Tech4Eva 2025 Conference Recap: Innovation, Impact & the Future of Women’s Health
The 2025 Tech4Eva Conference gathered 350 stakeholders from the ecosystem and opened with powerful messages from EPFL and Tech4Eva leaders, reinforcing a shared vision: accelerating innovation in women’s health through research, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.
“Together, we want to introduce and implement more tech solutions to enhance women’s health,” said Lan Zuo Gillet, Tech4Eva Director and Deputy Managing Director of EPFL Innovation Park.
Since its launch in 2021, Tech4Eva has grown into a global platform, supporting 94 start-ups from 42 countries and helping bring life-changing Femtech solutions to market. From reproductive health to oncology these start-ups tackle some of the most pressing challenges in women’s healthcare.
Science in Action: EPFL’s Role in Driving Innovation
Professor Stéphanie Lacour, EPFL’s Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, shared how EPFL’s interdisciplinary approach to healthcare innovation shaping the future of women’s health. With research centers spanning neurotech, AI, and diagnostics, EPFL is uniquely positioned to turn scientific discovery into practical solutions. A standout moment: the announcement of a new junior faculty position dedicated to Femtech.
Breast Cancer prevention takes center stage
Renowned breast cancer researcher Prof. Cathrin Brisken presented groundbreaking work on hormone-driven cancers during her keynote speech.
Professor Cathrin Brisken (EPFL & Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research) delivered a compelling keynote on how hormones influence breast cancer development—and what we still do not fully understand.
She emphasized that most breast cancers are hormone-sensitive, and that lifestyle, reproductive history, and hormonal exposure play a larger role than many realize, particularly for younger women. While traditional research relies on outdated cell lines, her lab’s humanized mouse model—where human breast cells are implanted into mice—opens new doors for understanding cancer in living systems.
This model has helped reveal how commonly used progestins in contraceptives may accelerate breast tissue changes, offering new biological explanations for observed cancer risks. Importantly, this tool also allows researchers to study individual differences, moving closer to personalized prevention and care.
“With this approach, by putting human cells inside the mouse, we have created a humanized model that allows us to study the effect of different hormones on human breast cells.” – Prof. Cathrin Brisken
Panel Takeaways: Breast Cancer Prevention, Screening & Innovation
Moderated by Anna Söderlind of Group Mutuel, the breast cancer panel brought together experts shaping the future of research, care, and innovation: Prof. Cathrin Brisken, EPFL & Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Dr. Khalil Zaman, Director of Breast Cancer Program, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Grégory André, Director of Public Affairs and Partnerships, Group Mutuel and Wolfgang Hakl, CEO & Founder, OncogenomX, Tech4Eva alumnus.
Highlights included:
• Hormonal contraceptives: Emerging data suggest cautious use, especially among younger women.
• Screening in Switzerland: Programs vary by canton and often start too late. Participation hovers around 50%.
• Innovative solutions: Startups like OncogenomX are using AI and genomics to personalize treatment and improve outcomes.
• Insurance innovation: Products like PrimaFlex aim to remove financial barriers to screening access.
Start-up Spotlight: 16 New Solutions for Women’s Health
The most anticipated moment of the afternoon was the reveal of the 2025 Tech4Eva start-up cohort by Program Manager Simone Theiss of EPFL Innovation Park — 16 start-ups were selected by a jury of experts from 195 applications spanning 42 countries. This year’s applicants reflected a global appetite for innovation in women’s health, with strong representation from Europe, North America, and the Global South. The top focus areas included maternal and reproductive health, general wellness, oncology, and women-specific diseases, with solutions ranging from consumer products and diagnostics to AI tools and mobile health apps. Notably, the program saw a rise in growth-stage start-ups, many with working prototypes or early revenues. Since its launch, Tech4Eva alumni (94 start-ups) have collectively raised over $200 million to date, underscoring the accelerator’s role as a global launchpad for Femtech innovation.
This year’s cohort of Tech4Eva start-ups pitched innovative solutions—from early breast cancer detection to maternal care and menopause support. Meet them:
1. GIC Space – Delivers smart, portable gynecological diagnostics for underserved regions, improving comfort and access.
2. LAYCO – Developed vela®, a sustainable, reusable vacuum extractor to improve maternal care. www.laycomedical.com
3. Medsol AI – Uses AI-powered ultrasound for real-time breast cancer risk prediction and early detection. www.medsol.ai
4. Menoqueens – Offers science-backed education and support to empower women through menopause. www.menoqueens.com
5. MoleSense – Builds molecular wearables for real-time hormone monitoring in high-risk pregnancies. www.molesense.ch
6. oasiscare – Creates devices to prevent perineal tears and improve birth outcomes. www.oasi.care
7. Powerly – A mobile mental health app supporting emotional well-being during and after pregnancy. powerlyapp.wixsite.com
8. Predica Diagnostics – Provides non-invasive RNA-based cervical cancer screening for targeted referrals. www.predica-diagnostics.com
9. RephImmune – Develops next-gen cell therapies for solid tumors, focusing on ovarian and breast cancers. www.rephimmune.com
10. Salva Health – Created Julieta, an AI-powered device for early breast cancer triage in primary care. www.salvahealth.co
11. Silatha – Supports psychological safety at work with tools for taboo health topics like menopause. www.silatha.com
12. Smartweave – Advances regenerative therapies for incontinence using AI and bio-scaffold tech. www.smartweave.xyz
13. TIMSER – Developed PREVENTIX, a non-invasive blood test for early cervical cancer detection. www.preventix.global
14. Woost – Offers menstrual blood testing kits to reduce PCOS diagnosis time to under six months. www.woost.me
15. Xemperia – Detects early breast cancer via immune-response-based blood testing. www.xemperia.com
16. Xena – Uses AI for precision mapping in gynecological surgery, improving outcomes for endometriosis. www.xenadx.com
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter for Tech4Eva
This year’s opening conference wrapped up with a clear message: The future of women’s health depends on collaboration. As Tech4Eva evolves from accelerator to innovation platform, new partnerships with universities, healthcare systems, and global allies are paving the way for broader, systemic impact.
We are just getting started, and we are glad you are part of the journey. Join us and support the cause!
Stay tuned for updates and follow us on linkedin and the Tech4Eva on YouTube for full conference recordings.
Photo Gallery here
Brochure 2025 Cohort here