This Month's Latest Tech News in Lincoln, NE - Saturday May 31st 2025 Edition

Lincoln's tech scene accelerated in June 2025 as major AI investments, new legislation, and regional initiatives reshaped the local landscape. Google's upcoming AI-focused data center means Lincoln is becoming a regional powerhouse, but it also raises questions about sustainability - as experts point to electricity demand from data centers worldwide doubling by 2030, surpassing even Japan's current consumption analysis of AI's power demands at UNL Schorr Center.

Startups continue to thrive: the 2025 LaunchLNK program awarded $20,000 grants to six innovative ventures in ag-tech, education, and local small business tools, underscoring Lincoln's entrepreneurial momentum full LaunchLNK recipient details.

Meanwhile, lawmakers passed two new youth-protective digital laws, tightening social media and smartphone use for minors and signaling ongoing debates over responsible AI governance review Nebraska's new kid-focused AI and tech regulations.

As energy infrastructure, entrepreneurial support, and regulatory frameworks evolve, Lincoln stands at the forefront of tech advancement - balancing growth, innovation, and community responsibility.

Nebraska's business ecosystem is rapidly embracing AI-driven transformation, with startups and established companies integrating artificial intelligence to gain a competitive edge and streamline operations.

Omaha-based Maxwell, for example, leverages Google's Gemini for research, content creation, and has doubled its user base in the past year while developing “Max,” an AI-powered assistant for employee benefits queries, demonstrating how AI can enhance HR efficiency without replacing human workers (Nebraska's business ecosystem leverages AI).

Meanwhile, the Greater Omaha Chamber's partnership with Scott Data is positioning the city as an AI hub, providing local businesses - even small and mid-sized firms - discounted access to advanced AI infrastructure and consulting, and launching an AI incubator for startups (Omaha launches AI innovation hub with Scott Data).

Funding momentum continues across the Midwest, with May 2025 seeing venture rounds for startups applying AI to everything from shoplifting prevention to smart irrigation - underscoring the breadth of AI's real-world impact in sectors from retail to agriculture (May's most interesting AI startup deals).

As Heath Mello, President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber, said,

“This partnership is a bold step forward in making Omaha the premier destination in the Midwest and the country for AI innovation and adoption.”

Nebraska's organizations are balancing urgency with responsibility, approaching AI adoption thoughtfully, iteratively, and with an eye toward both ethical risks and sustainable growth.

Omaha's middle schoolers are gaining a head start in artificial intelligence thanks to the Fiserv Future Techies Program, a partnership with Omaha Public Schools that graduated 48 students this spring.

Over a 10-week, hands-on curriculum, students from Bluestem, Norris, and Lewis & Clark Middle Schools explored fintech, coding, robotics, and cybersecurity, culminating in group presentations judged by Fiserv professionals.

Notable projects included an AI-powered ATM ID verification system and personalized savings tools leveraging artificial intelligence, with top teams advancing to compete regionally.

Student Georgia Minor reflected,

“Fiserv showed me how much fun it is to code and learn how to build the robot.”

This impactful, immersive STEM experience aligns with broader regional trends - Council Bluffs, for example, is developing a STEM-focused charter school with a curriculum centered on AI and project-based learning, aiming for a 2027–28 launch.

The table below summarizes key facts about the Fiserv program and similar K-12 initiatives:

Program	Duration	Participants	Main Focus
Fiserv Future Techies	10-11 weeks	48 (2025)	AI, robotics, coding, cybersecurity
Council Bluffs STEM Charter	Opening 2027–28	400 (planned)	AI, engineering, bioscience, aeronautics

These efforts highlight Omaha's commitment to nurturing tech talent from an early age, preparing students for tomorrow's AI-powered workforce.

For more details on student-led innovations, visit the Omaha World-Herald's coverage of the Fiserv partnership, read about the Fiserv graduation event on KETV, or explore the future of K-12 AI education in Council Bluffs via GovTech.

The University of Nebraska is emerging as a hub for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, driving advancements that span both education and the arts. The University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) recently hosted its inaugural AI Summit, uniting industry leaders and academics to spotlight the transformative power of AI in classrooms, research, and workforce development.

