Nebraska Innovation Campus
Date of this Version
2020
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Nebraska is known nationally for its distinguished brand and production efficiency in food and agriculture. The state ranks among the top producers of over a dozen commodities including corn, beans, beef, and millet.
The Combine is a statewide program focused on fostering high-growth innovation and entrepreneurship in food and agriculture-tech sectors. The initiative is led by Invest Nebraska with support from The Nebraska Department of Economic Development and The Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
Invest Nebraska Corporation builds a better future for our state by providing financial and operational assistance to high growth companies, developing high growth infrastructure, and attracting out-of-state capital to Nebraska. The program provides one-on-one early stage coaching, connections to industry mentors, networking events, incubation space and a network of Nebraska producers.
Entrepreneur Support & Incubation Space: The Combine’s commercialization curriculum, led by Invest Nebraska, provides guidance and structure to early stage founders through eight individual and sequential workshops including sessions on customer discovery, product design, and capital readiness.
For companies in rural Nebraska the curriculum is provided on site or via video call. The Combine Incubator, a partnership with Nebraska Innovation Campus, provides 1,900 sq. feet of office suites and hot desks for companies desiring flexible working space.
Next-Gen Network: The Combine’s Next-Gen Network is a selected group of Nebraska farmers and producers with expressed interest in working with early stage companies including assisting in customer discovery and early stage trials. Early stage companies in the program can place a preference for working with a producer based on size, machinery/software currently used and production practices. Members of the Next-Gen Network range from multi-farm corporate operations to individual family agribusinesses.
DAN HOFFMAN CEO | Invest Nebraska dan@investnebraska.com
MATT FOLEY Program Director matt@investnebraska.com