Madison Reporter

Wisconsin's selection as a U.S. Regional Tech Hub, accompanied by $49 million in federal funding, aims to enhance the state's personalized medicine and biohealth sector through collaboration among higher education institutions, workforce development entities, and industry leaders.

Madison College spearheads one of six innovative Tech Hub projects in partnership with Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and the Universities of Wisconsin. The project receives support from the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin (WDBSCW) and Employ Milwaukee, Inc. The Actualizing Biohealth Career (ABC) Pathways project seeks to raise awareness and create opportunities for biohealth careers in underrepresented communities. It focuses on developing stackable credentials and promoting work-based learning such as apprenticeships to meet industry demand.

Mark Thomas, Madison College Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President, emphasized the college's ongoing commitment to addressing workforce needs. "Madison College has always addressed workforce needs, and the opportunity to contribute to the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub program and the emerging biohealth economy is incredibly exciting," Thomas said.

The ABC Pathways project will receive $12.5 million in federal funding along with $1.5 million in state matching funds, totaling $14 million for expanding collaborative efforts between partners. This initiative is part of Wisconsin's Phase 2 Implementation Grant under the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program.

MATC President Vicki J. Martin expressed enthusiasm about the consortium's potential impact: "This is a groundbreaking opportunity for Wisconsin, Milwaukee Area Technical College, and the consortium."

The ABC Pathways aims to train and place 2,000 workers in biohealth jobs within five years while maintaining a 30% employee diversity goal. Overall, the Tech Hub expects to create 30,000 jobs and generate $9 billion in economic development over the next decade.

Jay Rothman, President of Universities of Wisconsin, highlighted their role: “The Biohealth Tech Hub will spark innovation in personalized medicine.”

Key collaborators include healthcare partners UW Health and the Medical College of Wisconsin; technology partners MPE, Plexus, Rockwell Automation, Exact Sciences Corporation, GE Healthcare Technologies Inc., Accuray Incorporated; and training partner WRTP | BIG STEP.

Seth Lentz, CEO of WDBSCW remarked on their commitment: "This critical initiative underscores our commitment to providing real-world learning opportunities."

Thomas acknowledged broader support: “We are grateful for Sen. Tammy Baldwin's dedication to the Tech Hubs.”