A new statewide technology organization has been launched to unite Nebraska’s tech minds and push for growth and favorable policies for the industry.
The formation of Tech Nebraska was announced on Friday by Nebraska Chamber President Brian Sloane at the Chamber’s Innovation and Technology Summit in Lincoln.
Slone said he looks forward to the new effort to position the state as a leader in technology and create a more diverse workforce.
In its early stages, Tech Nebraska led board members from Quit, Google, Methodist Health System, Union Pacific, Meta, Workshop and others. He plans to recruit new members, set fundraising goals and hire an executive director and staff.
“Nebraska needs a thriving, integrated technology sector to grow its economy, compete for top talent and solve tomorrow’s challenges,” Slone said. Whether you’re running a business in downtown Omaha, on a shop floor in Columbus, or out of a pasture in the Sandhills, it’s important.
Slone said Nebraska ranks among the 15 states for most tech jobs per capita, which he says is a credit to the work being done.
But he pointed out that there is room for improvement. The Dairy Institute’s State Technology and Science Index ranked Nebraska 34th out of 50, a gain from 38th just two years ago. In the year The state ranked 46 out of 50 on the Global Innovation Index’s list of the most innovative states in 2022, the council said.
Tech Nebraska leaders plan to partner with technology advocates across the state to build Nebraska’s reputation. They plan to create websites and social media accounts and learn from peer states that have had decades of focused statewide technology associations.
Get the morning headlines delivered to your inbox
