Femtech Canada Launches First Commercialization Program to Advance Women’s Health Technology

Summary of the Women's Health Medical Pathway (wHealth MedPath)

Femtech Canada has launched a new commercialization program, the Women’s Health Medical Pathway (wHealth MedPath), aimed at supporting Canadian women’s health startups. This initiative is part of a wider effort to boost the femtech sector in Canada and has been developed in collaboration with the Innovation Factory, an accelerator based in Hamilton, Ontario. Funding for the program also comes from the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP).

The wHealth MedPath program offers two distinct levels of support to applicants. Level one provides a product market assessment performed by a network of healthcare professionals or investment groups. This assessment evaluates products based on various factors, including market potential, clinical effectiveness, regulatory considerations, and sex-and-gender impacts. Following this, level two connects applicants with contract design, manufacturing, or research organizations to facilitate a commercialization project. The combined services offered through the program are valued at approximately $20,000, with costs covered by Innovation Factory upon project completion.

Karen Linseman, vice-president of operations at Innovation Factory, emphasized the importance of wHealth MedPath in providing critical clinical insights and expert guidance for femtech founders. She noted that the innovation in women's health represents a significant opportunity for growth within the country, positioning Canada as a potential leader in this sector.

Femtech Canada, which was founded by Rachel Bartholemew of Hyivy Health in 2021, formally launched in early 2024 after several years of coordination with the Innovation Factory to build its network. The organization aims to cater to the health needs of a diverse group, including women, girls, non-binary individuals, trans people, and those assigned female at birth. By offering business advisory services and facilitating connections with investors, Femtech Canada helps advance companies focused on women's health products and solutions.

With the establishment of this program, Femtech Canada positions itself as a pivotal player in the global femtech landscape, claiming to hold the title of the third-largest femtech ecosystem worldwide. The network has grown to include over 170 companies focused on women's health, collectively raising more than $250 million in private investment.

To participate in the wHealth MedPath program, applicants must be privately incorporated members of Femtech Canada and working toward the commercialization of a viable prototype. The application process for interested femtech companies is open until March 31, 2026, or until the funds allocated for the program are fully utilized. Given the limited project support available, Femtech Canada encourages potential applicants to submit their proposals by July 30, 2025, to maximize their chances of receiving assistance.

Through initiatives like wHealth MedPath, Femtech Canada reinforces its commitment to innovation in women’s health, aiming to enhance the support available for entrepreneurs in this burgeoning field.