Every fall, UNeMed sponsors Innovation Week, a popular series of events intended to celebrate and promote innovation and research at UNMC and UNO.
In previous years, events often include an open house to meet UNeMed staff, informational or entertaining seminars, educational workshops and a technology demonstration day. The week culminates with an awards program that specifically recognizes innovators and their work, conferring awards to those who during the previous year have disclosed a new invention, secured a United States patent, or signed a licensing deal. A select few have also received special recognition for extraordinary work, which have included "The Most Promising New Invention," "Innovator of the Year," "Emerging Inventor," a “Startup of the Year,” and the "Lifetime Achievement" awards.
Innovation Week 2024 Schedule
Monday, Nov. 4
■ Kick-Off | DRC1 Atrium, 9-11 a.m. | An open house to meet and mingle with UNeMed staff, grab a free T-shirt and other goodies
■ Seminar: Ins & Outs of Ideation | Zoom, noon-1 p.m. | Learn about University resources available to inventors and what it takes to protect, grow and develop your ideas. Zoom link: bit.ly/Ideation2024
Tuesday, Nov. 5
■ Seminar: The Design Thinking Experience | McGoogan Design Hub, noon-1 p.m. | Learn about the free Design Thinking resources available in the Leon S. McGoogan Health Sciences Library’s Design Hub. Presenters will walk attendees through the process of approaching a healthcare challenge using Design Thinking methodology.
Wednesday, Nov. 6
■ Panel: Alternate Careers in Science | DRCI 1005, noon-1 p.m. | Expert panel of scientists will discuss their careers away from the research bench and other opportunities available graduate students and researchers. A boxed lunch will be provided to guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Open and free to all.
Thursday, Nov. 7
■ Workshop: Hands-on 3D Printing & Design | McGoogan Linder Maker Studio, 10:30 a.m.-noon | Learn your way around a 3D printer and how to make the most of the free maker software and equipment available inside the Jim and Karen Linder Maker Studio at the Leon S. McGoogan Health Sciences Library.
■ Lunch & Learn: UNeTech Services Showcase | DRCI 1004 & Zoom, noon-1 p.m. | Staff from the UNeTech Institute will discuss all the services they offer inventors to help advance their early-stage ideas into actual things. A boxed lunch will be provided to guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Open and free to all. Zoom link: bit.ly/2024UNeTechShowcase
■ Catalyst Tours | UNMC Catalyst, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. | A limited number of guided hardhat tours will usher guests through the UNMC Catalyst building project located on Saddle Creek Road, just north of Leavenworth Street. Guests must wear closed-toe shoes, and hard hats will be provided. Tours are by reservation, but anyone can sign up here: bit.ly/CatalystTours
■ Research Innovation Awards Reception | UNMC Catalyst, 5-8 p.m. | A celebration of the research and innovations developed at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. All faculty, students and staff who contributed to a new invention disclosure, received a U.S. patent or had a technology licensed during the fiscal year will be honored. Special awards for Innovator of the Year, Faculty Entrepreneur, Innovation Champion, Startup of the Year and the Most Promising New Invention of 2024 will also be presented. Contact UNeMed to request an invitation. A map detailing the entrance and parking availability is here.
