(Self-paced, Virtual) Cybersecurity & Digital Health Training for Health Science Professionals
Cybersecurity & Digital Health Training (Self-paced, Virtual)
OBIO® is proud to deliver the Cybersecurity & Digital Health Training for Health Science Professionals. The program focuses on the critical intersection of software development and cybersecurity, particularly in the context of health products and medical devices. It will cover regulatory aspects as outlined in Health Canada’s guidance for software as a medical device, addressing data compliance, and secure data management throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
The Cybersecurity & Digital Health Training is now offered year-round as a self-paced, fully virtual program
Entrepreneurship Training for Women in STEM: Health & Life Sciences
This event is full! Thank you for your interest.
Entrepreneurship Training for Women in STEM: Health & Life Sciences
OBIO® is pleased to partner with PRiME, the next generation precision medicine initiative at The University of Toronto, and would like to invite women in STEM to apply for its Entrepreneurship Training Program. Delivered in collaboration with PRiME, the program focuses on empowering women innovators advancing innovation in health and life sciences.
About the Program
To address the under representation of women in ownership and leadership positions in life sciences and health tech, OBIO® is launching the Entrepreneurship Training for Women in STEM with a focus on health and life sciences to provide targeted entrepreneurship training for women in STEM.
Through a comprehensive eight-session program (once a week), participants gain entrepreneurial knowledge and access to role models needed to move innovations from lab to market. The curriculum spans the full venture creation lifecycle, covering intellectual property protection and licensing, corporate structure and governance, financing and fundraising, accounting and financial management, project management, and pitching to investors and strategic partners.
What participants can expect:
Gain entrepreneurial knowledge and access to role models needed to move innovations from lab to market
Learn about the full venture creation lifecycle, including intellectual property protection and licensing, corporate structure and governance, financing and fundraising, accounting and financial management, project management, and pitching to investors and strategic partners.
Certificate upon completion of the course.
Who should apply:
We are looking for committed and driven women who are: academic scientist/researchers, graduate students, and post-docs with an interest in entrepreneurship.
Program Details:
Venue:
BioLabs University of Toronto
661 University Ave, Suite 1300
Toronto, ON M5G 1M1
Program Dates (Wednesdays):
March 25 / April 8 / April 22 / May 6
May 20 / June 3 / June 17 / June 24
Time:
5 – 8 pm (in person, Toronto)
Each session will follow a consistent structure, beginning with expert-led content followed by a Q&A and facilitated discussion. The evening will continue with a female founder story, additional discussion, and conclude with networking.
This event is full! Thank you for your interest.
Getting Products into the Market – Accelerating Adoption in Healthcare
Join us for a workshop on June 17 hosted by Life Sciences Central [powered by MaRS, OBIO® and TIAP] focused on bringing innovations to the healthcare market.
Canada’s health innovation landscape is rich with groundbreaking technologies, yet many companies still face a long and complex path to adoption within health systems. This workshop explores how innovators, healthcare organizations, and ecosystem leaders can accelerate the path to real‑world implementation, while navigating the unique procurement challenges that shape the Canadian market.
Bibaswan Ghoshal, Senior Director, Technology Adoption at OBIO®, will lead an engaging discussion on health technology adoption in Canada and share valuable insights from OBIO’s Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN®) on supporting partnerships between Canadian health technology companies and the healthcare system.
Agenda:
3:00 – 3:15 pm: Registration
3:15 – 4:15 pm: Presentation + Q&A
4:15 – 5:00 pm: Networking
This event is free for all participants. Spots are limited.
Dual Use & Defence: Ontario’s Life Sciences & Clinical Trials Superpower
Breakfast event at the 2026 BIO International Convention in San Diego
Clinical Trials Ontario and Life Sciences Central [powered by MaRS, OBIO® and TIAP] are bringing together leaders from across the sector for an event featuring a panel discussion on how Ontario and Canada’s life sciences and clinical trials ecosystem can support the advancement of dual-use biotechnology.
Join the event on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark for an opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and engage with Ontario’s dynamic life sciences community on a global stage.
The conversation will explore real-world examples, opportunities, and the unique assets that position Ontario as a global hub for this emerging area—from world-class researchers, institutions and trial infrastructure to collaborative networks and advantages that enable innovation at scale.
Meet the Panelists
This event is supported by:
bioRSVP App
Discover how bioRSVP can help you cut through the noise and make intelligent, high-value connections at biotech's most important weeks.
Get a closer look at how this app can help you navigate conference week!
