FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Forward BIOLABS Introduces Forward Memberships to Support Biohealth Entrepreneurs

Madison, WI, 07/25/2024 – Forward BIOLABS is thrilled to announce the launch of Forward Memberships, a new initiative made possible by a grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). Forward Memberships will enable promising Biohealth entrepreneurs, including those from underrepresented groups, to advance their research and bring their innovations to fruition.

Expanding on the success of Wisconsin’s recent $49M Phase 2 award and designation as a regional Tech Hub by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), Forward Memberships bolsters support for early-stage startup companies in the personalized medicine and Biohealth sectors. Forward BIOLABS’ turnkey, co-working life science labs and offices are fully equipped, maintained, and supported, with concierge introductions, training, and networking that help startups grow. Forward BIOLABS operates on a month-to-month membership model, which allows rapid and affordable changes such as adding a lab bench or office cubicle to accommodate growth.

The Forward Memberships program offers various membership types tailored to startups at different stages, from fundraising and grant writing to de-risking technologies. A challenge often faced by Biohealth startup companies is the need to gather scientific data in a laboratory with extensive infrastructure and expensive equipment; a Forward Membership for a lab bench will provide immediate access to these resources in the co-working lab. For other startups, a Forward Membership for the office offers a collaborative environment for grant-writing support and networking opportunities. Eligible startups selected will receive a membership for 12 months that provides access to Forward BIOLABS’ fully equipped co-working laboratory and/or office options, along with shared resources and a vibrant community.

"The resources provided by a Forward Membership will enable entrepreneurs to advance their technologies and become a part of our startup community, all while planning for the next phase of their company’s growth,” said Jessica Martin Eckerly, co-founder and CEO at Forward BIOLABS. “Wisconsin has been recognized as a national Tech Hub because of our burgeoning Biohealth industry. Forward Memberships will allow the next generation of personalized medicine companies to join our innovative co-working lab space, located in the heart of the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub region.”

WEDC is providing Forward BIOLABS with a nearly $200,000 Entrepreneurship Partner Grant (EPG) aimed at supporting organizations that provide technical assistance and other support to entrepreneurs.

“WEDC is proud to partner with Forward BIOLABS because they play such a vital role in helping startups take those critical first steps from concept to reality,” said Missy Hughes, WEDC secretary and CEO. “Their Forward Memberships will provide valuable resources and opportunities to Biohealth innovators, particularly nontraditional founders, reflecting our overall commitment to growing our regional Biohealth Tech Hub."

To apply for a Forward Membership, startups will complete a brief application to assess eligibility and fit. The selection process for the membership will prioritize startups in the Biohealth sector, with a focus on companies founded by women and minorities.

For more information about the Forward Memberships program and application details, please visit our website, and click on “Join the Lab.”

About Forward BIOLABS:

Forward BIOLABS is a non-profit co-working life science laboratory located in Madison, Wisconsin, with a mission to make it easier to start a biotech company. This goal is accomplished by providing early-stage startups with a fully equipped and supported laboratory on an affordable and flexible basis, and a collaborative community of scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. Learn more at forwardbiolabs.org.

About WEDC:

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is a state agency focused on supporting economic development initiatives, fostering business growth, and creating job opportunities across Wisconsin. Learn more at wedc.org.

Contact:

Laura Kaiser
Forward BIOLABS
[email protected]