Madison Expansion Will Unlock Additional Space for Shared Capabilities and Startups

The larger facility, located in the MG&E Innovation Center at University Research Park (URP), will build on Forward BIOLABS' track record of meaningful impact supporting early-stage companies.

“Forward BIOLABS is an essential anchor for the next generation of biohealth start-ups, and our life sciences ecosystem more broadly, in Wisconsin,” said Aaron Olver, Managing Director at URP and President of Forward BIOLABS’ Board of Directors. “With more than 35 biohealth companies in URP, including distinguished companies like Exact Sciences, Illumina, and Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, URP has been a long time, consistent pilar in growing the biohealth cluster in Wisconsin. From a single lab bench to an entire building – and everything in between - we’re excited to amplify synergies between Forward BIOLABS and URP to make it easier for founders to grow their companies in Wisconsin.”

The expanded infrastructure will include capabilities focused on chemistry, along with additional life sciences equipment tailored for seed-stage companies. Because the MG&E Innovation Center’s small lab suites have been one of the primary locations where Forward BIOLABS’ companies graduate, the expansion of Forward BIOLABS there will provide additional flexibility for Forward BIOLABS members and graduates within University Research Park.

“The Forward BIOLABS team has been thoughtful in designing the expanded space in a way that enables young companies to step into a suite at MG&E Innovation Center while maintaining access to valuable shared equipment,” remarked Olver.

Forward BIOLABS’ Presence to be Launched in Milwaukee Alongside BioForward Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub

Forward BIOLABS is also piloting a biohealth startup hub in Milwaukee, WI. This co-working office will be co-located with BioForward Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub in the UW Milwaukee Innovation Accelerator. The additive effect of several biohealth industry leaders working alongside promising startups is aimed at enhancing the network in the area and supporting young companies’ growth.

Matthew Anderson is Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Milwaukee-based Versiti and co-founder of a biohealth startup also located in the UW Milwaukee Innovation Accelerator. “Milwaukee and Madison each bring unique strengths to Wisconsin’s biohealth sector, and more connections between these two innovation hubs are key to unlocking the state’s full potential. I’m grateful for the enthusiasm and investment in building the support ecosystem early-stage founders need, especially those in the biohealth industry. Forward BIOLABS’ presence is a great step toward ensuring Milwaukee is a launchpad for the next generation of biotech.”

As part of this pilot, a dedicated advisory group will play a pivotal role in guiding the development of Forward BIOLABS in the greater Milwaukee area. A newly created position will lead Forward BIOLABS’ Milwaukee presence and the upcoming Innovation to Commercialization Pipeline (ICP) program.

“Innovation to Commercialization Pipeline” (ICP) Program Will Bolster Capital Attraction and Scalability

Co-led by BioForward Wisconsin and Forward BIOLABS, the Innovation to Commercialization Pipeline (ICP) program is designed to support statewide scalable young biohealth companies with navigating the complex journey from discovery to market.

Anchored in BioForward’s biohealth membership and Forward BIOLABS’ experience supporting emerging growth companies, ICP will offer participants opportunities to apply for company-specific support that de-risks scale-up and further investment. The ICP program directly addresses commercialization and capital-access gaps identified during the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub strategic planning process, and it builds on priorities outlined in the state-supported Tech Hub portfolio, reinforcing the Tech Hub’s vision of a truly statewide innovation ecosystem. It represents a concerted effort to provide companies across the state with specific de-risking resources to scale up and attract capital in the biohealth sector.

“These initiatives reflect the State of Wisconsin’s strategic investment - through legislation supporting the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub - in building the infrastructure our next generation of biohealth startups need to thrive. They also reinforce BioForward’s 2025 focus on entrepreneurship and statewide impact. By supporting programs like the Innovation to Commercialization Pipeline, we’re ensuring that startups from across Wisconsin have the opportunity to grow here and stay here.” said Lisa Johnson, CEO at BioForward.

These initiatives represent a strategic leap forward in building a stronger, more connected biohealth ecosystem across Wisconsin.

“We’re deeply grateful for the bipartisan support from state leaders who recognize the importance of building a strong foundation to grow Wisconsin’s next generation of biohealth companies,” said Jessica Martin Eckerly, CEO of Forward BIOLABS. “At its heart, Forward BIOLABS is an incredible resource for lab-based companies to rapidly and effectively launch their companies in an immensely capital-efficient manner. We are excited to expand the vision of this mission, not just in Madison with University Research Park, but to bring these benefits to the Milwaukee area as well. In joining forces with BioForward on the statewide ICP program, we are adding to the continuum of support for young, high-potential biohealth companies by providing pivotal resources to bolster capital attraction and scalability.”

Sign up for updates on these efforts at forwardbiolabs.org.

About Forward BIOLABS:
Forward BIOLABS is a premier coworking life science innovation hub that empowers early-stage biotech startups to launch and scale quickly. Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, Forward BIOLABS provides fully equipped, professionally maintained shared laboratories and office spaces, removing the barriers of time, cost, and complexity typically associated with starting a biotech company. As it expands its footprint in Madison and establishes a presence in Milwaukee, Forward BIOLABS continues to foster a collaborative, entrepreneurial ecosystem that accelerates scientific breakthroughs and drives innovation across Wisconsin.

About BioForward Wisconsin:
BioForward Wisconsin is the voice of the state’s biohealth industry and the lead organization for the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub. Representing more than 250 member organizations across a fully integrated health solutions network—including biopharma, medical device, diagnostics, digital health, research institutions, and healthcare systems—BioForward drives initiatives that deliver measurable impact. In 2025, BioForward is strengthening its focus on supporting entrepreneurship and statewide innovation to further accelerate the growth of Wisconsin’s biohealth ecosystem and position the state as a global biohealth leader.

About University Research Park (URP):
URP is a nationally recognized non-profit research and technology park, home to more than 125 companies employing over 4,100 people, with 2.2 million square feet of office and laboratory space across 42 buildings. As a supporting organization for UW–Madison, whose faculty lead U.S. public universities in scientific patents, the park fosters innovation and supports the growth of startups, particularly in biotechnology, through tailored infrastructure and strategic resources.

Contact:
Bianca Fung
Forward BIOLABS
[email protected]