Join us to explore the evolving landscape of company creation and academic spin-off within the life sciences and innovation ecosystem in Greater Montreal with experienced leaders who have successfully navigated the journey from research to venture creation. Our speakers will share insights on key challenges—including funding, intellectual property, regulatory considerations, talent acquisition, and scaling—while highlighting the unique opportunities Greater Montreal offers, from world-class research institutions to a collaborative and growing investment community.  

Canapés and refreshments will be served.

Joignez-vous à nous pour explorer l’évolution de la création d’entreprises et des essaimages universitaires au sein de l’écosystème des sciences de la vie et de l’innovation du Grand Montréal, en compagnie de leaders chevronnés ayant réussi le passage de la recherche à la création d’entreprise. Nos conférenciers partageront leurs perspectives sur les principaux défis — notamment le financement, la propriété intellectuelle, les considérations réglementaires, le recrutement de talents et le passage à l’échelle — tout en mettant en lumière les occasions uniques qu’offre le Grand Montréal, grâce à ses établissements de recherche de calibre mondial et à une communauté d’investissement collaborative en pleine croissance.

Des canapés et des rafraîchissements seront servis.

Program

6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.  Check-in and Welcome Networking 
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  Presentation and Q&A
7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Open Networking 

18h 00 – 18 h 30  Accueil et réseautage
18 h 30 – 19 h 30  Présentation; Q&A
19 h 30 – 20 h 00  Réseautage libre 

Speakers / Conférencieres

Edna Chosack, Healthcare Stream Lead and Senior Coach at District 3 Innovation

Edna is a seasoned healthcare entrepreneur and leader with more than 25 years of experience spanning startups, executive leadership, and innovation. She has held senior management roles in international organizations and has been instrumental in building innovation hubs and collaborative networks across clinical, business, and entrepreneurial communities. She is the co-founder of Simbionix, which grew into a global leader in surgical simulation before being acquired by Surgical Science, and she currently serves on the National Research Council of Canada’s Medical Devices Advisory Board. Edna is widely recognized for her commitment to advancing Canada’s healthcare startup ecosystem.

Patricia Escoffier, Principal at Seido Capital

Patricia is a Principal Director at Seido Capital, a seed-stage venture fund, where she focuses on sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities and supporting portfolio companies. She has over 15 years of experience in life sciences, spanning technology commercialization, venture support, and startup acceleration. Patricia holds a PhD in Cellular Biology and serves on the boards of several biotechnology companies in Québec.

Fiona Milano, Chief Technology Officer at Phoenix Impact 

Fiona is passionate about technology and sustainable development, convinced that entrepreneurship is one of the best drivers of impact. In 2017, she co-founded Greenzy, a patented Belgian innovation for organic waste management. Her journey then brought her to Montreal, where she completed a PhD in biomedical engineering at Polytechnique in 2024. Struck by the large amount of plastic waste produced by life sciences, she co-founded Phoenix Impact in 2023 with the ambition of reducing those plastics by more than 80%.

Véronique Missout, Manager Private Equity and Impact Investments at the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Moderator

Véronique is a Manager Private Equity and Impact Investments within the Life Sciences team at the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, where she leverages her strategic expertise to support the growth of innovative companies while driving long-term, sustainable value. Passionate about integrating impact into investment decision-making, she plays a key role in developing financial solutions that balance performance with responsibility. Véronique holds a master’s degree in management and has extensive experience in financial analysis, transaction structuring, and investment governance. She also serves on boards of directors and advisory committees, contributing her strategic insight to organizations evolving in the life sciences and innovation sectors. In addition, she is a member of the Excellence in Canadian Board Governance (ECBG) program committee at Women In Bio Greater Montreal, helping advance women leaders across the ecosystem. Recognized for her collaborative leadership and her ability to guide companies through phases of transformation, Véronique is committed to advancing women in finance and strengthening the field of impact investing.

Pricing Information

Register by March 9

• Members/Guests: $39 CAD ($29 USD)
• Non-Members*: $60 CAD ($44 USD)

Register after March 9

• Members/Guests: $50 CAD ($37 USD)

• Non-Members*: $71 CAD ($52 USD)

*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

50

Parking Information

Metered street parking or paid indoor parking in vicinity / Stationnement payant dans la rue ou stationnement intérieur payant à proximité

Public Transit

Metro: Station Bonaventure
Several options by bus / plusieurs options par autobus