Shaping the Future of Biohealth: Innovation, Impact, and Industry Leadership
October 28 & 29, 2024
Monona Terrace
The Future of Biohealth
Join us at this year’s summit to explore the future of biohealth. Our sessions will cover groundbreaking advancements in AI, sustainable practices, emerging growth companies, and the latest developments from the
Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub. Be part of the conversation that drives innovation, industry leadership, and impactful change in the biohealth sector.
Join us to engage with pioneering companies and industry leaders, learn about the latest advancements, and contribute to the future of biohealth innovation.
BioForward Wisconsin’s annual Biohealth Summit is the largest of its kind in Wisconsin and serves as a platform to celebrate Wisconsin biohealth community successes and collaborate on what’s next for our booming industry.
Together, we’re not just envisioning the future – we’re making it a reality.
Our program is meticulously curated to address the pressing issues facing companies today. Keynotes from industry leaders shed light on partnerships with cutting-edge technologies, while sessions spotlight collaborations globally.
With sessions categorized by subject matter, attendees can tailor their experience to their interests, whether focusing on sustainability, scientific breakthroughs, or economic implications.
The summit kicks off with a mid-afternoon keynote followed by a networking reception, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and connection. Whether you’re a seasoned industry professional or a budding innovator, the Wisconsin Biohealth Summit is your gateway to shaping the future of healthcare.
Program at a Glance
Day 1- October 28
This added half-day will start in the afternoon and include an additional keynote address, networking reception, and time to mingle and view vendor booths at the exhibition.
CHECK-IN, VENDOR FAIR, & NETWORKING
WELCOME TO THE SUMMIT
BioForward and sponsors will welcome guests to the event.
KEYNOTE
Advancing U.S. Leadership Through Regional Innovation: Wisconsin’s Role in the EDA’s Tech Hubs Program
Cristina Killingsworth, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, will deliver a keynote address highlighting the pivotal role of Wisconsin’s Biohealth Tech Hub in advancing U.S. leadership in critical technologies. As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Tech Hubs initiative, this session will explore how regional innovation ecosystems, like Wisconsin’s biohealth sector, are key to strengthening national competitiveness, fostering cutting-edge technologies, and creating high-quality jobs. Killingsworth will also provide insights into the EDA’s strategic vision and discuss why Wisconsin’s assets and leadership make it a vital player in the future of personalized medicine and biotechnology manufacturing.
Speaker:
Cristina Killingsworth, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, U.S. Economic Development Administration
Sponsored by:
OPENING DAY RECEPTION & VENDOR FAIR
Day 2- October 29
Day 2 will feature the Summit favorites that attendees have grown to love like the Student Communication Competition, the Wisconsin Biohealth Awards, the Emerging Growth Company Presentations, and the Career Fair; however, with our new venue will come new experiences. There will be more sessions, a vendor exhibition, and increased opportunities for networking and collaborating. You don’t want to miss out on all this year has to offer!
CHECK IN, CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST, VENDOR FAIR, & NETWORKING
WELCOME FROM BIOFORWARD
KEYNOTE
Promega-Powered by Exploration to Change the World
As a proud supporter of scientists worldwide for over 45 years, Promega has been at the forefront of delivering innovative solutions—from drug discovery to forensic applications, and ensuring the safety and quality of food, water, and the environment. Promega is a shining example of the strength and resilience of Wisconsin’s Biohealth industry. However, true progress requires more than past success; it demands boldness, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of process improvements. Join us at this year’s summit to hear from our keynote speaker about how Promega continues to evolve, including the integration of AI platforms to better serve its global customers and partners.
