says Jason Ball, President and CEO of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development. “Silicon Prairie Startup Week will help foster great ideas and connections, allowing entrepreneurs to come together and build on their excitement to innovate and better our communities and our region.”

The collaboration brings together the resources and expertise of three influential organizations, each with a shared commitment to driving economic development and supporting the startup
community. Silicon Prairie News, known for its dedication to covering and promoting innovation in the Midwest, will take the lead role in curating content and engaging the regional entrepreneurial community.

“Silicon Prairie Startup Week is not just about celebration,” says Stefanie Monge, Editor of Silicon Prairie News. “It’s about meaningful content and connections. The programing is a collaborative effort that combines the strengths of SPN and the Chambers. It’s a direct response to requests for more meaningful opportunities to engage between the Omaha and Lincoln entrepreneurial communities.

The event will feature a diverse range of topics, including technology trends, investment opportunities and success stories from local startups. Entrepreneurs, investors, students and professionals from various industries are invited to participate and contribute to the vibrant discussions shaping the future of the Silicon Prairie region.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with our friends at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Silicon Prairie News to host the inaugural Silicon Prairie Startup Week,” says Heath Mello, President & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. “This exciting partnership underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across our multi-state region and reinforces the role startups have in driving economic growth in Greater Omaha.”

Silicon Prairie Startup Week promises to be a milestone event, bringing together the best and brightest minds in the region to celebrate innovation, foster connections, and propel the Silicon Prairie startup ecosystem to new heights.

“I’m proud that we achieved this collaboration, with all parties coming together and imagining what could be greater than the sum of our parts. Building on the success of Startup Omaha Week and Lincoln Startup Week is an efficient use of resources that allows for maximum impact,” says Kathy Andersen, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development.
Those interested in sponsoring, hosting events or other involvement with the inaugural Silicon Prairie Startup Week can visit the Silicon Prairie News website.

For more information, contact:

Kathy Andersen, Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development, (402) 436-2374

Pete Thompson, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, (402) 978-7903

Stefanie Monge, Silicon Prairie News, (402) 302-0066