AGP Executive Report

Aerospace Manufacturing: Northeast Wisconsin manufacturers are gaining work in the growing space sector. Shawano’s JR Machine supplies rocket components, while Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry makes parts for launch companies and satellites. Dementia Research: A UW–Madison-led study found that an extra year of required schooling was linked to fewer dementia diagnoses decades later, with the greatest benefit among people at high genetic risk. Data Center Debate: Wisconsin Rapids rejected a proposed 1.2-million-square-foot data center at a former paper mill, putting the project on hold for at least a year. Cancer Research: UW–Madison has started expanding its cyclotron facility to advance cancer and Alzheimer’s research and precision medicine.

Health Data: A Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub project aims to launch a shared research tool by next summer, letting innovators query patient data across participating health systems while protecting privacy. Manufacturing Robotics: Mequon-based MūL Technologies has set a $9,999 starting price for its autonomous MARC carts, which move materials without Wi-Fi or facility modifications. Data Center Debate: Wisconsin’s 2023 budget created a sales-tax exemption for construction and electricity at state-certified data centers. The incentive is now a campaign issue as communities weigh promised investment against local costs; Wisconsin Rapids recently rejected a proposed project. Flood Protection: La Crosse and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin a three-year, $3 million study of long-term flood measures, including possible updates to aging levees. Farm Research: Wisconsin is offering $1 million in grants for field studies to improve nitrogen use, with applications due Jan. 15. Bike Technology: A prototype Trek Procaliber with 32-inch wheels surfaced at the Wisconsin state cycling championship in Waterloo, hinting at a possible new direction for cross-country bikes. UW Research: A study involving UW–Madison researchers found that additional schooling was linked to fewer dementia diagnoses decades later, even among people with high genetic risk.

AI and Data Centers: National polling finds 72% of Americans oppose data centers in their communities, as neighbors push back against the Port Washington project and the issue reshapes Wisconsin’s governor’s race. Medical Isotopes: Janesville’s SHINE Technologies secured a $263 million federal loan to complete a facility producing molybdenum-99 for medical imaging; Beloit’s NorthStar Medical Technologies also announced international partnerships to support cancer-treatment development. Cancer Research: UW–Madison has begun a cyclotron expansion aimed at advancing research into cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Neutrino Science: UW–Madison physicist Francis Halzen will receive the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for work behind IceCube, the Antarctic detector that revealed high-energy neutrinos from space.

Precision Medicine: UW–Madison has broken ground on a cyclotron expansion to advance cancer and Alzheimer’s research, including precision treatments. Neutrino Research: Physics professor Francis Halzen’s Nobel Prize recognizes work behind IceCube, the Antarctic observatory revealing high-energy neutrinos from space; Wisconsin researchers helped build the project. Biotech & Workforce: Sen. Tammy Baldwin and biotechnology executives met at UW–Madison to discuss the industry. Forestry Research: UW–Stevens Point research points to new possibilities for Wisconsin’s paper and forestry industries. Wildlife Science: Wisconsin’s annual bat count finds some species remain threatened, underscoring ongoing conservation concerns.

UW Admissions: The Universities of Wisconsin are considering permanently ending ACT and SAT requirements for first-year applicants, arguing GPA, course rigor and other context better reflect readiness. Students could still submit scores, but a final decision hasn’t been scheduled. Workforce Training: Wisconsin’s technical college system is seeking a $168 million increase in its 2027–29 budget, a 5.4% boost. Leaders say they need more faculty, equipment and space to meet workforce demand. Forest Technology: Modern automation has transformed Wisconsin sawmills: one Northwoods mill’s output has grown from an estimated 4,000 board feet a day to as much as 100,000, with computers controlling cuts and conveyors moving lumber. Research: UW–Madison has broken ground on a cyclotron expansion for cancer and Alzheimer’s research, and the university honored IceCube collaborator Francis Halzen after his 2026 Nobel Prize in physics. Wildlife Science: Wisconsin’s annual bat count tallied more than 20,000 bats at 120 roosts; four of the state’s eight species remain threatened.

