WiHI Seed Program

Early-stage health science startups often struggle to secure both capital and the right strategic guidance, especially when they are led by women navigating a funding landscape that has historically overlooked them. For Ontario-based founders building medical devices, diagnostics, digital health tools, or therapeutics, the WiHI Seed Program offers a focused boost at a critical point in company development. Delivered by the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization through its Women in Health Initiative, this program is designed to help promising ventures sharpen their business strategy while gaining early validation and visibility.

The WiHI Seed Program combines modest but meaningful non-dilutive funding, up to around $10,000, with hands-on advisory support over a structured six-month period. Participating companies benefit from coaching, educational modules, access to specialized tools and databases, and connections within Ontario’s life sciences ecosystem. The program also opens doors to networking opportunities, including participation in OBIO-led investment events and a pitch competition tied to International Women’s Day, where some companies may attract follow-on investment interest.

This opportunity is best suited to women-led health science startups that are still early in their capital-raising journey and ready to actively engage in mentorship and growth-focused programming. The WiHI Seed Program runs in defined cohorts rather than as an always-open grant, making it important to understand timing, expectations, and fit before applying. Exploring the full program details can help founders decide whether this initiative aligns with their next stage of growth.