Incubators
An incubator is a program or space designed to help early-stage businesses get off the ground. Most offer some combination of workspace, mentorship, networking, and access to resources. Some are industry-specific (like biotech or agtech), others are open to any business type. If you're in the early stages of building and looking for support beyond just a desk, an incubator might be worth exploring.
Nebraska's first wet-lab incubator, located at Nebraska Innovation Campus. Built for bioscience startups and research-based businesses that need specialized laboratory infrastructure to develop and commercialize their products.
Flexible bench space starting at 6 linear ft; private suites starting at 2,000 sq ft
Equipment includes fume hoods, biosafety cabinet, autoclave, -80 freezer, ultra pure water system, centrifuge, and more
Commercialization support, life-science mentors, and grant application assistance
Venture financing preparation support
IP-free space
📍 Food Innovation Center, 1901 N 21st St, Lincoln
💰 Contact for pricing
Biotech Connector
An AgTech-focused incubator on Nebraska Innovation Campus that supports food and agriculture technology founders through commercialization, capital access, and a statewide producer network. Has helped 29 startups raise over $16 million in capital.
Individualized support through The Combine Commercialization Program
Access to the Insights Network — ag producers across Nebraska available for product validation
Monthly AgriFood Meetups and investor office hours
Private office suites and hot desk memberships available
Business address, mail collection, high-speed internet, 24/7 access, printing
Access to Nebraska Innovation Studio (makerspace)
📍 2125 Transformation Drive, Suite 1000, Lincoln (Nebraska Innovation Campus)
💰 Contact for pricing
The Combine
One of the nation's top makerspaces—a 16,000 sq ft facility open to anyone, with month-to-month membership. If you're building a physical product, need a prototype, or want access to fabrication equipment without buying your own, NIS is the most founder-accessible resource in Lincoln.
Full metal shop, wood shop, rapid prototyping room, art studio, ceramics and textiles equipment — members pay a monthly fee to use tools and facilities, and are welcome to run businesses or make prototypes
Equipment includes 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC router, vinyl cutter, electronics equipment, welding robot, and more
Free training on all equipment included with membership
New in 2025: Frontier Tech Lab — a service center connecting startups and companies with makers and students who can help take an idea to a working prototype
Open to UNL students, faculty, staff, and Lincoln community members
Month-to-month membership — no long-term commitment
📍 2021 Transformation Drive, Suite 1500, Entrance B — Nebraska Innovation Campus
💰 Monthly membership fee (community rate)
Nebraska Innovation Studio (NIS)
Omaha-based incubator connected to UNMC and UNO that builds companies from the ground up — pairing university research with community entrepreneurs. Focused primarily on medtech, but open to other innovative ideas. Actively recruits founders from historically underrepresented communities.
Pairs inventors with entrepreneurs to co-build companies from university IP
Communications strategy and brand development support included
Go-to-market strategy and customer discovery coaching (NSF I-Corps curriculum)
Access to Entrepreneur-in-Residence with 25+ years of operational and financial experience
Opportunity Corps program for women in STEAM and Black/African American entrepreneurs
📍 3929 Harney St, Omaha (program serves greater Nebraska)
💰 Grant-funded; no direct cost to entrepreneurs
UNeTech Institute
A nonprofit entrepreneurial community in Omaha aimed at "underdog" founders — those building without established connections or prior startup experience. Combines coworking space with structured programming and a network of partners covering funding, legal, and growth support.
Entrepreneurial programming alongside flexible coworking space
Partnerships with MOVE VC, Nebraska Enterprise Fund, Nebraska Innovation Labs, and GROW Nebraska Women's Business Center
Mentorship and leadership coaching
50,000 sq ft facility
📍 Near 103rd & Fort, Omaha
💰 Contact for pricing
The Commonwealth
A food startup incubator based in Council Bluffs, Iowa — the closest food-focused incubator to Lincoln. Designed to lower the barriers for food entrepreneurs: caterers, bakers, food truck operators, packaged goods makers, and aspiring restaurateurs.
Access to a commercial-grade, licensed shared kitchen
Guidance on business formation and health department licensing
Quarterly Food Startup 101 workshops
Member community, events, and mentorship
Catering network for members to find clients
📍 1001 South 6th St, Council Bluffs, IA (note: not Lincoln-based)
💰 Full Time: $450/month (24/7 access); Nights & Weekends: $350/month