A discussion with Rachel Bartholomew from the Femtech Canada Forum in Montreal.
Women’s health innovation is experiencing rapid growth worldwide, but Canada continues to face significant challenges in funding, research, and policy. Despite growing recognition of its importance, women’s health remains an under-funded, under-researched and under-served sector.
Rachel Bartholomew, Founder of Femtech Canada and CEO of Hyivy Health, recently shared valuable insights on where the industry stands, the critical changes needed, and how individuals and organizations can contribute to the future of women’s health.
Looking for a full breakdown? Watch Rachel’s presentation below.
Why women’s health innovation matters
Women make up 50.4% of Canada’s population, yet were excluded from clinical trials until 1997. Today, significant gaps remain:
- Only 19% of animal studies for medical devices and drugs use female models.
- Women account for just 30% of clinical trial participants.
- The result? Delayed diagnoses, misinformed treatments, and overlooked innovations.
“From the very beginning stages of healthcare, we are missing women’s data,” says Bartholomew.
The market is growing—And it’s not niche
“Women’s health is a $1 trillion industry with major opportunities in menopause, reproductive health, chronic conditions, and maternal care,” says Bartholomew.
Despite this, Canada faces unique challenges:
- Rural and remote communities struggle with access to care.
- Indigenous and immigrant populations need culturally competent healthcare.
- Stigmas continues to prevent open conversations about reproductive health, endometriosis, and sexual wellness.
For every $1 invested in women’s health, the projected return is $3.
Femtech Canada: Driving change
Femtech Canada was created to support innovators and address gaps in women’s health. Since launching, Femtech Canada has built the 3rd largest femtech ecosystem in the world currently tracking more than 160 femtech companies. These women’s health innovators are responsible for:
- Creating 1,200+ jobs.
- Developing 75 patents and 72 commercialized products.
- Raising $250M in private investments
“Femtech Canada is now the third-largest femtech ecosystem in the world,” says Bartholomew. “We have surpassed France and Israel, and we’re right behind the UK. But there is still so much more to do.”
Canadian Femtech Success Stories
Despite funding barriers, Canadian femtech companies are achieving major milestones:
- MOLLI Surgical was acquired by Stryker (breast cancer innovations).
- Aisle was acquired by Somedays.
- Koble Care Inc. was acquired by Dialogue Health Technologies.
“Femtech Canada’s network of companies has seen four major acquisitions since its founding,” says Bartholomew.
What’s next? A call to action
To help advance women’s health, Bartholomew implores you to consider the following:
1. Assess how women’s health fits into your work.
- Investors: Are portfolio companies testing equally on men and women?
- Corporates: Is there a dedicated women’s health strategy?
- Ecosystem leaders: Are resources available for femtech entrepreneurs?
2. Advocate for policy change.
- Government support for femtech is urgently needed. If there are connections with policymakers, help amplify this message.
“I want every investor, corporate leader, and ecosystem builder to ask themselves: How does what I’m working on impact women’s health?” Bartholomew urges. “Are we making space for this in our strategies?”
Watch the full discussion or get involved
Watch the full presentation to hear more from Rachel Bartholomew and learn about women’s health in Canada.
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