Health Science Industry Training Course
Stem Cell Network is pleased to partner with OBIO® to offer the Health Science Industry Training Course. This 27-hour virtual course will empower up to 25 participants with the skills and knowledge to commercialize a therapeutic product or work in the health science industry.
Program highlights include:
Comprehensive training to build a foundation in the health science industry for biotechnology commercialization
Interactive modules led by industry experts, including case studies and workshops
Weekly virtual sessions over 9 weeks
Training modules include:
Innovation and commercialization
IP and licencing
Strategic business development
Project managementfor health science industry
Market intelligence
QMS/GMP& biomanufacturing
Finance, partnerships and contracts
Professional skills and business communications
Careers in the industry
*Applications are now closed*
ENGAGE Entrepreneurship Learning Pathway
Join BioHubNet ENGAGE Entrepreneurship Learning Pathway, featuring 3.5-days of accelerated entrepreneuship training by OBIO®, with personalized support to build the skills and knowledge you need to grow your venture. This bootcamp is designed for graduate students/postdoctoral fellows/research associates/techs leading life sciences ventures at the pre-seed stage, with at least an invention disclosure filed with their institution.
What you’ll master:
Pitch deck creation and confident investor presentations
Regulatory processes involved in product developement
Financing options and funding stages for growing ventures
Business plan development and startup strategy
Negotiation techniques for venture building and partnerships
Intellectual property protection and innovation factory
*Seats are limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis*
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast: Founders, Funders, and the Future of Cancer Care
Founders, Funders, and the Future of Cancer Care
Join us for our last Women Leader in Health breakfast session before the Summer break - an opportunity to learn about FACIT and Lumira’s Cancer Breakthrough Fund programs and investment thesis, and how these support the next generation of oncology ventures. This conversation, led by Connie Chen from FACIT and Suman Rao from Lumira Ventures, will bring together perspectives from across the health and life sciences community to discuss how new discoveries in oncology are being translated into real-world impact.
This session is ideal for anyone interested in healthcare, innovation, and the future of cancer treatment, from researchers and entrepreneurs to policymakers and community members.
We look forward to seeing you there!
*This is an invitation-only event.
Life Sciences Networking Night - Ottawa Innovation Week
*This event if full. Thank you for your interest.*
OBIO® and Capital BioVentures are pleased to invite you to their upcoming Networking Night in Ottawa on June 9.
Hosted with the support of Invest Ottawa, this evening mixer brings together the life sciences and heath tech community in Ottawa, including industry professionals, academic leaders, and innovators to build meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and spark future collaborations in the life sciences ecosystem.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Date:
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Time:
5:00 - 7:00 PM EDT
Location:
The Foundry at the Bayview Yards
7 Bayview Station Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5
Light snacks & drinks will be served.
*This event is free for all participants*
*This event if full. Thank you for your interest.*
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast: Accelerating Life Sciences: Navigating FedDev Ontario Funding & Support
Accelerating Life Sciences: Navigating FedDev Ontario Funding & Support
Whether you’re developing a new medical device, scaling a biotech venture, or navigating the path to clinical trials, securing the right capital is often the biggest hurdle. Join us for our next OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) breakfast on May 8, featuring Fatouma Ahmed, Director of Special Projects at FedDev Ontario.
We will dive into the federal funding landscape, highlighting programs that provide the non-dilutive capital and strategic resources necessary to move from the lab to the global market.
Empower your innovation with the right federal support.
Space is limited—register today to secure your spot!
We look forward to seeing you there!
*This is an invitation-only event.
Fueling Innovation: Maximizing Business & Tax Incentives for Life Sciences & Health Tech Start-Ups
The journey from a Canadian lab to a global healthcare market is paved with both immense opportunity and complex regulatory hurdles. As we move through 2026, the "Canadian Advantage" has never been stronger for health tech and biotech firms that know how to leverage their corporate structure.
Join us in Toronto on May 5 for a workshop designed for founders and finance leaders to move beyond basic tax filing, helping you navigate the complexities of local and global incentives to extend your runway and accelerate your ROI.
We will explore:
How leveraging SR&ED and maintaining Canadian-Controlled Private Corporation (CCPC) status acts as a high-octane fuel for your R&D
How to protect that status while exploring international expansion and investment from foreign investors
Agenda
8:30 – 9 am:
Registration, networking, light breakfast
9 – 11:30 am:
Presentations & Discussion
Meet our Speakers
Event fee
OBIO® members: free
Non-members: $15 + tax
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast: Inside Osler's Deal Points Report 2026 and Life Sciences Investment Trends
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast
Join us for our next OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) breakfast on April 24 for a conversation with legal and venture capital experts Jennifer Humphrey (Associate, Emerging and High Growth Companies at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP) and Evelyn Pau, PhD (Principal at Amplitude Ventures). Together, they will unpack the latest findings from Osler’s Deal Points Report on Venture Capital Financings, offering a deep dive into current deal trends, valuation benchmarks, and evolving financing terms. This session will provide valuable context on what these insights mean for life sciences founders and investors across Canada.
