WARF’s 100-year journey is paved with milestones that have shaped the organization, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the world. Discover key moments in WARF’s history, from Nobel Prize-winning discoveries to unexpected ventures like the Ducks in the Wisconsin Dells.
Incorporation of WARF:
A Foundation for the Future Is Laid.
Born from a vision to fuel research at UW-Madison, WARF's founding principles remain steadfast: to promote, encourage, and aid scientific investigation. This commitment to discovery has driven a century of innovation and continues to shape our mission today. Learn More
Formation of Investment Portfolio:
Investing in a Future of Discovery.
Recognizing the importance of long-term sustainability, WARF established a formal policy of investing its revenue. This forward-thinking decision has enabled WARF to consistently grow its resources and expand its support for UW research for generations to come.
First License for Vitamin D Milk:
Bringing Innovation to the Grocery Store.
WARF's non-exclusive licensing of vitamin D milk brought the benefits of this groundbreaking discovery to store shelves across the country. This achievement highlights WARF's ability to translate research into real-world applications, improving public health on a broad scale. Learn More
Steenbock Patents Dedicated to the Public:
Sharing the Benefits of Vitamin D with the World.
WARF's decision to dedicate the Steenbock patents to the public exemplifies a commitment to accessibility and global health. This act made vitamin D fortification free to use while maintaining quality and safety to needed to improve lives worldwide.
Construction of WARF Office and Laboratories:
Building a Home for Innovation.
WARF's first permanent headquarters marked a new era of growth and expansion. The establishment of control laboratories further solidified WARF's role in ensuring the quality and safety of consumer products, benefiting both industry and the public. Learn More
WARF Acquires the Wisconsin Dells:
Preserving Natural Wonders for All.
WARF's acquisition of the Wisconsin Dells showcases a commitment to environmental conservation and public access to natural beauty. This unique partnership ensured the preservation of iconic landscapes while supporting tourism and economic development. Learn More
President Eisenhower Prescribed Warfarin:
From Rodenticide to Life-Saving Drug.
President Eisenhower's use of warfarin helped overcome the stigma associated with its origins as a rat poison. This pivotal moment solidified warfarin's place as one of the most widely prescribed medications in the world, saving countless lives. Learn More
Licensing Contracts for an Early Chemotherapy:
Paving the Way for Cancer Treatment Breakthroughs.
WARF's involvement in the development of 5-fluorouracil highlights a dedication to advancing cancer research and treatment. Despite not owning the patent rights, WARF negotiations brought this early chemotherapy drug to market to treat numerous types of cancer. Learn More
Formal UW-WARF Agreement Signed:
Formalizing a Partnership for Progress.
The formal agreement between UW-Madison and WARF solidified a collaborative relationship that has fueled innovation for decades. This partnership ensures continued support for research and the translation of discoveries into real-world applications.
First Institutional Patent Agreement Signed:
Laying the Groundwork for Technology Transfer.
This pioneering agreement between WARF, NIH and UW-Madison set a precedent for universities to retain patent rights on federally funded research. It served as the model for the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980, which facilitated the translation of countless academic discoveries into real-world applications. Learn More
WARF Tower Opens:
Providing Space for Growth and Collaboration.
The construction of WARF Tower provided much-needed office space for WARF and research space for UW-Madison, fostering collaboration and facilitating the expansion of groundbreaking innovation. Learn More
Sale of WARF Institute:
Streamlining for Strategic Focus.
The sale of WARF's control laboratories allowed the organization to focus on its core mission of supporting research and technology transfer, while enabling the continued growth of Madison’s laboratory services industry. Learn More
Agracetus and Wisconsin Crop Innovation:
Cultivating Agricultural Advancements.
WARF's strategic investment in Cetus Corporation, which led to the establishment of Agracetus and later the Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center, demonstrates a commitment to supporting research that addresses critical agricultural challenges. Learn More
Project Phoenix Hearing Aid:
Pioneering Digital Hearing Technology.
WARF's unconventional support for Project Phoenix led to the development of the first digital hearing aid, a significant technological advancement in the treatment of hearing impairments. Learn More
First Equity License Agreement in Third Wave Technologies:
Investing in the Future of Biotechnology.
WARF's adoption of equity licensing agreements marked a shift in its technology transfer practices, providing greater flexibility and fostering the next generation of startup companies based on UW-Madison research. Learn More
Zemplar Licensed to Abbott:
Transforming Treatments for Kidney Disease.
The licensing of Zemplar, a vitamin D derivative developed by Hector DeLuca, highlights WARF's long-standing success in translating vitamin D research into life-saving therapies. Learn More
WiCell Research Institute:
Establishing a Global Leader in Stem Cell Science.
The creation of WiCell Research Institute strengthened UW-Madison's position at the forefront of stem cell research, providing critical resources and infrastructure for this rapidly evolving field. Learn More
WiSys Technology Foundation:
Expanding Support for Innovation Across Wisconsin.
The establishment of WiSys Technology Foundation extends technology transfer to all of the four-year public universities in the state, providing valuable resources and support for innovation. Learn More
TomoTherapy Initial Public Offering:
Bringing Innovative Cancer Treatments to Market.
The success of TomoTherapy, a company founded on WARF-patented technology, demonstrates WARF's ability to support the commercialization of university research and bring life-changing treatments to patients. Learn More
WARF Ventures:
Investing in the Future of UW-Madison Technologies.
The establishment of WARF Ventures demonstrates a commitment to actively supporting the commercialization of university research and fostering the growth of new companies based on promising technologies. Learn More
