The WIB-FAST track is open to early-stage female (co-)founders of pre-revenue life sciences companies who are developing highly innovative technologies that will have a meaningful impact on human health. WIB-FAST is designed to help women entrepreneurs who seek advising on raising capital (Angel, Seed or Series A), commercialization or business plans, and legal or scientific strategy.

Selected entrepreneurs will benefit from weekly meetings with experienced advisors, custom-selected for each WIB-FAST company.

The WIB-FAST track application deadline is January 5, 2023.

Apply Here

Eligibility for CLS WIB-FAST program

  • Women-led life science start-ups
  • Nationwide
  • No more than 12 employees
  • Raised less than $5 million
  • Precommercial
  • Developing highly innovative & impactful technology

Selected companies will participate in a kick-off meeting (virtual), attend advisory meetings (1hr/week, virtual), participate in the FAST Closing Showcase (South San Francisco).

Key Dates

  • Jan 5, 2023 Application deadline
  • Jan 2023 WIB FAST participants announced
  • Jan-Feb 2023 Pre-program meetings (virtual): Deep-dive to assess company needs
  • March 20, 2023 Kick off meeting (virtual)
  • Mar- Jun 2023 WIB-FAST Advisory Sessions – Each company meets with their advisors on a weekly basis (virtual)
  • Jun 21, 2023 FAST closing showcase event in collaboration with partners (South San Francisco)

WIB FAST Alumni

The WIB-FAST Advisory Program, supported by Cooley LLP,  launched in partnership with Women In Bio May 2022, with the following five women-led startups who are developing innovative and transformational therapeutic, diagnostic or device technologies to improve human health:

WIB-FAST at BIO2022

In the weeks leading up to the BIO International Convention, the founders received customized commercialization advising from a team of experts to assist them in different areas like positioning for capital (Angel, Seed or Series A), input on business strategy, and legal or scientific strategy.

Each company presented in the WIB-FAST track at Startup Stadium on June 14 at the BIO International Convention in San Diego—along with three additional FAST Alumni and WIB members–Nano PharmaSolutionsNavega Therapeutics and OncoXome. This was an exceptional opportunity to access key members of the investment community, venture philanthropy groups, strategic partners, and non-dilutive capital at the world’s largest biotechnology event.

Additionally on June 14,  the WIB-National Signature Plenary Event at BIO 2022: Changing the Game – Panel and Networking was held.

On June 15, we celebratedd WIB’s community of women founders and co-founders during the culmination of WIB-Entrepreneur Center’s Third Annual Founders Innovation Showcase! Watch as the finalists pitched to accomplished VCs and investors, who will offer feedback to these women and their innovations.  Afterward, attendees enjoyed networking, hors d’oeuvres, and light refreshments on the rooftop at a reception with WIB and California Life Sciences! We applaud all of the Founders Innovation Showcase finalists and our WIB-FAST* Advisory Program participants.

About Women In Bio

Founded in 2002 to support all women employed in the field of life sciences from the classroom to the boardroom, Women In Bio (WIB) is a multifaceted organization with 14 chapters across North America and Montreal. It offers an array of professional educational programs, peer to peer learning, mentoring and networking opportunities, and is the only organization for women that integrates all career levels and life sciences fields. WIB is funded by sponsors and partners dedicated to supporting women of all ages in their lifelong journey in the life sciences and beyond. Please visit https://www.womeninbio.org.

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Interested in Learning More?

Shikha Sharma
Senior Director, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
[email protected]