Wisconsin Consumer Protection Grants

The FY24 BCRP Clinical Research Extension Award is designed to enhance the impact of previously funded breast cancer clinical studies by extending or expanding data collection, follow-up, and analysis. This mechanism directly aligns with the broader mission of maximizing the value of breast cancer patient participation in clinical research, thereby addressing knowledge gaps that may arise from early trial termination, limited patient follow-up, or insufficient data collection and analysis. By ensuring that the invaluable contributions of patient tissues, serum, other biological specimens, and data are fully utilized, the BCRP aims to ensure that scientific efforts truly value these contributions and maximize their impact in saving lives. The primary target beneficiaries of this award are breast cancer patients and the scientific community. The impact goals are to increase the clinically relevant impact of breast cancer patient participation, accelerate progress toward ending breast cancer, and generate meaningful hypotheses or support valid conclusions. The program prioritizes research that extends or affects the impact of previous clinical trials or studies, or creates new impact in the fight against breast cancer. It specifically encourages innovative research in nuclear medicine to support early diagnosis, more effective treatment, and improved health outcomes for active-duty Service Members, Veterans, military beneficiaries, and the American public. Key focuses for the research scope include deeper molecular analysis of clinical samples, initiation of new correlative studies, biomarker validation, or continued clinical follow-up of patients in open, ongoing, or completed clinical trials. The proposed research can be hypothesis-testing or -generating, and may also be designed to create clinically annotated and molecularly characterized experimental platforms, such as patient-derived models or tissue arrays. Innovation is not a primary criterion for this award, and projects proposing new clinical trials will not be supported. A critical focus is on meaningful and productive partnerships between investigators, with a Partnering PI Option available to accommodate two Principal Investigators who bring distinct and equally intellectual contributions to the project. Expected outcomes include increased understanding of breast cancer through extended data analysis, validation of biomarkers, improved patient follow-up, and the development of new experimental platforms. Measurable results are tied to valid conclusions from appropriately sized study samples and a clear data-sharing plan to ensure the scientific community has access to generated platforms and molecular data. The program also emphasizes robust research teams with relevant expertise and mandatory involvement of two or more breast cancer consumer advocates who provide objective input on the research's potential impact for individuals with, or at risk for, breast cancer. The overall strategic priority is to accelerate clinical and translational research, especially for advanced state and recurrent patients, and to improve health outcomes for military service members and the public through relevant collaborations and innovative techniques.

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.