ABOUT FORWARD MEMBERSHIPS:

The Forward Memberships program is a new innovative initiative launched by Forward BIOLABS made possible by a grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). Forward Memberships offers various membership types tailored to suit startups at different developmental stages, from fundraising and grant writing to technology de-risking. Eligible startups selected for the program will receive a Forward BIOLABS membership for 12 months with access to Forward BIOLABS’ fully equipped co-working laboratory and/or office options, along with the shared resources and a supportive community of like-minded innovators.

Eligibility/Selection Criteria

Forward Memberships will be awarded to startups based on:

• Industry Focus: Startups operating within the Biohealth sector/industry (i.e., healthcare innovations, personalized medicine, Biohealth technologies, etc.).

• While Forward BIOLABS welcomes startups from all sectors that align with our mission, please note that at this time the Forward Membership program is exclusively for startups within the Biohealth sector/industry. If you are a startup outside the Biohealth sector/industry but are seeking co-working lab or office options, please visit our general inquiry page to fill out a form.

• Financial Accessibility: The focus is start-ups in their earliest stages of development.

• This program provides startups with immediate access to the lab for gathering key data and receiving real-time assistance in answering scientific questions to de-risk technologies and seeking further funding.

•  For other startups, the office membership offers a collaborative environment while grant-writing, fundraising, and networking.

• Diversity and Inclusion: We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the Biohealth entrepreneurship community, with 50% of Forward Memberships awarded to companies founded by women and minorities.

  • While the program prioritizes companies founded by women and minorities, we strongly encourage all eligible startups to apply, regardless of their founders' backgrounds.

The Forward Membership program is right for your startup company if it:

• is legally incorporated when the award is granted,

• has a bank account established prior to starting at Forward BIOLABS,

• has a business model, science, and team that is a good fit for the co-working environment, and

• is an early-stage startup.

Please note: Forward Memberships do not cover lab supplies or other startup fees associated with starting a membership at Forward BIOLABS such as security deposits, insurance, etc..

Screening Process and selection committee

Applicants will be evaluated using the following process:

• Screening process: Once an application is submitted, Forward BIOLABS will screen startups for scientific, business, and team fit within the co-working environment as well as financial needs through a virtual meeting and, when applicable, an on-site tour.

• Selection committee review: Forward Membership awardees will be approved by a selection committee made up of local and regional leaders.

2025 Applications are closed

Forward Membership News/Inquiries