Lincoln Startups Win Five Silicon Prairie Awards

Lincoln Startups Win Five Top Silicon Prairie Awards

Over 300 entrepreneurs, startup enthusiasts and business leaders from across Silicon Prairie gathered at the Omaha Design Center on May 2 for the announcement of the 2017 winners. The Silicon Prairie Award celebration is held to honor companies and individuals for their outstanding products, strong leadership and noteworthy contributions to the community. From hundreds of nominees to 50 finalists, nine winners emerged-five of which were from Lincoln.

Winners from Lincoln include:

• Invest Nebraska, a corporation committed to growing Nebraska's economy by investing capital in companies that have growth potential, took home Investor of the Year.

• Anne Bachmann, founder of Helping Oats, won Student Entrepreneur of the Year. Helping Oats is a local food spot in Nebraska that serves gourmet oatmeal.

• Nelnet received the award for Corporate Innovator of the Year. 

• Ben Pankonin, co-founder of Social Assurance, which is the social media management solution for financial services, was named Executive of the Year.

• Bulu Box, which provides monthly sample box of vitamins and supplements, was awarded Startup of the Year.

Congratulations to all of the winners!