The University of Nebraska Board of Regents on Sept. 30 approved the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s plan to build an innovation hub on its new Saddle Creek campus in Omaha.
The project will bring UNMC’s UNeMed and UNeTech branches together to facilitate the growth of research and innovation and allow entrepreneurs, investors and innovators to collaborate in the renovated 1906 Omaha Steel Castings industrial tract, located south of Farnam Street between 48th Street and Saddle Creek Road.
The Innovation Hub will be a UNMC-owned facility within the larger office development project known as Catalyst. Remaining space will be unfinished and leased to a wide spectrum of biotech and technology startups.
“The UNMC Innovation Hub at Catalyst is the next step to transform the Saddle Creek Campus from industry to innovation,” said UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD. “The flexible lease space will support entrepreneurial businesses in a collaborative environment, will generate income for UNMC and spur regional economic development.”
Within the building, the UNMC Innovation Hub at Catalyst will have access to shared conference rooms, amenities and collaboration zones. The project includes 40,834 gross square feet of designated condo space for UNMC, including 8,510 gross square feet for UNeMed, currently housed in Annex 14 at 4460 Farnam Street, and UNeTech, currently in Annex 32 at 3929 Harney Street.