The Accelerating FemTech programme, funded by Innovate UK and the Medical Research Council, has emerged as a transformative initiative in the UK’s health innovation landscape. Delivered by the Health Innovation Network South London in collaboration with national partners, the programme has supported two cohorts of early-stage innovators tackling some of the most pressing challenges in women’s health.
Spanning clinical, engineering, academic and business backgrounds, the 33 FemTech innovations selected for the programme reflect the diversity and ambition of the sector. From menstrual health and fertility to menopause and maternal care, these innovations are not only addressing unmet needs but also reshaping the narrative around women’s health through technology.
One of the programme’s standout achievements was the awarding of £1 million in Biomedical Catalyst funding to ten innovators from cohort one.
Beyond funding, the programme offered a robust support ecosystem. Innovators benefited from tailored coaching, mentoring, and access to subject matter experts across IP, regulation, and product development – an area that our women’s health team provided support on.
The evaluation also underscores the importance of community and collaboration. Innovators consistently praised the programme’s cohort model, which fostered peer learning. This sense of shared purpose was particularly valuable in a sector where female founders often face systemic barriers to funding and visibility – an issue highlighted in our FemHealth Focus series of reports.
The Accelerating FemTech programme and its evaluation confirm an ‘ongoing need for tailored support’ and support for women’s health innovations noting that demand is not limited to early-stage startups, it also extends to innovators who are in more advanced stages of development.
We know that the UK has the largest gender health gap in the G20 and the 12th globally which means programmes like this are not just welcome but are essential. Our recent FemHealth report, Current realities and future horizons highlights challenges around investment and scaling innovation in the women’s health market.
If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised here or require support with your innovation, do contact Charlotte Lewis.
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