NUtech Ventures honors company founded by Gogos, Breuning at Innovator Awards

Agricultural Flaming Innovations, a startup company co-founded by a Nebraska Engineering faculty member and a doctoral alumnus, was honored as the Startup Company of the Year at the 2020 NUtech Ventures Innovator Awards.

The company was founded by George Gogos, professor of mechanical and materials engineering, and Chris Breuning, who received a doctorate in mechanical and materials engineering, anlong with Stevan Knezevic, professor of agronomy and horticulture.

The Startup Company of the Year Award is given to recognize a company, founded by UNL faculty, staff or students, that has made significant progress in becoming a sustainable business.

The Agricultural Flaming Innovations team developed equipment that uses heat for certified organic weed control. When mounted to a tractor, it directs propane-fueled flames at weeds, which then wilt and die – leaving crops unaffected.

The event also recognized inventors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, including many from the College of Engineering, who are listed on U.S. issued patents in fiscal year 2019-2020.