News & Events

From project updates and innovation breakthroughs to community highlights and upcoming events, this page is your hub for what’s new and what’s next.


Explore:

  • News – Updates on district progress, innovation, and impact
  • Events – Opportunities to connect, learn, and engage
  • Media – Resources and information for journalists, partners, and media outlets

Stay connected to the stories, milestones, and breakthroughs driving the EDGE District forward. Here, we share the latest news shaping Omaha’s next-generation hub for healthcare innovation - from development updates and new tenant announcements to research achievements, industry partnerships, and community collaborations.


Explore how our people, places, and programs are transforming ideas into impact and building momentum for a healthier, more innovative future.

CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE AND PARTNERSHIPS POWERING HEALTH INNOVATION.

UNMC honored for its revitalization work at EDGE District


October 2025


UNMC has received the Neighborhood Revitalization Award from Omaha By Design for work on the EDGE District.


UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, took the stage at Omaha By Design’s Laurels Awards ceremony on Oct. 30 to thank the organization for the honor, which recognizes an individual, group, organization or business that has worked to preserve or enhance a neighborhood.


“This is not an individual award,” Dr. Davies told the audience after thanking Omaha By Design. “This is a manifestation of a partnership between UNMC, GreenSlate Development, Koelbel and Co. and the City of Omaha.


“We have been working together to envision a district, comprised of a 30-acre parcel of land, that will help to revitalize not just downtown Omaha but will create an ecosystem where entrepreneurs, inventors, angel and later stage investors and other community partners come together to create startup companies that focus on health care and related products.”


He said: “In addition, the district will be a vibrant place for Omahans to live, dine and work. That is not something that can be done alone. And it is something we see transforming Omaha.”


Dr. Davies was joined onstage by Michael Dixon, PhD, CEO of UNeMed, the technology transfer arm of UNMC and the University of Nebraska at Omaha; and Amy Thompson, UNMC director of campus development.


Omaha By Design’s mission is to contribute to a thriving metro by convening, engaging, educating and advocating for excellence in people-centered urban design and policy.


EDGE DISTRICT NEWS

Whether you’re a partner, tenant, neighbor, or innovator, or simply a supporter, we embrace you! 


Our news hub is your go-to source for the latest developments shaping one of the Midwest’s leading health innovation districts.

Three people walk down a hallway. A woman in pink pants talks, smiles. A man and woman smile, look on. Artwork hangs.
August 15, 2025
Setting a New Standard in Cancer Care - Right Here in Omaha
Three people stand in front of a Nebraska Medicine backdrop. Two women and a man pose near a table.
August 5, 2025
A Nebraska Medicine patient becomes first in the world to receive new MS treatment By Kassidy Arena , Senior Reporter Nebraska Public Media News Aug. 5, 2025, 1:54 p.m. · 3 min read
Nebraska Medical Center advertisement:
July 31, 2025
U.S. News again ranks Nebraska Medical Center No. 1 Written by Joe Evans, Nebraska Medicine Published Jul 31, 2025
An orange bus drives on a city street with skyscrapers and construction crane in the background on a sunny day.
July 31, 2025
Omaha and Lincoln continue trend of topping national rankings for modern workforce needs Ben Goeser July 31, 2025
Two men in suits examining a medical simulation mannequin in a hospital room.
July 16, 2025
We were honored to welcome City of Omaha Mayor John Ewing, Jr. to Catalyst Omaha in the EDGE District for a behind-the-scenes look at the innovation taking shape in Omaha’s urban core.
Man in blazer speaks at a podium, gesturing with his right hand, with an audience in front.
May 30, 2025
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
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MEDIA CENTER

Discover the facts, figures, and materials you need to share the story of the EDGE District. This hub is designed for journalists, partners, and media outlets, providing access to press releases, brand assets, leadership contacts, and coverage highlights.


Whether you’re reporting on new development, spotlighting innovation, or exploring Omaha’s growing health sciences ecosystem, the Media Center is your one-stop source for EDGE District information.


For media inquiries - Contact John Keenan, UNMC Strategic Communications at 402-690-8107, john.keenan@unmc.edu.

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. 

Events

What’s happening around the district and beyond


Stay connected to the people, programs, and ideas shaping the EDGE District. Our calendar features upcoming events hosted in the district as well as community programming from our partners across the innovation ecosystem


From entrepreneurial workshops and innovation showcases to networking events, community festivals, and public lectures—this is your go-to hub for what’s happening in and around the EDGE.


Check back often—new events are added regularly.

At the EDGE District, events are how our mission comes to life. Guided by our Strategic Plan, programming is built around three pillars:

Community-Based Programming –

Not just social gatherings like art in the park or food truck Fridays, but also mission-driven initiatives such as CPR training and citizen science programs that connect health innovation to everyday life.


Entrepreneurial Education – Workshops, cohorts, incubators, and accelerators (Oh My!) that equip founders and startups to grow their ideas into thriving ventures.

Workforce Development –

Training and upskilling programs tailored to the evolving needs of our industry and region, preparing talent for the future of health and life sciences.


These events are the heartbeat of the EDGE, bringing together innovators, neighbors, and partners to build a stronger ecosystem.


Alongside our own district programming, we’re proud to highlight regional events hosted by our collaborators — from industry-agnostic pitch nights and innovation showcases to cultural festivals and community forums—that expand opportunities to connect and collaborate across the broader innovation landscape.


Check back often. New events are added regularly.

Event Calendar

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