We look forward to seeing you there!
*This is an invitation-only event.
Navigating the 49th parallel: Cross-border structuring strategies for Canadian life sciences and healthtech companies
Navigating the 49th parallel: Cross-border structuring strategies for Canadian life sciences and healthtech companies
Are you building a Canadian life sciences or healthtech company with one eye firmly set on the U.S. market? The decisions you make today about your corporate structure and tax planning could define your company's trajectory for years to come. Join Torys and Life Sciences Central for an exclusive breakfast discussion, followed by networking. The panel discussion will share practical insights drawn from real transactions and help you ask the right questions when considering cross-border structuring.
This session will unpack the cross-border structuring and tax considerations that impact every venture-backed founder, such as:
How does raising U.S. capital affect CCPC status (and the valuable tax advantages that come with it);
Why do U.S. investors ask Canadian companies to move to the U.S. and what does that mean for how you structure your cap table; and
What is a Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS).
Seats are limited. Breakfast will be served. Bring your appetite, and questions, and come ready for a frank conversation about how to structure your company for success on both sides of the border.
Your registration is subject to host approval.
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast: Science, Systems and Strategy: Sharing Our Experience Leading A Life Science Start-Up
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast
Join us for our next OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) breakfast on March 27 featuring a candid conversation with Defne Garner, Co-Founder & VP, Finance at Ripple Therapeutics and Wendy Naimark, Co-Founder & CTO at Ripple Therapeutics, a clinical stage ophthalmology company. Defne and Wendy will share their career journeys and experiences starting a life science company, raising a $14M USD Series A and an additional $55M USD through partnerships and non-dilutive capital, and securing agreements with three leading strategics. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn first-hand from two women leaders in Canada’s life sciences ecosystem.
We look forward to seeing you there!
*This is an invitation-only event.
Integrating Health Innovation into Canada’s Defence Strategy
In 2026, the convergence of health technology and national security has become a strategic imperative for Canada.
On March 26, OBIO® hosted an insightful discussion in partnership with Invest Ottawa. This event featured industry leaders who addressed how Canada can leverage domestic innovations in dual-use Health Tech and Life Sciences to build a robust, domestic industrial base to strengthen Canada’s sovereignty and security.
Participants learned from expert panelists who develop dual-use health technologies and actively engage with the defence sector.
Agenda
The Foundry at the Bayview Yards, Ottawa
1:00 - 1:30 pm:
Registration
1:30 - 1:45 pm:
Opening remarks by Dr. Maura Campbell (OBIO®)
Fireside Chat 1
1:45 - 2:05 pm:
Opening remarks by Sonya Shorey (Invest Ottawa)
Fireside Chat 2
2:05 - 2:20 pm:
Prensentation by The Royal Ottawa Healthcare Group
2:20 -3:15 pm:
Panel discussion
3:15 -4:30 pm
Networking
Fireside Chats: 1:30 - 2:05 pm
Fireside Chat 1
Dr. Maura Campbell
President and CEO
OBIO®
Aude-Alexia Véronneau
Trade Commissioner (Senior Trade Advisor/Analyst)
Global Affairs Canada
Kasondra White
Acting Director General
Health Emergency Readiness Canada (HERC), Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
Fireside Chat 2
Jens Merkel
CFO
Siemens Healthineers Global Center of Excellence for Blood Gas Testing
Sonya Shorey
President and CEO
Invest Ottawa
Presentation from The Royal Ottawa Healthcare Group: 2:05 - 2:20 pm
Transforming Mental Health through Quality, Research, Innovation & Partnership
Florence Dzierszinski
President & CEO, Institute of Mental Health Research
VP Research, The Royal Ottawa Healthcare Group
Cara Vaccarino
President and CEO
The Royal Ottawa Healthcare Group
Panel Discussion: 2:20 - 3:15 pm
Panel discussion on the start-up journey towards dual-use technology for military applications featuring guest speakers Morteza Ahmadi (Qidni Labs), Brian Jahns (Vasomune Therapeutics) and Michael Tessier (Cohesys).
