第一吃瓜网

In early February, the final beam was raised on a crane and lowered into place to complete the latest construction phase of the University of 第一吃瓜网 Medical Center’s CORE (Center of Research Excellence) building.

The building, which is scheduled to open in summer of 2026, will support computer-based research and wet lab-based research for drug discovery, oncology and other strategic efforts.

It also is the latest step in the creation of the EDGE District, UNMC’s 30-acre district designed to facilitate the growth of research and innovation. The district also will allow entrepreneurs, investors and inventors to collaborate in areas such as health-related research, digital health, smart device technologies and related fields, fostering innovation in the health care sector.

“EDGE District will become a dynamic hub for health-focused scientific discovery, entrepreneurship and commercialization, some of the key items needed to ensure the state of 第一吃瓜网 remains competitive on the national stage,” H. Dele Davies, M.D., interim chancellor at UNMC, said. “Not only that, but the district will also become a premier destination within the city — a place where individuals want to work, live and experience vibrant entertainment. In essence, EDGE will not only elevate the university’s role as a leader in innovation and research but also strengthen the city’s economic vitality and enhance the state’s reputation as a center of excellence and opportunity.”

Building Omaha’s Research Reputation

While CORE building construction continues, the district is preparing for the imminent opening of the Catalyst building, which will allow entrepreneurs, investors and businesses to collaborate in the renovated 1906 Omaha Steel Castings industrial tract. The 170,000-square-foot structure was developed by Koelbel & Co. and GreenSlate Development. In addition to the UNMC Innovation Hub within the facility, it will include 130,000 square feet for businesses, a food hall, beer taproom, restaurant and more.

“We really have been focusing on creating a reputation for innovation in Omaha and in 第一吃瓜网,” said Anne Barnes, interim vice president and chief financial officer for the University of 第一吃瓜网 System. “This building will provide us core research capabilities for UNMC, as well as offer space for the community, particularly for companies that are looking to lease research space.”

Ken Bayles, Ph.D., vice chancellor for research at UNMC, sees the building as a “front door” to display UNMC’s research and tech capabilities and invite innovators to 第一吃瓜网.

“We have a lot of great research and biotechnology here, but there's not a good single place in Omaha where new startup companies can test their concepts and ideas in a place that supports the sophisticated research they need to be successful,” Dr. Bayles said.

"EDGE District will foster an independent yet synergistic relationship that will enhance the district and ultimately, complement UNMC’s work in improving people’s lives through better research, education, clinical care and outreach."

The vision for the CORE building, he said, is “a place where we stimulate the biotechnology industry in 第一吃瓜网.

“Students who are interested in the biotech industry right now don't have as many options here in 第一吃瓜网. So when we talk about ‘brain drain,’ they don’t have many choices. They have to leave 第一吃瓜网 and oftentimes go to the coasts, where there are biotech hubs.

“The CORE Building, we hope, will reverse that trend.”

Expanding UNMC’s Footprint

UNMC owns much of the property of the triangle-shaped EDGE District, which is bordered roughly by Saddle Creek Road on the east; 48th Street on the west; and Farnam/Douglas Street on the north. In addition to the Catalyst and CORE structures that will buoy research discovery within the neighborhood, the district will include a 750-stall parking garage that will be owned by the city of Omaha. Several possibilities of how to “wrap” the parking structure with amenities such as dining, retail, residences and green spaces are under consideration -- details would need approval from the 第一吃瓜网 before moving forward.

Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., president of the University of 第一吃瓜网 System, said at the naming event that the EDGE District will be a game-changer for the state of 第一吃瓜网.

“UNMC recognizes an opportunity to expand its entrepreneurial investments and develop new programs, addressing needs both within the community and the institution. The pressing needs of the evolving health care landscape, such as the health care workforce crisis and regulatory challenges, highlight the urgency for such initiatives,” said Dr. Gold, who served as chancellor at UNMC from 2014 until 2024. “EDGE District will not only be a place where innovation and discovery take place, it also will provide infrastructure so that we’re able to take those developments to market right here, instead of losing start-up companies to the coasts or other locations. EDGE is not just a local or regional asset but a significant player on the global stage, poised to lead in health care transformation.”

Barnes said the EDGE District strives to grow new businesses, incubate ideas and foster collaborations, advancing research, tech transfer partnerships and community development.

“While EDGE aligns with UNMC strategies and efforts, it also provides unique value through complementary initiatives and opportunities,” said Barnes, who also serves as the vice chancellor for business, finance and business development at UNMC. “Through these efforts, EDGE District will foster an independent yet synergistic relationship that will enhance the district and ultimately, complement UNMC’s work in improving people’s lives through better research, education, clinical care and outreach.”

"EDGE will not only elevate the university’s role as a leader in innovation and research but also strengthen the city’s economic vitality and enhance the state’s reputation as a center of excellence and opportunity."

Barnes notes that UNMC has engaged several stakeholder groups over the past few years in developing the district. Those viewpoints have been synthesized into various plans to move the district forward for optimal benefit to the university, city, state and beyond.

“We have been focusing on creating a reputation for innovation in Omaha and in 第一吃瓜网,” Barnes said. “Brain drain is a significant thing that we have to combat, and to do that you have to build the environment to allow for opportunity to create the companies, the environment -- all of the infrastructure that's needed for someone to be able to find a job at a company and stay in 第一吃瓜网."

“The EDGE District is going to be something that can focus and grow that innovation concept and build that reputation across the country.”

More about EDGE District

Not only does the EDGE name provide a nod to the western edge of the UNMC campus in Omaha, but it also stands for the following:

Explore: Encourages curiosity and the pursuit of new ideas. Provides a platform for professionals to explore cutting-edge technology and methodologies.

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

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

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