About

Born from a vision to unite healthcare, academia, research, industry and the greater community, the EDGE District is designed to spark breakthrough ideas and drive economic growth through research, real estate, partnerships, and collaborative programming.


We're building a nationally recognized destination for health science research, entrepreneurship, and commercialization - where startups, scaleups, and global leaders come together to solve healthcare’s biggest challenges.

The EDGE District is a

30-acre HEALTH-FOCUSED innovation hub

in the heart of Omaha, anchored by the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).

E

EXPLORE

Encourages curiosity and the pursuit of new ideas.  Provides a platform for professionals to explore cutting edge technologies and methodologies.

D

DEVELOP

Facilitates the development of groundbreaking solutions. Connects researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to foster innovation.

G

GROW

Supports the growth of businesses and individuals. Offers resources, mentorship, and opportunities for scaling up.

E

ENGAGE

Promotes active participation and collaboration. Provides a space for meaningful interaction and shared learning experiences.

About Our Leadership

The success of the district's strategic plan is rooted in the dedication, expertise, and collaborative ethos of its leadership team. This dynamic ensemble comprises visionary leaders, subject matter experts, and catalysts for change from the institution, partner organizations, and the broader community. They form the backbone of the EDGE District's operational framework, united in their commitment to collaboration, strategic foresight, and sustainable growth.

Executive Leadership

As the driving force behind the district's development and implementation, the leadership team actively shapes the EDGE District's evolving vision and implementation strategy. Their combined efforts guide its development into one of the fastest-growing urban innovation districts anchored by an Academic Medical Center in the U.S.

Smiling man in a suit, red tie, and pocket square, in front of a striped pillar outdoors.

Dr. Dele Davies

Interim Chancellor, University of Nebraska Medical Center


Dr. Davies provides overall leadership and strategic direction for UNMC, ensuring the EDGE District aligns with the institution’s academic, clinical, and research missions. His guidance anchors the district’s role as both a university and community asset with global impact.
Woman with blonde hair wearing a red top and black blazer, smiling in an office setting.

Anne Barnes

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, University of Nebraska System


Anne oversees the financial stewardship of the University of Nebraska System and UNMC. For the EDGE District, she ensures that investments, partnerships, and development strategies are sustainable, fiscally sound, and designed to deliver long-term value for the university and community.
Woman with brown hair smiles, wearing a black blazer, teal top, and necklace. Blurred background.

Jen Bartholomew

Associate Vice Chancellor, UNMC & Vice President, Nebraska Medicine


Jen leads Integrated Services, overseeing facilities management, planning, and capital projects across the enterprise. Within the EDGE District, she plays a pivotal role in translating the needs of the clinical, research, and academic missions into facilities and real estate strategies, ensuring district initiatives strengthen patient care, academic medicine, and innovation.
Woman with blonde hair wearing a maroon blazer smiles at the camera in front of a blurred background.

Amy Thompson

Director of Campus Development, UNMC & Nebraska Medicine


Amy leads strategy and business development for the district, aligning the visions of internal stakeholders in academia, clinical care, and research with external partners from industry, the broader university system and the community. She drives strategic partnerships, advances the district’s growth vision, and guides real estate strategy & mission-driven programming.
Smiling man with graying hair in a white shirt, office setting.

Ryan Lawson

Manager, Properties & Real Estate, UNMC & Nebraska Medicine


Ryan manages the university and health system’s real estate portfolio, including leasing, acquisitions, and property management. Within the EDGE District, he leads leasing execution and real estate operations, ensuring projects meet tenant needs and drive long-term success.

Executive Leadership

As the driving force behind the district's development and implementation, the leadership team actively shapes the EDGE District's evolving vision and implementation strategy. Their combined efforts guide its development into one of the fastest-growing urban innovation districts anchored by an Academic Medical Center in the U.S.

Smiling man in a suit, red tie, and pocket square, in front of a striped pillar outdoors.

Dr. Dele Davies

Interim Chancellor, University of Nebraska Medical Center


Dr. Davies provides overall leadership and strategic direction for UNMC, ensuring the EDGE District aligns with the institution’s academic, clinical, and research missions. His guidance anchors the district’s role as both a university and community asset with global impact.

Woman with blonde hair wearing a red top and black blazer, smiling in an office setting.

Anne Barnes

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, University of Nebraska System


Anne oversees the financial stewardship of the University of Nebraska System and UNMC. For the EDGE District, she ensures that investments, partnerships, and development strategies are sustainable, fiscally sound, and designed to deliver long-term value for the university and community.

Woman with brown hair smiles, wearing a black blazer, teal top, and necklace. Blurred background.

Jen Bartholomew

Associate Vice Chancellor, UNMC & Vice President, Nebraska Medicine


Jen leads Integrated Services, overseeing facilities management, planning, and capital projects across the enterprise. Within the EDGE District, she plays a pivotal role in translating the needs of the clinical, research, and academic missions into facilities and real estate strategies, ensuring district initiatives strengthen patient care, academic medicine, and innovation.

Woman with blonde hair wearing a maroon blazer smiles at the camera in front of a blurred background.