Meet our Panelists
OBIO® Career Fair
OBIO® Career Fair: Pathways to your future in Life Sciences & Health Tech
Join us on March 18 for an interactive event connecting life sciences and health tech talent with industry leaders and organizations. This career-focused event offers opportunities for learning, networking, and professional growth for both job seekers and hiring organizations.
Attendee tickets are now SOLD OUT
Agenda (subject to change)
8:15 - 9:05 am: Registration, Coffee & Networking
9:05 - 9:15 am: Opening Remarks
9:15 - 10 am: Panel 1: Breaking into Biomanufacturing: What Are Employers Looking For
10 - 10:15 am: Q&A
10:15 - 10:45 am: Networking
10:45 - 11:45 am: Interview Workshop
11:45 am - 12 pm: Break
12 - 12:45 pm: Panel 2: Redefining Careers in Life Sciences: How AI is Transforming the Job Market
12: 45 - 1 pm: Q&A
1 - 4 pm: Career Fair
Speakers:
Two Panel Discussions featuring Industry Leaders: Gain insights on career pathways, trends, and what it takes to succeed in the life sciences and health tech sector.
Panel 1 (morning): Breaking into Biomanufacturing: What Are Employers Looking For
Panel 2 (afternoon): Redefining Careers in Life Sciences: How AI is Transforming the Job Market
HR-Led Career Development Workshop: A practical, interactive session focused on interview best practices and how to effectively pitch your skills, experience, and value to employers.
Career Fair: Engage directly with top companies and explore exciting opportunities.
Whether you’re advancing your career or growing your talent pipeline, the OBIO® Career Fair provides the guidance, connections, and opportunities to support your next steps.
REGISTRATION & COST
Participate as an attendee
OBIO® members: FREE (registration required)
Non-members: $20 +HST
This category is sold out!
Thank you for your interest.
Purchase an Exhibitor booth
Includes up to 2 attendees.
Once registered, you will receive an email from the OBIO® Team with additional details.
OBIO® member: FREE (registration required)
Non-members: $350 +HST
Hiring companies: FREE
Please contact Viktoriya Shabat for details.
Thank you to our Sponsors:
ATTENDING EXHIBITORS
*More exhibitors coming soon*
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Are you interested in becoming an event Sponsor? Do you have any other questions about the OBIO® Career Fair? Please contact Viktoriya Shabat.
CDD x OBIO® Pub Night
Happy Hour
You’re invited to attend a fun night of networking hosted by CDD and OBIO®!
Join us for a relaxing, after-hours gathering bringing together biotech experts and members of the life sciences community. Come catch up with your peers or make some new connections!
When: March 10, 2026 at 5:30 pm
Where: Rooftop on College, 20 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1K2
What: A fun evening with some drinks & bites
We hope you can make it and look forward to celebrating with you!
Space is limited, so register now.
AI Digital Health Training program
AI Digital Health Training program
OBIO®, in collaboration with Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), is pleased to announce the launch of the AI Digital Health Training Program. This two-day, in-person training experience designed to equip professionals with the practical skills and strategic insight needed to design, deploy, and scale digital health solutions is part of OBIO’s Cybersecurity & Digital Health Training for Health Science Professionals.
This program focuses on the real-world application of AI and digital technologies across the healthcare and life sciences sectors.
Learning Outcomes:
Navigate adherence requirements for digital health products, including regulatory, cybersecurity, and ethical considerations
Understand industry-adopted AI technologies enabling consumer health application delivery
Analyze existing digital health tools, from product design through to market release
Design scalable digital health solutions that meet stakeholder and patient needs
Integrate user feedback into continuous product improvement cycles
OBIO® Self-Paced Learning (Online)
In addition to the in-person training, participants will receive access to OBIO’s online, self-paced learning materials via OBIO’s learning platform. This supplemental content deepens participants’ understanding of the critical intersection of software development and cybersecurity in digital health and medical devices.
Key topics include:
Regulatory requirements, data compliance, and secure data management across the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Cybersecurity risks, emerging threats, and their impact on healthcare organizations
Secure software development practices and cloud infrastructure security
Data governance in the era of increasing cyber threats
The role of blockchain in enhancing digital health security
Electronic Health Records (EHR), access controls, and the importance of cybersecurity in healthcare
OBIO® is proud to partner with Upskill Canada (powered by Palette Skills) and the Government of Canada to deliver this training, supporting workforce development and innovation across Canada’s health and life sciences ecosystem.
This program has a value of $2,500 + HST.
The program cost is $150 + HST.
