Catalyst: First piece of UNMC's EDGE District development now open

Catalyst Opens as the First Building in UNMC’s EDGE District

UNMC has officially unveiled Catalyst, a 170,000-square-foot innovation hub that marks the first major opening in the new EDGE District west of its main Omaha campus. Housed in a beautifully transformed former steel plant, Catalyst brings together healthcare researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and startups—including UNMC’s own UNeMed and UNeTech—to spark collaboration and commercialization of medical innovations. With approximately 20% occupancy and 18 initial tenants, the public-private venture represents about $97 million in investment, including university and city funding. Featuring coworking space, shared amenities, a coffee shop, and an in-building brewery, Catalyst is designed to fuel “serendipitous collisions” of ideas and usher in economic growth for Omaha and Nebraska. This groundbreaking project sets the stage for further development in the 30-acre EDGE District—planned to include lab facilities, the CORE Building, a parking garage, retail, and more—all interconnected via skywalks and future streetcar access.

Saddle Creek options pose exciting opportunities | Newsroom | University of Nebraska Medical Center