Advancing women’s health: Femtech Canada Forum unites key leaders in Montreal

On November 27, the 2024 Femtech Canada Forum convened an influential group of key opinion leaders, industry experts and advocates in Montréal, Québec to drive Canada’s emerging role in the global women’s health sector.

Under the theme ‘Canada’s Path to Global Femtech Leadership,’ this invite-only event explored the industry’s potential within the $4.8 trillion global femtech market, showcasing Canada’s strategic influence and innovation.

The 2024 Forum, hosted by Femtech Canada and title sponsor Sun Life, showcased the progressive economic and healthcare opportunities within the women’s health technology sector.

Through discussions on policy, research, and investment, thought leaders emphasised the importance of building a supportive environment for femtech start-ups in Canada and the value of stronger collaboration between government and industry to move the sector forward.

Investors and business leaders also underscored the need for inclusive healthcare innovation, addressing both opportunities and challenges in funding femtech technologies and innovations.

The lineup of experts included a keynote presentation from McKinsey & Company who provided critical insights into industry trends and growth opportunities.

Attendees heard from leading femtech founders including My Normative, Revol Cares, and Sprout Family, who shared their journeys of innovation and resilience. In the corporate sphere, industry leaders from Sun Life, Johnson & Johnson Medtech and Organon, discussed their organisations’ commitments to advancing women’s health and fostering new solutions in this space.

Investors including Audaxa Ventures, Cross Border Impact Ventures, Stand Up Ventures and The 51 highlighted the significant growth potential in femtech, underscoring the sector’s value not only for economic growth but for fostering innovations that enhance health outcomes for underserved populations, contributing to stronger, healthier communities and more equitable healthcare systems.

“Throughout the forum, it became increasingly clear that femtech is more than just an emerging sector—it’s a driving force for economic growth and a transformative element in healthcare,” said Karen Linseman VP of Operations at Innovation Factory, the business accelerator responsible for operating Femtech Canada.

“With its potential to improve health outcomes for millions, femtech has solidified its role in the future of healthcare. We’re excited to see this sector receive the attention and support it deserves, helping us create a more inclusive, effective healthcare landscape and ultimately workforce in our country.”

“The health needs of Canadians and women are complex and have often been overlooked. It’s energising to see the tides start to shift as the technology companies of tomorrow transform healthcare across Canada,” said Alison Chick, Senior Vice-President at Sun Life. “Sun Life is proud to partner with Femtech Canada and be part of their Innovation Forum. Together, we can create a more comprehensive system that meets the needs of women across the country, regardless of where they are in their health journey.”

With the support of Sun Life, BDC and other sponsors, the Femtech Canada Forum marked an important milestone in advancing the country’s efforts to lead in women’s health innovation. The event reinforced Canada’s potential to be a global leader in femtech while creating new opportunities for collaboration, investment, and technological advancements.

Femtech Canada celebrated its official launch in January 2024 as the country’s first organisation dedicated to advancing women’s health technology. Now, in a bold move to position Canada as a global leader in this critical sector, Femtech Canada is calling on Canadians to support its 2025 Federal Budget proposal.

By signing the petition, you’re advocating for necessary investments in research, innovation and funding for women’s health – essential steps toward healthier communities, stronger families, more inclusive workplaces, and a resilient economy. Join us in shaping the future of women’s health in Canada: Sign the petition here.