*Spots are limited*
OBIO’s International Women's Day Celebration
OBIO’s International Women's Day Celebration
*This event is sold out! Thank you for your interest.*
OBIO’s International Women’s Day Celebration brings together dynamic women leaders across the health tech and life sciences industry. This event is a unique platform where investors, entrepreneurs and industry professionals gather to celebrate and empower women-driven innovations.
Nine companies from the current cohort of the WiHI Seed program will pitch their groundbreaking solutions, showcasing the incredible potential of women-led start-ups to advance the future of healthcare.
Agenda
-
Registration and Networking
-
Remarks, Panel & Pitches
-
Prizes and Networking
Meet our Speakers
Maura Campbell, PhD
President and CEO, OBIO®
Connie Chen, PhD
Sr. Director, Strategy & Corporate Development, FACIT
Vean Hung, CPA, CA
Partner, Assurance, EY Private and Canada Entrepreneurial Winning Women Program Co-Leader
MP Chi Nguyen
Member of Parliament for Spadina - Harbourfront
Hon. Charmaine A. Williams
Ontario’s Associate Minister of Women's Social and Economic Opportunity
Panel Session:
“From Seed to Scale: Women Leaders on Raising Capital and Scaling Globally in Digital Health & Life Sciences”
Meet our Panelists
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Moderator: Maura Campbell, PhD
President and CEO, OBIO®
Marina Cortes
Manager, Business Tax Services, EY
Megan Dover
Junior Partner and Co-founder, Cross-Border Impact Ventures
Mai Elfarnawany
VP of Engineering, Flosonics Medical
Jennifer Humphrey
Associate, Emerging and High Growth Companies, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt
Meet our Pitching Companies
The event is a great opportunity for attendees to network, collaborate, and invest in the next wave of healthcare innovations, while amplifying the voices of the women shaping the industry.
Sponsored by:
Ticket Prices:
OBIO® Members: $20
Non-Members: $30
*This event is sold out! Thank you for your interest.*
Supported by:
Biomanufacturing for Advanced Therapies Training Program
Registration for this program is currently closed. Please check again later.
If you have any questions or would like information about future training opportunities, please reach out to: training@obio.ca.
The biomanufacturing sector for advanced therapies is experiencing rapid growth and an escalating demand for personnel with specialized skill sets compared to conventional biopharmaceutical manufacturing. To address this need, OBIO® and CATTI have partnered to deliver the Biomanufacturing for Advanced Therapies Training Program, including cell and gene therapy (CGT), funded by Upskill Canada [powered by Palette Skills] and the Government of Canada.
The program focuses on both conceptual and practical skills essential to the development and manufacturing of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs), with a curriculum developed through extensive collaborations with companies in the sector developing CGTs and tailored to meet their specialized workforce needs.
Upcoming sessions:
March 9-13 | Closed System Manufacturing, CAR-T and Immunotherapies – Guelph
March 16-20 | Aseptic Techniques & Cell Culture – Guelph
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast: Non-Dilutive Funding Opportunities for Health & Life Sciences Start-ups
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast
Join us on February 20 at our next OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) breakfast to explore key non-dilutive funding options to fuel your health and life sciences venture - without giving up equity.
We look forward to seeing you there!
*This is an invitation-only event.
Leading with Intelligence: Building an AI-ready Health Organization
Webinar
Leading with Intelligence: Building an AI-ready Health Organization
Join us on February 18 for a webinar on “Leading with Intelligence: Building an AI-ready Health Organization” by OBIO® member Beam Data.
AI’s impact in healthcare is no longer theoretical - it is operational. But real value is realized only when AI is embedded into workflows, aligned with governance structures, and supported by leaders who understand both the technology and the context in which it operates.
Health organizations face unique regulatory, ethical, data, and workforce challenges. Becoming AI-ready requires more than tools - it demands AI literacy at the leadership level, clear governance frameworks, scalable data infrastructure, and a roadmap that connects innovation to measurable patient and business outcomes.
Join distinguished leaders from academia, biotech, pharma, and global health technology including Dr. Wendy Cukier (TMU & Diversity Institute), Daniel Zikovitz (GE Healthcare), Joanna Yu (Takeda Canada), Dr Desmond Pink (Nanostics) and Dr Meraj A Khan (Digibiomics) as they explore practical frameworks for operationalizing AI in Healthcare.
Rifath Mohsen, Healthcare AI and BD Strategist at Beam Data and Bibaswan Ghoshal, Senior Director, Technology Adoption at OBIO®, will moderate this discussion.
This discussion will address:
The latest advances in AI and machine learning shaping healthcare
The governance, regulatory, and workflow realities unique to health organizations
Building AI literacy and human capital for sustainable adoption
Assessing organizational readiness and leadership alignment for AI implementation
AI readiness is not just about technology. It is about leadership, literacy, and execution.
