UNeTech Institute wins EDA’s $300,000 prize for innovation, tech-based development
Summary
The award will allow the alliance to better engage with regional, national and international investors, as well as provide ongoing support to existing and future medical technology startups.UNeTech has shown that you can launch viable startups like Microwash and Impower Health, said Rodney Markin, MD, PhD, director of the UNeTech Institute, associate vice chancellor for business development and the David T. Purtilo Distinguished Chair of Pathology at UNMC, but they cannot thrive without support and capital.Located on the UNMC campus, UNeTech Institute is Omahas only university-supported startup incubator and provides funding for projects that fall between basic science research grants and private investment often called the valley of death.UNeTech works with inventors and entrepreneurs, to help advance university intellectual property towards commercialization. UNeTech offers services like technical prototyping, customer discovery and entrepreneurial matchmaking.In supporting startups, the Omaha Medical Technology Development Alliance will expand UNeTechs existing collaboration with the UNO College of Business Administration.The MTVA has been game changer for students. The alliance will continue the program, started in 2020, for another three years.Jace Gatzemeyer, PhD, UNeTechs innovation development strategist, crafted the proposal, which seeks to build a more robust investment ecosystem in the Greater Omaha area.UNeTech and its partners have been able do some incredible work advancing medical inventions to the prototype and proof-of-concept phases, said Dr. Gatzemeyer. This grant from the EDA will support our ongoing work to seek out, learn from and organize local investors, creating a network of folks to whom startups can pitch their innovative new medical technology concepts.Joe Runge, JD, associate director of UNeTech, expressed gratitude to the EDA for the grant and to the University for providing matching funds to support the program. UNeTech is fortunate to have support from the EDA, UNMC and UNO to continue to grow these important opportunities for students, faculty and startups.