Wisconsin Consumer Protection Grants

The FY24 BCRP Clinical Research Extension Award is a specialized grant mechanism designed to maximize the clinical impact of previously funded breast cancer clinical studies. The core purpose is to extend or expand the data collection, patient follow-up, and subsequent analysis of these existing trials. This is strategically aligned with the BCRP's mission to prevent the loss of invaluable knowledge that can occur due to early trial termination, limited patient follow-up, or suboptimal use of collected specimens and data. By supporting research that maximizes the value of patient contributions—such as tissue, serum, and data—the mechanism ensures that science respects and utilizes these contributions to accelerate progress toward ending breast cancer. The grant's impact goals are focused on extending or enhancing the influence of a previously funded clinical study, or generating completely new impact toward ending breast cancer. The ultimate beneficiaries include the American public, and specifically active-duty Service Members, Veterans, and military beneficiaries, as the proposed research must demonstrate relevance to these populations. The program strongly encourages collaborations between researchers at military/Veteran institutions and non-military institutions to leverage unique knowledge and access to clinical populations, thereby advancing cancer research critical to military families and the American public. The CDMRP also encourages applicants to review and address the recommendations of the congressionally mandated Metastatic Cancer Task Force. Key priorities and focus areas guide the research scope. Although not exhaustive, supported research may include deeper molecular analysis of existing clinical samples, initiation of new correlative studies, biomarker validation, or continuing clinical follow-up of patients from open or completed trials. The proposed work can be hypothesis-testing or -generating, but it specifically prohibits the conduct of new clinical trials. The program also prioritizes collaboration through the Partnering PI Option, accommodating two Principal Investigators (PIs) who bring distinct, yet equally valued, intellectual contributions to the project. A non-negotiable priority is the inclusion of two or more breast cancer Consumer Advocates who must provide objective input on the study's design and execution, focusing on the research's potential impact for individuals with, or at risk for, breast cancer. Expected outcomes and measurable results are rooted in rigorous data evaluation and sharing. Applicants must propose a study sample size that guarantees the generation of valid conclusions or a meaningful hypothesis, along with sufficient evidence and statistical methods to support their objectives. A required outcome is the outline of a robust data-sharing plan, ensuring that the scientific community will have access to the experimental platforms, molecular data, and other information generated from the research. The program anticipates funding approximately two Clinical Research Extension Award applications with a total allotment of approximately $18.6 million. The maximum direct cost for the entire period of performance is $5 million for a single PI application and $6 million for 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.