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.
This year, Innovation Week will return for its 17th year as an in-person series of events, beginning with the Kick-Off on Oct. 30, 2023. The week will continue with several seminars and panel groups, eventually culminating with the Innovation Awards at Hilton Omaha on Nov. 2.
All events listed below are subject to change. Check back regularly for any updates or modifications.
Innovation Week 2023 Schedule
Monday, Oct. 30
■ 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
Tuesday, Oct. 31
■ Seminar: Regulatory Insights | Zoom, Noon-1 p.m. | Margaret Kober, R.Ph., a project manager in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, will discuss strategies, tips and other insights about the regulatory process of new drug development. Free and open to all. Zoom link: bit.ly/Iweek23FDAinsights
Wednesday, Nov. 1
■ Panel: Women Innovators | Location TBA, 9-10 a.m. | Three visionary women—Rebekah Gundry, PhD., Elizabeth Beam, Ph.D., and Breanna Hetland, Ph.D.—will share their experiences with technology transfer and inventorship. Engage directly with these Nebraska innovators over a free cup of coffee and donuts while networking with like-minded individuals to forge connections and build a supportive community. Open and free to all.
■ Idea Pub: Startup Pitch Showcase | Wigton Heritage Center Atrium (UNMC), 4:30-6:30 p.m. | The startup pitch showcase will present great networking opportunities and a chance to learn about a selection of promising UNeMed startups. Open and free to all, but pitch presentations are by invitation only. Free beverages, including wine and beer, will be available, along with the chance for University innovators and researchers to meet each other and potential investors, collaborators and allies from the surrounding community.
Thursday, Nov.2
■ Medtech Founders Workshop | DRCI 1004 (UNMC), 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Mike Freeman of Innosphere, the event sponsor, will cover the basics of forming a medtech startup and preview further engagement with Innosphere through their year-long accelerator program. Space is limited and few openings remain. Those interested in attending should contact Tyler Scherr to learn more.
■ Research Innovation Awards Banquet | Hilton Omaha, 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 Emerging Inventor, Startup of the Year and the Most Promising New Invention of 2023 will also be presented. Contact UNeMed to request an invitation.
