FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — May 7, 2023
MADISON, Wis — BioForward, the leading advocate for Wisconsin’s thriving biohealth sector, hosted its highly anticipated Annual Member Meeting on May 1, 2024, showcasing groundbreaking projects poised to revolutionize personalized medicine.
Spotlighted were projects integral to the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub, a beacon of innovation and collaboration in the biohealth sector. These projects represent a critical component of the Phase 2 Application submitted to the Economic Development Administration Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs Program in late February, with anticipation building for potential funding of $50-$70 million, to be announced in Summer 2024.
“This event marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards advancing personalized medicine innovation in Wisconsin, strengthening U.S. economic and national security, and positioning our state and industry to become globally competitive,” remarked Lisa Johnson, CEO of BioForward.
The presentations began with strategic insights from Wendy Harris, Regional Innovation Officer for the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub, who provided an overview of the Tech Hub’s vision and collaborative efforts driving its mission forward.
“Our progress with the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub and key projects are due to the dedication and collaboration of our consortium members and our project leads,” emphasized Wendy Harris. “Their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have been instrumental in our success, paving the way for transformative advancements in the field.”
Following Harris’s remarks, esteemed speakers delved into the intricacies of each project, offering valuable insights and perspectives:
- Wisconsin Health Database: Led by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, this project aims to establish a cyber-secure repository of health data, fueling innovation and expediting the development of new therapies. Kurt Zimmerman, Senior Director at the Office of Biohealth Industry Partnerships, University of Wisconsin-Madison, is instrumental in advancing this initiative, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and healthcare providers.
- CAREScan Mobile Cancer Screening: Championed by the Medical College of Wisconsin, this project addresses health disparities through mobile cancer screening fleets, advancing health equity and data-driven healthcare delivery. Andrew S. Nencka, PhD, Associate Professor of Radiology and Operational Director of the Center for Imaging Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin, shed light on the groundbreaking CAREScan project.
- Image-Guided Personalized Therapy: Spearheaded by GE HealthCare, this initiative aims to streamline the integration of new technologies into healthcare systems, fostering innovation in personalized medicine. Jay Hill, VP Advanced Technology at GE HealthCare, highlighted the significance of image-guided personalized therapy in shaping the future of healthcare.
- Advancing Innovation to Commercialization: Led by BioForward, this project offers critical support for entrepreneurs, accelerating innovations towards market readiness and investment attractiveness. Lisa Johnson, CEO of BioForward, is a driving force behind this initiative, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Wisconsin Workforce Development: Co-led by Madison College and Milwaukee Area Technical College, this initiative ensures a skilled workforce through expanded certification programs and apprenticeships, aligning talent with employer demands. Mark Thomas, EdD, Chief of Staff at Madison College, underscored the pivotal role of workforce development in sustaining sector growth and nurturing inclusive talent pipelines.
For more information about the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub, visit https://www.bioforward.org/wisconsin-biohealth-tech-hub/.
About the Consortium
The Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub is a groundbreaking coalition, uniting civic leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and healthcare giants in unprecedented collaboration. Together, they maximize regional assets, foster ingenuity, and promote collaboration for a healthier, more equitable, and prosperous future for Wisconsinites. BioForward leads the consortium, other consortium members include: Accuray, Employ Milwaukee, Exact Sciences, Forward BIOLABS, GE HealthCare, Madison College, Madison Region Econ. Partnership (MadREP), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 7 (M7), Milwaukee Area Technical College, Plexus, Rockwell Automation, Universities of Wisconsin, UW-Madison, University Research Park, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and WRTP| Big Step.
About BioForward
BioForward Wisconsin represents more than 250 member organizations across an integrated network of health solution leaders, including research institutions, biotech and biopharma, digital health, healthcare systems, and medical device, and diagnostics. It is an action-oriented association that focuses on initiatives to strengthen the state’s biohealth industry.
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