ABOUT innovation to commercialization pipeline (ICP) program

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

The ICP program aims to overcome critical commercialization barriers and capital-access gaps by providing emerging companies with the tools, resources, and vital support they need to scale. Eligible companies can apply for tailored, company-specific support designed to accelerate their commercialization journey, including access to cutting-edge equipment, specialized services, and statewide networking opportunities, empowering them to reduce scaling risks and attract future investment.

Eligibility + Program Criteria

To qualify for the program, startups must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

• Headquartered in Wisconsin

• Broadly operates in one or more of the following domains:

  • Biopharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, Digital Health, Biomedical Research & Testing, Health & Wellness Solutions

  • Startups should offer products, services, or clinical applications that support health systems, research markets, or the biohealth industry in advancing healthcare innovations and personalized medicine for improving patient outcomes.

• Legally formed or incorporated (must be an existing legal entity for example, LLC. or Inc.)

• In operation for 2–10 years

Applicants/Startups must demonstrate the following:

• A minimum of 1 year of financial runway (self-funded, family/friends, projected revenue accepted, or money raised to date)

• A short pitch deck or overview of business plan summarizing key milestones, progress to date, and funding strategy/timeline

• A letter or quote from service providers or vendors related to the proposed project who will be performing contract services and time frame in which these services will be completed

Screening Process and selection committee

Applicants will be evaluated using the following process:

• Screening process: Applicants fill out a quick inquiry form below to receive an application.

• Reviewing process: Once an application is submitted, Forward BIOLABS review the full application.

• Q&A with Applicants: ICP Committee will conduct a 3-5 minutes Q&A with selected companies. The selected applicants will have to be available between Dec 10-12 for a 10 minutes Teams meeting with the Committee

• Selection committee review: ICP Program recipients will be selected by a selection committee made up experts from various industries.

Award Amount

• Eligible startups may request de-risking funds ranging from $25,000 to $75,000. Final award amounts will be determined at the sole discretion of the ICP Committee, Forward BIOLABS, and BioForward.

• Approximately 10 to 15 startups will receive funding during the first award cycle. The funding amount and the startups funded may vary.

Disclaimer: Funding amount and whether to fund or not fund is at the mutual discretion of ICP Committee, Forward BIOLABS and BioForward

Program Timeline + Key dates

ROUND 1

APPLICATION OPENS — OCTOBER 13, 2025

APPLICATION DUE — BY NOVEMBER 14, 2025

NOTIFICATION OF SELECTED AWARDEES — BY DECEMBER 19, 2025

AWARD DISTRIBUTION — STARTS JANUARY 12, 2026

Round 2

PROJECTS TO BEGIN - BY MARCH 02, 2026

ICP Program Award Committee

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

To apply

Please fill out the inquiry form below.