Baldwin Announces Wisconsin Selected as a Tech Hub

WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced that Wisconsin has been designated by the Biden Administration as a Regional Technology Hub (Tech Hub), an initiative created by the Baldwin-supported CHIPS and Science Act. Additionally, Wisconsin is receiving a $350,000 planning grant to execute its Biohealth Tech Hub strategy. Working with stakeholders across the state, Senator Baldwin has advocated to bring a Tech Hub to Wisconsin, supporting Wisconsin’s application to invest in the Badger State’s growing personalized medicine and biohealth technology industry.

“Wisconsin has a long and proud tradition of innovation, and bringing a Tech Hub to Wisconsin will help us continue that legacy into the future. With world class research institutions, a strong pipeline of talent, and cutting-edge Made in Wisconsin manufacturing, our state is well positioned to drive innovation in biohealth and personalized medicine, pioneering technologies that have the potential to improve access to affordable care, better diagnose and treat patients, and save lives,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to have helped create and support the Tech Hub program and know that bringing one to Wisconsin will create more opportunities for our businesses and workers. I am committed to continuing to work with our consortium partners to make this reality, strengthening Wisconsin’s competitive edge in an industry that will only grow in the future.”

In September, BioForward Wisconsin, along with a consortium of 15 public and private partners organized by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), submitted Wisconsin’s application for a Tech Hub to bolster the state as a leader in personalized medicine and biohealth technology. The Tech Hub designation and $350,000 planning grant announced today validate Wisconsin’s potential for rapid technology-led economic growth in biohealth. Planning grant funding will be utilized to build upon the consortium’s comprehensive regional strategy to grow Wisconsin’s Tech Hub, helping to create a corresponding implementation plan and a workforce strategy informed by global experts, best practices, and regional stakeholders.

Out of hundreds of applications, the U.S. Economic Development Association (EDA) today announced 31 designees across the country, including Wisconsin’s Biohealth Tech Hub. Additionally, BioForward Wisconsin was awarded a strategy development grant to accelerate the development of its proposal. Following the designee announcement, EDA will also offer an additional grant application to make at least 5 implementation awards ranging from $20 million to $70 million to designated EDA Tech Hubs.

Senator Baldwin voted to create the Tech Hubs program in the CHIPS and Science Act, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she worked to secure $500 million in funding to initiate the program in the FY2023 budget. In September, she penned a letter of support for Wisconsin’s application for a Tech Hub focused on biohealth. Senator Baldwin also gathered consortium partners in August to rally support for Wisconsin’s application, hosting events in Madison and Milwaukee this August to highlight Wisconsin’s strong biohealth industry and Tech Hub application.

“The Regional Tech Hub designation confirms what we already know about Wisconsin: when it comes to bringing together the best in research and development, cutting-edge manufacturing, highly skilled and educated workers, and a commitment to relentless improvement, no state is better prepared to lead the way,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). “This is a huge win in creating an economy for all, where everyone has the opportunity to live healthy, prosperous lives.” 

"Today's Tech Hub designation for Wisconsin is not just a recognition of our state's strengths in personalized medicine, biohealth technology, precision manufacturing, and automation; it's an acknowledgment of our potential for exponential growth and innovation,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of BioForward Wisconsin. “We are extremely thankful to Senator Tammy Baldwin for her unwavering support. Her dedication to the legislation that created the Tech Hub program and her advocacy for Wisconsin have been instrumental in making this achievement possible. Together, we will propel our region onto the national and international stage, fostering collaboration, attracting new talent and companies, and driving innovations that will benefit not only Wisconsin but all of humankind."

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