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.

2:00PM-3:00PM
2:00PM-3:00PM

CHECK-IN, VENDOR FAIR, & NETWORKING

3:00PM-3:15PM
3:00PM-3:15PM

WELCOME TO THE SUMMIT

BioForward and sponsors will welcome guests to the event.

3:15PM-4:15PM
3:15PM-4:15PM

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:


Madison College

4:15PM-6:00PM
4:15PM-6:00PM

OPENING DAY RECEPTION & VENDOR FAIR

Sponsored by:


IDBS

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!

8:00AM-9:00AM
8:00AM-9:00AM

CHECK IN, CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST, VENDOR FAIR, & NETWORKING

Sponsored by:


Strang

9:15AM-9:30AM
9:15AM-9:30AM

WELCOME FROM BIOFORWARD

Speaker:


Lisa Johnson, CEO, BioForward

9:30AM-10:30AM
9:30AM-10:30AM

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:


Findorff

10:30AM-11:00AM
10:30AM-11:00AM

NETWORKING

Sponsored by:


Faith Technologies

11:00AM-12:00PM
11:00AM-12:00PM

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:


CTaccess

11:00AM-12:00PM
11:00AM-12:00PM

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:


Westphal & Company

11:00AM-12:00PM
11:00AM-12:00PM

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

11:00AM-12:00PM
11:00AM-12:00PM

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:


Automated Logic

12:00PM-1:15PM
12:00PM-1:15PM

LUNCH & WISCONSIN BIOHEALTH AWARDS PRESENTATION

Lunch Sponsored by:


ACROBiosystems


»»»«««


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


Learn about the 2024 Winners


1:30PM-2:30PM
1:30PM-2:30PM

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:


Kraemer Brothers

1:30PM-2:30PM
1:30PM-2:30PM

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:


Foley & Lardner LLP

1:30PM-2:30PM
1:30PM-2:30PM

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:


BWBR

2:30PM-3:15PM
3:15PM-4:15PM
3:15PM-4:15PM

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:


Mortenson Construction

4:15PM-6:00PM
4:15PM-6:00PM

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:


CG Schmidt Construction


 

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

Exact Sciences logo

Silver Medallion Sponsors

Wondering what the Summit is all about? Check out the sessions & videos from last year’s event- The Next Generation of Personalized Medicine