Concordia Nebraska hosts first Nebraska Tech Builders Challenge

Concordia University, Nebraska hosted the first Nebraska Tech Builders Challenge November 1-2, 2024. The event was open to high school and college students and included both seasoned coders as well as those curious about how technology can solve real-world problems. The event was presented in partnership with the Seward Chamber of Commerce, the Seward County Visitors Bureau, Allo and the Center for Rural Innovation.  

The event featured a variety of workshops focused around building a product and marketing that product including a Softr Workshop demonstrating how to build an engaging product with zero coding knowledge, a Ideation & Team Creation Workshop focused on how to brainstorm effectively and find partners for your idea, a Storytelling and Pitching Workshop discussing how best to market a product to investors and potential customers and a Design Mockups Workshop detailing how to design an effective product from simple logo mockups to a full design system. 

“No prior experience was needed to participate in this event. We just asked participants to bring their creativity and enthusiasm,” said Concordia Nebraska Instructor of Computer Sciences and Director of Programming Team Ian Kollipara. “Guests had the opportunity to complete a workshop on building software without programming, learn from experts, and enjoy fun activities like video games and board games. This unique event allowed students to collaborate with fellow students, tackle challenges and even compete for prizes.” 

This unique event allowed students to collaborate with fellow students, tackle challenges and even compete for prizes.

Concordia Nebraska computer science, agriculture and business students competed, including those from the programming team and Uzziah Scholars. The event also attracted students from York College and Seward High School. Concordia Nebraska alumni competed as well. The event’s challenge focused on rural innovation for the benefit of Seward County and beyond. Participants participated in a variety of workshops during the event, including ideation, pitching, wire-framing and no-code building.  

Prizes were awarded to three teams: Sorting Hat for product development, Poo-Poo Kachoo for creative solution, and Herding Helpers for overall best in show. Sorting Hat and Poo-Poo Kachoo were each awarded $25 each in Seward county gift cards, and Herding Helpers received $75 each.  

Following the event many students expressed their enthusiasm and excitement for next year.  

"My [Uzziah Scholars] students were saying they would do this again next semester," said Concordia Nebraska Uzziah Scholars Director Kellie Nelson.  

"This event really opened my eyes to what I can accomplish with computer science," added sophomore David Marin.  

Teams included: 

• Sorting Hat: Aleksa Chambers, Reagan Zierke, Alex Pliefke (Seward High), Caden Korrell - Product Development 

• Poo-Poo- Kachoo: Noah Niederklein, Kailyn Paul, Nathan King, Anna Chen - Creative Solution 

• Herding Helpers: Tytus Woodburn, Aidan Nachi, Abe Gomez, Jenna Muntz - Best in Show 

• Pigs in a Blanket: Calli Korner, Heidi Blank, Andrew Fynaardt, Aaron Cumming  

• Nibble Nibblers: alumni Neal Patron, Faith Brown, Andrew Brandt 

• Full Steam Ahead: Isaac Dawson, Kyle Becker, Noah Leeper 

• The Chefs: Luca Caramihai (York University), Matthew Sanches (York University), PJ Maestas, Lawson Fairchild, David Marin 

• S.O.I.L: Lane Schoff, Brennen Stones, Kaylee Hinton, Matthew Kruse 

The event was funded in part by a grant from the Concordia University, Nebraska Academic Excellence and Innovation Fund. These funds ensured that the event was cost-free for guests. The event featured both fun activities and learning opportunities.  

All full-time university faculty are eligible to apply for grants from the university’s Academic Excellence and Innovation Fund. This fiscal year, $150,000 was set aside to support programs and initiatives like the Nebraska Tech Builders Challenge. 

Concordia Nebraska’s programming team is coached by skilled computer science faculty and connects students with a shared passion for programming and technology. Learn more about the team here, or find out about Concordia’s computer science program here.