WisBusiness: the Podcast with Maci Camara, BioForward Wisconsin

This week’s episode of “WisBusiness: the Podcast” is with Maci Camara, member engagement manager and Eau Claire office director for BioForward Wisconsin. 

The Madison-based biohealth industry group last month announced plans to expand into Eau Claire, tapping Camara to lead the new office and related efforts to reach new areas of Wisconsin. 

BioForward Wisconsin is the lead organization in Wisconsin’s regional tech hub effort, spearheading the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub coalition’s efforts as it prepares to submit its Phase II application next month. 

Camara discusses this ongoing effort and potential impacts in the state, sharing her perspective on opportunities for developing the state’s biohealth industry. 

“For a while it’s just been Madison, it’s been Milwaukee, but now we’re in this really exciting position where we can start engaging with other regions throughout the state,” she said. “We want to extend our support and resources to biohealth innovators and manufacturers in the northwest and western regions of Wisconsin.” 

The state’s tech hub designation is focused on personalized medicine, and Camara says the Eau Claire move supports the group’s goal of developing related applications in the state. She notes the region is boosted by UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stout in Menomonee and UW-La Crosse as well, offering opportunities for more collaborative research. 

“There’s a lot of resources in this area, and I’m really excited to help see where I can provide support in those areas, and how we can make innovation easier,” she said.

Listen to the podcast below, sponsored by UW-Madison: