With a record 222% increase in applications from last year, 18 University of Nebraska–Lincoln students have been selected for the third cohort of the Entrepreneurship Catalysts program. Offered by the university’s Center for Entrepreneurship, the scholarship-based program connects first-year students with the tools, mentors and experiences to grow their entrepreneurial mindset from day one.
Representing four colleges on campus, this year’s Catalysts benefit from expanded yearlong programming, which includes a zero-credit weekly seminar extending into the spring semester. During that time, they get to collaborate with leaders from Nomi Health, a direct healthcare company that partners with employers, governments and other organizations to make care more affordable and accessible, and to develop solutions addressing real-world challenges in the health care industry.
“The Entrepreneurship Catalysts program helps students dive into entrepreneurship from the very beginning of their college careers,” said Mallory Krenk, student engagement and recruitment coordinator in the Center for Entrepreneurship. “We’re partnering with Nomi Health to help them craft solutions and ideas to remain innovative in the health care industry. Catalysts will work directly with Nomi leaders and advance through the entrepreneurial process. Along with this semester-long project, we’ll integrate company tours, conversations with founders and opportunities to further explore and experience the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Nebraska.”
The program's supporters include Kevin and Jolene Vermeer, Matt Tompkins, Allen Dayton, Scott and Colleen Schmidt, and Nomi Health. Participants receive a $1,000 scholarship, exclusive opportunities and access to a network of entrepreneurial peers and professionals.
“This year we’re able to offer more continuity in their learning,” said Lindsay Thomsen, assistant professor of practice in management, who teaches the Catalysts in Introduction to Entrepreneurship (ENTR 121). “The extended program means students can deepen friendships, sharpen their skills and apply what they learn directly through projects with community partners.”
Catalysts meet weekly to explore entrepreneurial tools and techniques with guest speakers and mentors. So far, students have experienced a rapid prototyping workshop led by Entrepreneurship Accelerator student Kenny Morales, founder of FindU and junior in the Raikes School of Computer Science and Management, and a session on personal branding and networking with Tristen Metcalf, '19, director of business strategy at Senior Care Finder.
Karlee Kuklis, a first-year marketing major, said she joined the program to develop her skills and connect with others who share her drive to create and innovate.
“I’m most excited about being surrounded by people who think like me and share the same passion for entrepreneurship," she said. “I want to learn from others, grow my own ideas and gain new perspectives that can help me improve both personally and in my business.”
Selected based on their entrepreneurial potential and passion, regardless of major or prior experience, students collaborate, build friendships and learn from one another while exploring Nebraska’s growing entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Applications for the 2026-27 cohort are open, with priority consideration by Feb. 1 and the final deadline of Apr. 1.
The following first-year students were selected for the 2025-26 cohort. They are listed alphabetically by hometown, with academic major(s).
Nebraska
Elkhorn: Kelly Knutson, business administration
Imperial: Ava McNair, management (entrepreneurship and innovation)
Lincoln: Gianna Urbauer, business administration
McCook: Isabelle Clause, graphic design
Milford: Karlee Kuklis, marketing; Dominick Roth, business administration
Omaha: Roman DiDomenico, management (entrepreneurship and innovation); Alexander Fitch, software engineering; Gus Neary, agribusiness; Jett Smeal, finance; Drew Zealand, business administration; Samuel Spisak, construction management
Roca: Joshua Bornschlegl, business administration
York: Elle Malleck, business administration
Elsewhere
Aurora, Illinois: Jayden Lopez, finance
Wauconda, Illinois: Noelle Dadian, management (entrepreneurship and innovation)
Edina, Minnesota: Wesley Tallman, business administration
Elk River, Minnesota: Kennan Stoll, management (entrepreneurship and innovation)
