The Mammel Innovation Center offers a collaborative space to develop advanced technologies for pediatric healthcare, addressing unique challenges and improving care quality and availability for young patients.
State-of-the-Art Facility
Built in 2024, the Mammel Innovation Center (MIC) represents a significant advancement in pediatric healthcare development, featuring a 10,000 square foot space dedicated to revolutionizing children’s medical care [1]. The center emerges as part of Children’s Nebraska’s broader commitment to innovation, aligned with their core values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence (I.C.A.R.E.) [2]. This cutting-edge facility houses comprehensive resources including a maker space, immersive room, training hub, software application development lab, 3D printing capabilities, and visualization equipment [1].
Strategic Integration with Research Initiatives
The center’s establishment comes at a crucial time when pediatric healthcare faces unique challenges, including limited research funding and specialized equipment availability [1]. Through its partnership with the Child Health Research Institute (CHRI), a collaborative venture between Children’s Nebraska and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), the center strengthens the region’s research infrastructure [3]. This strategic alignment enhances the development of new treatments and technologies specifically designed for pediatric applications, addressing a critical gap in healthcare innovation [1][3].
Comprehensive Mental Health Integration
The center’s launch coincides with significant developments in pediatric mental health care, complementing the upcoming $114 million Behavioral Health & Wellness Center scheduled to open in January 2026 [4]. This comprehensive approach to pediatric healthcare innovation becomes particularly crucial given that 20% of Nebraska youths required mental health treatment prior to COVID-19 [4]. The integration of mental health services with technological innovation demonstrates Children’s Nebraska’s commitment to addressing both physical and mental health needs of young patients [1][4].
Future Impact and Vision
The Mammel Innovation Center’s mission extends beyond immediate healthcare delivery, aiming to foster a culture of continuous improvement within the medical community [1]. As the region’s only full-service pediatric hospital, serving a five-state region, Children’s Nebraska’s investment in innovation through MIC positions it to significantly influence pediatric healthcare delivery across the Midwest [5]. Through its comprehensive approach to healthcare innovation and collaboration with industry partners, the center works toward its vision of enhancing healthcare services globally while maintaining focus on local community needs [1].