Breaking boundaries: 11 FemTech start-ups poised to transform women’s health

These ventures, selected for the FemTech & Women’s Health edition of Discovery Spark hope to redefine the landscape of healthcare with innovative solutions tailored specifically for women.

Led by Dr Renos Savva, head of innovation at Discovery Park, this special edition of the Discovery Spark programme a growth and support programme for early-stage businesses which aims to address the longstanding gender health gap highlighted in the UK Government's Women’s Health Strategy. With women spending nearly a quarter of their lives in poor health, compared to a fifth for men, the need for targeted innovations in women’s healthcare has never been more pressing. Tacking female health inequalities is a focus for the South East region.

Renos said:“Discovery Park is committed to championing the next generation of life science leaders, but even we were overwhelmed with the number of applications received for this edition of Discovery Spark. The 11 selected companies represent the best-of-the-best in new innovations for women’s health, helping to address the ‘missing 52%’ in health equity: Women make up the majority, yet continue to be overlooked in healthcare, with the UK having the largest female gender health gap in the G20.”

Hulk Bio's breakthrough: transforming infant nutrition with stem cell-based alternatives

The 11 selected companies represent the pinnacle of innovation in FemTech, offering a diverse array of solutions aimed at empowering women and improving their health outcomes. Among the standout ventures is imphatec, whose pioneering subcutaneous drug delivery platform promises to revolutionize the treatment of chronic illnesses disproportionately affecting women.

Hulk Bio, winner of the prestigious Scottish EDGE Wild Card award 2024, is making waves with its biotech innovation in infant nutrition. By offering a stem cell-based human milk alternative, Hulk Bio addresses a critical need for infants when breastfeeding is not possible.

BodyOwn is another standout start-up, aiming to simplify the management of female sexual and reproductive health through a comprehensive platform offering validated information, care services, and assisted guidance. Their tech-driven approach sets new standards of care in women's health, ensuring access to vital resources and support.

Personalized hormone health solutions: Minter et AI's vision for menopause management

Minter et AI Hormone Health is at the forefront of personalized care, striving to improve access for women seeking diagnosis and treatment of perimenopause and menopause. Their consultations and hormone health services, available both virtually and in-person, represent a significant step forward in addressing the unique healthcare needs of women in midlife.

These are just a few highlights from the diverse lineup of FemTech start-ups selected for the Discovery Spark programme. From innovative health platforms to cutting-edge biotech solutions, each company brings a unique perspective and a commitment to driving positive change in women’s health.

Dr MaryAnn Ferreux, chief medical officer at Health Innovation KSS, a partner of the FemTech & Women’s Health special edition Discovery Spark, said: “Passionate innovators are key to addressing health equity. The Discovery Spark programme exists to champion these promising businesses, along with providing all important networks for collaboration and ideas sharing. At the first Discovery Spark day, our commercial and enterprise team led a session on developing and understanding your value proposition. This is critical for all innovators of any stage of development, to help them to recognise the problem that they wish to solve and the impact that they expect their solution would make to systems and patients. We look forward to providing further innovator support as the programme continues.”

Strategic partnerships fueling FemTech innovation at Discovery Park

As the programme unfolds over the summer, participants will engage in immersive sessions covering various aspects of business development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. With a prize package worth over £50,000 up for grabs, including coveted lab or office space at Discovery Park, the stakes are high for these pioneering entrepreneurs.

In collaboration with Barclays Eagle Labs, NHS Kent and Medway, and Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex, Discovery Park is paving the way for a brighter future in women’s health. Through strategic partnerships and unwavering support, these FemTech start-ups are poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of women worldwide.