Leaders cut ribbon on Catalyst project, new era of innovation

Leaders cut ribbon on Catalyst project, new era of innovation

• Written by Jeff Robb, UNMC strategic communications Photography by Kent Sievers Published May 30, 2025

The grand opening of the Catalyst building marked a major milestone in the launch of UNMC’s EDGE District, ushering in what leaders called a new era of innovation, collaboration, and economic transformation. Housed in the renovated 1906 Omaha Steel Castings plant, the 170,000-square-foot Catalyst now serves as a hub for researchers, entrepreneurs, and health care innovators to converge and bring discoveries to life. At the ribbon-cutting event, UNMC Interim Chancellor Dr. H. Dele Davies likened the district’s emergence to a modern Renaissance — one that keeps Nebraska-born innovations in-state and fuels long-term growth. Joined by Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, NU President Dr. Jeffrey Gold, and development partners Koelbel & Co. and GreenSlate Development, the celebration highlighted Catalyst’s role as a regional beacon for health science innovation and a launching pad for the next generation of breakthroughs.

Leaders cut ribbon on Catalyst project, new era of innovation | Newsroom | University of Nebraska Medical Center