Biden-Harris Administration Designates Tech Hub in Wisconsin to Promote Innovation in Personalized Medicine

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, edamedia@eda.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden-Harris administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), today announced that Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub in Wisconsin was designated as one of the 31 inaugural Tech Hubs in regions across the country that show potential for rapid growth in key technology sectors.

The Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub, a consortium led by Bioforward Wisconsin, will work to position Wisconsin as a global leader in personalized medicine. Leverage its cluster of healthcare assets and track record of commercializing medical research, the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub will facilitate manufacturing coordination and data sharing, expand lab space and computing capacity, advance genomic technology, and accelerate domestic biotech manufacturing.

This designation is part of the first phase of the novel Tech Hubs program, authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, that will invest directly in high-potential U.S. regions and aim to transform them into globally competitive innovation centers. Designation is an endorsement of the region’s strategy to supercharge their respective technological industry to create jobs and strengthen U.S. economic and national security. Designated Tech Hubs are now eligible to apply for the next phase of the Tech Hubs Program that will invest between $50-$75 million in each of 5-10 Designated Hubs.

In addition to a Tech Hubs Designation, EDA announced today that Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub was also awarded a Tech Hubs Strategy Development Grant that will help the consortium increase local coordination and planning activities to strengthen its region’s capacity to manufacture, commercialize, and deploy critical technologies.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is rooted in policies that will empower the United States to out-innovate and out-compete the rest of the world. Our Tech Hubs Program is fundamental to that mission and will supercharge innovation across the nation by spurring cutting-edge technological investments and creating 21st century job opportunities in people’s backyards,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Each of these consortia will help us ensure the industries of the future—and their good-paying jobs—start, grow, and remain in the United States.”

“These outstanding consortia exemplify place-based economic development strategies at their best: combining federal resources with regional assets, expertise, and coalitions to implement transformational opportunities,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “As each region develops its own strategy to catalyze innovation and job creation, the entire nation grows more secure and more competitive.”

“Wisconsin’s designation as a Regional Tech Hub is a testament to the strength of our state’s biohealth and personalized medicine industry,” said Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. “As this sector continues to grow, it will mean more high-paying jobs and economic growth for our state, as well as innovations that will transform the future of medical care for people in Wisconsin and around the world.”

“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 Wisconsin Senator Tammy 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.”

“There was no surprise that Wisconsin was chosen as an inaugural Tech Hub,” said Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02). “Madison is a world-class city, home to some of the best research institutions, a robust entrepreneurial and manufacturing ecosystem, and a highly skilled workforce. Thank you to the Biden-Harris administration for recognizing Wisconsin and thank you to Senator Tammy Baldwin for her leadership in helping bring this vital tech hub to Wisconsin.”

“I was so thrilled to support the CHIPS and Science Act, where I used my position on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee to help advance this important legislation. I thank my good friend, Senator Baldwin, who is a steadfast champion of Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin. Without her leadership, this designation wouldn’t be possible. This critical effort will support cutting-edge medical innovations and bring economic growth to our state,” said Representative Gwen Moore (WI-04).

The 31 Tech Hubs were selected from 198 applications from regional consortia that include industry, academia, state and local governments, economic development organizations, and labor and workforce partners. The Tech Hubs span regions across 32 states and Puerto Rico and represent a cross section of urban and rural regions.

For a full list of Tech Hubs, visit TechHubs.gov.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.