BioForward: Wisconsin biohealth industry outpaces national growth, generates $38.1 billion economic impact

WISCONSIN ([DATE]) – Wisconsin’s biohealth industry is growing at nearly twice the national rate,
generating $38.1 billion in total economic activity and supporting nearly 139,000 jobs statewide,
according to the newly released 2026 Wisconsin Biohealth Industry Landscape and Economic Impact
Report from BioForward Wisconsin.

The biennial report, prepared by TEConomy Partners, LLC, was made possible through a joint
investment by BioForward Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC). The report finds that Wisconsin’s biohealth industry directly employed 59,519 people
across 2,667 establishments in 2025. Industry employment grew 12.9% from 2021 to 2025,
compared with 6.9% nationally, with four of Wisconsin’s five major biohealth subsectors expanding
during that period.

“Wisconsin’s strength comes from the way our biohealth ecosystem works together,” said Lisa
Johnson, CEO of BioForward Wisconsin. “Companies, research institutions, healthcare systems,
manufacturers, entrepreneurs and workforce partners are creating an environment where
innovation can move from discovery to commercialization and ultimately to patients. That
collaboration is translating into high-value jobs, major investment and a stronger platform for
growth. Wisconsin has the assets and connections to help biohealth companies start here, scale
here and stay here—and to attract companies looking for a place where they can grow.”

Key Findings of the Report:

 Economic Impact: Wisconsin’s biohealth industry generated $22.3 billion in direct economic activity in 2025 and $38.1 billion in total economic impact from direct, indirect and induced activity. The industry supported 138,739 jobs statewide, $12.3 billion in wages and benefits, and $1.4 billion in state and local tax revenue.

 Employment Growth: Biohealth employment increased 12.9% between 2021 and 2025, nearly twice the 6.9% national growth rate. The industry now directly employs more than 59,500 people across 2,667 establishments.

 High-Value Jobs and Productivity: Average annual wages reached $116,452 in 2025—76% above the statewide all-industry average. Productivity, measured as gross state product per worker, reached
$273,360, nearly twice the average across all Wisconsin industries.

 Broad-Based Industry Strength: Biomedical research and testing, digital health and biohealth-related distribution each grew employment by roughly 20% or more since 2021, while drugs and
pharmaceuticals grew nearly 10%. Wisconsin also maintains a strong national specialization in medical devices and equipment.

 Continued Investment: Major recent investments include Eli Lilly and Company’s planned $4 billion
investment in Pleasant Prairie, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals’ approximately 300,000-square-foot
research and manufacturing campus in Verona, Catalent’s $45 million Madison expansion, and
continued investment by GE HealthCare across its Wisconsin operations. The state’s research
infrastructure is expanding as well, including the Medical College of Wisconsin’s $150 million-plus,
161,000-square-foot Center for Cancer Discovery in Milwaukee, which opened in August 2025.

The report shows that Wisconsin’s competitive position extends beyond individual companies or
subsectors. The state combines established strengths in medical devices, imaging and diagnostics
with growing capabilities in pharmaceuticals and biomanufacturing, digital health, biomedical research, personalized medicine, and emerging areas such as probiotics and microbial biotechnology.