Omaha AI Initiative Receives $5M in State Funding

Published: July 2025 • By Jessica Lappen

The City of Omaha announced a $5 million grant from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to support the Omaha AI Initiative, a program aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence research, education, and startup growth in the region.

The funding will be allocated to expand GPU cloud infrastructure, launch AI workforce training programs, and support early-stage AI startups through grants and mentorship.

“This investment signals Nebraska’s commitment to building a vibrant AI ecosystem here in Omaha,” said Mayor Lisa Hamilton. “We want to ensure our community stays competitive and innovative in this rapidly evolving field.”

The initiative partners with local universities, including the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Creighton University, to develop curricula focused on AI and machine learning skills.

Startups and researchers interested in participating in the program can learn more at omahaaiinitiative.org.