The summit highlighted initiatives such as the AI Learning Lab, which offers Nebraska's first Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and numerous microcredential courses to make AI education widely accessible; notably, the OpenAI Challenge has already funded 24 campus AI projects within just nine months (UNO's AI Summit showcases the future of AI in education and workforce innovation).

Complementing this is a recent research initiative at UNO exploring AI readiness among students, delving into how generative AI is shaping learning, career preparedness, and even definitions of originality and academic integrity (UNO launches student AI readiness research study).

Award-winning research teams at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are breaking new ground as well, from presenting best-paper-finalist work in self-healing soft robotics to launching the INSIGHTS program, which uses AI to evaluate and enhance critical thinking in student assignments across disciplines.

As faculty and students embrace AI as a vital workforce tool, demand for AI skills has soared - monthly job postings mentioning AI have risen by over 6,600% nationally.

“If we can begin to create materials that are able to passably and autonomously detect when damage has happened, and then initiate these self-repair mechanisms, it would really be transformative,”

said Eric Markvicka, assistant professor of biomedical engineering, illustrating the ambitious scope of Nebraska's AI endeavors (Research at Nebraska, May 2025 highlights).

At this year's Raikes School Design Studio Showcase, a standout team of four University of Nebraska–Lincoln students claimed the program's top Platinum Award for their AI-powered retail chatbot built in partnership with fashion retailer Buckle.

The student innovators - Ealynn Hsu, Victoria Chin, Radhika Damle, and Katia Henrriquez - created an application that uses natural language processing to recommend outfits, making it significantly easier for shoppers to search Buckle's inventory using everyday language instead of rigid filters.

As team member Ealynn Hsu explains,

“Our project is trying to kind of bridge that gap with natural language search, making it easier to find the products you're looking for.”

The students harnessed Anthropic's Claude Sonnet to generate over 2 million tags for 50,000 products, ensuring deeply contextual product matches.

This award-winning project not only exemplifies the real-world impact and skill development fostered by the Raikes School's yearlong industry partnerships, but also demonstrates how AI is transforming retail by driving more intuitive customer experiences, as described in a comprehensive feature by University Communication.

The broader market is similarly evolving; as recent analysis in Forbes highlights, generative and agentic AI are now essential tools for retailers seeking personalized commerce, inventory optimization, and next-level customer interaction.

Nebraska has enacted a pioneering set of technology and AI regulations focused on safeguarding minors in the digital environment, marking a significant shift in the state's approach to online safety.

Signed into law by Governor Jim Pillen, the legislative package includes the Parental Rights in Social Media Act (LB383), which mandates parental consent and rigorous age verification before minors can open social media accounts, and empowers parents with tools to monitor activity and control privacy settings - violations carry fines up to $2,500 per incident.

Additionally, LB140 restricts smartphone use in classrooms except for emergencies or educational needs and requires school districts to implement clear usage policies by the 2025–2026 academic year.

The Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act (LB504), also signed into law, targets platforms' design features to reduce addictive behaviors and strengthen privacy protections for children.

These laws also explicitly ban the creation of AI-generated child sexual abuse material, addressing new challenges posed by generative technologies. As Governor Pillen noted,

“They also provide parents with the tools they need to protect our kids from big tech online companies and predators.”

The table below summarizes the major provisions:

Bill	Main Focus	Effective Date	Key Enforcement
LB383	Parental consent & age verification for social media, bans AI-generated CSAM	July 1, 2026	$2,500 violation fine
LB140	Smartphone restrictions in schools	2025–2026 school year	School board policies required
LB504	Online privacy, addictive feature prevention for children	Immediately	Civil penalties for breaches

For a detailed analysis of each bill and the motivations driving these landmark protections, see coverage from the Transparency Coalition's report on Nebraska AI and social media bills, the Governor Jim Pillen's official announcement on child protection laws, and the Nebraska Legislature's legislative update on child online safety.

Lincoln and Omaha retailers are rapidly pivoting to artificial intelligence (AI) for everything from customer engagement to digital commerce and surveillance.

Omaha's Megasaver chain exemplifies the shift, launching online ordering and delivery with Vroom Delivery and embracing predictive inventory systems, while new platforms like Lula Commerce automate operational tasks such as refunds and audits.

