Baldwin Calls on Biden to Fund Wisconsin Tech Hub, Applauds State’s New Application

WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin called on the Biden Administration to support the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub’s application for funding potentially unlocking between $40 million and $75 million to help grow the state’s personalized medicine and biohealth sector – spurring innovation, growing our economy, and boosting American competitiveness in this cutting-edge industry. After earning the Tech Hub designation in October 2023, Wisconsin’s consortium of 15 public and private partners organized by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) submitted Wisconsin’s application for implementation funding to continue efforts to bolster the state as a leader in personalized medicine and biohealth technology.

“Wisconsin is a state of innovators. We have second-to-none workers, a thriving private sector, and a strong of manufacturing sector, and bringing a Tech Hub to Wisconsin will help us continue that legacy into the future. Wisconsin’s application shows that spirit of innovation and how well our state is positioned to lead the world in biohealth and personalized medicine, creating new technologies that will improve access to affordable care, better diagnose and treat patients, and save lives,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to have helped bring a Tech Hub home to Wisconsin, and now I’m calling on the Biden administration to deliver the funding we need to execute it. Make no mistake, Wisconsin’s Tech Hub has the potential to create good-paying jobs in an expanding sector, create more opportunities for our businesses, and grow our economy. I applaud Wisconsin’s strong application and collaboration and am committed to making this Tech Hub a reality.”

“I'm proud Wisconsin has been leading in the effort to expand and support innovative industries like personalized medicine and biohealth technology, and our designation as a Regional Tech Hub reflects this important work," said Gov. Evers. "After signing legislation last week to ensure we have the necessary funding to leverage federal funding opportunities available to us, with the help of partners like Sen. Tammy Baldwin, we’re going to keep working together to build a healthier, stronger state."

"Senator Baldwin's steadfast support has been invaluable in advancing the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub from Phase 1 to Phase 2,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of BioForward Wisconsin.  “Her unwavering dedication to innovation and economic growth has propelled our state to the forefront of biohealth innovation. With her pivotal advocacy securing crucial funding and resources, Wisconsin continues to lead in medical innovation. We're eager to continue partnering with Senator Baldwin to drive positive change and create a brighter future for health in our communities."  

Today, Wisconsin submitted its application for Phase 2 Implementation Grants funding under the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) program, a program created by the Baldwin-supported CHIPS and Science Act. Wisconsin, along with the other 30 Tech Hub designations, is now competing for funding from the EDA. The EDA expects to fund approximately 3-8 projects – totaling between $40 million and $75 million each – that aim to collectively address the region’s key inhibitors of global competitiveness.

Senator Baldwin has advocated for investing in the Badger State’s growing personalized medicine and biohealth technology industry every step of the way – helping pass the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, securing an initial $500 million to fund the program, and successfully advocating that Wisconsin receive a Tech Hub designation.

Senator Baldwin also sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in support of the application. The full version of this letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Raimondo,    

I write in strong support of the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub’s application for Phase 2 Implementation Grants funding under the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) program. The Tech Hubs program was created through the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-167), which I proudly helped to pass as a member of the Senate Commerce Committee. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I also worked to secure an initial $500 million to fund this program aimed at driving technology and innovation-centric growth and creating good-paying jobs. 

The Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub is a consortium of 15 public and private partners organized by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to help bolster Wisconsin’s leadership in personalized medicine and biohealth technology. With a rich history of innovation, backed by world-class research institutions, a robust Made in Wisconsin manufacturing economy, and the necessary pipeline of new talent to continue growing for the future, Wisconsin is poised to become a growth center in this cutting-edge industry. In recognition of the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub consortium’s unique potential, Wisconsin received a Tech Hubs designation in October 2023 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, allowing the consortium to compete for Phase 2 Implementation Grants funding under the Tech Hubs program.

The Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub consortium’s proposal includes six unique projects that would help support the continued advancement of our state’s biohealth sector. One, led by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, would build a database of health care information from a diverse group of patients for use by researchers and companies. Another, led by the Medical College of Wisconsin, will screen for various types of cancer in neighborhoods with high levels of health disparities. The third, led by GE Healthcare, would develop new technologies, including in the field of theranostics, which uses drugs and devices to both identify and treat diseases such as cancer. BioForward would also lead two projects: the first to expand Forward Biolabs, a biotech incubator in Madison, and establish a similar center in Milwaukee, and the second to help smaller companies pay for services such as legal assistance, business strategy and regulatory compliance. The final project, led by Madison College, would help create more apprenticeships for the biohealth workforce. In concert, these projects represent increased opportunities for collaboration and innovation among key stakeholders – including educational institutions, biohealth companies, labor and workforce organizations, precision manufacturers, and investors – throughout the state. Implementation Grants funding for these projects is vital in helping to increase the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub’s capacity to accelerate advances in health care, spur economic growth in our communities, and create good-paying jobs in the process.

Again, I am proud to support Wisconsin’s application for Phase 2 Implementation Grants funding under the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Tech Hubs program. I urge the Department of Commerce to give full and fair consideration to the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub consortium’s proposal. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this request.     

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