WIB-Chicago: Start-up Challenge 10.0 – A Golden Decade of Women-Led Startups

On September 19, Women In Bio Chicago proudly hosted the 10th Annual Start-up Challenge, a premier pitch competition that celebrated and recognized women-led biotech startups transforming the future of healthcare. The event provided invaluable feedback from an esteemed panel of judges. We kicked off by welcoming everyone and introducing our distinguished panel and moderator: Meesha Dogan, Ashley S. H. Moy, Dana Sun, Cheryl Rucker-Whitaker, Anna Lisa Somera, and Heather Kissling. 

The challenge participants included Taptic, LUWI, Alpime Health, Cellmend Technologies, Dr. Irina Balyasnikova, and Acorn Genetics, who delivered compelling presentations followed by insightful questions and feedback from the judges. The event culminated in the audience voting alongside the judges to award Cellmend Technologies and LUWI with top honors. Due to overwhelming participation, additional polling slots were added for the Audience Choice Award, which was ultimately won by LUWI for its presentation on hormone-free contraception. This product truly resonated with the audience for its innovative approach to women’s health. Cellmend Technologies earned the Judge’s Choice Award of $5,000.

The 10th Annual Start-up Challenge highlighted the vital role women-led startups play in addressing critical gaps in healthcare and developing groundbreaking biotech solutions. Women In Bio Chicago remains committed to fostering innovation and supporting the growth of our city’s biotech ecosystem. We look forward to the 11th Annual Start-up Challenge in 2025 and can’t wait to showcase the next wave of trailblazing women-led startups!

Submitted by Jessie Bolger