Wisconsin Consumer Protection Grants

The FY24 BCRP Clinical Research Extension Award is designed to increase the clinically relevant impact of breast cancer patient participation in clinical research by extending or expanding the data collection, follow-up, and analysis of previously funded breast cancer clinical studies. The core mission of this mechanism is to address the knowledge lost due to early trial termination, limited patient follow-up, or suboptimal sample and/or data collection and analysis, thereby maximizing the impact of patient contributions of tissue, serum, other biologic specimens, and their data. Projects proposing to conduct clinical trials are explicitly excluded from this funding opportunity. The primary target beneficiaries are breast cancer patients whose contributions to prior clinical studies—in the form of data and biological specimens—can be leveraged for new discoveries. The overarching impact goal is to accelerate progress toward ending breast cancer by generating new, clinically relevant insights. Research supported by this award must have the potential to extend or affect the impact of a previously funded clinical trial or study, or result in new impact. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit research ideas that address the recommendations of the congressionally mandated Metastatic Cancer Task Force, provided they fit within the FY24 BCRP priorities. Furthermore, innovative research involving nuclear medicine and related techniques to support early diagnosis, more effective treatment, and improved health outcomes for active-duty Service Members and their Families is encouraged. The proposed research must be relevant to active-duty Service Members, Veterans, military beneficiaries, and/or the American public. Priorities and focus areas for this award mechanism encompass a deeper molecular analysis of clinical samples, initiation of new correlative studies, biomarker validation, or continuing clinical follow-up of patients enrolled in an open/ongoing or completed clinical trial. The research may be hypothesis-testing or -generating, or designed to create clinically annotated and molecularly characterized experimental platforms, such as patient-derived models or tissue arrays. Innovation is not a required criterion, but feasibility is critical, requiring preliminary data to support the scientific rationale and research approaches, as well as demonstrated access to necessary resources or populations. Applications are required to include meaningful and productive partnerships, especially encouraging collaborations between researchers at military or Veteran institutions and non-military institutions. Expected outcomes and measurable results include generating valid conclusions or meaningful hypotheses based on an appropriate study sample size, and the creation of clinically annotated and molecularly characterized platforms. Applicants must outline a robust data-sharing plan to ensure the scientific community has access to the experimental platforms, molecular, and other data generated. Consumer advocate involvement is mandatory, with the expectation that two or more breast cancer consumer advocates, who are actively involved in a breast cancer advocacy organization, will provide objective input throughout the research effort and on its potential impact for individuals with, or at risk for, breast cancer. The funding instrument for these awards is grants, and the CDMRP anticipates funding approximately two Clinical Research Extension Award applications with approximately $18.6 million. The maximum direct costs are $5 million for a single Principal Investigator (PI) application or $6 million if applying under the Partnering PI Option.

The HealthTech Accelerator is a 90-day tech business accelerator specifically designed for pre-Series A HealthTech startups. This program focuses on critical areas within the health technology sector, including Digital Health, Healthcare Services, Health Sustainability and Wellness, Medical Devices and Equipment, Software, Femtech, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, PharmacyTech, Wearables, and Quantified Self. The program is an initiative of Tampa Bay Wave, a nationally recognized nonprofit, in partnership with the University of South Florida Research & Innovation, The Florida High Tech Corridor, and the U.S. Economic Development Corporation, among others. These partnerships align with the broader mission of fostering innovation and economic growth within the health technology landscape. The primary target beneficiaries of this accelerator are HealthTech startups that are in their pre-Series A funding stage. The program aims to support businesses that are built with proprietary technology, creating next-generation health technology products and solutions. The overarching impact goal is to accelerate the growth and market validation of these innovative startups, ultimately contributing to advancements in healthcare and wellness. By providing structured programming and access to a robust network, the accelerator seeks to empower these companies to overcome common startup challenges and achieve sustainable growth. The program prioritizes companies with dedicated management teams of at least two full-time individuals, demonstrating a serious commitment to their venture. A key focus is on market validation, requiring applicants to show proof that their products or solutions address a real market need. The accelerator also seeks investable and/or scalable businesses with viable business plans and a financial runway of at least 6-12 months. While not strictly requiring relocation, selected companies must plan for on-site participation in Tampa, FL, during each of the three blocks of programming, emphasizing the importance of in-person engagement and collaboration. The expected outcomes for participating startups include enhanced business development, refined proprietary technology, and increased market readiness. Through the 90-day program, companies are anticipated to strengthen their business models, expand their professional networks through partnerships with entities like Accenture, hospitals, health systems, and healthcare-specific VC funds, and improve their readiness for investment. Measurable results would likely include progress in product development, securing follow-on funding, customer acquisition, and overall business growth, all contributing to the program's strategic goal of fostering a vibrant health technology ecosystem.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Wisconsin meat processors for expanding operations and improving infrastructure to enhance the state's meat supply chain.