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 emerging Wisconsin biohealth companies in 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 targeted funding to obtain 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, empowering them to reduce scaling risks and attract future investment.

APPLICANT Eligibility

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

• Headquarters in Wisconsin

• Operating in one or more of the following domains:

  • Biomedical Research & Testing, Biopharmaceuticals, Diagnostics, Digital Health & Software, Health & Wellness Solutions, Life Sciences, Medical Devices, Reagents, Tools & Instrumentation

• Legally incorporated (i.e., Inc. or LLC)

• In operation for 2–10 years

Companies must also demonstrate the following:

• A minimum of 1 year of financial runway

• A short summary in 3-5 sentences providing a business plan overview summarizing key milestones, progress to date, and funding strategy/timeline

TYPES OF PROJECTS FUNDED

Awards are intended to support specific commercialization activities that directly advance defined milestones and bring your company to the next growth phase.

Applicants can apply for, but are not limited to, the following projects:

• Assistance in achieving a commercial milestone

• Business development resources

• Contracted services (e.g., CRO, CDMO, CMO, etc.)

• Fundraising assistance (e.g., conferences, travel expenses, etc.)

• Legal support (e.g., assistance with patents, IP, corporate, etc.)

• Marketing resources

• Product development, technology de-risking, or access to scientific equipment

• Regulatory services (e.g., regulatory consulting, pathway strategies, FDA meeting preparation & submissions, regulatory gap assessment, etc.)

Have another idea?
Forward BIOLABS also welcomes other project proposals and ideas. If you have a potential project not listed above, please reach out using the ‘Get In Touch’ Form below so it can be discussed further.

NOTE: Applicants will be asked to submit a letter or quote from service providers or vendors involved in the project. The letter should include details about the services they will provide and the expected completion timeframe.

Award Amount

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

  • If your proposed project requires funding outside of this range, please reach out to the ICP Program director using the ‘Get In Touch’ form below.

Application and Award Selection Process

Step 1: Initial Inquiry
Complete the short inquiry form below.

Step 2: Complete Application
If you meet the initial criteria, you will be invited to complete the full application.

Step 3: Application Review
Submitted applications will be reviewed by Forward BIOLABS.

Step 4: ICP Award Committee Q&A
Applicants moving forward to this stage will be invited to participate in a 3–5 minute Q&A session with the ICP Award Committee.

Step 5: Award Selection
Recipients will be selected by the ICP Award Committee, comprised of experts from across the industry.

Step 6: Award Notification
Awarded companies will be notified in December 2025.

Program Timeline + Key dates

ROUND 1

APPLICATION OPENS — OCTOBER 13, 2025

APPLICATION DUE — BY NOVEMBER 14, 2025

NOTIFICATION OF SELECTED AWARDEES & AWARD DISTRIBUTION — DECEMBER 2025

Round 2

SPRING 2026

To apply

Complete the short ICP inquiry form below. If you meet the initial criteria, you will be invited to complete the full application.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)