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investing in Nebraska's automation infrastructure and growing the talent pipeline

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ABOUT
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ABOUT

The Heartland Robotics Cluster was one of 21 finalists awarded a multi-year grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). The $25 million of grant funding will be utilized to: develop an automation demo space and program for Nebraska manufacturers led by the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership, grow the robotics engineering curriculum for undergraduate students, and build R&D robotic lab space at the UNL College of Engineering, create an automation fabrication lab managed by Northeast Community College, develop urban ag/robotics outreach and training by Metro Community College, expand the robotics makers space at Nebraska Innovation Studio, and increase technical assistance for robotic AgTech startups managed by The Combine.

2021

Year Established

7

Nebraska Partners

$25 Mil

Build Back Better Grant

40 DAYS TO THE EVENT
Save the Date: November 22, 2024. The Heartland Robotics and Automation Conference will bring together industry experts, entrepreneurs, investors, and robotics enthusiasts to explore the latest trends and advancements in the field of robotics and automation.
When
Nov 22, 2024, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Where
Nebraska Innovation Campus,
2021 Transformation Dr, Lincoln, NE 68508, USA
ASSETS

Nebraska's Assets

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Top-Ranking Industry

Agriculture is the #1 industry 

Manufacturing is the #2 industry

  • Nebraska is the third largest ag state based on cash receipts for all commodities ~$21.2B in 2021

  • Nebraska is ranked #1 in Commercial Cattle Production, Great Northern Bean Production, & Popcorn Production

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Current Talent Development

Nebraska ranks #4 nationally for the number of high school and middle school teams (per student population) participating in two national robotic competitions (CREATE and VEX) and one international competition (FIRST).

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Driving the Artificial Intelligence Revolution

In an article by Brookings in 2021, Lincoln, Nebraska was named in the top five smaller metro areas that have substantial AI activities relative to their size.

Partners

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College of Engineering
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The Heartland Robotics Cluster's
Five Pillars

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1

Robotic Startups (AgTech)

Invest Nebraska and The Combine lead the charge on the Robotic Startups Pillar. The Combine, a program by Invest Nebraska, is an AgTech Incubator. The Combine has numerous robotic startups within the AgTech industry.

2

Infrastructure/R&D

Nebraska Innovation Studio, Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Northeast Community College, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Engineering will build advanced infrastructure and R&D.

3

Community & Governance

Metropolitan Community College and Northeast Community College will do outreach with underserved communities and organizations. Invest Nebraska will be responsible for the governance of the Heartland Robotics Cluster.

4

Industry

The Heartland Industry Advisory Council is made up of the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Nebraska Manufacturers & Robotic Startups.

5

Workforce/Education

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Engineering, Metropolitan Community College, and Northeast Community College are adding curriculum and facilities to increase the workforce in robotics.

Press

Press

Robotics Article
Heartland Robotics
Venture Capital
EDA Build Back Better
Nebraska Robotics
American Rescue Plan
CONTACT

CONTACT

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