Amy Thompson

Director of Campus Development, UNMC & Nebraska Medicine


Amy leads strategy and business development for the district, aligning the visions of internal stakeholders in academia, clinical care, and research with external partners from industry, the broader university system and the community. She drives strategic partnerships, advances the district’s growth vision, and guides real estate strategy & mission-driven programming.

Smiling man with graying hair in a white shirt, office setting.

Ryan Lawson

Manager, Properties & Real Estate, UNMC & Nebraska Medicine


Ryan manages the university and health system’s real estate portfolio, including leasing, acquisitions, and property management. Within the EDGE District, he leads leasing execution and real estate operations, ensuring projects meet tenant needs and drive long-term success.

INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION

Key institutional departments, including the technology transfer office (UNeMed), the research enterprise, business development and regulatory teams, and support services like legal counsel and finance and administration play pivotal roles in supporting early-stage startups, managing intellectual property, and identifying right-fit commercialization and strategic partnership opportunities.

Advisory Council

The EDGE District is forming a diverse Advisory Council made up of leaders from industry, healthcare, academia, government, and the community to provide strategic oversight and high-level guidance on the district’s mission, operations, and long-term development.

Industry Specific Committees

In addition, the EDGE District is establishing sector-specific committees in biosciences and health technology. Composed of subject-matter experts, corporate leaders, researchers, and policymakers, these boards will provide industry insights to guide commercialization, partnerships, and programming that accelerate economic impact.

About Our PARTNERS

The EDGE District thrives through a powerful network of ecosystem partners who bring research, capital, talent, and infrastructure to life.


From universities and investors to industry leaders and civic organizations, these collaborators strengthen Nebraska’s innovation economy and help transform bold ideas into healthcare solutions with global impact.


UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER

Aerial view of a city with tall buildings, some reddish-brown and others glass-fronted, on a sunny day.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is a globally recognized academic medical center advancing healthcare through education, research, and patient care. It provides a robust ecosystem for life science innovation and economic growth in Nebraska.

  • UNMC's MISSION

    UNMC’s mission is to lead the world in transforming lives through premier education, innovative research, and extraordinary patient care.

  • RESEARCH & INNOVATION

    UNMC is home to globally recognized institutes and centers driving breakthroughs in cancer, transplantation, infectious disease, biodefense, neuroscience, drug discovery, simulation training, and more. Highlights include:


  • COMMERCIALIZATION & SUPPORT

    UNMC translates discovery into impact through:

    • UNeMed – Technology transfer and venture development (300+ licenses, numerous startups).
    • UNeTech Institute – University-based startup venture studio and incubator.
    • UNeHealth – Clinical trial contracting and industry research bridge.
    • ND³P – Pipeline advancing new drugs from discovery through IND studies.

  • GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS

    UNMC maintains deep ties with federal agencies (NIH, CDC, DoD, BARDA, NSF) as well as global industry partners in healthcare, life sciences and HealthTech.

  • ACCESS & INTEGRATION

    UNMC offers direct pathways for clinical trials, translational research, and patient-centered innovation. 


    With top-tier talent, specialized infrastructure, and purpose-built spaces, UNMC provides an ideal platform for biotech growth and collaboration.

UNEMED

Audience in a conference room listening to a presenter, with art on the walls.

UNeMed is the technology commercialization arm for UNMC and UNO, transforming innovative research into real-world impact. When a new discovery or scientific breakthrough occurs, UNeMed bridges the gap between academia and industry, advancing technologies with the potential to improve healthcare and make the world a better place.

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA SYSTEM

Audience in a conference room listening to a presenter, with art on the walls.

The University of Nebraska System is the statewide engine fueling talent, research, and entrepreneurship across four primary academic campuses. Together, they educate nearly 50,000 students, drive groundbreaking discoveries, and launch ventures that strengthen Nebraska’s economy and workforce.


The EDGE District sits at the heart of this statewide innovation network, directly adjacent to the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s main campus and within minutes of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s main and Aksarben Village campuses. This proximity connects EDGE to UNO’s nationally recognized strengths in cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, biomechanics, and workforce development - creating seamless pathways from classroom to commercialization. It also links to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s powerful research enterprise in engineering, agriculture, and life sciences, and to the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s focus on rural innovation and talent pipelines, extending the reach of EDGE across the entire state.


Together, this statewide network fuels a powerful pipeline of ideas, talent, and technologies, amplifying the EDGE District’s mission to link education, discovery, and industry to drive breakthroughs, grow startups, and shape the future of life sciences in Nebraska.

CITY OF OMAHA

Aerial view of Omaha, Nebraska skyline with fountain in foreground and blue sky.

Omaha, Nebraska is the state’s largest city and a hub of Midwestern culture, commerce, and community. Anchored by finance, healthcare, and technology, Omaha’s diverse economy fuels growth, innovation, and opportunity.


The city’s Urban Core Strategic Plan, led by the Greater Omaha Chamber, envisions 30,000 new jobs and residents in the core over the next two decades. A central feature is a fare-free modern streetcar running along Farnam Street from 10th Street to UNMC, with 13 stops and 10-minute peak service.


