The University of Wisconsin is a leader in the regenerative medicine industry, according to a panel discussion at the monthly Wisconsin Innovation Network luncheon held Tuesday at the Sheraton hotel.

More than 50 Wisconsin companies are in the regenerative medicine space, according to Bill Murphy, Co-Director of the Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center.

“The university has been a leader in this industry and is truly ground zero for all this research,” Murphy said. “We are only scratching the surface of what’s possible.”

Director of the McPherson Eye Research Institute David Gamm said what sets employees apart from UW-Madison compared to other sections of the country is their cohesiveness.

“We’re all rooted here in Madison and we want to stay here,” Gamm said. “The ability to work together as a cohesive team is a unique thing. The expertise, resources and partnerships that we need are uniquely in the Madison area. That’s all I need to get work done.”

Murphy also said that 15 companies spun out of the University of Wisconsin.