Lincoln's reverse pitch competition returns with real challenges from FNBO, Olsson and LPED, with cash prizes and partner services for winning solutions

The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development (LPED) is thrilled to announce details about the upcoming 2026 JumpStart Challenge, a two-week reverse pitch competition that flips the usual startup contest. Instead of founders bringing an idea, established Nebraska organizations bring real problems, and founders, builders and entrepreneurs compete to solve them.

The challenge kicks off with a virtual webinar on Monday, November 2 from 12 - 1 p.m., where sponsors will present the problems they want solved. Participants then have two weeks to build a solution before pitching to a panel of judges on November 16.

"The best startups begin with a customer who already has the problem," says Abby Bartholomew, Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at LPED. "JumpStart puts founders in the room with that customer from day one. You're not guessing whether someone will pay attention—they asked for you.”

The challenge is open to current and aspiring founders, builders and anyone with an innovative mindset. Participants may enter solo or as a team. No prior company or experience is required.

How it works
•    The Problem — November 2, 12 – 1 p.m. (virtual): Meet the 2026 sponsors and hear their challenges. A recording will be shared with registrants who can't attend live.
•    The Build — November 3–15: Pick a challenge and develop a prototype or solution. On November 7, participants can join a midpoint work session at Don't Panic Labs for dedicated space, time, and mentorship.
o    Workshop — November 7, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (in person, optional): Join us at Don’t Panic Labs for in person sessions, work time, and mentorship. 
•    The Pitch — November 16, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Don't Panic Labs: Each founder or team has three minutes to present to a panel of judges.
•    The Launch Party — November 16, 6 – 9 p.m.: Winners are announced at a free celebration with food, drinks (21+) and swag.

Prizes
Each winning founder or team receives a prize package that includes $2,500 cash for corporate problems or $1,000 for the ecosystem problem, a guaranteed spot at Startup Weekend 2027, three or more meetings with the sponsoring organization, consultations with NUTech Ventures and Don't Panic Labs and a logo design from Secret Penguin.

A track record of new Lincoln companies
Since 2013, JumpStart has connected organizations that have real challenges with the talent to tackle them. The program has directly spurred the creation of at least seven companies, including Nobl Health, Social Assurance, FanWord, SheMate, LiveBy, Prepare Insurance and Ocuvera. Three of those companies — Nobl Health, LiveBy and Prepare Insurance — have since exited.

The 2026 JumpStart Challenge is sponsored by FNBO, Olsson, Don't Panic Labs, LPED, Open Range, NUtech Ventures, and Secret Penguin. Details and registration are at startuplnk.com/jumpstart-challenge.

Part of 2026 Startup Week
JumpStart also leads directly into Startup Week, a statewide celebration of startups and entrepreneurship led by Open Range, held November 16-21. JumpStart pitches take place the day Startup Week begins, and challenge winners will be announced that evening at the Startup Week Launch Party in Ashland.

Startup Week is open to anyone curious about the state's startup community; the full calendar is at openrange.org/suwk.

About StartupLNK
StartupLNK is Lincoln's hub for founders and entrepreneurs, connecting people to funding, programs, events and resources at every stage. It is an initiative of the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development. Learn more at startuplnk.com.