Networking Reception at the OBIO® Investment Summit
*This event is sold out*
As part of the 2026 OBIO® Investment Summit, OBIO® members and ecosystem partners are invited to join us for an evening of networking at the Arcadian Court & Loft in Toronto.
Enjoy drinks & hors oeuvres while catching up with friends, partners and the wider ecosystem, and celebrating the spirit of life sciences innovation.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Registration spots are limited. Please purchase your tickets early
and spread the word with your colleagues.
*NOTE*
If you are already attending the Summit as a presenting company, Early Technology Showcase partner, sponsor or investor, the reception is already included in your registration.
*This event is sold out*
2026 OBIO® Investment Summit
2026 OBIO® Investment Summit
CANADA’S PREMIER HEALTH SCIENCE INVESTMENT EVENT
The OBIO® Investment Summit and Early Technology Showcase is a forum to connect global investors with growing companies, our best technology innovators and ecosystem partners. The Summit 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.
Since 2018, the OBIO® Investment Summit has presented high-quality, pre-vetted deal flow to global investors. In addition, the Summit’s Early Technology Showcase featured emerging companies coming out of Canada’s preeminent health research institutions.
To learn more about the OBIO® Investment Summit, visit: www.obioinvestmentsummit.com.
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast: Board Governance: Fit, Focus and Everything in Between
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast:
Board Governance: Fit, Focus and Everything in Between
Join us on January 23 at our next OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) breakfast on Board Governance, a practical and founder-focused session designed specifically for early-stage companies.
Effective boards can be a powerful catalyst for growth, when they are structured well and managed intentionally. In this interactive breakfast, we will share real-world insights and best practices on how founders can build, engage, and work productively with their boards.
This session will cover the following:
How to effectively manage your board
Considerations for finding the “best fit” for a board member
Preparation of board materials – the do’s and don’ts
Optimizing board time during meetings and how to efficiently work with board members
Managing board relations and keeping good ties
Finding the right independent board member
Whether you are forming your first board or refining an existing one, this session will equip you with practical tools to start 2026 with confidence and clarity in your boardroom.
We look forward to seeing you there!
*This is an invitation-only event.
Breakfast Seminar: Funding Foundations and Equity Incentives
Join OBIO® and Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP on November 18 for a breakfast seminar to learn about Funding Foundations and Equity Incentives. This session will consider actions to smooth the path to a fundraising and some of the common issues that arise, including appropriate strategies for engaging employees and consultants and the use of equity incentives such as options.
Learning opportunities:
Actions to take in preparation for fundraising and common pitfalls
Appropriate practices in engaging and managing employees and consultants
Considerations in the use of equity incentives such as options
Meet our Speakers from Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Chris Jones, Partner (Securities, ECVC, Life Sciences) | Toronto
Laura Blumenfeld, Partner (Employment & Labour) | Toronto
Mark Firman, Partner (Pensions & Benefits) | Toronto
Agenda
8:30 - 9am: Registration & Breakfast
9 - 10:30 am: Seminar
10:30 - 11 am: Networking
Ticket prices:
OBIO® Members: Free
Please register using your company email address.
Non-Members: $15
Questions? Contact us at membership@obio.ca.
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast: From Bench to Business: Commercializing Your IP to Be Investor Ready
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast:
From Bench to Business: Commercializing Your IP to Be Investor Ready
Join us at our next OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) breakfast on November 14. This founder-focused session zeroes in on the grant of IP rights: what you give, what you keep, and how to preserve flexibility as you scale. Attendees will walk away with a crisp negotiation framework and actionable guardrails to protect their core intellectual property today while preserving financing and partnership flexibility for tomorrow.
We will translate complex deal mechanics into practical guardrails for entrepreneurs, including:
demystifying the difference (if any) between license agreements, collaboration agreement, alliance agreements, partnership agreements, etc.
the difference between sole ownership, joint ownership and licenses
ownership of background intellectual property, arising intellectual property and improvements
properly scoping the field and territory
exclusivity and anti-shelving
royalties, revenue sharing, reductions and claw backs
indemnification and limitation of liability
most favoured nations and rights of first refusals
reversion rights and transition plans
investor diligence matters
We look forward to seeing you there!
*This is an invitation-only event.
Beyond the Obvious: Metrics That Matter for Early-Commercial HealthTech Companies
Beyond the Obvious: Metrics That Matter for Early-Commercial HealthTech Companies
Bring your morning coffee and come learn about scale-up metrics you should be tracking to demonstrate traction.
