Description
The Combine is a food and agriculture technology accelerator and incubator based at Nebraska Innovation Campus that helps early-stage founders in the agri-food tech ecosystem grow by offering mentorship, commercialization programming, community connections, incubation space, and access to investors and industry experts. Through partnerships — including with Nebraska Startup Academy and Invest Nebraska — The Combine supports entrepreneurs from idea refinement through product validation and scaling connections, with a special focus on innovation tailored to Nebraska’s largest industry.
Eligibility
• Food & agriculture technology founders with innovation ideas or early-stage ventures relevant to the agri-food sector.
• Entrepreneurs at various early stages willing to engage in mentorship and community support.
• Participants prepared to engage with commercialization activities and investor conversations.
Process
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Application & Intake: Founders apply to join The Combine’s accelerator or incubation tracks; applications are reviewed for fit with food/ag innovation goals.
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Program Engagement: Accepted startups participate in structured support including mentorship with industry experts, networking, curriculum alignment via partner platforms, and peer community.
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Product Development & Validation: Startups undertake product refinement and market feedback with support from The Combine’s insights network and producer community.
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Investor Access & Networking: Entrepreneurs gain office hours with local and regional investors and exposure to ecosystem resources that may support future fundraising.
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Ongoing Ecosystem Participation: Companies maintain access to resources, events, and community partnerships to support longer-term growth beyond initial programming.
What an Applicant can Obtain
✔ Structured accelerator programming tailored to food/ag innovations.
✔ Incubation space (private offices, hot desk memberships) at Nebraska Innovation Campus.
✔ Mentorship and industry expert insights from the Combine’s network.
✔ Access to investor office hours and networking support.
✔ Connections to commercialization partners and community organizations.
✔ Validation and market feedback opportunities with ag producers and peers.
