Women-led companies face significant barriers when it comes to accessing financing and support systems, receiving just over 2% of venture capital funding. The OBIO® Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) is committed to breaking down these barriers and creating a more equitable and supportive environment for entrepreneurship in the health science sector.

Program Description

The OBIO® WiHI Seed Program is a 6-month program specially designed to support early-stage, women-led health science companies. Participants will receive comprehensive advisory, coaching and networking opportunities to accelerate their growth. As a crucial boost to their development, each selected company will also receive up to $20,000 CAD in grant funding. Companies are required to actively engage in the program, including regular meeting updates with OBIO® and participation in specific workshops throughout the program’s term. Towards the end of the program, selected companies will be invited to pitch for an equity investment.

2023 Selected Seed Companies

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the program, your company must meet the following criteria:

Be a private, high-potential health science company based in Ontario.
Focus on developing human health science products, including but not limited to medical devices, diagnostics, digital health and therapeutics.
Have either a minimum of 50% women-identified ownership and/or a minimum of 50% women-identified management representation with senior-level, strategic decision-making abilities.

Raised less than $2M CAD in dilutive capital.

How to Apply

To apply for the program:

Step 1: Submit a Request for Information
A confirmation email with the link to application form will be sent to the contact.

Step 2: Submit the application form

We are no longer accepting applications for this round.

If you have any questions, please contact Garima Ghale.

To stay on top of WiHI activities, subscribe to the OBIO® newsletter here.

An Ecosystem Partner of Innovation, Science and Economic Development through Canada’s 50 – 30 Challenge program, OBIO® programs support diversity in the workplace.