As Foxconn pursues building a massive LCD manufacturing facility in southeastern Wisconsin, the state’s biotechnology and medical-research communities are touting the possibilities of collaboration with the Taiwan-based company. Researchers across the University of Wisconsin System, and at the Medical College of Wisconsin and other institutions develop technologies with medical and other health-related applications. So too do a variety of private companies, including General Electric’s healthcare division, which has a strong Wisconsin presence, and a growing number of startups. For its part, Foxconn is in the business of building devices other companies design, and its chairman, Terry Gou, has discussed his business and philanthropic interests in supporting healthcare research, especially work related to cancer.

Foxconn executives have met with several health tech leaders in Wisconsin, including representatives from the UW Carbone Cancer Center and industry advocacy groups like the Wisconsin Technology Council. In October 2017, a senior adviser in Foxconn’s medical division is scheduled to give a keynote address at the annual Wisconsin Biohealth Summit organized by BioForward Wisconsin, which promotes the state’s biotech industry. Additionally, since Wisconsin’s deal with Foxconn was made public, media reports and comments from state officials and industry leaders have made passing reference to the existence of a large healthcare division in the company. Read the full story here.