The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced $49 million in Phase 2 funding to the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub, an initiative aimed at driving medical innovation, workforce development, and job growth across Wisconsin.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison, a key partner among the 18-member Biohealth Tech Hub consortium, played a significant role in securing this funding. The consortium was selected from a competitive pool of applicants, showcasing extensive collaboration between industry, higher education, government, and other stakeholders.
Consortium members estimate that Phase 2 initiatives will create up to 30,000 new jobs directly and an additional 111,000 indirect jobs. The initiative has received strong bipartisan support from the Legislature for a bill providing state matching funds. Governor Tony Evers signed the bill authorizing these funds in February.
“As a university focused on innovating for the public good, we are honored to be a critical partner contributing to the success of this effort,” said Chancellor Jennifer M. Mnookin. “It’s both thrilling and well-deserved that Wisconsin has received this critical designation.”
The consortium previously received Phase I designation as a regional technology and innovation hub by the EDA last fall. Led by BioForward—the state association representing Wisconsin’s bioscience industry—the Phase 2 proposal was recognized for its potential to create new workforce opportunities while facilitating access to medical innovations.
One key project under Phase 2 is the Wisconsin Health Data Hub, led by researchers at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. This hub aims to create a comprehensive health data ecosystem accessible for research and discovery.
“Using the Wisconsin Health Data Hub, researchers will be able to mine an incredible source of information,” said Jomol Mathew, principal investigator for the project and associate dean for informatics and information technology at the school.
The data repository will also support two other projects: CAREScan Mobile Cancer Screening led by Medical College of Wisconsin aims to advance health equity through community insights; another project led by GE HealthCare focuses on integrating new technologies into healthcare systems.
“This Phase 2 award trumpets something I see every day at University Research Park,” said Aaron Olver, managing director of University Research Park and chair of the consortium's steering committee.
Additional aspects include workforce development initiatives led by Madison College and Milwaukee Area Technical College with expanded certification programs and apprenticeships.
“Collaboration has been key to success for the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub,” said Kurt Zimmerman from UW-Madison's School of Medicine and Public Health Office of Biohealth Industry Partnerships.
Chris Kozina added that these resources would accelerate research commercialization while building talent pipelines necessary for future growth.
Alerts Sign-up