Editor’s Note: This article was paid for and written by Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and approved by Area Development.
Wisconsin is gaining national attention as a dynamic technology hub, attracting global corporations, high-growth startups, and pioneering researchers who are reshaping advanced manufacturing, biohealth, and clean energy. By aligning talent, resources, and industry partnerships, the state is creating a climate where innovation thrives and businesses scale.
“Wisconsin has always been a place where businesses can scale and succeed. Our strength lies in the way we bring together global companies, research institutions, and entrepreneurs to drive meaningful innovation,” says Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
That collaborative spirit helped earn the state a designation as a Regional Technology Hub by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The recognition highlights Wisconsin’s leadership in advancing life science technologies, biomanufacturing, and medical research—and reflects its growing role in shaping the nation’s innovation economy.
Global leaders are making billion-dollar bets on Wisconsin’s future. Microsoft is investing $3.3 billion in a next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) data center campus in Mount Pleasant, expanding cloud infrastructure and accelerating machine learning applications in the region. In Milwaukee, Rockwell Automation continues to lead in smart manufacturing, developing AI-integrated systems that enhance productivity across global industries.
In biohealth, Eli Lilly & Co. is investing $3 billion to build a biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Kenosha County, bringing more than 750 jobs. The facility will expand Wisconsin’s footprint in drug development, diagnostics, and personalized medicine—strengthening its position in biomanufacturing and health innovation.
Startups Are Scaling Big Ideas
While global companies are making headlines, Wisconsin’s strength also lies in its ability to nurture innovation at the ground level. Across the state, a new generation of startups is emerging—developing breakthrough solutions in energy, biotech, and advanced materials. These ventures are supported by a robust ecosystem of research partnerships, incubators, and access to capital. Among the companies gaining traction:
COnovate (Milwaukee): This startup is improving lithium-ion battery performance with a carbon-based material that enables faster charging. “Wisconsin’s research ecosystem and technology partnerships are accelerating our ability to bring energy solutions to market,” says co-founder Carol Hirschmugl, Ph.D.
Realta Fusion (Madison): Focused on commercializing compact fusion energy systems, the company is helping pave the way for zero-carbon industrial heat and power. “Fusion energy is the future, and Wisconsin provides the research expertise and industry connections we need to commercialize this technology,” says Dominick Bindl, vice president of technical development.
Forward BIOLABS (Madison): By providing turnkey lab space and mentorship, this organization is helping biotech startups accelerate the development of lifesaving treatments and technologies.
With a skilled workforce, world-class universities, and strong public-private alignment, Wisconsin offers a solid foundation for businesses building the future. Whether in AI, automation, biomanufacturing, or clean energy, companies investing here aren’t just adapting to change—they’re driving it.