Workforce Training: Wisconsin’s technical college system is seeking a $168 million increase in its 2027–29 state budget to address capacity limits and prepare workers for changing employer needs. Forestry Technology: Modern automation has helped a Northwoods sawmill grow output from about 4,000 board feet a day to as much as 100,000, while UW-Stevens Point research points to new opportunities for Wisconsin’s paper and forestry industries. Wildlife Research: This year’s statewide bat count tallied more than 20,000 bats at 120 roosts; four of Wisconsin’s eight bat species remain threatened. UW-Madison Research: The university broke ground on a cyclotron expansion to support cancer and Alzheimer’s research and honored physicist Francis Halzen after his 2026 Nobel Prize. Local Tech Manufacturing: Drone maker Rownd Inc. has begun building and testing specialty drones in Washington County.

Medical Research: UW–Madison has broken ground on a $62 million cyclotron expansion to boost production of materials for cancer and Alzheimer’s imaging and treatment—by an estimated two to eight times. Biotechnology: Sen. Tammy Baldwin and industry leaders met at UW–Madison to discuss growing Wisconsin’s biotech workforce and turning research into treatments, building on the state’s $49 million federal Biohealth Tech Hub award. Physics: UW–Madison honored Nobel laureate Francis Halzen for his neutrino research and work developing the Antarctic IceCube observatory. Advanced Manufacturing: New owners of Superior’s Fraser Industries plan to invest $350 million in the shipyard, expanding its facilities and workforce. Clean Energy: Wisconsin awarded $11.5 million for energy-saving innovation, while Dairyland Power and Applied Atomics are exploring small modular nuclear technology. AgTech: Environmental researchers are using satellite imagery and cloud computing to detect manure spread on snow-covered fields, which can pollute waterways.

Water Quality: New Wisconsin grants will help Stella residents test private wells for PFAS and replace contaminated wells, though many households still lack clean water. Separately, a $10.1 million EPA contract will remove contaminated sediment from Superior Bay, with work expected to begin in 2027. City Infrastructure: A UW-developed tool is helping Milwaukee decide which lead pipes to replace first, while state funding will support removal of more than 15,000 lead service lines in 12 communities. Advanced Manufacturing: Fincantieri plans $10 million in Wisconsin shipyard robots and equipment to support Navy ship work; a defense company also agreed to buy Superior’s Fraser Shipyards and invest $350 million in its expansion. Health Research: UW–Madison’s planned $62 million cyclotron expansion will explore new cancer treatments, and UW researchers are sharing their work in optogenetics, a field that uses light to control cells. Clean Energy: Dairyland Power and Applied Atomics are exploring small modular nuclear technology, adding to Wisconsin’s push for new energy options.

Water Infrastructure: Wisconsin is directing more than $102 million to 12 communities to replace an estimated 15,028 lead service lines. In Stella, new grants will help residents test private wells and replace wells contaminated with PFAS. Biomedical Research: UW–Madison researchers are using optogenetics—light to control selected neurons—to investigate how the brain turns visual input into perception and behavior. The university is also expanding its cyclotron lab to explore potential cancer treatments. Advanced Manufacturing: Fincantieri will use $10 million in federal funding for robotic welding and other shipbuilding equipment at facilities in Marinette, Sturgeon Bay and Green Bay, with state support for worker training. Health Technology: UW Health’s Dr. Kim Vidmar says glucose monitors and insulin pumps can help young athletes with Type 1 diabetes manage the condition while staying active.

Cancer Research: UW–Madison is expanding its cyclotron lab in a $62 million project to advance radioactive treatments and imaging for cancer and other diseases. Healthcare Technology: Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire ranked No. 46 in Newsweek’s smart-hospital list, with Mayo Clinic in Rochester retaining the top spot. AI Infrastructure: Hewlett Packard Enterprise plans a $75 million expansion in Chippewa Falls to support AI computing. Advanced Manufacturing: Evology Manufacturing is adding a large-frame metal 3D printer as production demand grows. Conservation Research: Work at Door County’s Ridges Sanctuary is tracking biodiversity, forest restoration and climate impacts to guide future conservation. Science Outreach: The Wisconsin Science Festival runs through Oct. 25, with events statewide exploring science, technology and the human experience.

Transportation Research: UWM’s annual transportation symposium drew nearly 240 people and added its first student research poster competition, spotlighting ideas for connecting travel modes across Wisconsin. Data Center Debate: Milwaukee and Barron County are among Wisconsin communities pausing or weighing limits on data center projects, as energy use and local impacts fuel debate. AI Computing: Hewlett Packard Enterprise plans a $75 million expansion in Chippewa Falls, adding 75 jobs to support AI and high-performance computing. Optical Technology: 3M and Amazon Web Services are expanding work on optical connections for data centers; the effort builds on 3M’s plan to double production at its Menomonie facility. Nobel-Winning Science: UW–Madison physicist Francis Halzen’s Nobel Prize has drawn attention to Wisconsin’s longstanding IceCube neutrino research, with UW–River Falls faculty and students contributing to the Antarctic project for decades.

