Accelerating FemTech: Cohort 1
The Accelerating FemTech programme supports UK-based, early-stage companies focused on women’s health to gain the commercial and funding momentum they need for long-term success. It is delivered by the Health Innovation Network South London and national partners, utilising funding from Innovate UK (as part of the Biomedical Catalyst) in collaboration with the Medical Research Council.
Cohort 1 was delivered from September 2023 to December 2023, helping 12 innovations through a 10-week curriculum of workshops, one-to-one mentoring and networking opportunities. The cohort was also supported to prepare for a special closed-call feasibility funding opportunity through Innovate UK's Biomedical Catalyst, with 10 companies winning a share of £1 million. Learn more about the innovations below.
Adora
Area of innovation: Menopause
Technology: Digital platform
Description: Digital health and wellbeing companion that utilises AI technology, data and human support to offer personalised, expert advice in real time for people with menopause.
Website:
adora.health
Bloume
Area of innovation: Gynaecology
Technology: Digital platform
Description: Science-backed app offering personalised support with pelvic floor physio (endometriosis, vulvodynia and vaginismus), psychological therapy and specialist tools.
Website:
bloumehealth.com
Award: Most engaging pitch.
Case Study:
Navigating Pelvic Pain Care: A Digital Approach
Joii
Area of innovation: Menstruation
Technology: Digital platform
Description: Period tracker app that supports users to scientifically measure and quantify menstrual flow and clots, replacing vague metrics with data-driven insights in real time.
Website:
joiicare.com
Platinum Medica
Area of innovation: Maternity and Gynaecology
Technology: Medical device
Description: Minimally invasive medical devices for reproductive health, improving patient outcomes and recovery speed.
Website:
Platinummedica.com
Birth Glide
Area of innovation: Maternity
Technology: Medical device
Description: Low-cost, simple-to-use device to support safer, less invasive births during the second stage of labour, reducing assisted methods like forceps or C-sections.
Website:
birthglide.com
Ellescope
Area of innovation: Maternity
Technology: Digital platform
Description: Closing the data intelligence gap in perinatal and antenatal care, assessing maternal risk and supporting equitable maternity care.
Website:
ellescope.com
Link to case study:
Reconfiguring Maternity through Comprehensive Maternal Health Screening
LBN Innovations
Area of innovation: Cervical cancer
Technology: Medical device
Description: Camera-assisted speculum alternative for cervical screenings to improve comfort and participant rates.
Website:
LBNinnovations.com
Plexaa
Area of innovation: Breast cancer
Technology: Medical device
Description: Bloom43 is a pre-operative skin preconditioning wearable that warms the skin to reduce wound-reducing complications, especially for breast cancer surgery. The device is used alongside a companion app that guides patients through pre- and post-operative care.
Award: Biggest potential to be the most revolutionary.
Website:
BLOOM⁴³ by Plexāā
Bloomful
Area of innovation: Gynaecology
Technology: Digital platform
Description: Accessible, evidence-based digital platform, personalised therapies and triage to support women in understanding and managing chronic gynaecological issues.
Website:
Bloomful.io
IBEX Innovations
Area of innovation: Osteoporosis
Technology: Digital platform
Description: Ai-driven imaging technology for early and accurate osteoporosis detection in post-menopausal women during routine scans, helping to reduce missed diagnoses and improve long-term bone health.
Award: Greatest potential to the NHS industry.
Website:
ibexinnovations.co.uk
P.Happi
Area of innovation: Gynaecology
Technology: Pharmaceutical
Description: Topical microbiome-protecting serum for intimate health that forms a barrier against harmful bacteria, designed for post-partum, menopause and UTI-prone users.
Website:
p-happi.com
Link to case study:
Redefining Women’s Intimate Health with Microbiome-Biotech-led Solutions
RU Medical
Area of innovation: Menopause
Technology: Medical device and digital platform
Description: Holistic menopause platform and CoolZEN wearable that responds to hot flushes in real time to offer personalised relief and clinician advice.
LinkedIn:
RU Medical
Learn more about Accelerating FemTech
Read the full evaluation to learn how we've supported innovators focused on women’s health.
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