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 is supported through state funding as part of Forward BIOLABS’ project within the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub, a coordinated statewide initiative working to advance personalized medicine by connecting industry, research, workforce, and infrastructure partners. Through programs like ICP, the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub is helping move Wisconsin’s biohealth strategy from foundation to execution by strengthening the startup pipeline, supporting commercialization, and building shared capacity for long-term industry growth.

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)

  • Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of financial runway to cover third-party service/vendor expenses upfront without impacting the company’s day-to-day operations, as the ICP award is reimbursement-based upon receipt submission.

  • In operation for 2–10 years

 
 

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.)

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.

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.

 
 

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.

 
 

Application and Award Selection Process

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

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

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

Step 4: Award Selection
Recipients will be selected by the ICP Award Committee.

Step 5: Award Notification
Awarded companies will be notified in August 2026.

 
 
 
 

Program Timeline + Key dates

ROUND 1

Completed in 2025

 
 

Round 2

Application Opens — May 26, 2026

Application Due — By June 19, 2026

Notification of Selected Awardees & Award Distribution — August 2026

 
 

To apply

Please fill out the inquiry form.

 
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

  • Yes, companies may submit more than one project for consideration, provided that each project aligns with the goals of the ICP Program and includes a distinct scope of work.

    Please submit the two proposals as part of a single application. Different project scopes may include different vendors.

  • To be eligible for the ICP Program, companies must be headquartered in Wisconsin.

  • No, there is no fee to apply.

 
 

Have a different question or NEED MORE INFOrmation?

Contact us

 
 
 

Not ready to apply? STAY IN THE LOOP for updates and we’ll keep you posted on what’s next!