Speaker:
Sara Mann, VP Commercial Excellence, Promega
Sponsored by:
NETWORKING
SESSION
Pioneering Sustainability through Innovation
Conventional wisdom says healthcare is stodgy, dated, and ripe for disruption. But what if a health system wasn’t only embracing innovation, but was the source and mechanism for change? That’s what Emplify Health (formerly Bellin & Gundersen Health System) has been doing for over a decade. Join Emplify and EDGE leaders to experience parallel stories of success—how their sustainability journey saves patients millions of dollars annually and has made Emplify one of the most energy autonomous health care systems in the world; and, how Emplify’s innovation arm has incubated those sustainability initiatives and others—keeping Emplify on the cutting Edge and generating revenue to support its vision of thriving people and healthy communities.
Speaker:
Nathan Franklin, Vice President of External Affairs and Sustainability, Emplify Health
Corey Zarecki, Founder & Managing Director, Edge
Greg Lapoint, Chief Executive Officer, Edge
Dallas Wait, Senior Consultant, Strategy & Innovation, Emplify Health
Sponsored by:
PANEL
Turning Corporate Sustainability Goals into Project-Level Actions
A growing number of organizations are adopting broad sustainability goals to align with regulations and growing pressure across the industry. After these goals are set, the next step is to define what to do with them. Buildings represent an important intervention point for action, and this session will explore how project teams can effectively translate high-level sustainability goals into practical actions.
Speakers:
Ben Austin, Sustainability Manager, Findorff
Kimberly Reddin, Principal, Director of Sustainability, Flad Architects
Jeff Bartels, Manager, Facilities Engineering, Exact Sciences
Dan Motl, Sr. Consultant, Promega
David Lumby, Executive Director, EHS, ThermoFisher- PPD
Sponsored by:
PANEL
The Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub Today: Projects’ Implementation & Strategic Goals
Join us for an insightful session led by Wendy Harris as we delve into the latest developments within the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub. Learn more about the projects behind the Phase 2 award, how funding is allocated, and the strategic goals of the WI Biohealth Tech Hub.
Speakers:
Wendy Harris, Regional Innovation Officer, BioForward/WI Biohealth Tech Hub
Idella Kangas, Director, Economic and Employer Engagement, Universities of Wisconsin
Mark Thomas, Chief Strategy Officer, Madison College
Grace Klein, Tech Hubs Program Officer, U.S. Economic Development Administration
Sponsored by:
UW-Madison School of Pharmacy, Applied Drug Development Program
COMPETITION
Fourth Annual Biohealth Communications Competition
The Annual Biohealth Communications Competition continues to aid Wisconsin’s young biohealth leaders in developing critical skills to discuss advanced topics with the general public.
Undergraduates:
Foster Boom, UW-Whitewater
Ritisha Dey & Domonique Olivia Valle, UW-Milwaukee
Matthew Dubin, UW-Madison
Shaun Harrigton, UW-Milwaukee
Jadyn Hartwig, UW-Eau Claire
Graduates:
Emmanuella Dwomo Agyei, Medical College of Wisconsin
Mindy Kim, Medical College of Wisconsin
Grant Nickles, UW-Madison
Claire Radtke, Marquette University
Kendra Wyant, UW-Madison
Sponsored by:
LUNCH & WISCONSIN BIOHEALTH AWARDS PRESENTATION
Lunch Sponsored by:
»»»«««
Celebrate the accomplishments of the 2024 Wisconsin Biohealth Award Winners!
Since 2015, BioForward has been honoring outstanding scientific and business accomplishments in the biohealth sector every year.
2024 Business Achievement Award Winner- Sue Wallace
2024 Hector F. DeLuca Award Winner- Cecilia Hillard
SESSION
Emerging Growth Company Presentations
Step into the future of biohealth. This dynamic session showcases the cutting-edge solutions and groundbreaking innovations from Wisconsin’s most promising start-ups and early-stage companies. Discover how these trailblazing enterprises are transforming the biohealth landscape, driving progress, and setting new standards in the industry. Be inspired by their vision, witness their ingenuity, and explore the exciting potential they bring to Wisconsin’s thriving biohealth ecosystem.
