Wisconsin Consumer Protection Grants

The FY24 BCRP Clinical Research Extension Award is designed to maximize the impact of previously funded breast cancer clinical studies by extending or expanding data collection, follow-up, and analysis. This mechanism directly addresses the loss of knowledge resulting from early trial termination, limited patient follow-up, or inadequate sample/data collection and analysis. The BCRP emphasizes the invaluable contributions of patient specimens and data, aiming to ensure that research maximizes the impact of these contributions toward saving lives and accelerating progress in ending breast cancer. Projects proposing to conduct new clinical trials will not be supported, focusing instead on leveraging existing clinical study infrastructure and data. The core impact goal of the award is to extend or affect the impact of a previously funded clinical trial or study, or to generate new impact toward ending breast cancer. Target beneficiaries include breast cancer patients whose contributions are utilized, and ultimately, active-duty Service Members, Veterans, military beneficiaries, and the American public who stand to benefit from advancements in breast cancer research. The program encourages collaborations between researchers at military/Veteran institutions and non-military institutions to leverage unique resources and access to diverse clinical populations, ensuring the research is relevant to the military community and the general public. Priorities and focuses for the proposed research, although not all-inclusive, include deeper molecular analysis of clinical samples, new correlative studies, biomarker validation, or continuing clinical follow-up of patients in open or completed trials. The research may be hypothesis-testing, -generating, or designed to create clinically annotated and molecularly characterized experimental platforms, such as patient-derived models. A required component is the involvement of two or more breast cancer consumer advocates—individuals diagnosed with breast cancer and active in advocacy organizations—who must provide objective input on the research design and its potential impact for individuals with, or at risk for, breast cancer. Innovation is not a required criterion for this award. Expected outcomes include generating meaningful hypotheses or supporting valid conclusions through statistically appropriate sample sizes and robust data analysis. Applicants must outline a data-sharing plan to ensure the scientific community has access to experimental platforms, molecular, and other data generated. The award encourages meaningful and productive partnerships, offering a Partnering PI Option with a higher funding limit ($6M vs. $5M for a single PI) to support collaborative efforts where both PIs bring distinct and critical expertise, reinforcing a strategic priority to foster team science in complex research questions. The CDMRP expects to allot approximately $18.6 million to fund about two applications.

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.