Tech4Eva 2025 Closing Conference Recap: From the Idea to a Femtech Start-Up
Innovation, Impact & the Momentum Shaping the Future of Women’s Health.
On December 4th in Zurich, the Femtech community of 400+ stakeholders came together once again for the Tech4Eva Closing Conference — a day dedicated to innovation, science, entrepreneurship, and the global movement advancing women's health.
The event opened with a warm welcome from Simone Theiss, Program Manager of Tech4Eva and EPFL Innovation Park, who highlighted the extraordinary evolution of the program: Tech4Eva is now more than an accelerator — it is a movement shaping the future of women’s health:
- 110 start-ups supported since 2021 from 71 countries
- CHF 294M+ raised by alumni & 5 Start-ups acquired
- 1,000+ mentor–start-up interactions and 500+ investor introductions facilitated, building one of the most vibrant Femtech ecosystems in Europe.
- 69 Swiss Start-ups on the map in 2025 vs. 33 in 2021
Following the opening, Stephan Studer of Groupe Mutuel emphasised the importance of investing in health and providing equal access to care to all.
Introducing Artemis Women’s Health Foundation
Liliane Brunner Halbach of Artemis Women’s Health Foundation shed light on the systemic gaps still limiting progress in women’s health.
Liliane highlighted a striking fact: although women represent half of the world’s population, only 1–2%of pharma R&D is dedicated specifically to women’s health conditions. Many diseases affecting millions remain underdiagnosed and poorly understood — from endometriosis to autoimmune disorders, menopause and pelvic floor disorders.
Artemis’ mission is to accelerate scientific progress by bringing together researchers, industry, healthcare providers and start-ups to create better solutions, faster.
Blueprint to Close the Women’s Health Gap
A keynote from Valentina Sartori of McKinsey & Company shared insights from the Women’s Health Blueprint developed with the World Economic Forum and the McKinsey Health Institute.
Key findings included:
- Women spend ~25% more of their lives in poor health compared with men.
- 56% of women’s disease burden stems from conditions affecting them disproportionately.
- Closing the women’s health gap could unlock >$1 trillion in economic gains annually by 2040.
Her message: the world now has a blueprint — count women, study women, invest in women, care for women, include all women.
Innovating Medical Technologies for Women’s Health
The scientific keynote by Prof. Dr. Inge Herrmann of The IngenuityLab Zurich and ETH AI Center highlighted the power of multidisciplinary innovation — from reversible mechanical contraception, to new materials for endometriosis care, to MenstruAI, a diagnostic tool integrated into menstrual products.
Her work showcased how curiosity, interdisciplinarity and user-centred design fuel fast-paced transformation in women’s health.
Panel Highlights: Femtech start-ups making waves in Tech
Moderated by Chandra Leo of HBM Partners & Artemis Women’s Health Foundation
The scientific–clinical brought together four innovators bridging research, medicine, and entrepreneurship:
Tech4Eva alumni start-ups Giovanna Dipasquale of HeroSupport, Deana Mohr of Muvon Therapeutics, and Prof. Cornelia Betschart of USZ and Prof. Dr.Inge Herrmann of The Ingenuity Lab.
In a rich exchange, they explored what it truly takes to turn early-stage ideas into health-impact solutions:
- Giovanna Dipasquale developed a personalised 3D-printed positioning device improving precision and comfort in breast cancer radiotherapy — a solution emerging directly from years of clinical observation.
- Deana Mohr shared her 14-year journey translating regenerative muscle therapy for stress urinary incontinence from bench to Phase II trials, emphasizing regulatory readiness and scalable design from day one.
- Prof. Cornelia Betschart highlighted the need for better clinical tools in pelvic health, postpartum healing and endometriosis, stressing that innovation must be co-created with clinicians to succeed.
- Prof. Dr. Inge Herrmann showcased the power of small interdisciplinary teams and curiosity-driven research environments to generate breakthrough Femtech technologies.
The panel converged on a shared insight: women’s health innovation flourishes when clinicians, scientists and founders build together from the very beginning.
Meet the 2025 Tech4Eva Cohort: 16 Start-Ups Shaping the Future of Femtech
Presented by Mayya Gryshchenko
This year, Tech4Eva selected 16promising start-ups from 195 applications across 42 countries. Their solutions reflect the full spectrum of women’s health needs — from early detection and fertility to workplace wellbeing, regenerative medicine, pregnancy support and more.
Here are the 16 start-ups of the 2025 cohort:
1. GICMed– Smart, portable gynaecological diagnostics enabling accessible point-of-care examinations in underserved regions.
https://www.gicmed.org/
2. LAYCO – Developer of vela®, a sustainable, reusable vacuum extractor improving maternal care and reducing complications in childbirth.
www.laycomedical.com
3. MedsolAI – AI-powered ultrasound platform for real-time breast cancer risk prediction and early detection.
www.medsol.ai
4. MenoQueens – Science-backed education and support helping women navigate menopause with clarity and confidence.
www.menoqueens.com
5. MoleSense – Molecular wearable enabling early detection of inflammation and hormonal changes to prevent preterm birth.
molesense.ch
6. oasiscare – Patented medical device designed to prevent perineal tears by redistributing forces during childbirth.
www.oasi.care
7. Powerly – Digital mental health companion supporting women through stress and emotional challenges during and after pregnancy.
powerlyapp.com
8. PredicaDiagnostics – RNA-based cervical cancer screening identifying clinically relevant, active HPV biology.
www.predica-diagnostics.com
9. RephImmune – Next-generation cell therapies for solid tumors, including ovarian and breast cancer.
www.rephimmune.com
10.SalvaHealth – Creator of Julieta, a radiation-free, AI-powered device for early breast cancer triage in primary care.
www.salvahealth.co
11. Silatha – Corporate wellbeing platform addressing taboo health topics and strengthening psychological safety in the workplace.
www.silatha.com
12.Smartweave – Regenerative pelvic floor therapies using AI-designed biological scaffolds to restore tissue and reduce complications.
www.smartweave.xyz
13.TIMSER– Preventix – Highly sensitive non-invasive blood test for early cervical cancer detection using protein biomarkers.
www.preventix.global
14.Woost – At-home menstrual blood testing enabling faster PCOS diagnosis and long-term hormonal health tracking.
www.woost.me
15.Xemperia – Immune-response-based blood diagnostics for ultra-early breast cancer detection with high sensitivity.
www.xemperia.com
16.Xena – AI-based precision mapping for gynaecological surgery, improving outcomes for endometriosis and complex pelvic procedures.
www.xenadx.com/
The breadth of innovations showcased the maturity and global potential of the Femtech sector.
Closing Remarks: Looking Ahead Together
In her closing words, Simone Theiss thanked the start-ups, speakers and partners for their commitment throughout the program, highlighting how Tech4Eva has continued to grow in impact and visibility thanks to the strength of its community.
Lan Zuo Gillet, co-founder of Tech4Eva, added a heartfelt reflection, describing it as a “real-life privilege” to work alongside Femtech innovators, researchers, clinicians ecosystem supporters. She expressed gratitude to the EPFL Innovation Park team and emphasised how Tech4Eva has gained global momentum and a reputation.
Her final message was one of optimism: this is only the beginning, and continuing to work together is key to accelerating solutions that improve women’s lives worldwide.
Join the Movement
Tech4Eva’s mission remains clear: empower founders, advance innovation and improve women’s health globally.
Stay connected on LinkedIn, explore the 2025 cohort brochure, and follow the conference recordings on YouTube.
Together, we are shaping the future of women’s health.
Relive the event and view the full recording here