Collaborations pushing biohealth sector forward as it awaits federal funding 

BioForward Wisconsin CEO Lisa Johnson is confident that the federal government will award the state funding to help establish the region as a global hub for personalized medicine and biohealth.

But even if Wisconsin doesn’t make the cut in the first round of funding, she’s convinced the industry will keep growing.

“The work we’ve done and the things that they were already investing in from these companies are not going to stop,” Johnson said during a Wisconsin Health News virtual event Wednesday.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration designated Wisconsin a regional technology hub last fall, allowing it to compete for up to $75 million to grow its biohealth sector. If Wisconsin wins, the state’s promised to chip in another $7.5 million in matching funds, thanks to bipartisan legislation Gov. Tony Evers signed in February.

Leading the effort in Wisconsin is a consortium of private and public organizations representing academic medical centers, manufacturers and workforce development organizations.

Jay Hill, vice president of advanced technologies for GE HealthCare, which is part of the consortium, said the process has already led to more groups working together.

“We started picking up the phone … and talking to each other about collaborative opportunities that we just weren’t thinking about before,” Hill said. “We see the opportunity that’s there. So we’re already asking, ‘What can we do, grant or no grant?’”

Johnson said Tuesday the consortium met virtually with the Economic Development Administration several weeks ago and more meetings are on the docket.

President Joe Biden’s administration designated more than 30 regional hubs. Five to 10 are expected to get funding.

Johnson anticipates an announcement on the funding this summer.

Watch a WisconsinEye video of the event.

This article first appeared in the Wisconsin Health News daily email newsletter. Sign up for your free trial here.