The Wisconsin Edge is an informal confederation of businesses, economic development organizations, patient advocacy and health care groups committed to Wisconsin’s economic development efforts and advancing the state’s leadership in stem cell research.

Supporters of Wisconsin Edge believe the potential for stem cell based technologies and therapies to improve the human condition and to stimulate job creation will benefit everyone.

Wisconsin Edge supporters know that our continued leadership in stem cell science will pay dividends for years to come. To secure the future for stem cell research, Wisconsin Edge participants are reaching out to talk with business and civic groups, health care organizations, patient advocacy networks, elected officials and the news media.

Wisconsin Edge supporters believe public understanding and involvement are critical if the people of Wisconsin are to reap the full range of benefits from human embryonic stem cell research and commercial development.

Whether you come from a family with a genetic predisposition to illness or whether you’re a business or community leader who values innovation and entrepreneurship, you have an important role to play in the process. But rather than ask for your financial support or volunteer commitment, all Wisconsin Edge seeks is for you to remain informed, engaged and in touch with the continued progress of stem cell science and medicine.

In coming months, Wisconsin Edge supporters will visit communities around the stateto share additional information about stem cell developments and we hope you’ll stay tuned in for updates. Our Web site, www.wisconsinedge.com, will also offer helpful information and provide resources to answer questions about stem cell medical advances and opportunities for commercialization.

Wisconsin researchers were the first to isolate human embryonic stem cells and grow them long-term in the laboratory, and today, organizations affiliated with our university system hold dozens of patents related to stem cell research. Other discoveries are sure to follow.

Yet more important than our reputation as a world leader in stem cell research is the very real impact our scientists’ pioneering work will have on families touched by diseases such as Parkinson’s, diabetes and more. It’s this kind of work, and the work of the companies developing commercial applications for stem cells, that will firmly establish the link between innovation and Wisconsin.

The fact is, stem cell science is already creating jobs and boosting Wisconsin’s economy. To date, stem cell research has drawn over $50 million in competitive grants and contracts to Wisconsin—money that is supporting hundreds of jobs in university labs and offices. Millions more in private funding has helped Wisconsin entrepreneurs launch half a dozen companies and lured international businesses to establish operations in our state.

If you would like more information about this important initiative, please contact Mr. Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council at (608) 442-7557 ext. 28.