Health Science Technology Training for Software and Data Professionals (Cohort 3)
As Canada accelerates the commercialization and adoption of digital technologies into the fast-growing health science industry, there is a critical need to create high-value technology jobs and support the development of talent in the technology workforce.
OBIO® is proud to partner with Upskill Canada [powered by Palette Skills] and the Government of Canada to deliver the third cohort of its national Health Science Technology Training for Software and Data Professionals. The training program will provide focused, digital technology development upskilling to help fast-growing companies access the talent they need to thrive and prosper, while creating new career paths for workers to quickly transition into high-demand roles.
THE PROGRAM RUNS FROM
SEPTEMBER 16 to DECEMBER 20, 2024 (14 WEEKS):
Part I – Core Training Course (Weeks 1 & 2)
Dates: September 16 - 27, 2024
Time: 9 am – 1 pm daily
Format: Virtual
Part II – Job placement support (Weeks 3 to 14).
Format: Hybrid
During this time, program participants will have access to a range of benefits:
Workshops for job placement support, including resume & interview preparation (virtual) and networking events (in person)
Applications will be accepted until August 25, 2024.
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast: Navigating Employment and Employee Incentives for Life Science Start-ups
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast: Navigating Employment and Employee Incentives for Life Science Start-ups
The OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) is excited to announce its upcoming breakfast session on November 27, focusing on essential employment law and employee incentive strategies for start-ups. This session is ideally suited for start-up founders, executives and leaders in life sciences seeking practical guidance on the following topics:
Employee stock options and taxation - covering option grants, tax treatment, and market terms
Employee benefits and hiring & termination management
Take advantage of this opportunity to connect with fellow women leaders and pioneers in the field over breakfast, followed by engaging insights and a lively panel discussion. We look forward to seeing you there!
*This is an invitation-only event. Are you (or any women in your network) interested in attending? Click here and we will connect with you (or them).
Meet our guest speakers
OBIO’s Annual General Meeting, Public Meeting & Reception 2024
OBIO’s Annual Public Meeting & Reception 2024
Get ready to celebrate with OBIO®!
Join us for our Annual Public Meeting and Reception for an evening of innovation, inspiration and fun on Thursday, December 5, from 5 to 8pm at the Royal Canadian Military Institute.
We’ll be celebrating our accomplishments in 2024 and taking the opportunity to thank our board of directors, members and ecosystem partners, embracing the spirit of collaboration.
This year’s event will be especially memorable, as we proudly celebrate OBIO's 15th anniversary.
✨ Special Highlights ✨
Improv Pitching Competition: Watch founders we've supported along their journey go off-script as they present “surprise” slide decks, challenging them to be spontaneous and inventive! Your vote will decide who your favourite presenter is!
Networking Reception: Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres, catch up with friends and partners from other start-ups, ventures and the wider ecosystem—all while celebrating the spirit of innovation that makes us strong.
Registration spots are limited so please purchase your tickets early!
We look forward to seeing you there!
2025 OBIO® Investment Summit
2025 OBIO® Investment Summit
CANADA’S PREMIER HEALTH SCIENCE INVESTMENT EVENT
To learn more about the OBIO® Investment Summit, visit www.obioinvestmentsummit.com.
Healthy IP Strategies in Life Sciences & Health Tech
Healthy IP Strategies in Life Sciences & Health Tech
Join us for an informative event where top IP experts, visionary founders, and industry leaders come together to share valuable insights on protecting your intellectual property and staying ahead in the fast-paced landscape of the life sciences and health tech industries!
Attendees will:
Learn how to protect their IP as healthcare innovators
Gain an understanding of IP strategies for different types of innovations
Understand how to prepare for due diligence and licensing
Uncover various IP support programs
Network with peers and industry leaders
Women Pioneers in Life Sciences: Leadership, Innovation, and Impact in Canada
Women Pioneers in Life Sciences: Leadership, Innovation, and Impact in Canada
Join us for the OBIO® Women Leaders in Life Sciences Breakfast Series featuring an inspiring panel discussion, Women Pioneers in Life Sciences: Leadership, Innovation, and Impact in Canada. This exclusive networking breakfast will bring together influential women leaders to share their journeys, insights, and challenges in shaping the future of life sciences in Canada.
