Applications Close August 18 for the Women’s Health Innovation Summit (WHIS) 2026 Innovation Showcase

Early and growth-stage women's health startups have one week left to apply for the chance to pitch live to 1,000+ decision-makers at Encore Boston Harbor this October

The Women’s Health Innovation Summit (WHIS) reminds startups that applications for its 2026 Innovation Showcase close on Tuesday, August 18. The Showcase gives early- and growth-stage companies the opportunity to pitch live on stage to the most influential audience in women’s health, at a summit that convenes more than 1,000 senior decision-makers from across the ecosystem, including payers, providers, pharma, and investors.

Now in its eighth year, WHIS takes place October 13–15, 2026 at Encore Boston Harbor. The event has built a reputation as the leading platform uniting the full women's health ecosystem, from health systems and health plans to pharmaceutical leaders and the investors funding the next wave of innovation in the space.

A Direct Line to Funding, Partnerships and Adoption

Companies selected for the Innovation Showcase will present directly to an audience with the capital, clinical expertise and commercial relationships to move deals forward. Past participants have gone on to secure investor introductions, commercial partnerships and clinical collaborations that started as presentations on the WHIS stage and turned into signed agreements.

Applications Reviewed by an Expert Selection Committee

Submissions are being reviewed by a selection committee of leading investors and industry operators, including:

  • Parambir Bhangu, Executive Director, External Innovation & Emerging Science, Organon

  • Elizabeth Bailey, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Foreground Capital

  • Karla Loken, Founder, Loken and Associates

  • Mané Mikayelyan, Associate Partner, DeciBio

  • Anna Valcheva, Founder, Managing Director & CEO, Astra Ventures

  • Azin Radsan van Alebeek, Co-founder & General Partner, Emmeline Ventures

"WHIS is where the women's health ecosystem comes together to get deals done," said Poppy Howard-Wall, Event Director of WHIS.

How to Apply

Early- and growth-stage companies across digital health, therapeutics, diagnostics, med device and consumer health are encouraged to apply before the August 18 deadline. Full details and the application form are available at whisusa.com/attend/start-ups.

About WHIS

The Women’s Health Innovation Summit (WHIS) is the largest global gathering of senior leaders shaping the future of women’s health. Now in its eighth year, WHIS takes place October 13–15, 2026, at Encore Boston Harbor, bringing together over 1,000 decision-makers from across healthcare, life sciences, technology, investment and policy to accelerate deal flow, expand reimbursement and improve outcomes for women at every stage of life.

Marija ButkovicComment