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In an industry where innovation drives progress, the life science technology sector remains marked by a significant gender disparity.

Despite comprising half of the population, women-identifying entrepreneurs only make up a quarter of this critical industry. The uphill battle for equitable funding is evident with women-led startups securing a meager 2.8 percent of all venture capital funding in 2023.

And yet, studies show that women-led companies boast an substantial 35 percent higher Return on Investment (ROI) compared to companies led by men and actively contribute to fostering diversity in the workplace being more inclined to hire women-identifying employees.

So why does it all matter? By harnessing diverse perspectives and experiences, women in the life science bring fresh insights to the table, driving economic growth and innovation while addressing complex health challenges.

Moreover, supporting women-led ventures not only taps into underserved markets, but empowers them to address gender-specific health issues ensuring that healthcare solutions are inclusive and accessible to all.

Event Details

From fostering mentorship networks to accessing financial resources, this session promises to equip attendees with actionable insights to effect tangible change.

Hear from stakeholders in the ecosystem, including organizations like OBIO, PARO, WEOC, Innovation Cluster, Pender & Howe, and RBCx. Discuss challenges faced by women-identifying entrepreneurs in the life sciences space and resources available to support them.

You’ll delve into a range of topics, including…

• The unique challenges and barriers faced by women-identifying entrepreneurs
• Tangible benefits of supporting women-led ventures
• Opportunities available to women entrepreneurs and investors in life sciences to navigate this dynamic landscape.

Accessibility Accommodations and Requests:
This virtual event is delivered through Zoom and has Closed Captioning (CC) available in English.

If you require specific accommodations, please contact us at info@innovationfactory.ca to discuss your needs.

Meet our speakers

Hear from a diverse panel of women entrepreneurs and leaders in life sciences, moderated by Rachel Bartholomew, Lead Advisor at Femtech Canada, CEO and Founder of Hyivy Health.

Speaker Panel:

• • • Garima Ghale, Senior Program Manager at Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO)
    • Renée Gendron, Lead Regional Coordinator at PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise
    • Heather Sadowy, Loan Manager at Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC)
    • Parneet Dehl, Vice President of Life Sciences, Banking at RBCx
    • Alyssa Lauren Rowe, Business Advisor & Program Manager at Innovation Cluster | Startup Incubator
    • Céline Chabée, Partner at Pender & Howe Executive Search & Executive Member of the Women in Bio (WIB) Montreal ECGB Committee
    • Sigrun Watson, Chief Strategy Officer and founding member ThinkrBelle
    • Wendy Cukier, Academic Director, Diversity Institute; Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub

This event serves as a crucial platform to initiate dialogue and action towards supporting women in life science entrepreneurship, with engaging discussions and insights shared by industry leaders to identify opportunities, address challenges, and pave the way for a more inclusive future in healthcare innovation.