Our distinguished panelists include:
Dr. Annie-Kim Gilbert, President & CEO, MEDTEQ+
Suzanne Grant, Executive Director, Capital Angel Network
Wendy Hurlburt, President & CEO, Life Sciences BC
Tessa Mintz, Chief Marketing Officer, Thornhill Medical
Moderated by Dr. Maura Campbell, President & CEO of OBIO®, the discussion will explore how these trailblazing women are driving innovation, fostering leadership, and making a lasting impact in the Canadian life sciences ecosystem.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow women leaders and pioneers in the field over breakfast, followed by engaging insights and a lively panel discussion.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Navigating CDMO Partnerships: A Practical Guide for Early-Stage Companies
Are you a biotech and pharma start-up going through drug discovery and development?
Equip yourself with the tools and practical knowledge to effectively collaborate with a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) partner. This webinar taking place on October 16, from 12-1pm EDT will feature guest speaker Geoff Evans, President of Eurofins CDMO Alphora.
Join us and learn about:
The importance and role of a CDMO
The Request for Proposal (RFP) process
Key factors in selecting the right CDMO partner for your program
And more...
Pathways to Capital Raising
In partnership with Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP and OBIO®, the Ontario Securities Commission is hosting an information session on the Ontario capital markets and recent regulatory changes that support early-stage capital raising for Ontario businesses.
Learn about sources of capital for early-stage life sciences and health tech companies and how to identify new investors. This event will focus on recent regulatory changes that have broadened the pool of investors in Ontario. The event will include an overview of the current investing climate and the implications for your business.
Medical Device Seminar: a CSA Group and OBIO Event
Are you involved with the manufacturing, designing, or regulatory compliance of medical devices?
In partnership with CSA Group, OBIO® is excited to invite you to attend a half-day seminar on Electrical Safety Testing & Certification, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing & Certification, and Global Market Access. This event, led by industry experts, will take place in Toronto (178 Rexdale Blvd) on October 2, 8 am - 1:30 pm.
Topics covered will include:
Choosing a test plan, understanding the process to complete testing and obtaining certification
Standards and regulations, testing procedures, and design & troubleshooting
Certification requirements for key markets and solutions for emerging & established global markets
Global Market Access regulatory compliance, standards and testing, and documentation & submissions.
This is a valuable opportunity to learn and expand your current knowledge of medical device testing and certification, ask industry experts questions, and network with fellow professionals.
Meet our guest speakers
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Expertise: Electrical SafetyWith 13 years of experience at CSA Group, Kevin has developed an extensive understanding of the industry and its applicable standards. His expertise includes 8 years dedicated to certification, where he verifies whether products meet relevant requirements and standards. Kevin also holds a Professional Engineer designation.
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Expertise: Electromagnetic CompatibilityPaul has been with CSA Group for 13 years. He has spent the last 3 years as a Product Group Manager. In this role, Paul oversees the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) team, facilitating the successful management and execution of product testing and certification projects.
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Expertise: Global Market AccessJose Luis has over 17 years of progressive experience in standards development, GMA, and conformity assessment in the energy efficiency, electrical safety, and the climate change and environmental areas.
AbbVie Partnering Day in Toronto
AbbVie Partnering Day in Toronto
Toronto | September 26, 2024
AbbVie, in collaboration with OBIO®, will host a Partnering Day in Toronto, bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs and biotech companies from Canada on September 26, 2024.
Note: This is a private event. All attendees will need to be pre-approved by the AbbVie team.
Agenda:
Morning: One-on-one partnering meetings with pre-selected companies
See instructions for meeting requests below.
Afternoon: AbbVie Showcase
Overview of AbbVie’s strategies and external innovation priorities
AbbVie’s approach to partnering
Networking reception
Participants must register in advance and be approved to attend the AbbVie Showcase.
One-on-one Partnering Meeting
Companies must apply in advance and be approved for a one-on-one partnering meeting. Please send a meeting request to partneringday@abbvie.com.
Selection Criteria
One-on-one meeting proposals will be evaluated by a panel of AbbVie reviewers by the following criteria:
Projects in all stages from discovery to clinical stage in our Areas of Interest
Strategic fit and differentiation from existing solutions
Deadline to submit applications: September 6, 2024
Limited seats for one-on-one meetings available.
