We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dillon De Rozairo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dillon below.
Dillon, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found my purpose through a combination of personal experiences, challenges, and a passion for making an impact. As a first-time startup founder, I experienced firsthand the hurdles entrepreneurs face, from taking an idea through product development. That journey, along with my involvement in Omaha’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, showed me the importance of providing the right resources, mentorship, and opportunities to early-stage founders.
At the same time, my background as a semi-recent college graduate helped me relate to the struggles students and young professionals face when trying to gain real-world experience. Through Nebraska Innovation Labs, I get to bridge the gap between aspiring developers and startups, ensuring both sides benefit—startups get affordable, high-quality development, and junior developers get hands-on learning opportunities that propel their careers.
Ultimately, my purpose became clear through action—by engaging with startups, students, and the broader business community, I realized my passion lies in workforce and economic development, helping others succeed while driving innovation forward.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am the Chief Operating Officer at Nebraska Innovation Labs, which is a nonprofit focused on solving major gaps in the startup and workforce development ecosystem.
At Nebraska Innovation Labs, we help startup founders and entrepreneurs turn their ideas into market-ready software products. What makes us unique is our dual mission: we provide affordable, high-quality development for startups while also offering an unparalleled learning experience for junior developers. By pairing junior talent—students or recent graduates—with experienced senior developers, we create a win-win situation where startups get the technical support they need, and young professionals gain hands-on experience that accelerates their careers.
What excites me most about my work is the impact—helping startups bring their visions to life while also shaping the future of tech talent in Nebraska. We’re currently expanding our network with partnering organizations, creating more opportunities for startups and junior developers alike. If you’re a founder, aspiring developer (Both senior or junior), or partnering organization that works with startups, I’d love to connect and explore how we can work together.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three most impactful qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge in my journey have been dedication, strategic thinking, and networking. Dedication has been crucial in helping me stay committed to my goals, especially during the inevitable challenges and setbacks of building startups. Staying focused on the bigger picture and maintaining persistence through difficult times has been essential. For those starting out, I recommend cultivating a strong sense of purpose and resilience. Understanding why you’re pursuing your goals will help keep you motivated when things get tough. Strategic thinking has also played a major role in my success, as the ability to balance short-term needs with long-term vision has guided my decision-making. For early-stage entrepreneurs, it’s vital to develop the habit of stepping back and evaluating how each decision aligns with long-term goals. Finally, networking has been key in expanding opportunities, sharing resources, and learning from others in the community. Building relationships has provided me with invaluable mentorship and partnerships. For those just starting, I advise prioritizing networking early on. Attend events, connect with others, and always look for ways to offer value in return. Dedication, strategic thinking, and networking are all foundational, and by focusing on them from the start, you can lay a strong foundation for future success.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, at Nebraska Innovation Labs, we’re always looking to collaborate with a variety of individuals and organizations that are passionate about supporting innovation and workforce development. Specifically, we’re looking to partner with startup founders, entrepreneurs, and business owners who have ideas in the software/app space and are seeking affordable, high-quality development support. We’re also eager to connect with donors who want to support workforce development and economic opportunity in the region. Additionally, we’re looking for junior software developers who are eager to gain real, hands-on experience while learning and growing in the field, as well as senior software developers who are interested in making extra income while mentoring the next generation of tech talent. Lastly, we’re open to collaborating with partnering organizations that work with startups at any stage, especially those who are focused on providing resources and support to help early-stage businesses succeed. If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out to me directly through LinkedIn (Dillon De Rozairo), email ([email protected]), or phone (+1 (402) 206-8820)—I’d love to connect and explore how we can work together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.neinnovationlabs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nebraskainnovationlabs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nebraskainnovationlabs
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dillonderozairo/
- Twitter: https://x.com/neinnovationlab
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nebraskainnovationlabs
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nebraska-innovation-labs-omaha



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