Powerly: Science-Based Mental Health Support for the Maternal Journey

Navigating pregnancy and postpartum can be an emotionally intense experience, yet many women lack access to the mental health support they need during this vulnerable period. Powerly, a research-based mobile app, is on a mission to change that. Founded by Dr. Marta Marciniak, Powerly brings the science of psychology into the hands of mothers, offering personalized, preventive care tailored to real-life emotional challenges.

Dr. Marta Marciniak holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Zurich and currently serves as Assistant Professor for Digital Health Interventions at Erasmus University Rotterdam. Passionate about socially responsible, impact-driven innovation, she created Powerly to bridge the gap between academic research and accessible mental health support for women.

Addressing a Critical Gap in Maternal Mental Health

The need for early, accessible support is clear. Research indicates that up to 40% of pregnant women experience elevated stress levels, while postpartum depression affects 1 in 7 new mothers, and postpartum anxiety affects 1 in 5. Despite these figures, timely mental health care remains out of reach for many due to stigma, cost, or the practicalities of caring for a newborn.

Powerly was developed to respond to these barriers. It delivers evidence-based tools from cognitive-behavioral therapy, positive psychology, and emotion regulation via a user-friendly mobile app. At its core is an innovative algorithm that personalizes daily exercises to each user's current emotional state, ensuring interventions are helpful, not overwhelming.

“Powerly is not just for those struggling—it is equally beneficial for women who want to decrease their level of stress, to enhance their emotional resilience and reduce the chances of developing mental health issues during or after pregnancy,” explains Dr. Marciniak.

The app’s design allows for flexible, confidential use, making it especially suitable for mothers who may not have access to clinical support. With a focus on prevention and personalization, Powerly empowers women to manage their mental well-being with autonomy.

Grounded in Research, Co-Created with Users

Powerly stands out not only for its scientific rigor but also for its user-centered development. Women are actively involved in co-creating the app, sharing feedback and insights that shaped everything from tone to functionality. The app’s key features have already been evaluated in clinical trials, showing promising reductions in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms after just one to three weeks of use.

Currently, Powerly is undergoing a large-scale randomized clinical trial under real-life conditions, further validating its potential as a scalable mental health solution. It is supported by funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation, Innosuisse, and the UZH Foundation.

Expanding the Vision

Looking ahead, Powerly aims to expand its reach to support women facing infertility, pregnancy loss, and ectopic pregnancies—experiences that are often overlooked in mainstream mental health care but carry significant emotional weight.

“We take pride in Powerly’s transparent, science-driven development process, our commitment to open science, and our mission to deliver safe, personalized, and effective care to every woman, especially those who may otherwise fall through the cracks of traditional healthcare systems,” says Dr. Marciniak.

Tech4Eva: From Vision to Impact

As a science-based Femtech solution, Powerly benefits from the targeted support offered by Tech4Eva.

“Science-based Femtech solutions like Powerly need strong support to turn vision into real-world impact. Tech4Eva provides invaluable access to business expertise, mentorship, and a like-minded community—helping us bridge the gap between research and market-ready innovation.” Dr. Marciniak

About Powerly

Powerly is a digital health spin-off company focused on supporting mental well-being during pregnancy and postpartum. Developed through clinical research at the University of Zurich, Powerly offers a mobile app delivering evidence-based tools such as reappraisal, mental imagery, behavioral activation, and more. The app is designed to be safe, confidential, and user-friendly, helping women manage mental well-being challenges with autonomy and ease. Personalization is central to Powerly’s approach, with brief daily interventions tailored to users’ emotional needs. With a solid foundation in psychological research, Powerly promotes accessible, preventative care for maternal mental health.

➡️ Powerly Website

➡️ @powerly_app