California Life Sciences (CLS), in collaboration with Women In Bio – San Francisco Bay Area (WIB-SF), is proud to launch the 2025 WIB-SF FAST Award to support and amplify women entrepreneurs in the life sciences industry.

WIB-SF plays a vital role in advancing the careers of women across the Bay Area’s dynamic life sciences ecosystem. Aligned with CLS’s mission to build a diverse, inclusive industry where all Californians can contribute to a healthier world, this partnership will fast-track one California-based, women-led company into the FAST Fall 2025 cohort.

To be considered for the WIB-SF-FAST Award you must apply to the WIB-SF Pitch event by April 28, 2025.

The WIB-SF FAST Award recipient will receive:

• Customized business advising and expert industry mentorship through the CLS FAST program
• One-year complimentary CLS membership
• Access to CLS’s robust network of life sciences stakeholders
• A featured presentation spot at the Fall 2025 CLS Innovation Showcase on December 10, 2025

Program Dates: July 6 – December 30, 2025

Women-led life science start-ups should apply to the WIB-SF Pitch event to be considered for the WIB-SF FAST Award

• Curiva
• MyoGene Bio
• NeurANO Bioscience
• SiVEC Biotechnologies
• TNC Medical
• Gelsana

In the weeks leading up to the BIO International Convention, the founders received customized commercialization advising from a team of experts to assist them in different areas like positioning for capital (Angel, Seed or Series A), input on business strategy, and legal or scientific strategy.

Each company presented in the WIB-FAST track at Startup Stadium on June 14 at the BIO International Convention in San Diego—along with three additional FAST Alumni and WIB members–Nano PharmaSolutions, Navega Therapeutics and OncoXome.

Nine women led start-ups (FAST Alumni & CLS members) had the opportunity to pitch at BIO 2024 Bio Startup Stadium. This was an exceptional opportunity to access key members of the investment community, venture philanthropy groups, strategic partners, and non-dilutive capital at the world’s largest biotechnology event.

Founded in 2002 to support all women employed in the field of life sciences from the classroom to the boardroom, Women In Bio (WIB) is a multifaceted organization with 14 chapters across North America and Montreal. It offers an array of professional educational programs, peer to peer learning, mentoring and networking opportunities, and is the only organization for women that integrates all career levels and life sciences fields. WIB is funded by sponsors and partners dedicated to supporting women of all ages in their lifelong journey in the life sciences and beyond. Please visit https://www.womeninbio.org.