Major projects - including the Riverfront redevelopment, Mutual of Omaha’s headquarters, UNMC’s Project NExT, and the redevelopment of the former Civic Auditorium site - are catalyzing transformation across the urban core. With planning complete, the Chamber’s Urban Core Committee is now focused on implementation, marking a new chapter in Omaha’s growth.


CATALYST OMAHA

Rendering of a modern building with a light-colored facade, pedestrians, and surrounding landscape on a cloudy day.

Catalyst is the EDGE District’s first anchor development - a 170,000-SF mixed-use hub featuring office, retail, restaurant, and event space designed to spark collaboration and community.


Home to Big Grove Brewery & Coffee Co., the Forge Event Center, and flexible workspaces, Catalyst blends modern amenities with historic character to create a vibrant destination where innovation, business, and culture intersect.

ADDITIONAL PARTNERS

Logo for UNetech Institute: Black text on white with a red graphic of a circle and "T".

UNETECH INSTITUTE:

Launches startups by pairing entrepreneurs with university IP, attracting investment, and building Omaha’s innovation ecosystem.

unetech.org
Logo of Bio Nebraska. Features a stylized "BN" with red, gray, green, and blue. Text below says "Bio Nebraska".

BIO NEBRASKA:

The statewide biosciences trade association, advocating for growth, workforce development, and industry connectivity.

bionebraska.org
Two stylized, intertwined "N" letters in a square, with a green to teal gradient.

INVEST NEBRASKA:

A venture development organization fueling Nebraska’s startups with capital, accelerator programs, and business support.

investnebraska.com
Greater Omaha Chamber logo with a circular design and the words "Greater Omaha Chamber."

GREATER OMAHA CHAMBER:

Our partnership strengthens our shared commitment to driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and community growth in Omaha.

omahachamber.org

VENDOR PARTNERS:

Trusted providers of services, tools, and expertise that keep the district’s spaces and programs running seamlessly.

OUR TENANTS:

Startups, companies, and service providers that bring energy, expertise, and momentum to the EDGE community.

BIG GROVE BREWERY - OMAHA TAPROOM:

Bringing its award-winning craft beer and chef-driven menu to Omaha, offering a vibrant brew pub and restaurant experience for visitors and the community alike.

biggrove.com

BIG GROVE COFFEE COMPANY:

Nestled inside Catalyst’s atrium, Big Grove Coffee Co serves locally roasted coffee and fresh fare, creating a comfortable gathering place for campus, community, and visitors alike.

biggrove.com

NEBRASKA INNOVATION CAMPUS:

NIC (Lincoln, NE) connects the research power of the UNL with private sector partners to create new opportunities for discovery, growth, and collaboration.

innovate.unl.edu

UNIVERSITY VILLAGE:

Designed to spark innovation and entrepreneurial activity, University Village provides a dynamic environment where students, businesses, and the community come together on UNK's campus (Kearney, NE).

unk.edu/uvillage

RATHSKELLER BIER HAUS:

Rathskellar Bier Haus offers imported and craft beers, a menu inspired by European traditions, and a welcoming setting for community connection.

rathskellerbierhaus.com

NSRI:

As one of only 15 U.S. DOD-designated University Affiliated Research Centers - and the only one focused on medical research - NSRI helps connect cutting-edge research with innovation to protect and prepare our nation.


nsri.nebraska.edu

iEXCEL:

UNMC’s iEXCEL offers external organizations access to high-fidelity simulation, visualization, and experiential learning environments while jointly advancing research on human performance in health care. 

unmc.edu/iexcel

SCOTT DATA:

A high-performance computing and data center resource bringing advanced digital infrastructure and secure, scalable capabilities to Nebraska’s research and industry community.

Button

UNETECH INSTITUTE:

Launches startups by pairing entrepreneurs with university IP, attracting investment, and building Omaha’s innovation ecosystem.

unetech.org

BIO NEBRASKA:

The statewide biosciences trade association, advocating for growth, workforce development, and industry connectivity.

bionebraska.org

INVEST NEBRASKA:

A venture development organization fueling Nebraska’s startups with capital, accelerator programs, and business support.

investnebraska.com
Audience seated, listening in a sunlit room with large windows. People of various ethnicities and ages.

Cause Areas

At the EDGE District, we’re not just developing real estate—we’re building a movement. Our work is guided by core cause areas that bring together research, industry, entrepreneurs, and the community to create meaningful impact. 


From advancing health innovation to revitalizing urban spaces, these focus areas define how we drive progress and ensure the district delivers lasting value for Omaha and beyond.

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LET'S COLLABORATE


Ways to get involved:

  • Collaborate on Research:  Partner with UNMC experts on studies, pilots, and translational technologies.
  • Invest & Mentor: Connect with startups, provide capital, or guide founders through growth stages.
  • Support & Supply:  Join as a trusted vendor, service provider, or supplier to innovation-driven businesses.
  • Sponsor & Promote: Gain visibility through events, programs, and preferred vendor opportunities.


Two women sitting on a wooden bench in front of a green moss wall.