April 9, 2025 — Femtech Canada, operated by Innovation Factory, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Sun Life, signalling the importance of women’s health innovation. This collaboration will support the development of commercialization programming designed to drive the creation of new solutions, fuel economic growth through job creation and investment, and position Canada as a global leader in the rapidly growing femtech market.
Sun Life, through this foundational partnership will enable Femtech Canada to develop the first commercialization programming of its kind in Canada—programming that is specifically designed for women’s health innovations. The initiative is expected to offer targeted mentorship, business advisory support, and access to critical networks and resources that address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by femtech founders such as limited resources and funding, advertising restrictions, and talent shortages. Recognizing the importance of advancing women’s health and wealth, the partnership with Sun Life will also help viable women’s health solutions gain access to market insurance opportunities.
Femtech Canada is a national network dedicated to advancing women’s health technology by connecting femtech companies with essential resources and visibility. Through strategic networking, business advisory support, mentorship and a dynamic online community, Femtech Canada inspires entrepreneurs and researchers to pioneer technologies that improve the lives of women and end-users across the country.
Since its launch in January 2024, Femtech Canada has grown into a vibrant network of over 160 women’s health companies that have commercialized 110 years of Canadian research, created more than 1,260 active jobs nationwide, and generated over $250 million in private-sector investment. With Sun Life’s partnership, Femtech Canada is poised to expand its reach and deepen its impact in a global market projected to surpass $130 billion by 2034.
“This partnership with Sun Life enables us to take a bold step forward in supporting women’s health innovation across Canada,” said Karen Linseman, VP of Operations at Innovation Factory. “By combining Sun Life’s commitment to healthier communities with our expertise in commercialization, we’re building a stronger foundation for women’s health founders to access critical resources, and bring innovative solutions to market. Together, we’re driving meaningful change that will help close health gaps and create a more inclusive healthcare system.”
“Investing in women’s health and research is an investment in today and for generations to come. Working together, we’re helping to drive meaningful advancements that benefit individuals, families, and society as a whole,” said Marie-Chantal Côté, Senior Vice-President at Sun Life Health
Sun Life also sponsored the inaugural Femtech Canada Forum in Montréal this past November, where industry leaders, policymakers, and investors gathered to explore the future of women’s health technology and innovation. Discussions focused on policy advancements, investment opportunities, and fostering a supportive environment for women’s health start-ups.
Looking ahead, this partnership will unlock new opportunities for collaboration for Femtech Canada. By bringing together innovators, healthcare providers, and investors, Femtech Canada is leading the charge toward a future where women’s health is a recognized and prioritized pillar of healthcare innovation.
About Femtech Canada
Femtech Canada is a national network dedicated to advancing women’s health technology by connecting femtech companies with essential resources and visibility. Through strategic networking, business advisory support, mentorship and a dynamic online community, Femtech Canada inspires entrepreneurs and researchers to pioneer technologies that improve the lives of women and end-users across the country. Operated by Innovation Factory, Femtech Canada is committed to fostering intentional, intersectional, and inclusive growth in the sector by advocating to close the longstanding gaps in women’s health—a field historically under-served, under-researched, and under-funded.
About Innovation Factory
Innovation Factory is a not-for-profit business accelerator, serving as the catalyst for technology innovation in Ontario since 2010. Innovation Factory provides business services, training, mentorship, and strategic connections to drive market adoption, leverage intellectual property, and increase revenues, investment, and jobs. Innovators can also access sector-specific resources including exclusive smart transportation test environments and data; and a formal life science and health innovation ecosystem.
About Sun Life
Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2024, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1.54 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.