The launch of MicroWash marks a pivotal achievement in Omaha’s medical technology landscape, showcasing the transformative impact of EDA support through the UNeTech Deploy! program. What began as a response to COVID-19 testing challenges has evolved into a market-ready innovation that promises to reshape specimen collection practices and strengthen healthcare resilience for future public health challenges.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities in medical supply chains, but from these challenges emerged opportunities for lasting improvement. MicroWash represents more than just a better testing solution – it demonstrates how regional innovation hubs can build resilient healthcare infrastructure. By localizing the entire development and production process within Omaha, the project creates a blueprint for rapid response to future health crises.
UNeTech Deploy!’s mission to connect local inventors, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs proved instrumental in bringing MicroWash from concept to reality. The device, developed by University Medical Devices (UMD), represents a significant advancement in specimen collection technology, offering up to 49% increased sensitivity compared to traditional nasal swabs while prioritizing patient comfort.
The success of MicroWash validates the localized innovation model championed by UNeTech Deploy!. Every development stage occurred within Omaha’s ecosystem – from initial prototyping at Metropolitan Community College to manufacturing partnerships with RD Tool and Major’s Plastics. This concentrated approach created an efficient, responsive supply chain capable of rapid iteration and refinement – exactly the kind of agility needed during public health emergencies.
The broader impact extends throughout the regional economy and healthcare preparedness. Manufacturing capabilities developed through MicroWash’s production remain in Omaha, ready to support future innovations and create additional employment opportunities. More importantly, these established capabilities ensure the region can rapidly respond to future healthcare challenges without relying on distant supply chains or external manufacturing capacity.
MicroWash’s market entry represents a crucial lesson from the pandemic: resilient healthcare systems require localized innovation and production capabilities. The established partnerships, manufacturing infrastructure, and accumulated expertise position the region to respond swiftly and effectively to future public health challenges, while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to changing healthcare needs.
The EDA’s vision for supporting regional innovation hubs has been validated through this success. MicroWash demonstrates how local innovation can effectively address global healthcare challenges while building regional economic strength and healthcare resilience. The project exemplifies the potential of targeted federal support to catalyze lasting improvements in medical technology infrastructure.
Looking forward, MicroWash’s success sets a precedent for future medical technology startups in Omaha. The established ecosystem, combining university research, local manufacturing, and entrepreneurial support, creates a robust foundation for continued innovation in the medical technology sector – and more importantly, ensures the region stands ready to meet future healthcare challenges with agility and resourcefulness.
UNeTech Deploy! extends gratitude to the EDA for enabling the transformation of promising ideas into market-ready solutions while building lasting capacity for future innovation in Omaha. MicroWash’s successful launch marks the beginning of a new chapter in regional medical technology development – one that promises a more resilient, responsive, and prepared healthcare system for whatever challenges lie ahead.
