WOMEN’S health innovation requires greater investment, stronger clinical evidence and recognition beyond the traditional FemTech category. These challenges were explored during a panel discussion at MedTech World Europe on 12th November 2026, titled ‘Women’s Health Beyond FemTech: Closing the Research and Funding Gap in Cardiology, Oncology & Neurology’.
The panel featured Alberto Chan, Co-Founder of Emergencemed; Sophie Brac de la Perrière, CEO and Co-Founder of Healshape; Hanna Harkawy, Founder and CEO of Ouli; Ruth Brännvall, CEO and General Partner at Impact Invest Scandinavia; and Roseanne Camilleri, CEO of National Mental Health Services.
A key theme was the need to recognise women’s health as a broader healthcare priority rather than a niche technology market. Ruth Brännvall highlighted how the FemTech label can overlook conditions that affect women differently, alongside health needs extending beyond reproductive and sexual health.
The discussion also addressed the underrepresentation of women in clinical research, emphasising the importance of generating more representative evidence to improve healthcare outcomes and guide innovation.
The panel showcased examples of companies developing solutions for overlooked areas of women’s healthcare.
Sophie Brac de la Perrière presented Healshape, a regenerative medicine company developing a 3D-printed hydrogel scaffold for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. The technology aims to offer an alternative to conventional synthetic implants and improve options for women following breast cancer surgery.
Hanna Harkawy introduced Ouli’s at-home scar therapy device, initially developed for women recovering from Caesarean sections. The technology aims to replicate elements of clinic-based physiotherapy, allowing patients to manage scar recovery at home with remote specialist support.
The discussion reinforced that advancing women’s healthcare requires more than developing new technologies. Stronger clinical research, sustainable investment, effective reimbursement strategies and collaboration with healthcare professionals will all be essential to bringing innovations into routine care.
Moving beyond the FemTech label could help unlock broader opportunities to address unmet clinical needs and improve outcomes for women.
Reference
Harkawy et al. Women’s Health Beyond FemTech: Closing the Research Gap in Cardiology, Oncology & Neurology. MedTech World Europe, 11-13 November, 2026.
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