FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Applications to Open for the Statewide “Innovation to Commercialization Pipeline” Program
ICP Program Will Position Wisconsin Biohealth Startups for Increased Capital Attraction and Scalability
Madison, WI – October 8, 2025: Forward BIOLABS, in partnership with BioForward Wisconsin, is proud to announce the launch of the Innovation to Commercialization Pipeline (ICP) program, a first-of-its-kind statewide initiative designed to help early-stage biohealth companies across Wisconsin navigate 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, empowering them to reduce risks and attract future investment. Emerging companies from across the domain of biohealth, such as Biomedical Research & Testing, Biopharmaceuticals, Diagnostics, Digital Health & Software, Health & Wellness Solutions, Life Sciences, Medical Devices, Reagents, Tools & Instrumentation, are encouraged to apply.
“In developing the program, we consistently heard from leaders how essential it is for young companies to be prepared not only to raise seed funding but also to position themselves for larger, follow-on investment,” said Jessica Martin Eckerly, CEO and Co-founder of Forward BIOLABS. “To succeed, these emerging companies need support to hit key milestones that help them secure initial investment from Wisconsin’s early-stage investors, and continued support to bridge the gap in attracting additional capital from investors nationwide. The ICP program was created to help close these gaps and position Wisconsin’s biohealth companies for growth.”
Expert Guidance and Selection Process: ICP awardees will be selected by an expert Award Committee composed of experienced leaders from across the industry. Drawing on their broad expertise, the committee will evaluate applicants, provide feedback, and help ensure ICP funding supports their product development strategies for procuring relevant commercialization services and strengthening Wisconsin’s biohealth sector.
Brad Garcia was VP of Corporate Development and Corporate Secretary at Madison-based Nimble Therapeutics before its acquisition by AbbVie, where he is now a Director in Strategy and Operations.
“Having been part of the leadership team growing Nimble Therapeutics from its founding and financing, through numerous pharma partnerships and ultimately the acquisition, I understand how impactful the ICP program will be for these young companies. I’m excited to be able to utilize my hard-earned experience to pay it forward alongside the other Award Committee leaders.”
Five Week Application Period: The application window opens on Monday, October 13, 2025, and closes on Friday, November 14, 2025. Following review, the committee will finalize award decisions and notifications before the end of December.
Advancing Wisconsin’s Biohealth Footprint: The launch of ICP highlights Forward BIOLABS’ and BioForward’s shared commitment to advancing Wisconsin’s position as a national leader in biohealth innovation. Eligible companies can begin the process by completing a short screening questionnaire, after which eligible applicants will be invited to submit a full application. Forward BIOLABS will share more details about the program at the upcoming Wisconsin Biohealth Summit on October 14-15.
"The Innovation to Commercialization Pipeline program addresses critical barriers to growth and connects early-stage companies with the timely resources. BioForward is proud to partner with Forward BIOLABS on this initiative, as it reflects our shared vision of accelerating innovation, attracting investment, and strengthening Wisconsin’s position as a national leader in biohealth," commented Lisa Johnson, CEO of BioForward.
For ICP program details and how to apply, visit https://www.forwardbiolabs.org/icp-program
To follow the program’s progress, sign up for updates at: https://www.forwardbiolabs.org/icp-subscribe
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.
Media Contact:
Bianca Fung
Forward BIOLABS [email protected]
ICP Program Contact:
Shivam Bharti
Forward BIOLABS
[email protected]