Is the potential economic benefit of stem cell work the main reason for promoting this field in Wisconsin?
Doyle: The primary motivation is the hope for cures for illnesses that we long thought to be incurable. To me, it is just an incredible win-win opportunity for a state like Wisconsin: To not only be focused on doing some great things for the people of the world but also being able to develop a significant segment of our economy around it. Wisconsin has been named repeatedly as one of the hottest spots in the country for biotech investment, and we’ve have had a lot of [venture capitalists], particularly in the last couple of years, coming here. With stem cells, we have seen some [interest], but we realize that we’re a ways away from significant commercial applications. Although we’re still at the basic science level, we have already given a grant to a start-up stem cell company involved in developing heart cells for testing of drugs. I have also directed our Department of Commerce to use $5 million directed specifically at attracting and helping to start companies that are involved in a
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