AbbVie Delegates:
Niels Emmerich, VP, Global Head S&E and Alliances
Arpita Maiti, Head of S&E Immunology
Jenny Wang, Director, S&E Oncology
Murali Gopalakrishnan, Senior Director, S&E Neuroscience
Doug Faunce, Executive Director, Head of S&E Eye Care
Chinmay Kanuga, Senior Director, S&E Medical Aesthetics
Jay Stamatis, VP, BD&A
Christian Schubert, VP, AbbVie Ventures
FAQs
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Please do not submit any confidential information as any submitted information be treated as non-confidential. Of course, we (AbbVie) will use this information only internally for evaluation purposes and will not further distribute.
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You will have the opportunity and are encouraged to share supporting nonconfidential materials such as slide decks, research papers as part of your application.
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No, a patent is not required to apply. However, you should not submit any information that you wish to keep confidential or that may negatively impact upon the future patentability of your invention.
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Depending on the type and stage of development of the opportunity (from discovery to clinical) we have flexible partnership models (e.g. research collaborations, licensing and direct investments)
HBA’s Pitch Competition for Women Innovators
OBIO® is excited to partner with the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) on the Pitch Competition for Women Innovators, taking place in Toronto on September 25! Promising start-ups in the healthcare or life sciences sector with at least 51% female ownership will be participating in the Pitch Competition (read the press release) and:
Compete for prize money and present their innovation to judges from venture capital, private equity, and global healthcare sectors.
Connect with key industry players, potential investors, and fellow innovators.
Gain invaluable exposure and recognition for their start-up on an international stage.
For more information, please visit: HBA Pitch Competition.
About HBA
The Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) is a global organization spanning 75+ countries and with nearly 50 years of experience empowering women. HBA’s 175+ corporate partners represent a global workforce of nearly 6 million people. We believe by joining forces in the relentless pursuit of gender equity, we are doing more than uniting our 17,000+ passionate healthcare and life sciences professionals—we are strengthening the business of the healthcare ecosystem.
The OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) received the 2023 HBA Advancement. Commitment. Engagement. (ACE) Honourable Mention, which is recognizing organizations committed to ensuring that gender diversity and leadership opportunities for women are part of their organizational DNA.
Risk Management in Life Sciences - The Role of Specialized Insurance
OBIO® Webinar
Risk Management in Life Sciences:
The Role of Specialized Insurance
Are you planning your product launch or thinking about your next clinical trial? Are you considering entering your first service contract with a strategic partner, or collaborating with a research partner requiring insurance coverage?
Get a crash course on life sciences insurance coverage and as a founder, understand your needs as you progress along your commercialization journey. The session will feature guest speakers from Jones DesLauriers Insurance Management, who will highlight and discuss case studies covering: Clinical Trial Risks, Cybersecurity insurance and data breach, and IP and R&D insurance coverage.
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast: Raising capital from Angel investors
Once a month, the OBIO® WiHI Professional Network (WiHI) hosts a breakfast with successful and inspiring women, inviting them to share their experiences, challenges and successes as they build and grow their companies in Canada.
Upcoming Breakfast session:
September 19 | 9 – 10:30 am | Toronto
The OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) is pleased to announce its upcoming breakfast session on September 19, featuring a panel discussion on the essentials of raising capital from angel investors.
Register for this session to:
Explore the basics of securing funding from angel investors
Learn from our panel how to pitch effectively
Gain practical insights to confidently approach potential funders
Meet our panelists
This is an invitation-only event. Are you (or any women in your network) interested in attending? Click here and we will connect with you (or them).
The Privacy and Cybersecurity Framework for Start-ups in Health Science
Are you a start-up looking to navigate privacy considerations in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology innovation?
OBIO®, in partnership with Privacy Horizons Inc., is hosting a webinar to demonstrate that privacy and technological innovation can coexist.
This session will be led by guest speaker, Patrick Lo (CISSP, CIPP/C), CEO of Privacy Horizons, and will emphasize the importance of prioritizing privacy to enhance customer trust and ensure ethical data handling practices.
Learn about the value of:
Understanding privacy laws applicable to start-ups
Conducting comprehensive privacy impact assessments
Integrating privacy and security features into products and services
Establishing robust privacy management programs
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast Series: Branding for Success
Once a month, the OBIO® WiHI Professional Network (WiHI) hosts a breakfast with successful and inspiring women, inviting them to share their experiences, challenges and successes as they build and grow their companies in Canada.