Brought to you by OBIO® and MaRS, if you're gearing up to grow from early revenue $1M to $10M+, this workshop breaks down the commercial and non-obvious scale-up metrics investors look for when assessing companies transitioning into early revenue generating business. Learn how to forecast, measure, and present the numbers that actually drive VC conviction and funding, with MaRS capital advisor Billy Lai.
Due to the limited space of the venue, all registered attendees must be approved and priority goes to Health Tech companies participating in our competitive accelerator programs and in early revenue. This is an in-person event only.
To learn more or to register, please write to Jack Lee.
(Virtual) Cybersecurity & Digital Health Training for Health Science Professionals (November Cohort)
Virtual Training
November Cohort
OBIO® is proud to partner with Upskill Canada [powered by Palette Skills] and the Government of Canada to deliver the Cybersecurity & Digital Health Training for Health Science Professionals. The program will focus on the critical intersection of software development and cybersecurity, particularly in the context of health products and medical devices. It will cover regulatory aspects as outlined in Health Canada’s guidance for software as a medical device, addressing data compliance, and secure data management throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
Virtual Training
Part I – Core Training Course (Weeks 1 & 5)
Week #1:
Dates: Nov. 10, Nov. 12
Time: 6 - 10 pm ET
Week #2:
Dates: Nov. 17, Nov. 19
Time: 6 - 10 pm ET
Week #3
Dates: Nov. 24, Nov. 26
Time: 6 - 10 pm ET
Week #4:
Dates: Dec. 1, Dec. 03
Time: 6 - 10 pm ET
Week #5:
Dates: Dec 8, Dec. 10
Time: 6 - 10 pm ET
Part II – Career Advancement support (Weeks 6 to 14)
Format: Hybrid
Networking Mixer: Breaking into Biotech
OBIO® and CATTI are pleased to invite you to their upcoming Networking Mixer event in Vancouver, part of the Biomanufacturing for Advanced Therapies Training Program.
Hosted in partnership with The BC Biotech Network and sponsored by STEMCELL Technologies, this evening mixer brings together past and current program participants, industry professionals, academic leaders, and innovators to build meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and spark future collaborations in the life sciences ecosystem.
We look forward to seeing you there. Everyone is welcome to register!
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM PT
Location: BREWHALL Market (Drink Lab), 97 East 2nd Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5T 1B3
Cost: Non-members: $15.00+tax / Members: free
2 drink tickets & hors d’oeuvres included
OBIO® members can attend this event for free.
Please register using your company email address.
Questions? Contact us at:
membership@obio.ca.
We look forward to seeing you there!
SOLD OUT
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast: The IP Pathway: turning research into market authorization and everything in between
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast:
The IP Pathway: turning research into market authorization and everything in between
Join us at our next OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) breakfast on October 24 for an interactive discussion to gain a clear understanding of the fundamentals of IP licensing and what to expect in early-stage deals.
This session will cover the following:
IP 101 – How can I protect my IP?
The Do’s and Don’ts
What are the most common types of protections
To patent or not to patent – that is the question. — Timing and other considerations
Potential IP Pitfalls
IP and Commercialization
Ways of granting IP rights
The ‘how to’ for managing relationships of stakeholders (employees, founders, incubators, investors, academic institutions and universities)
How do I move IP from a university (IP policies, commercialization and terms of grant funding).
Negotiation points and red flags
AGENDA
9:00–9:25 am: Welcome, breakfast & networking
9:25-9:30 am: WiHI Seed program - special announcement
Join us to meet the founders of the companies selected for the third cohort of the WiHI Seed program
9:30–10:00 am: Presentation
10:00–10:30 am: Q&A
10:30–11:00 am: Founder mixer
We look forward to seeing you there!
*This is an invitation-only event.
The Future of Health Innovation in Canada with AI
The Future of Health Innovation in Canada with AI
This event is sold out! Thank you for your interest.
Join OBIO® for an exciting event to discover how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare in Canada. Explore the latest trends in AI, hear how leading corporations are enabling AI adoption in health systems, and learn from real-world success stories from hospitals and industry experts.
Panel discussions will also highlight key considerations in product development, the future of AI in Canada and the opportunities it creates for start-ups, healthcare organizations, and the broader ecosystem.
Panel 1: Beyond the Hype: Real-World AI Breakthroughs in Healthcare Industries
Moderator
Speakers
Panel 2: Transforming Patient Care with AI: Real Stories from Canadian Hospitals
Moderator
Speakers
The event will conclude with a networking reception.