Speakers:
Shayna Hetzel, VP, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, WEDC
Lalitha Ramamoorthy, Founder and CEO, Nelambos
Howard Teeter, Chief Financial Officer, AdvantiGen Biosciences
Amani Gillette, Founder and CEO, SeLight
Maria Clara Ruiz Zapata, Research Director, Vaxthera LLC
Brian Volkman, Co-Founder, XLock Biosciences, LLC
Sponsored by:
PANEL
Leading with Purpose: ESG Adoption and Best Practices in Biohealth
Discover the transformative power of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the biohealth industry with our expert-led panel discussion. ESG matters more and more in today’s evolving industry. This session will explore the importance of ESG to biohealth companies and help you learn best practices to take your reporting past compliance to meet the future of the industry.
- Learn how to diversify your suppliers to meet DEI goals and grow the local supply chain
- Attract investors and lenders through the development of a strong corporate responsibility
- Meet and exceed ESG reporting requirements
- Maintain safe, ethical, and sustainable facilities
- Build a competitive advantage through strengthening of corporate brand to customers, investors, and the community
- Drive recruitment and improve work culture
Improving ESG programming and reporting is critical to meeting and exceeding the expectations of your customers and your investors to drive sustainable growth, so don’t miss this informative panel.
Speakers:
Sarah Slack, Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP
Kamaljit Jackson, Director, Wisconsin Minority Business Development Agency
Dustin Andre, Packaging Sustainability Specialist, MilliporeSigma
Michael Cohen, Sr. Director and Lead of Environmental Sustainability, ThermoFisher- PPD
Sponsored by:
PANEL
Going Nuclear to Fight Cancer
Back by popular demand! Two years ago we introduced you to the theranostics market chain of WI companies working together to beat cancer. Join us this year to discover how their partners in research and the clinic are tackling complexity to make hard things look easy and to reach patients fast with new life-saving treatments. This panel of world-class leaders in theranostics will describe how they’re teaming up to accelerate translational research and clinical implementation to improve and extend lives.
Speakers:
Sue Wallace, CEO, Voximetry
Reinier Hernandez, Assistant Professor of Medical Physics and Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Stephen Graves, Assistant Professor, University of Iowa
Carri Glide-Hurst, Director, Radiation Oncology Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Sponsored by:
NETWORKING
KEYNOTE
Harnessing the Power of International Partnerships in Biohealth
Join us for an enlightening session on the impactful role of international partnerships in the biohealth industry, with a special focus on collaborations with France and the fast-growing region of Burgundy/Franche Comté and its theranostics ecosystem. Discover how this aligns with Wisconsin’s Biohealth Tech Hub focus on personalized medicine and how biohealth companies can successfully leverage these global connections to drive innovation and expand market reach. Our panel of experts will share insights into existing partnerships, offering strategies to cultivate and strengthen the international collaborations that are critical to becoming a global tech hub.
Speakers:
Stéphane Gerart, Deputy CSO/CIO, Oncodesign
Nicolas Paris, CEO, Gilson
Nicolas Soret, Vice President, Economy and innovation, Burgundy/Franche Comté Region, France
Sponsored by:
CLOSING RECEPTION, VENDOR FAIR, & CAREER FAIR
Celebrate the success of the biohealth industry, while enjoying networking with industry peers.
The vendor space will still be open with a special focus on careers for student attendees.
Sponsored by:
Sponsorships
Meet Our Sponsors
Lunch Sponsor
VIP Reception Sponsor
Reception Sponsors
Keynote Sponsors
Session Sponsors
Networking Sponsors
Swag Sponsors
Student Registration Sponsors
Platinum Medallion Sponsor
Gold Medallion Sponsors
Silver Medallion Sponsors
Wisconsin Biohealth Summit 2023
Wondering what the Summit is all about? Check out the sessions & videos from last year’s event- The Next Generation of Personalized Medicine