Upcoming Breakfast session:
June 27 | 9 – 10:30 am | Toronto
Branding for Success
The OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) is excited to announce its upcoming breakfast session on June 27, featuring two guest speakers:
Marwah Younis
Advisor, Strategic Relationships | Canada’s Drug Agency
Marwah will discuss the transformative power of personal branding and how to strategically position yourself and your company. By immersing yourself in your desired field and leveraging tools like LinkedIn, you can create a compelling personal and business brand that opens doors and drives professional success.
Joanne Fedeyko
Founder & CEO | Connection Silicon Valley
Founder | Canadian Women's Network
Joanne will be introducing the Canadian Entrepreneurs in Life Science (CELS) Valley Ready program. If you are interested in the CELS Valley Ready program or would like to learn more about it, Joanne will be available to provide insights and answer questions.
This is an invitation-only event. Are you (or any women in your network) interested in attending? Click here and we will connect with you (or them).
Women in MedTech Networking Event
Join us in Toronto on June 26, from 5:30 - 8 pm, for an insightful evening of networking with professionals in the medtech industry at our Women in MedTech Networking Event!
Join us before the summer break kicks off! On June 26, the OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) is hosting a networking event in Toronto in partnership with Cortex Design. This event will showcase women-led, early-stage companies at the forefront of the medtech industry.
This is a valuable opportunity to:
Hear from inspiring women leaders as they share their entrepreneurial journey and dive into the reason behind their passion for innovation
Gain valuable insights into their innovative work and key healthcare challenges they are solving
Network with medtech companies, investors, ecosystem partners and service providers in the industry
This is an invitation-only event. Are you (or any women in your network) interested in attending? Connect with us and we will get back to you (or them).
Meet our guest speakers
Rachel Bartholomew | Founder & CEO | Hyivy Health
Lianna Genovese | CEO & Founder | ImaginAble Solutions
Zaya MacDonald | Co-Founder & CEO | Hada MedTech
Kate Riley | CEO | Eye3Concepts
Monika Yazdanian | CEO | ToeFX Inc
Thank you to our sponsors
Health Science Technology Training for Software and Data Professionals (Cohort 2)
As Canada accelerates the commercialization and adoption of digital technologies into the fast-growing health science industry, there is a critical need to create high-value technology jobs and support the development of talent in the technology workforce.
OBIO® is proud to partner with Upskill Canada [powered by Palette Skills] and the Government of Canada to deliver the second cohort of its national Health Science Technology Training for Software and Data Professionals training program. The program will provide focused, digital technology development upskilling to help fast-growing companies access the talent they need to thrive and prosper, while creating new career paths for workers to quickly transition into high-demand roles.
THE PROGRAM RUNS FROM JUNE 3 TO SEPTEMBER 6, 2024 (14 WEEKS):
Part I – Core Training Course (Weeks 1 & 2)
Dates: June 3 - 14, 2024
Time: 9 am – 1 pm daily
Format: Virtual
Part II – Job placement support (Weeks 3 to 14).
Format: Hybrid
During this time, program participants will have access to a range of benefits, including:
One-on-one career development Mentorship
Resume and interview preparation
Networking events
Workshops for job placement support
*Note*
The second cohort of the program is currently underway. However, applications for the third cohort will be accepted until August 25, 2024.
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast Series: A Conversation with Asha Parekh on Pioneering in MedTech
Once a month, the OBIO® WiHI Professional Network (WiHI) hosts a breakfast with successful and inspiring women, inviting them to share their experiences, challenges and successes as they build and grow their companies in Canada.
Upcoming Breakfast session:
May 30 | 9 – 10:30 am | Toronto
A Conversation with Asha Parekh on Pioneering in MedTech
Join us for our OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) breakfast on May 30 for a candid conversation with Asha Parekh, CEO of Frontline Medical Technologies. Asha will share her journey and shed light on what inspired her to start her own medtech company, and how to navigate the challenges of starting a business in a highly-regulated and capital-intensive sector. She will also offer insights based on her first-hand experience with regulatory challenges, business funding, sales and more.
Take advantage of this opportunity to connect and gain insights to elevate your business!
This is an invitation-only event. Are you (or any women in your network) interested in attending? Click here and we will connect with you (or them).
IP Workshop for Digital Health & Life Sciences Start-ups
In collaboration with Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON), OBIO® invites all entrepreneurs, founders and individuals working in health and life sciences to join us for a half day Intellectual Property (IP) workshop on May 29.
