UNL Partners in RuralSTAMINA to Boost Rural Innovation

By Scout Nelson

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) is a key partner in RuralSTAMINA, a regional initiative led by Iowa State University to strengthen the bioeconomy and support economic growth across rural Nebraska and Iowa. The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded the project $15 million for its first two years, with the possibility of receiving up to $160 million over the next decade.

RuralSTAMINA, short for Ascending Rural Communities through Sustainable, Transformative, Advanced Manufacturing INnovations and Alliances, brings together about 70 public and private organizations. Nebraska partners include UNL, Southeast Community College, Northeast Community College, Metropolitan Community College, and Invest Nebraska.

The initiative is funded through the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program, which supports regional innovation ecosystems that can drive technological advancement and economic development. The Nebraska-Iowa partnership is one of 12 projects selected in the program’s second cohort.

A primary goal of RuralSTAMINA is to expand the region’s bioeconomy through biomass conversion, biomanufacturing, and the development of value-added agricultural products. Leaders believe the project can help Nebraska and Iowa capitalize on growth opportunities in the rapidly expanding global bioeconomy.

Nebraska biochemistry professor Nicole Buan noted that the worldwide bioeconomy is currently worth about $4 trillion and could reach $10 trillion within the next decade. The initiative aims to position both states as leaders in this emerging sector by connecting research institutions, industry, government, and investors.

Workforce development is another major focus of the project. Partnerships involving K-12 schools, tribal colleges, community colleges, universities, and industry organizations will help prepare students and workers for careers in the bioeconomy.

The effort will create educational pathways that support workforce training while helping employers meet future talent needs. Leaders also believe a skilled workforce will attract additional business investment to the region.

Government officials, university leaders, and industry partners view RuralSTAMINA as a significant opportunity to strengthen rural economies. By combining innovation, research, workforce development, and industry collaboration, the initiative aims to create long-term economic benefits for Nebraska, Iowa, and the broader agricultural sector.

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