Quick Answers to Common Questions

How does the Isthmus Project work with innovators like you?

We offer two main types of support for innovators:

• No-cost, concierge guidance and resources: Personalized one-on-one support tailored to your needs. Our team offers strategic insights, technical knowledge, business mentorship, and access to deep networks to move your innovation forward.
• Equity Investment: Venture funding for innovations that demonstrate strong commercial potential through our diligence process. In addition to capital, companies may gain strategic value from access to UW Health’s expertise, insights, and collaborative support tailored to the needs of each project.

When should I connect with the Isthmus Project?

You can connect with us at any stage, from an early idea to a fully formed start-up seeking investment. If you’re unsure whether to contact us, go ahead — we’re happy to learn about your work. In general, we consider factors like how novel the idea is, whether there’s a UW-affiliated champion involved, its potential to succeed in the market, and whether there’s a path to generating revenue. Once you complete our submission form, someone from our team will follow up with more information to get things started.

What should I expect in an intake meeting?

The intake meeting is your chance to share non-proprietary information about your innovative health care solution. Whether you talk through your idea, present a slide deck, or use a mix of both, the more detail you provide, the easier it is for us to understand and plan. This conversation helps us assess whether we’re a good fit for your project and, if so, outline the next steps.

Is my idea protected when I share it?

You are not required to share proprietary information in early meetings unless you choose to. As your project progresses, we’ll guide you through when and how to share additional details appropriately.

What kinds of investments does the Isthmus Project offer?

We invest in start-ups that aim to improve health outcomes or solve challenges faced by patients, providers, or the health care system. Projects must have a UW-affiliated champion. Investment amounts typically range from $100,000 to $500,000, based on the results of our diligence process. If your opportunity meets our criteria, we can partner with you to move it forward.

What does the diligence process involve?

Our diligence process includes a deep dive into your product’s technical and business feasibility. We validate assumptions with internal and external experts and assess the commercial potential from multiple angles.

How is the Isthmus Project connected to UW Health and the School of Medicine and Public Health?

We serve as the innovation hub for UW Health and the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. Our role is to identify, support, and scale commercializable innovations by bridging research, clinical validation, and scalable impact. We draw on experts within the broader health innovation ecosystem to help support innovators. This gives us a unique perspective on how cutting-edge research can be implemented practically into a health care system.

Does the Isthmus Project collaborate with WARF on intellectual property?

Yes, we work closely with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), UW–Madison’s Tech Transfer Office, when they manage your intellectual property. We also support innovators whose IP is not held with WARF.