With guidance from seasoned IP professionals, fellow founders and industry leaders, entrepreneurs will:
Learn how to protect AI in your healthcare innovations
Gain an understanding of the scenarios in which a trade secret is more beneficial than a patent, and vice versa, particularly in the life sciences and digital health sectors
Discover how to effectively use patent landscapes and freedom-to-operate analyses
Explore various IP funding options
Network with peers and industry leaders
Meet the speakers
This workshop is available at no cost to participants.
Limited capacity - register by May 28!
Supported by Biomedical Zone and Mintz.
The Ultimate Interview Prep Workshop
Are you ready to level up your interview game? Join us for an in-person workshop on May 2, from 5-7pm, hosted by Northeastern University.
Designed to elevate your interview capabilities, this hands-on session aims to empower you with effective strategies that will help you excel during interviews. As a participant, you will gain valuable practical experience through engaging mock sessions, where you can apply what you've learned in a supportive environment. This workshop is an excellent opportunity to refine your techniques, learn new strategies, and walk away with the confidence to tackle any interview situation.
Learn how to:
Prepare proactively for interviews and enhance interviewing techniques
Highlight strengths and ace the interview
Tackle challenging questions with confidence and poise
*Limited spots available*
Here’s what participants had to say about the transformative experience they had at our last workshop, during which they explored networking strategies:
The Art of the Possible: 3D Printing in Healthcare
In partnership with PolyUnity, OBIO® invites you to register for a webinar on April 30, from 12-1 pm (EDT) to explore the cutting-edge world of 3D printing and learn how the technology is advancing healthcare innovation, medical research, device prototyping and patient care.
Join us to learn from the expert team at PolyUnity Tech Inc, a leading provider of additive manufacturing and digital design services for healthcare.
What you'll learn :
Applications of 3D printing in healthcare
Success stories of 3D printing innovation in Ontario Hospitals
Guidance on how to access and leverage 3D printing services
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast Series: TELUS Pollinator Fund - Supporting innovative companies in healthcare
Once a month, the OBIO® WiHI Professional Network (WiHI) hosts a breakfast with successful and inspiring women, inviting them to share their experiences, challenges and successes as they build and grow their companies in Canada.
Upcoming Breakfast session:
April 24 | 9 – 10:30 am | Toronto
TELUS Pollinator Fund: Supporting innovative companies in healthcare
The OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) is excited to announce its upcoming breakfast session on April 24, featuring Shafiq Vallani, Partner at the TELUS Pollinator Fund. During this session, Shafiq will cover the fund's investment focus, the types of companies it typically invests in, and its expertise & guidance beyond financial investment.
Take advantage of this opportunity to connect and gain insights to elevate your business!
This is an invitation-only event. Are you (or any women in your network) interested in attending? Click here and we will connect with you (or them).
Empowering connections: Unleash your networking potential
Are you ready to gain valuable insights on building meaningful connections and unlocking a world of opportunities? On April 11, OBIO is hosting a virtual workshop on “Empowering Connections: Unleash your Networking Potential”. The workshop, facilitated by Misha Miranda, a seasoned Talent Acquisition expert and leader, will explore different aspects of networking and equip you with the knowledge and tools to foster connections in today’s dynamic professional landscape.
What you’ll learn:
Cutting-edge strategies to build and nurture a powerful professional network
Practical tips to transform your networking skills and create lasting, impactful connections
The significance of networking to unlock collaboration and career opportunities
This workshop is suitable for all professionals.
SR&ED for Research, Manufacturing and Late-Stage Clinical Trials
On April 11, OBIO® and MentorWorks are hosting a webinar exploring the basics of scientific research & experimental development (SR&ED) and overcoming technological uncertainty. Learn about SR&ED eligibility using case studies highlighting work from early-stage research to scale up and commercialization.
The webinar will cover:
Overview of the SR&ED program and funding rates
SR&ED within the product development lifecycle and case study to identify SR&ED from fundamental research to full scale manufacturing and regulatory approvals
A case study to highlight SR&ED activities from early pre-clinical research to Pilot studies and late-stage clinical trials
This information-packed webinar will help Canadian businesses gain valuable knowledge and insights into R&D tax credits they're eligible to receive.
