When it comes to AI adoption, Nebraska isn’t just keeping up — we’re leading.
According to recent data, Nebraska ranks #2 in the entire nation for AI adoption, right behind Virginia (source Imagine AI and Open AI). That’s right: the Silicon Prairie is making waves in a tech race often dominated by the coasts.

So… why is Nebraska jumping in so fast? And how exactly are we using AI?

Why Nebraska Is Surging in AI Adoption

Nebraska has always had a get-it-done work ethic. We’re practical. We’re resourceful. And when a tool comes along that can save time, cut costs, and open new opportunities — we don’t wait for someone else to figure it out first.

AI isn’t just for Silicon Valley developers or Fortune 500s. Here, it’s being put to work in real businesses, real classrooms, and real communities.

How Nebraskans Are Using AI

Across the state, AI is quietly becoming part of everyday work — from Omaha startups to family farms. Here are some ways it’s showing up:

• In Agriculture: Farmers are using AI-powered crop monitoring, soil analysis, and weather prediction tools to make smarter planting decisions and reduce waste. At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, researchers are developing digital twin models like CropTwin, which simulate real-time crop growth and irrigation scenarios to help farmers save water and boost yields. Another UNL team is building the first digital twin of a corn field, allowing them to test planting strategies and resilience virtually, cutting years off traditional trial cycles.

• In Education: Teachers are using AI to create customized lesson plans, give faster feedback, and introduce digital skills earlier. At the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the AI Learning Lab is training faculty to responsibly integrate AI into their courses—covering everything from creating interactive assignments to using AI for grading support. UNO’s AI-CCORE (Artificial Intelligence Center for Collaborative Outreach, Research & Education) also partners with K–12 schools, offering workshops and micro-credentials that help educators bring AI concepts into classrooms, including agricultural science programs.

• In Healthcare: Clinics are speeding up paperwork with AI transcription, improving patient care with predictive health tools, and using AI chatbots to answer common patient questions.

• In Small Businesses: Owners are automating social media posts, generating marketing copy, streamlining inventory management, and turning raw data into actionable insights.

• In Corporate Teams: Employees are using AI to summarize reports, draft proposals, analyze sales data, and make meetings more productive.

It’s not about replacing people, it’s about freeing up people to do the work that matters most.

The Skills Gap Is Real

While Nebraska’s adoption rate is high, there’s still a big gap between using AI casually and using it strategically. That’s where we come in.

At Nebrask.AI, we’re on a mission to make Nebraska the most AI-literate, AI-empowered state in the Midwest. Whether you’re running a business, leading a team, or just want to make sure your skills stay relevant, now’s the time to learn how to use AI in ways that actually move the needle.

Nebraska’s Moment Is Now

Being #2 in adoption is exciting, but it’s just the start.
If we keep building our skills, Nebraska could become a national leader in how AI is used: with practicality, creativity, and a focus on solving real problems.

And that’s a race worth winning.