Advanced solutions are reshaping stores: March Networks' AI-powered video turns surveillance footage searchable by voice or text, and Qsic's AI tool creates real-time, brand-matched audio ads for in-store shoppers (Qsic recently secured a $25 million Series B round to accelerate growth).

The appetite for AI is strong: 63% of U.S. retailers now call it critical for competitive edge, and 65% of shoppers say it boosts convenience. Local businesses are also learning from each other at meetups, piloting Microsoft Copilot for communications and adopting tools like Otter.ai and Decisions AI to streamline protocols.

The table below summarizes key AI tools powering retail transformation:

Company	AI Solution	Main Use Case
Vroom & Petrosoft	Digital commerce & automated order management	Online ordering, delivery, predictive inventory
March Networks	AI Smart Search	Searchable surveillance by voice/text
Qsic	Real-time AI audio ad creation	Curated in-store audio marketing

Still, local retailers are urged to be pragmatic, approaching AI adoption through collaborative pilots and focusing on real business needs rather than hype, as detailed in this report on retail AI capabilities, explored further in Nebraska's collaborative AI adoption landscape, and supported by AI-focused partnerships attracting investment to the region as detailed by the Greater Omaha Chamber initiative.

Meta has officially launched its next-generation Meta AI app, delivering a highly personalized and social AI assistant experience powered by the new Llama 4 model.

With seamless integration across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and support for Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, the app stands out by offering natural voice conversations, full-duplex speech, and robust image generation features accessible by both voice and text.

A new “Discover feed” encourages users to share, remix, and interact with AI-generated content, making the assistant feel collaborative and community-driven. Personalization draws from user-shared data across Meta platforms, enabling the AI to remember preferences and context for tailored responses; users, however, retain control over their privacy settings and can manage or delete their data at any time.

As Meta steps up its competition with ChatGPT and Google's Gemini, CEO Mark Zuckerberg has emphasized the company's goal: “a highly intelligent and personalized AI assistant reaches more than 1 billion people” in 2025, leveraging a user base that has already surpassed 700 million monthly active users as of January Introducing the Meta AI App: A New Way to Access Your AI Assistant, Meta launches a stand-alone AI app to compete with ChatGPT, Meta launches stand-alone AI app to take on ChatGPT.

Notably, user concerns about data transparency and consent, particularly in Europe, persist; as one privacy advocate expressed,

“Meta has an obligation to inform users precisely about how personal data is used, which it is currently avoiding.”

Below is a table summarizing key features and user controls:

Feature	Description
Personalization	Remembers preferences and context using data from Meta platforms
Discover Feed	Social sharing of AI prompts and creations; remixing by users
Privacy/User Controls	Manage, review, or delete shared data; visibility into voice activation

Nebraska's innovation ecosystem is primed for the 2025 Tech Nebraska Summit, taking place October 30 at the Omaha Marriott Downtown, where momentum around AI, entrepreneurship, and technology policy will be at the forefront.

Organized by Nebraska's first technology trade association, Tech Nebraska - founded in 2023 with a mission to connect and strengthen the local tech community - the event targets CIOs, CTOs, entrepreneurs, policy makers, industry professionals, and students eager to shape Nebraska's tech future.

The summit features flexible ticket options (from $135 for members to $1,500 for a corporate table), broad sponsorship opportunities, and programming set to reflect the rapid advances across AI, cybersecurity, and industry transformation.

In the words of event organizers,

“We're hard at work crafting an agenda that reflects the momentum of Nebraska's tech sector - from AI and cybersecurity to innovation, workforce, and public policy.”

Tech Nebraska is currently accepting speaker proposals, seeking conversation leaders who can drive discourse on AI, entrepreneurship, and inclusive community building.

Attendees can expect robust networking, insights from leading entrepreneurs, and the chance to engage with policies positioning Nebraska as a regional tech hub.

For full event details - including registration deadlines, agenda updates, and sponsorship contacts - visit the official 2025 Tech Nebraska Summit event page.

Prospective speakers can apply or learn more about thought leadership opportunities through Silicon Prairie News' call for speakers article, and a comprehensive schedule is listed among Tech Nebraska's 2025 calendar of tech events.

The summit embodies Nebraska's commitment to advancing technology, collaboration, and inclusivity as the region accelerates its AI-driven future.