Crafting your career path: Job search strategies & how to rock your LinkedIn profile
Are you ready to take your career journey to the next level? This workshop, designed for professionals who are interested in digital health, is an opportunity to explore the strategies to navigate the job market and create a compelling LinkedIn profile to enhance your online presence. Learn how to showcase your skills, achievements and professional narrative!
What to Expect:
90 minutes of interactive, insightful conversations and exercises
Expert guidance on crafting an effective resume and cover letter
A comprehensive walkthrough on maximizing your LinkedIn profile
Discover the art of internal skill and job assessment
Elevate your personal brand with impactful tools
Active engagement with opportunities to ask questions and interact
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast Series: Getting products into the market – accelerating adoption in healthcare
Once a month, the OBIO® WiHI Professional Network (WiHI) hosts a breakfast with successful and inspiring women, inviting them to share their experiences, challenges and successes as they build and grow their companies in Canada.
Breakfast sessions take place every third Thursday of the month.
Upcoming Breakfast session:
March 21 | 9 – 10:30 am | Toronto
The OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) is excited to announce its upcoming breakfast session on March 21, featuring Bibaswan Ghoshal, Senior Director, Technology Adoption at OBIO®. Bibaswan will lead an engaging discussion on health technology adoption in Canada and share valuable insights on supporting partnerships between Canadian health technology companies and the healthcare system.
Canadian companies with market-ready products work with OBIO® to actively address the commercialization, adoption and procurement gap with provincial health systems in Canada. OBIO's programs like the Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™) and the newly-launched Life Sciences Critical Technologies and Commercialization Centre of Excellence bring together start-ups, delivery partners and healthcare decision makers to develop a customized evaluation and plan to help Canadian companies compete for procurements with Canadian healthcare organizations. Companies participating in these programs also benefit from the expertise of OBIO® mentors, who support the commercialization of early-stage and venture-backed companies, enabling them to raise capital, build the workforce and accelerate adoption.
Join us to take part in a transformative conversation that celebrates the accomplishments of women in health tech and sets the stage for future successes.
This is an invitation-only event. Are you (or any women in your network) interested in attending? Click here and we will connect with you (or them).
Networking with Inspirational Women in Science: Celebrating Women in Health and Life Sciences
*This event is full. Thank you for your interest!*
Join us this International Women's Day for a transformative networking experience celebrating the journey of the OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI). This is an opportunity to be part of an inspiring day featuring a fireside chat with Sophie Park, Managing Director of Bayer G4A Investments & Partnerships, and a key thought leader in digital health economics, investments, scalability and innovation programs. In addition to an enriching discussion, join us for a pitch competition for equity investment featuring the women-led companies from the OBIO® WiHI Seed Program.
Whether you are an investor looking for your next venture, a professional keen on the latest industry trends, or a student aspiring to make a mark, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect and be inspired:
Network, share stories and collaborate with the vibrant health science ecosystem
Build new business relationships
Meet companies and partners to explore new career opportunities
Be part of a movement that is setting new benchmarks for women in health and life sciences!
Meet our speakers
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Sophie joined the Bayer Digital Strategy team in 2017 under the Board of Management for Innovation leading the strategy and development for broader organizational digital transformation. For over a decade, she has held various leadership roles defining and implementing healthcare innovation growth and investment strategies for NGOs, multinational corporates, and has advised two United States White House Administrations. She has successfully launched innovation frameworks and programs for Fortune 500 companies and investment firms both in the United States and abroad. She is a key thought leader in digital health internationally on digital health economics, investments, scalability, and innovation programs. Beyond her professional achievements, Sophie is deeply passionate about public health. Her commitment is evident in her work, where she focuses on advancing sustainable and equitable access for individuals through the strategic application of technology. As the Managing Director of Bayer's G4A Investments and Partnerships team, Sophie continues to drive innovation, forging impactful collaborations, and contributing to Bayer's position as a leader in the evolving landscape of healthcare innovation.
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Vean is an Assurance Partner with EY Private, supporting entrepreneurs, private businesses, and their owners. With over a decade of experience, she has in-depth knowledge of the complex business challenges entrepreneurial entities face. She focuses on supporting private, high-growth companies in a variety of industries, including health and life science, retail, construction, and technology with accounting and tax issues in Canada and around the world. She is also the Toronto lead in health and life science sector for Private assurance teams. Vean has strong technical skills in ASPE, US GAAP and IFRS and holds both CA and CPA designations.
