State officials are touting Wisconsin’s precision medicine “Tech Hub” designation as a win for the state’s biohealth industries.
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced Monday the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub effort, led by Madison-based BioForward Wisconsin, is one of 31 such initiatives selected for Regional Technology Hub designation by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Wisconsin is getting $350,000 in planning funds, and has the opportunity to apply for up to $70 million in implementation funding, according to the federal agency.
The Tech Hubs program was established through the federal CHIPS and Science Act. Designees include groups focused on advanced manufacturing, autonomous systems, biotechnology and more. Wisconsin’s effort is focused on personalized medicine, which incorporates the fields of genetics, AI, advanced imaging and data analysis to match medical treatment to specific patients.
BioForward Wisconsin CEO Lisa Johnson notes Wisconsin is already a leader in biohealth technology and precision manufacturing. The state biohealth sector last year had a $32 billion economic impact, employing more than 129,000 people, according to BioForward.
Consortium members include: BioForward Wisconsin, WEDC, UW System Administration, UW-Madison, GE HealthCare, Rockwell Automation, Exact Sciences, Employ Milwaukee, Accuray, Plexus, WRTP Big Step, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Madison Area Technical College, MadREP and Milwaukee7.