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 2025 Schedule
Monday, Oct. 20
■ 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. 21
■ Inventors Grove | Innovation Design Unit Bridge, 7-8:30 a.m. | Join UNeMed’s weekly support group to meet other people who have innovative ideas or inventions and are looking for guidance or next steps.
Wednesday, Oct. 22
■ Research Innovation Awards Banquet | Scott Conference Center, 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, Faculty Entrepreneur, Innovation Champion, Startup of the Year and the Most Promising New Invention of 2025 will also be presented. Contact UNeMed to request an invitation. A map with directions and parking availability is here.
Thursday, Oct. 23
■ Idea Pub: Startup Showcase | Catalyst Forge Event Hall, 4-6 p.m. | Short presentations featuring new startup companies built around Nebraska innovations in healthcare. Open and free to all.
Friday, Oct. 24
■ Seminar: NIH SBIR/STTR Funding Opportunities for University of Nebraska Innovators | Teams, noon-1 p.m. | Learn more about funding opportunities to help you further develop and commercialize your novel technologies with non-dilutive funding opportunities through the NIH small business grant program. Register at: https://bit.ly/3JdNyfz. Attendees that would like to discuss their projects in greater detail are encouraged to pre-book 15-minute, one-on-one meetings with NIH program staff after the session. To book a meeting, please visit the following link: https://bit.ly/3GK39lY.
Saturday, Oct. 25
■ Startup Launch Party: FamilyRoom | Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, 4-7 p.m. | Celebration launch of familyroom.health will feature art, music and refreshments. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/burden-bloom-tickets-1664576074849.