Agenda
1:30 – Doors open for registration
2:00 PM – Opening remarks
2:15 PM – Panel 1: Beyond the Hype: Real-World AI Breakthroughs in Healthcare Industries
3:00 PM - Break (15 minutes)
3:15 PM – Panel 2: Transforming Patient Care with AI: Real Stories from Canadian Hospitals
4:00 PM – Networking
This event is sold out! Thank you for your interest.
Networking Mixer: Where Health Meets Cybersecurity
Networking Mixer:
Where Health Meets Cybersecurity
OBIO® is pleased to invite you to its upcoming Networking Mixer event in Ottawa, as part of its Cybersecurity & Digital Health Training Program. Hosted in partnership with Invest Ottawa, this evening mixer brings together past and current program participants, industry professionals, academic leaders, and innovators to build meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and spark future collaborations.
Date: Monday, October 6, 2025
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM ET
Location: Craft Beer Market – 975 Bank St., Ottawa
Cost: $15.00+tax - 2 drink tickets & hors d’oeuvres included
OBIO® members can attend this event for free.
Please register using your company email address.
Questions? Contact us at membership@obio.ca.
We look forward to seeing you there!
(In Person) Cybersecurity & Digital Health Training for Health Science Professionals
In Person Training
October Cohort
In partnership with
OBIO® is proud to partner with Upskill Canada [powered by Palette Skills] and the Government of Canada to deliver the Cybersecurity & Digital Health Training for Health Science Professionals. The program will focus on the critical intersection of software development and cybersecurity, particularly in the context of health products and medical devices. It will cover regulatory aspects as outlined in Health Canada’s guidance for software as a medical device, addressing data compliance, and secure data management throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
In Person Training
Part I – Core Training: 2-Day In-Person Course in Ottawa (week 1)
Dates & Time
October 6th, 8am - 5:30pm
October 7th, 8am - 5:30pm
Part II – Career Advancement support (week 2 to 10)
Format: Hybrid
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast: Pitching with Purpose: Navigating Investor Conversations in Challenging Times
OBIO® WiHI Breakfast:
Pitching with Purpose: Navigating Investor Conversations in Challenging Times
Join us for a session on September 19, designed to perfect your pitch and build confidence when engaging with investors and angels as you prepare to fundraise across Canada, the U.S., and Europe.
The session will feature insights from an entrepreneur, a lawyer & a VC, and cover the following:
• Practical do’s and don’ts of pitching to investors
• What VCs and angels are truly looking for
• Candid perspectives on navigating today’s investment climate
• Peer learning in a women-inclusive, founder-forward environment
We look forward to seeing you there!
*This is an invitation-only event.
OBIO’s Annual Public Meeting & Reception 2025
Lights, Camera… Red Carpet!
September 16 I 5 – 8 pm I Toronto
**The event is sold out! Thank you for your interest.**
Get ready to celebrate with OBIO®!
OBIO® invites you to a red-carpet celebration of life sciences at our Annual Public Meeting & Reception on Tuesday, September 16, from 5–8 PM. Hosted at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP in downtown Toronto, this special evening will shine a spotlight on life sciences and health tech superstars, biotech icons, healthcare legends, and trailblazing companies that put our ecosystem on the global stage.
We’ll reflect on our milestones in 2025 and extend heartfelt thanks to our board of directors, members, and ecosystem partners for their unwavering support and contribution to our vibrant sector.
Special Highlights
Pitching Competition: Watch companies we've supported along their journey take part in a fun competition inspired by the silver screen. Entertainment guaranteed!
Networking Reception: Enjoy drinks & hors d’oeuvres, while catching up with friends, partners and the wider ecosystem, and celebrating the spirit of life sciences innovation.
Ticket prices:
OBIO® Members: $40
Non-Members: $80
The Corporate Development Imperative – Don’t ignore it
The Corporate Development Imperative – Don’t ignore it
Including an update on C.H.I.E.F.S.
The importance of Corporate Development has been diminished or overlooked within the Canadian health innovation ecosystem. Drawing on his extensive professional background, Dan Wasserman, CEO of Mammoth Health Innovation, will describe how strategic visibility = strategic growth and how a consistent approach brings compound benefits.
Dan will discuss:
Public Relations & Media Engagement
Events as Development Platforms
Networking Across Channels
Questions to be addressed:
What is Corporate Development?
Why is it important?
What will it take to get Corporate Development right?
Learning Objectives:
The importance of adaptability and building reputation
Corporate development as a process, not a one-time initiative
We look forward to seeing you there!