Vean is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion initiatives with a focus on promoting personal and professional growth for female. With a firm belief that entrepreneurship is for all, she has serviced and supported entrepreneurs with various backgrounds in all stages of their journey, providing advice and offering help and connection along the way.
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Atoussa is the national chair of Life Sciences and Technology at Cozen O’Connor Canada. Her main focuses are mergers and acquisitions in the life sciences and pharmaceuticals, biotech and telehealth industries. In addition to providing transactional and commercial support, Atoussa also provides industry-focused advice on privacy and regulatory compliance. Her clients benefit from her experience in complex cross-border corporate and commercial transactions involving M&A, data privacy, and regulatory compliance across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Before joining the firm, Atoussa served as of counsel with a leading global law firm, advising clients on corporate M&A and general and commercial matters while providing industry-focused advice. Before that, she was the chief legal officer and chief privacy officer with a multibillion dollar company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. There, she developed relationships with regulatory bodies in the United States and Canada and advised on public company reporting obligations, corporate governance best practices, compliance matters, and cross-border capital markets and M&A transactions.
Atoussa has been recognized by her peers in Legal 500 International and Chambers and Partners and has been awarded the Western Canada General Counsel Tomorrow's Leader Award and a two-time winner of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women WXN Award. She is a fluent English, French, and Farsi speaker.
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Cate Murray is President and CEO for Canada’s Stem Cell Network. Cate is an experienced not-for-profit executive with a background in public policy and communications. Cate has been leading and growing the Stem Cell Network since 2017 when she took on the role of Executive Director.
Cate began her career in the mid-90s as a Ministerial policy advisor. After leaving politics she joined the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) where she combined her knowledge of government and communications to support Canada’s health research community. Building on her experience at CIHR, Cate joined the Council of Canadian Academies as a member of the senior leadership team where she worked with over a dozen expert panels to raise awareness of their work and see its adoption into public policy.
Today, Cate leads a team of talented professionals, Board members and stem cell and regenerative medicine scientists and scholars who are passionate about delivering Canadian innovations to patients.
Cate has an Honours Degree from King’s College at the University of Western Ontario. She is a mother of two daughters and stepmother to two sons. Cate is passionate about STEAM and lives by the mantra that every great scientist needs an arts major.
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Charmaine Williams was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in the 2022 provincial election. She represents the riding of Brampton Centre as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario. She is currently the Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity and is the first Black woman to be appointed to a PC Cabinet. Prior to provincial politics, she was elected to the Brampton City Council.
Williams has also had a 19-year career as a certified Multi-Systemic Therapist, Behavioural Consultant, and Counsellor. As a mother of five children, she understands the importance of advocating for those who cannot always advocate for themselves.
As a Brampton City Councillor, she had the opportunity to spearhead numerous economic, social, and cultural initiatives that benefited Brampton communities. Her track record of success is testament to her ability to help communities thrive, build programs and institutions to support vulnerable populations, and provide dependable leadership.
She now carries her passion and experience into her new role as Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, where she intends to make lasting effort that positively impacts women and families across Ontario.
Meet our pitching companies
Thank you to our sponsors
*This event is full. Thank you for your interest!*
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast Series: Start-up Journey from Idea to Execution to Exit
Once a month, the OBIO® WiHI Professional Network (WiHI) is hosting a breakfast with successful and inspiring women, inviting them to share their experiences, challenges and successes as they build and grow their companies in Canada.
Breakfast sessions take place every third Thursday of the month.
Upcoming Breakfast session:
February 22 | 9 – 10:30 am | Toronto
The OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) is hosting its next Women Leaders in Health Science breakfast on February 22.
Guest speaker Grace Almendras-Castillo, Founder and CEO of Gifftid and Self Care Catalysts Inc., will lead the conversation on navigating the start-up journey from idea to exit. She will share tips and insights on the practical aspects of a start-up journey – foundation, funding, management and exit.
Join us to take part in a transformative conversation that celebrates the accomplishments of women in health tech and sets the stage for future successes.
This is an invitation-only event. Are you (or any women in your network) interested in attending? Click here and we will connect with you (or them).
2024 OBIO Investment Summit
The OBIO® Investment Summit (OIS) and Early Technology Showcase (ETS) is a forum to connect global investors with growing companies, our best technology innovators and ecosystem partners. This edition also includes the Pharma and MedTech Business Development Forum, which brings together Canada’s life science companies with corporate venture professionals to explore partnerships and licensing opportunities.
