Nebraska Innovation Studio launching robotics fellowship program

Nebraska Innovation Studio — the makerspace at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln — is launching a groundbreaking program that aims to advance Nebraska’s next robotics builders and inventors.

The NIS Robotics Fellowship Program will select an inaugural class of fellows to launch their idea or project and gain valuable training and guidance through studio staff and a panel of experts who will serve as coaches and mentors.

The program is accepting applications through Dec. 8. Applications require a resume or curriculum vitae, a brief personal statement and a short project description. Finalists will be chosen for in-person interviews, and the program will officially kick off in mid-January and run through May 2025.

Since November 2023, Innovation Studio has offered training for programming and operation of collaborative and welding robots, which are located in the studio. Robotics is a key focus of the new fellowship program, but it is designed to support a wide range of innovative projects related to automation, technology and creative problem-solving.

John Strope, program coordinator for Innovation Studio robotics, is overseeing the program and said it is open to any Nebraskan over the age of 18 — “from experienced pro or a creative maker, to someone who dreams big.”

Ideal fellows will be self-motivated; have a maker mentality, concrete vision, interest or project; and be a strong communicator, adaptable and resilient.

“The NIS Robotics Fellowship is an opportunity to take ideas off the drawing board and into the real world,” Strope said. “We’re connecting builders, creators and innovators with the tools, mentorship and resources to turn their vision into something extraordinary — and helping them tell their story along the way.

“We're aiming to build a talented and competitive pool of people who are all working in the same space, all sharing ideas and all growing together.”

Fellows will receive free membership to the studio for the duration of the fellowship; increased access to the cutting-edge tools and resources at the studio through extended hours, expert advice and guidance from a panel of mentors; laptop and software access; and a $2,500 stipend to purchase supplies to build out an idea or prototype. Fellows will also have access to networking and learning opportunities through various programming. They will be required to attend up to 11 events and classes.

The program is the first of its kind offered by Innovation Studio and is part of the Heartland Robotics Cluster. The cluster was established following a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration in 2022 and is a collaboration of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Nebraska Engineering, Invest Nebraska, the Combine, Nebraska Manufacturing Council, Nebraska Extension, Northeast Community College and Metro Community College to expand training, research and implementation of robotics and grow Nebraska’s economy.

Experts who are serving as program mentors are:

• Kathy Andersen, director of innovation and entrepreneurship at the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development
• Brian Ardinger, director of innovation at Nelnet, founder of NXXT and host of the "InsideOutside" podcast
• Chafik Barbar, founder and CEO of Marble Technologies
• Nate Benes, director of operational tech and engineering for the University of Nebraska system
• Joy Eakin, entrepreneurship program manager for NUtech Ventures
• Santosh Pitla, professor of biological systems engineering and associate head for research and innovation in the College of Engineering
• Nikhil Satyala, assistant professor of practice, School of Computing in the College of Engineering

“I am most excited about the mentor panel we’ve put together,” Strope said. “It is a pool of wisdom for our fellows to draw from whenever they need.”

Innovation Studio plans to offer the program to a new group of fellows each academic semester, but that will depend on future funding.

For more information on the program, frequently asked questions and application information, visit the Nebraska Innovation Studio Robotics Fellowship Program website.