Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London Welcomes 21 Innovators to Cohort Two of the Innovate UK and Medical Research Council Funded Accelerating FemTech Programme

Today, the Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London is proud to announce the launch of the latest cohort for their Innovate UK and the Medical Research Council-funded Accelerating FemTech programme. 21 companies have been chosen for their work in driving innovation across a wide range of women’s health needs, from improving menstrual and reproductive health with advanced diagnostics and wearable technologies to enhancing support for women experiencing menopause.

Other innovations in Cohort Two include digital solutions that improve pregnancy outcomes and support women throughout their postpartum journey, apps that assist users in hormonal health monitoring, as well as personalised healthcare platforms designed to provide data-driven insights and support at every stage of a woman’s life.

The Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London is thrilled to welcome these 21 innovators to Cohort Two of the Accelerating FemTech programme. This year’s response highlights the increasing momentum behind FemTech as a driver of change in addressing unmet needs in women’s health. With the support of Innovate UK and the Medical Research Council, we look forward to working with and supporting these companies to deliver transformative solutions that improve outcomes and experiences for women in the UK.

Rishi Das-Gupta
Chief Executive at the Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London

Despite comprising over 51% of the population, women have historically been underrepresented in medical research and underserved in healthcare innovation, leading to gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and care. FemTech solutions have the potential to transform this landscape and drive systemic change to ensure equitable and accessible healthcare for women, strengthening the overall health system. The FemTech sector also represents a rapidly growing market – in 2023, the global FemTech industry was valued at over £39 billion – with the potential to drive economic growth in the UK.

This year, Accelerating FemTech received 122 applications, a 42% increase compared to its inaugural cohort, reflecting the growing interest and innovation in the FemTech sector. Applicants ranged from entrepreneurially minded academics and university spinouts to early-stage startups and established businesses, showcasing the diversity and depth of talent in digital transformation within women’s health. Of the companies that make up Cohort Two, 29% are university-born, 71% are female majority owned and 33% are majority ethnic majority owned.

We are thrilled and honoured to be selected for the Accelerating FemTech programme. This prestigious initiative provides invaluable support and mentorship that will propel Daye to the next level. As a mission-driven company dedicated to empowering people with innovative solutions for their intimate health needs, this opportunity aligns perfectly with our core values and growth objectives. The expert guidance and resources offered through Accelerating FemTech will help us refine our strategy, scale our impact, and continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in FemTech. We’re excited to collaborate with this esteemed network and drive meaningful change for women’s wellness.

Valentina Milanova
Founder and CEO of Daye
Accelerating FemTech – Cohort Two

I am honoured to have been selected to participate in the Accelerating FemTech programme. It is extremely inspiring to see a specialised initiative backed by the UK government dedicated to addressing current challenges in Women’s Health. I am looking forward to learning from the Accelerator’s unparalleled network of healthcare experts so that together we can create meaningful change in the way we view and treat pregnancy sickness.

Fatima Pabani
Founder and CEO of SIPS (Sickness in Pregnancy Support)
Accelerating FemTech – Cohort Two

We are incredibly honoured and thrilled to be selected for this programme. This opportunity is a timely and invaluable opportunity for my skills development and our growth as a small company, and we believe this is exactly the step we need to gain momentum, connect with the right people, and acquire the knowledge essential to advance our product. Additionally, the tailored support for preparing for Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst funding is particularly appealing. Our focus on a women’s health issue, which often lacks prioritisation and investment, makes this funding vital for an SME like ours to make meaningful progress on the project.

Liam Good
Chief Scientific Officer of Tecrea
Accelerating FemTech – Cohort Two

Building upon the expertise gained from running the award-winning DigitalHealth.London Accelerator, Accelerating FemTech is a specialised programme dedicated to advancing women’s health innovations. It offers bespoke support, targeted workshops, and mentoring to enhance product development, entrepreneurship skills, and stakeholder engagement across the NHS and academia. The national 10-week programme will also support participants in preparing for a special closed-call feasibility funding opportunity through the Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst.

The delivery of Accelerating FemTech is led by the HIN in collaboration with partners across the UK, including: DigitalHealth.London, CW Innovation, Health Innovation West of England, Health Innovation East Midlands, Health Innovation West Midlands, Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber, Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria, Health Innovation North West Coast, the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) Scotland, Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland (HIRANI) and others.

For additional information, please visit the Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London website: https://healthinnovationnetwork.com/projects/accelerating-femtech/

Accelerating FemTech FAQs: https://healthinnovationnetwork.com/accelerating-femtech-faqs/