Press Release: Tech4Eva enters its 5th round with another record number of applications
Tech4Eva, Switzerland's first start-up accelerator in the field of women's health (FemTech), is entering its fifth round. This year's edition has once again seen a record number of applications: 195 start-ups from 42 countries. Among the 16 selected companies are four start-ups from Switzerland.
The Femtech sector continues to grow: According to the latest figures, it will reach 60 billion U.S. dollars in revenue this year and is expected to double in the next eight years. This momentum is also evident in the number of applications for participation in Switzerland's only FemTech accelerator, Tech4Eva. The program, founded by Groupe Mutuel and EPFL Innovation Park, has received a record number of applications for the fifth year in a row: 195 start-ups from 42 countries wanted to participate in the six-month program this year and further develop their innovative solutions for women's health. 87% of the companies are led by women. They are in various stages of development, from idea or preliminary product to the growth phase or already generating income.
“We are delighted to witness the expanding visibility and global influence of Tech4Eva. This year, we selected more science-driven Femtech start-ups focused on addressing women-specific cancers and other health conditions. We would like to underscore the importance of fostering greater engagement from scientists in applied research within the Femtech sector, ultimately bridging the gap between scientific innovation and market implementation”, comments Lan Zuo Gillet, Director of Tech4Eva, EPFL Innovation Park.
16 start-ups will be supported
16 start-ups from 11 countries were selected from the applications and will begin this year's 6-month program starting with today's opening ceremony in Lausanne. Among them are 4 start-ups from Switzerland: Menoqueens from Bern, Molesense from Neuchâtel, Powerly from Zurich, and Xemperia from Fribourg.
The selected companies offer solutions for reproductive health, maternal childbirth, oncology and women's health, as well as healthy aging and menopause.
"The gender data gap in medicine is receiving increasing attention, but the potential for innovation remains enormous. By supporting start-ups through Tech4Eva, we are doing our part to advance women's health. The numerous applications show that our efforts are being met with open ears," says Mariana Atilano Merinan, Head of Strategy, Innovation and Data at Groupe Mutuel.
Breast cancer prevention takes center stage at the Opening Conference
The 16 start-ups will present at today's opening ceremony at the Rolex Forum in Lausanne. The event is dedicated to the topic of breast cancer prevention. Along with other experts in this field, Prof. Cathrin Brisken from the Institute of Cancer Research in London and EPFL will speak in her keynote speech about the role of hormones in fighting breast cancer.
"The goal of my research is to understand how repeated exposure to endogenous and exogenous hormones contributes to the development of breast cancer in order to better prevent and treat the disease." explains Prof. Cathrin Brisken.
The 16 Selected Start-ups:
GIC Space
LAYCO www.laycomedical.com
MED SOL AI SOLUTIONS www.medsol.ai
Menoqueens www.menoqueens.com
MoleSense www.molesense.ch
oasicare www.oasi.care
Powerly powerlyapp.wixsite.com/home
Predica Diagnostics BV www.predica-diagnostics.com
Rephimmune Biotechnology Inc. www.rephimmune.com
Salva Health www.salvahealth.co
Silatha www.silatha.com
Smartweave www.smartweave.xyz
TIMSER www.preventix.global
Woost Ltd www.woost.me
Xemperia xemperia.com
Xena www.xenadx.com