Lincoln Financial has named Tom Anfuso as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, reflecting the company's sharpened focus on technological transformation and agility to meet evolving business needs.

Anfuso, who brings over 30 years of technology and engineering experience - including his previous role as CTO at JPMorgan Chase, where he led technology integrations for the Connected Commerce division - will spearhead strategic direction for Lincoln's IT infrastructure and report directly to Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer Jennifer Charters.

As emphasized in Charters' statement,

“With a strategic leader like Tom, we are well-positioned to accelerate this journey and deliver even greater impact for our customers and employees.”

Lincoln Financial, serving approximately 17 million customers across annuities, life insurance, group protection, and retirement plan services, manages $321 billion in account balances as of year-end 2024.

For a deeper dive into Anfuso's appointment and background, read the official Business Wire release on Tom Anfuso's appointment.

Further context and business strategy are available in MyChesCo's breakdown of Lincoln Financial's leadership shift, while sector insights can be found in CIO Dive's coverage of the Lincoln Financial CTO transition.

Anfuso's leadership signals a bold chapter for Lincoln Financial as it accelerates digital innovation and operational excellence from its Radnor, PA, headquarters.

Major artificial intelligence companies are driving notable market growth across the Midwest, with recent expansions contributing to regional tech and economic momentum.

OpenAI, the Microsoft-backed innovator behind ChatGPT, recently signed a multi-floor lease in Bellevue's City Center Plaza, moving into offices formerly occupied by Microsoft and underscoring the city's re-emergence as a tech hub (AI powerhouse OpenAI plans move to former Microsoft offices).

The Bellevue office boom is further powered by prominent tenants like Shopify - set to open a 31,000-square-foot office after subleasing from Google - and other major players such as TikTok and Zoom, as highlighted in real estate and tech sector reports (Shopify expands footprint in Bellevue with new sublease).

The surge of AI and tech companies into the region is catalyzing demand for technical talent, fueling innovation, and reshaping workspace strategy toward hybrid models.

As one brokerage noted,

“AI firms are potential market catalysts for office leasing, especially if another tech giant doesn't enter the market.”

A snapshot of recent office expansions in Bellevue illustrates the scale of this trend:

Company	Office Size (sq ft)	Location	Opening/Expansion Date
OpenAI	~69,000 (three floors planned)	City Center Plaza	Spring 2025
Shopify	31,000	112 @ 12th (from Google)	May 2025
TikTok	~150,000	Lincoln Square North	Ongoing

To further accelerate creative and AI-driven sectors, companies like Fremantle are introducing new studios focused on leveraging AI for talent and content development (Fremantle launches Imaginae Studios).

Taken together, these developments point to a rapidly evolving tech ecosystem where AI leaders are anchoring growth, workforce transformation, and cross-industry collaboration in the Midwest.

Lincoln is rapidly cementing its status as a Midwest epicenter for responsible, innovative tech advancement, driven by strategic public policy and grassroots entrepreneurship.

This spring, Nebraska's legislature enacted sweeping educational reforms - requiring computer science education in all K-12 schools, modernizing parent involvement policies, and strengthening school safety through tailored district reclassification and a $10 million investment in security infrastructure (Nebraska Examiner report on new school policies and funding).

These efforts are complemented by a thriving startup ecosystem through programs like LaunchLNK, which awarded $20,000 grants to six high-growth tech startups across agri-tech, software, energy, fintech, and robotics - fueling job creation and innovation in sectors vital to the region.

LaunchLNK's support is underscored by over $100 million in follow-on funding for alumni and a rigorous, multi-stage selection process as detailed by Farmonaut's coverage of the 2025 LaunchLNK grant program and Strictly Business Magazine's announcement of this year's recipients.

Lincoln's model prioritizes inclusivity - from supporting indigenous and minority students in K-12 law to fostering resources for bilingual entrepreneurship - while pushing forward with environmentally responsible ag-tech, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.

As summarized in the words of State Sen. Dave Murman,

“If we're better equipped to be able to classify schools, we will be better equipped to make rules that fit each district's needs, rather than a nearly one-size-fits-all approach.”

This holistic approach, combining policy modernization with targeted investment, ensures that Lincoln stands at the forefront of balanced, equitable, and adaptable tech progress in 2025 and beyond.