Skip to main content

Snapshots: UNO’s OMA x AI Conference Brings AI to All of Omaha

UNO’s OMA x AI Conference brought students, professionals, and community leaders together to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way Omaha learns, works, and innovates.

  • published: 2025/10/09
  • contact: Sam Peshek - Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu

🤖 What Happened:

  • The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) hosted the OMA x AI Conference in partnership with KANEKO.
  • The event was supported by the Greater Omaha Chamber and the City of Omaha.
  • KANEKO transformed into a hub for learning, experimenting, and connecting around artificial intelligence.
  • The conference featured interactive sessions and collaborative discussions focused on real-world applications of AI.
  • Attendees participated in beginner, intermediate, and advanced learning tracks.
  • The event emphasized making AI and technology practice accessible to all skill levels.

💡 Why It Matters: OMA x AI aimed to demystify AI and make it accessible to everyone, from nonprofit leaders to educators, entrepreneurs to students.

  • The event aligned with UNO’s mission to remove barriers: no heavy jargon, no steep learning curves, just usable insights and applied tools.
  • By blending education, innovation, and community, OMA x AI reinforced that Omaha is UNO’s campus.

🔍 Zoom in:

  • UNO and city leaders emphasized workforce development and social mobility by helping attendees connect AI to tangible opportunities
  • AI tracks split by skill level ensured attendees weren’t overwhelmed and could grow at their own pace
  • The agenda included keynote speakers, breakout panels, and networking built into the schedule
  • The student competition added energy and creativity, inviting them to push boundaries and show AI’s potential.
    • 1st Place: Aditi Rai
    • 2nd Place: Jingzian Gin
    • 3rd Place: Narges Shakerian
    • Fan Favorite: Athena Patsalis

🎤 What they said:

Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA: “AI is not a threat — it’s an opportunity. We’re not claiming to know everything about it, but we intend to grow with our community. This is a moment to learn together, to build together, and to put creativity and human connection at the center of innovation.”

Omaha Mayor John Ewing: “Omaha is full of ‘can-do’ people. We’re ready to take chances, to innovate, and to build something great together. Let’s be brave, let’s lay a foundation for future generations, and let’s make Omaha the place to be.”


🧠 What’s Next:

  • UNO continues to expand AI education through a growing catalog of AI microcredentials, designed to help learners upskill and reskill for the future workforce.
  • These flexible, stackable credentials provide training in AI fundamentals, ethics, data analysis, and applied technologies.
  • Open to students, professionals, and community members, UNO’s microcredentials offer a practical entry point into one of today’s fastest-evolving fields.
  • Learn more or enroll on NU Advance
About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

Follow UNO on Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.