AI Innovation: Wisconsin companies filed hundreds of AI-related patents in 2022–24: GE HealthCare led with 536, narrowly ahead of Milwaukee Tool at 532, according to a UW-Milwaukee researcher. Data Center Debate: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley now backs a construction pause during an environmental review; Barron County has approved a moratorium through 2027 as communities weigh data centers’ demands on water, power and land. Space Science: UW-Madison physicist Francis Halzen’s Nobel-winning work helped build IceCube, a South Pole observatory that detects high-energy neutrinos from deep space. Manufacturing Tools: Green Bay’s Brabazon has added 19 free engineering calculators and an AI assistant to help Midwest plants assess compressed-air, pump and energy costs. Election Technology: Wisconsin campaigns are using AI-generated ads and images, raising new concerns about how voters distinguish authentic material from synthetic content.

Clean-Energy Innovation: Wisconsin awarded $11.5 million in grants to support energy-saving innovation, while researchers are exploring ways to turn wastewater into renewable energy. Data Center Debate: Microsoft is eyeing Sturtevant for a data center as projects face growing scrutiny over their power and water demands. Research & Computing: UW researchers are developing better ways to analyze health data, and a new study of hybrid magnetic-sound waves points to potential gains in computing speed and efficiency. Advanced Manufacturing: Fincantieri plans to invest $10 million in its Wisconsin shipyards, and a state grant will help Ataco Steel train workers for in-demand jobs. Great Lakes Science: UW-Green Bay research into microplastics in Lake Michigan could have implications for local fishermen. Transportation Technology: Wisconsin-based TAPCO introduced illuminated crosswalk signs that can use solar power to alert drivers to pedestrians.

Digital Government: WisDOT’s new Projects Hub won a 2026 GovX Award for making transportation plans easier to find, with interactive maps and nearly 600 project pages. Advanced Manufacturing: Fincantieri will invest $10 million in Wisconsin shipyards, adding automated cutting, forming and welding equipment and workforce capacity. Clean Energy: Thirty-six Wisconsin schools, nonprofits, local governments and businesses will share $11.5 million in grants for energy efficiency, clean technology and resilience projects. AI Computing: Hewlett Packard Enterprise is expanding its Chippewa Falls operations with a $75 million investment to support AI and high-performance computing, adding 75 jobs. Medical Research: The Medical College of Wisconsin received a $50 million gift to establish a precision medicine institute.

Lake Michigan Research: UW-Green Bay scientists are using a $330,000 grant to study how often fish ingest microplastics, where contamination is worst and what plastics are present in Lake Michigan and Green Bay. Wisconsin Startups: At Sheboygan’s Startup World Cup, Elkhart Lake’s Food FixR pitched an app that flags potential ingredient risks, while Madison’s Coldspell Cooling showcased clothing designed to protect workers from heat illness. Battery Innovation: UWM researcher Deyang Qu is developing cheaper, longer-lasting batteries that are easier to recycle, with more than $10 million in federal research funding. Farm Technology: A manure-processing facility at Kinnard Farms in Casco is now fully online, producing patented organic nitrogen fertilizer. Genomic Medicine: The Medical College of Wisconsin received a $50 million gift to support genomic medicine research. AI Computing: Hewlett Packard Enterprise plans a $75 million Chippewa Falls expansion to support AI computing and add 75 jobs.

AI Safety: Wisconsin has joined other states in alleging Character.AI chatbots pose serious safety risks, bringing scrutiny of conversational AI into state courts. Cancer Research: The Medical College of Wisconsin received a $50 million gift for genomic medicine research. Radiopharmaceuticals: Wisconsin-based NorthStar Medical Technologies partnered with China’s Quarkmed to help drug developers use its actinium-225 cancer-treatment isotope in applications for clinical trials. AI Computing: Hewlett Packard Enterprise plans a $75 million expansion in Chippewa Falls, adding 75 jobs to support AI and high-performance computing. Research Partnerships: Wisconsin’s new sister-state agreement with France’s Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region aims to deepen work in biotherapies, health sciences, agriculture, energy and advanced manufacturing.