Why is the AgWorks Corridor a leading hub for agricultural technology innovation?

What makes the AgWorks Corridor an ideal place for AgTech companies?

Why do AgTech companies benefit from direct access to producers?

How does the AgWorks Corridor develop talent for agricultural technology companies?

How do universities and technical colleges support AgTech innovation?

Agricultural Technology

How does research accelerate agricultural technology innovation?

Where can AgTech companies develop, test, and validate new technologies?

Using data, automation, and science to improve productivity, efficiency, and performance across the agricultural value chain.

How does the AgWorks Corridor support AgTech startups and commercialization?

Why is collaboration important for agricultural technology companies?

How does the AgWorks Corridor help AgTech companies grow and scale?

Ecosystem Overview

Agricultural technology is the fastest-growing segment of the AgWorks Corridor, where software, automation, sensor technologies, and data analytics are integrated directly into production agriculture. Companies benefit from a unique combination of agricultural scale, technical talent, and direct producer access—creating an environment where technologies can be developed, validated, and deployed faster in real-world production systems. 

A drone flying over a field of green banana plants.

Photo Credits: Agrak


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Workforce

Photo Credits: Husker Harvest Days


11,600+ specialized workers across software development, data science, systems engineering, remote sensing, and precision agriculture deployment.


67,000+ workers in AgTech-aligned occupations across related industries, offering a deep and scalable talent pool for growth.


30% more concentration than the U.S. average, reflecting a specialized workforce with deep technical and agricultural expertise.


851 employers supporting a broad ecosystem of software, automation, equipment technology, analytics, engineering, and precision agriculture companies.


34% workforce growth since 2019, driven by expansion across precision agriculture, automation, analytics, and connected systems.


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Key Employers

Over 500 technologies companies call the AgWorks Corridor home.


Healthy Start-up Ecosystem

A growing network of Ag-Tech startups is advancing innovation across precision agriculture, livestock technology, automation, irrigation, and data-driven farm management solutions. 

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Talent Development


Education and workforce programs across the AgWorks Corridor are aligned to the needs of precision agriculture, engineering, software, automation, and digital agriculture companies, producing more than 1,500 degrees and technical certifications annually to support innovation, deployment, and commercialization across the agricultural value chain.

Two women sitting at a table, looking at a laptop, smiling, wearing T-shirts with the print 'DON'T PANIC LABS'.

Photo Credits: Don’t Panic Labs

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Early Talent Pipelines


K-12 systems are aligned with industry needs across the AgWorks Corridor.

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Connecting students to ag tech, STEM, and advanced manufacturing.

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Dual-credit programs earn high school and college credit.

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Developing future talent for agricultural innovation.


Research Universities Driving Innovation

University of Nebraska-Lincoln | University of Nebraska-Omaha

Key Programs

  • Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial)

  • Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence (BSAI)

  • Computer Science (BS)

  • Software Engineering

  • Data Science Engineering

  • Cybersecurity

  • Information Systems

Logo of the University of Nebraska Omaha, featuring black text 'University of Nebraska' and red text 'Omaha' underneath.
The logo of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, with a large red N and the university's name below in red text.

Workforce-ready Technical Talent

Metropolitan Community College | Southeast Community College | Iowa Western Community College

Key Programs

  • Precision Ag

  • Manufacturing Engineering

  • Software Developer

  • Full Stack Developer

  • Cybersecurity

  • Database Management & Data Science

  • Information Technology AAS degree

Logo of Metropolitan Community College featuring a stylized blue geometric 'M' and text below.
Southeast Community College logo with a stylized blue 'S' and the college name.
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Critical Occupations

8,700+ technical occupations supporting AgTech deployment and development

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34% growth since 2019

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1.3x U.S. employment concentration

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Two men shaking hands outdoors, one holding a tablet, both wearing hats and glasses, with a grassy field and cloudy sky in the background.

Photo Credits: Sentinel Ag

Connected Industry Network

The AgWorks Corridor supports AgTech growth through an integrated network of research, product development, testing, and commercialization resources that help companies move technologies from concept to deployment faster and with less risk.

A detailed map showcasing Nebraska's agriculture and innovation ecosystem for 2026, including sections for university programs, community builders, investors, incubators, robotics, agriculture, animal health, biotech, and commodity boards, with various organization logos and a background image of farm machinery in a field.

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Research, Data & Applied Innovation

Photo Credits: NFarms Initiative

NFarms | University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Advances precision agriculture through applied research in data standardization, interoperability, and cloud-based data systems. By rapidly translating research into practical tools, NFarms enables producers and technology companies to improve decision-making, increase efficiency, and accelerate adoption of digital agriculture solutions.


Product Development, Testing & Validation

A person conducting electronic testing using a laptop and oscilloscope in a lab.

Photo Credits: Nebraska Center for Excellence in Electronics

Nebraska Center For Excellence in Electronics | Lincoln, NE

Provides critical testing, validation, and certification services that support innovation across AgTech and advanced manufacturing. With capabilities in EMC/EMI, wireless/RF, product safety, environmental, and reliability testing, NCEE Labs helps companies reduce product risk, meet domestic and international compliance standards, and bring technologies to market faster.

Don’t Panic Labs | Lincoln, NE

Provides software development, product design, and technical expertise that help AgTech companies transform ideas into scalable products. Their work supports digital transformation, accelerates product development, and strengthens the region’s technology talent pipeline.


Commercialization & Startup Growth

The Spur Ventures | University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Acts as a critical connector within the AgWorks ecosystem, linking startups, researchers, producers, investors, and corporate partners to accelerate venture creation, technology validation, commercialization, and real-world deployment across agriculture and climate innovation.

The Combine | Invest Nebraska

Accelerates AgTech startup growth through mentorship, producer networks, customer discovery, and capital readiness programming—helping founders validate technologies, refine business models, and bring solutions to market faster.

Grit Road Partners | Omaha, Nebraska

Grit Road Partners helps accelerate agricultural innovation by connecting startups and emerging technologies with producers, industry partners, and real-world market opportunities. Through investment, strategic partnerships, and direct access to agricultural networks, Grit Road helps companies validate solutions faster, strengthen commercialization pathways, and scale technologies within production agriculture environments.

NMotion | Lincoln, Nebraska

NMotion helps accelerate startup growth by connecting founders with mentors, investors, and industry partners that support commercialization and scale. By strengthening access to capital, networks, and entrepreneurial resources, NMotion helps AgTech companies move innovations from concept to market faster.

Open Range | Omaha, Nebraska

Open Range helps connect founders, startups, and industry leaders through programs and networks designed to accelerate entrepreneurship and commercialization. By expanding access to mentors, capital networks, and strategic partnerships, Open Range helps AgTech companies build relationships and scale innovation faster.

MOVE Venture Capital | Omaha, Nebraska

Move Venture Capital provides early-stage investment and strategic support to high-growth startups across emerging industries, including agricultural innovation. Through capital access, founder mentorship, and connections to broader investment networks, Move Venture Capital helps companies accelerate commercialization, scale operations, and access the resources needed for long-term growth.

Startup Academy | Omaha, Nebraska

Nebraska Startup Academy supports founders through entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and commercialization-focused programming that helps transform ideas into scalable companies. By strengthening startup capabilities and connecting entrepreneurs to broader ecosystem resources, the organization helps accelerate innovation and company growth.

AppSky | Omaha, Nebraska

Appsky supports AgTech innovation through software development, product strategy, and technical expertise that help companies build and scale digital solutions faster. From prototype development to cloud-based platforms and system integrations, Appsky helps founders and emerging companies move technologies from concept to commercialization.