Join us to Turn it Up to 11 at the 11th annual WIB-Chicago Start-Up Challenge! This high-energy pitch competition celebrates the bold ideas and innovative spirit of women entrepreneurs in the life sciences. Finalists will take the stage to showcase their ventures to a panel of expert judges and an audience of industry leaders, investors, and supporters. Don’t miss this night of inspiration, connection, and celebration of women driving the future of biotech and medtech!

Note: Each ticket includes appetizers and two drink tickets.

Program

6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.  Networking
6:30 p.m. – 6:50 p.m.  Introductions
6:50 p.m. – 7:20 p.m.  Pitches (5x)
7:20 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  Judging
7:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.  Presentation of Winners
7:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  Networking

Pitch Judges

Melissa Byrn, Assistant Dean for Clinical Research at the University of Chicago

Melissa is a strategic leader with over 15 years of experience advancing biomedical product development, commercialization, and innovation across industry, academia, and startups. She brings deep expertise in business strategy, health tech, clinical trials, hospital operations, and research commercialization, driving growth and transformation for organizations in highly regulated environments. Melissa currently serves as Assistant Dean for Clinical Research at the University of Chicago, where she sets strategic direction and oversees the clinical trial enterprise for UChicago Medicine. She is the faculty lead for UChicago’s Master of Biomedical Science biomedical innovation concentration and an adjunct faculty member at both UChicago and the University of Pennsylvania. Melissa has mentored more than 100 life science and medtech startups, advising on go-to-market strategy, fundraising, and risk management. She is a board member at OrisDX, serves on the leadership committee of Executive Women In Bio Chicago 3.8 Program, and is a reviewer for the National Science Foundation. Melissa is passionate about supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and advancing the next generation of medical technology leaders.

Meesha Dogan, CEO of Cardio Diagnostics

Meesha is the CEO, Co-Founder, and Director of Cardio Diagnostics, where she has led the company from breakthrough innovation to national commercialization and public listing. A pioneer at the intersection of epigenetics, artificial intelligence, and cardiovascular medicine, she co-invented the company’s core technology and has led its evolution from concept to clinical impact. Under her leadership, Cardio Diagnostics has secured strategic partnerships, multiple funding rounds, and recognition, including Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech, and the Biotech Breakthrough Awards. Dr. Dogan, who holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, was recently named to the Cardiovascular Business’s 40 Under 40, and is driven by both innovation and a personal mission to change the trajectory of heart disease.

Christine Rohan, CEO of Vasowatch

Christine is the founding CEO of Vasowatch Inc., a maternal health technology company commercializing a postpartum hemorrhage biomarker. Previously, she held executive leadership roles at GE, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, and venture-financed health startups. During her 25-year GE career, she led global strategy, business development, and growth initiatives for billion-dollar businesses. More recently, she served as Managing Director of Innovation at BCBSA. Over the past 15 years, she has advised many early-stage startups as an advisory board member and mentor. Christine is a proud WIB-Chicago 3.8 graduate.

Pricing Information

• Members: $15
• Non-Members*: $30

*Not a Member? Click here to learn about the benefits of a WIB Membership — access to our video library, mentorship groups, and more. 

Please read WIB's Code of Conduct and Refund Policy.

Note: A confirmation email will be sent after registration has been completed. 

Maximum Capacity

200

Parking Information

Street parking is available, and limited spots in the parking lot.

Public Transit Information

Ashland Green and Pink line - Ashland #9 bus