Join us for an introduction to the OBIO^® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI), a groundbreaking program is dedicated to promoting the advancement of women within the health science industry. Recognizing the unique challenges women face in this field, WiHI offers comprehensive support through a combination of specialized training, financial assistance, advisory services, and networking opportunities. The initiative aims to bridge the gender gap and foster a more inclusive environment where women can thrive and lead. Attendees will learn about the various facets of the program, including how it equips women with the skills and resources needed to excel in their careers, access funding, and build valuable professional networks.

Next, discover the critical role of intellectual property (IP) in the health care and life sciences industries, how it impacts your business and what IP resources are available to you. The overview will cover:

• What is intellectual property? Gain a clear understanding of the different types of IP, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Patents: Understand the patent application criteria and process, plus how patents can provide a competitive edge by safeguarding unique life science technologies and inventions.
• IP Protection: Explore various strategies and best practices for maintaining robust IP protection, including legal mechanisms and practical tips for startups.
• IP Strategy: Learn how startups can align their IP strategy with their overall business objectives, ensuring that IP supports growth, fundraising, and market expansion.
• IP Funding: Look at the various programs and resources available to life science entrepreneurs for protecting and managing IP.

About the Inclusivity Business Resource Series

The Inclusivity Business Resource Series bridges the gap between entrepreneurs organizations designed to uplift under-represented groups including newcomers, people of colour, women, the LGBTQ2SIA+ community, persons with disabilities, and more.

Find your community and the support you need in your commercialization journey with the Inclusivity Business Resource Series.

Discover more Inclusivity programs and resources by Innovation Factory.

Meet the Speaker

Dr. Maura Campbell, President & CEO, Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO)

Dr. Maura Campbell is the President and CEO of OBIO®, a not-for-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization. Dr. Campbell has more than 30 years of experience in all key areas of biotech, including private and public companies, universities and research institutes, and government-funded public sector research organizations.

With expertise in technology transfer and commercialization of intellectual property, Dr. Campbell has held various roles in senior management, most recently as the Vice-President of Intellectual Property and Contracts for Turnstone Biologics, which recently went public on the NASDAQ. Previously, Dr. Campbell served as: Director, Intellectual Property at VBI Vaccines; Research Program Manager, and Manager of Technology Transfer & Commercialization at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; Director of Intellectual Property for PainCeptor Pharma Corporation; and Manager of Technology Transfer at the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems National Centre of Excellence. Dr. Campbell has also served as an IP consultant to a number of Canadian start-ups including Neurochem, Conjuchem, Aonix, AMRIC and Sussex Research Labs.

Dr. Campbell received a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Ottawa, and an M.Sc. and a B.Sc. in biochemistry from Queen’s University in Kingston. Dr. Campbell is one of several industry experts on Ontario’s Life Sciences Council, supporting a plan to make Ontario a top hub for innovation growth and life sciences investment. She also serves as a board member for FACIT (a business accelerator and investor established by the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research), SPEC Labs (a life sciences incubator and healthcare & life sciences innovation hub) and Intellectual Property Ontario (a provincial agency providing trusted IP support for Ontario innovators).