ABOUT THE EDGE DISTRICT
Anchored by UNMC, the EDGE District is transforming underutilized industrial land into a vibrant, mixed-use ecosystem where academic resources, industry partners, and entrepreneurs converge to solve the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges. This overview outlines the district’s mission to cultivate innovation, collaboration, and economic growth through intentional place-based development — connecting academia, healthcare, and industry to advance discovery and improve lives.
CATALYST, CORE AND AMENITIES
The EDGE District’s Phase I developments — Catalyst and CORE — set the stage for a globally connected innovation community. Catalyst reimagines a historic steel mill into a hub for business and community engagement, while CORE (Center of Research Excellence) accelerates life sciences discovery with flexible lab and office spaces. This document highlights anchor institutions, amenities, infrastructure, and future opportunities that unite research, business, and lifestyle within a walkable urban campus.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE
Meet the interdisciplinary leadership team driving the EDGE District’s strategic vision. From UNMC and Nebraska Medicine’s top executives to key operational leads, this piece introduces the people guiding the district’s growth, partnerships, and mission-driven development. It also outlines emerging advisory and industry committees that ensure the district’s direction remains inclusive, innovative, and aligned with Nebraska’s economic development goals.
UNDERSTANDING THE EDGE DISTRICT
Get answers to the most common questions about the EDGE District - from ownership and governance to future development and community access. This FAQ explains how UNMC leads the district through strategic public-private partnerships, the purpose of facilities like Catalyst and CORE, and how the district supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and public engagement within Omaha’s urban core.
EXPLORE THE EDGE DISTRICT
This illustrated map provides a detailed look at the EDGE District’s layout, including key destinations such as Catalyst, CORE, and Innovation Plaza, as well as nearby connections to UNO, Blackstone, and Downtown Omaha. It highlights pedestrian routes, parking structures, bike racks, and development sites - showing how the district’s design promotes walkability, connectivity, and accessibility within Omaha’s innovation corridor.
EDGE DISTRICT BY THE NUMBERS
The EDGE District's phase I development projects represent over $350 million in investment, with more than 1,500 projected new jobs and 30 acres of developable urban land anchored by UNMC. This factsheet captures the scale, momentum, and impact of Omaha’s emerging health innovation district - a community built for collaboration, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.
FROM PROJECTIONS TO PRACTICE
The EDGE District is more than a development project - it is a growing innovation ecosystem powered by entrepreneurs, researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and strategic partners turning ideas into real-world impact.
The EDGE IN ACTION campaign is designed to bring that story to life by showcasing the people and organizations already advancing healthcare innovation, commercialization, and economic momentum across the district.
The EDGE District is more than a development project - it is a growing ecosystem where entrepreneurs, researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and institutions come together to solve real-world challenges.
Through EDGE In Action, we’re spotlighting innovators already creating impact today while helping shape tomorrow’s economy.
Download the campaign brief and see how innovators in the EDGE District are helping drive projected jobs, investment, and economic growth.
PROJECTED ECONOMIC IMPACT & OPPORTUNITY
The EDGE District is a 30-acre innovation district adjacent to UNMC designed to connect research, healthcare, entrepreneurs, and industry in one collaborative environment where ideas can grow into companies, partnerships, and real-world impact.
At full buildout, independent projections estimate EDGE could support 6,811 jobs and generate $1.385 billion in annual economic impact, in addition to $1.2 billion in one-time construction impact.