Health Science Technology Training for Software and Data Professionals (Cohort 1)
*Applications now closed.*
As Canada accelerates the commercialization and adoption of digital technologies into the fast-growing health science industry, there is a critical need to create high-value technology jobs and support the development of talent in the technology workforce.
OBIO® is proud to partner with Upskill Canada [powered by Palette Skills] and the Government of Canada to deliver the national Health Science Technology Training for Software and Data Professionals training program. The program will provide focused, digital technology development upskilling to help fast-growing companies access the talent they need to thrive and prosper, while creating new career paths for workers to quickly transition into high-demand roles.
This 14-week training (first cohort) starts on January 30, 2024 .
Scientific Founders Program
5-Day Entrepreneurship Bootcamp running from January 22-26 in Toronto.
Delivered through the Health to Business Bridge (H2BB™) Program by OBIO®
Stem Cell Network is pleased to partner with OBIO® to offer the Scientific Founders Program for aspiring entrepreneurs in regenerative medicine (founders) and team members/HQP (co-founders). This week-long in-person entrepreneurship training program will empower participants with the skills and knowledge to launch and build a successful regenerative medicine start up.
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>> This intensive bootcamp will be delivered by industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and subject matter experts experienced in company founding, investment and therapeutic product commercialization.
>> Participants will have the opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs and industry experts as well as access advisors and mentorship throughout the bootcamp.
>> The program will feature daily sessions with instructors to advance projects or company milestones.scription
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>> Preparing pitch decks, pitching and securing funding in a volatile economy
>> Developing strategies for filing, maintaining and protecting intellectual property
>> Product/clinical planning with manufacturing, intellectual property and market access strategies in mind
>> Determining & enhancing your company’s value proposition for investors
>> Structuring companies for Canadian, US, or European investment and taxation purposes
The bootcamp will culminate in pitch deck presentations to a Venture Capital expert panel. This activity will be based on a week-long project that incorporates the different subjects taught over the course of the program.
Sponsors
Diamond
Bronze
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast Series: Understanding Venture Capital Term Sheets for Early-Stage Health and Life Sciences Companies
Once a month, the OBIO® WiHI Professional Network (WiHI) is hosting a breakfast with successful and inspiring women, inviting them to share their experiences, challenges and successes as they build and grow their companies in Canada.
Breakfast sessions take place every third Thursday of the month.
Upcoming Breakfast session:
January 18 | 9 – 10:30 am | Toronto
The OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) is hosting the next Women Leaders in Health Science on January 18.
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Our first breakfast series of 2024 will feature guest speaker Vanessa Grant, Senior Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright Canada, who will lead a session on:
Demystifying the key elements of term sheets
Understanding the distinct perspectives of investors and entrepreneurs during negotiations
How term sheets can be effectively used as a tool to balance and manage the potential differences and expectations of both parties at the time of investment
Join us to take part in a transformative conversation that celebrates the accomplishments of women in health tech and sets the stage for future successes.
This is an invitation-only event. Are you (or any women in your network) interested in attending? Click here and we will connect with you (or them).
Women in Project Management Bootcamp: Project Delivery in Life Sciences
*Applications are closed*
Are you a woman who aspires to become a project manager or is currently in a project management role looking to gain better knowledge of its concepts?
Back by popular demand, this 5-day intensive, interactive virtual training program is designed to help women learn the scope of project management in the evolving health science industry.
*Applications are closed*
Women Leaders in Health Breakfast Series: Separating Business from Personal Finance
Once a month, the OBIO® WiHI Professional Network (WiHI) is hosting a breakfast with successful and inspiring women, inviting them to share their experiences, challenges and successes as they build and grow their companies in Canada.
Breakfast sessions take place every third Thursday of the month.
Upcoming Breakfast session:
December 14 | 9 – 10:30 am | Toronto
The OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) is hosting the next Women Leaders in Health Science on December 14.
For our last breakfast series of the year, we are delighted to welcome finance and technology leader Alia Lee, Chief Financial Officer for Operate Finance Clients at Deloitte, who will lead a conversation about managing personal finance.
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Join us to take part in a transformative conversation that celebrates the accomplishments of women in health tech and sets the stage for future successes.
This is an invitation-only event. Are you (or any women in your network) interested in attending? Click here and we will connect with you (or them).