Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Deadline
- 1/12/2027
In short
FemSTEM is a program by H2i at the University of Toronto that inspires, engages, and celebrates women entrepreneurs in health innovation through events and a pitch competition.
FemSTEM
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 1/12/2027165 days left
Overview
FemSTEM is a multi-event series designed to inspire, engage, and celebrate women entrepreneurs within the health innovation space. Hosted by H2i, the program aligns with the organization's goal to foster infrastructure, practice, and local culture for translating discoveries and ideas into problem-solving designs, services, and products. This is achieved by building connections and linking participants with mentors, resources, researchers, key opinion leaders, and professionals. The program is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, specifically supporting women and building valuable connections, uplifting women in STEM who aim to create their own businesses. FemSTEM runs annually, featuring panels, fireside talks, and a pitch competition to showcase and support these ventures. H2i has a proven model of supporting ventures in commercializing health innovations. In response to feedback from women founders in 2021, FemSTEM expanded its programming to be year-round, with a particular focus on one-on-one mentorship from women founders and networking opportunities. This led to the launch of FemSTEM Mentoring in early 2022, which connects H2i women founders seeking guidance with leading experts.
What to build
Innovate within the health space and present a pitch for a venture.
Key dates
- FemSTEM KickoffTuesday January 13th 2026
- FemSTEM Pitch Competition Applications OpenFriday January 16th 2026
- Fireside at FemSTEMWednesday February 4th 2026
- Fireside at FemSTEMWednesday February 18th 2026
- Fireside at FemSTEMTuesday March 3rd 2026
- 2026 FemSTEM Pitch CompetitionApril 22nd 2026
Eligibility
Ventures must be innovating within the health space, have at least one co-founder or long-term team member who self-identifies as a woman, and have at least one co-founder/team member who is a current University of Toronto student (undergraduate or graduate). A pitch presenter who self-identifies as a woman must be available, and at least one team member must have attended at least two FemSTEM events (Kick Off, Fireside Chats). Winners and Runners Up from past FemSTEM Pitch Competitions are not eligible to compete again, but finalists who competed but did not place are eligible.
How to enter
- Attend at least two FemSTEM events (Kick Off, Fireside Chats).
- Prepare a venture innovating within the health space.
- Ensure the team meets all eligibility criteria.
- Submit an application when FemSTEM Pitch Competition Applications Open on Friday, January 16th, 2026.