We serve 400 UW faculty, staff and student innovators and grant over $1 million in funding annually. We’ve helped launch or grow over 130 startups.

Innovation and Commercialization Mentors

Amar Anumakonda, PhD

Tech-focused business leader with a passion for addressing global problems in energy and environment. Industry experience in innovation and commercializing game-changing technologies.

Aimee Arnoldussen, PhD

Cognitive neuroscientist with expertise in medical and assistive technologies. Start-up, healthcare, research funding and FDA.

Abram Becker

Expertise in commercial strategy for pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical devices, and diagnostics. Start-up, non-profit, & Fortune 500 experience.

Cecily Brose

Expertise in consumer product development and commercialization. Led innovation platforms in the food industry.

Upcoming Programs and Events from the Innovate Network

News from the Innovate Network

Extension announces 2024 Wisconsin Idea Collaboration Grants

UW–Madison Extension is excited to announce the 10 projects selected to receive the 2024 Wisconsin Idea Collaboration (WIC) Grants. This year’s projects engage nine UW schools and colleges. Research topics include the economic benefits of …

WisBusiness: the Podcast with Jessica Martin Eckerly, Forward BIOLABS

This week’s episode of “WisBusiness: the Podcast” is with Jessica Martin Eckerly, CEO and co-founder of Forward BIOLABS. She shares some highlights from the group’s first impact report, which details the Madison-based co-working space’s role …

Forward BIOLABS: A Journey of Innovation and Growth

In Fall 2018, Forward BIOLABS took its first steps, opening a pilot lab operating out of WiCell. This initial endeavor laid the groundwork for the establishment of an independent facility in University Research Park in …