Four Swiss start-ups launch funding program at Tech4Eva

(CONNECT) Tech4Eva, the Lausanne-based start-up accelerator in the field of women's health, is entering its fifth round with a record number of applications. According to a press release, 195 start-ups from 42 countries wanted to take part in the program founded by Groupe Mutuel and the EPFL Innovation Park. Of the 16 companies selected, four are start-ups from Switzerland that will take part in this year's six-month program. These are Powerly from Zurich, Menoqueens from Bern, Molesense from Neuchâtel and Xemperia from Marly.

Powerly offers a science-based app that aims to support women's mental wellbeing at every stage of family planning. This is an academic project funded by the University of Zurich Foundation and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), among others.

The MenoQueens association focuses on healthy ageing and the menopause. The director, Petra Stute, is particularly keen to raise awareness and sensitize the general public to the topic of menopause.

Xemperia is a spin-off of the University of Freiburg. The team has developed a blood test for breast cancer prevention and early detection of recurrences.

Molesense is dedicated to the topic of monitoring high-risk pregnancies. It relied on the continuous monitoring of chemical biomarkers.

"We want to emphasize the importance of promoting the engagement of scientists in applied research in the femtech sector and thus closing the gap between scientific innovation and market introduction," Lan Zuo Gillet, Director of Tech4Eva at EPFL Innovation Park, is quoted as saying in the press release. The femtech sector is on course for growth: this year, sales are expected to reach 60 billion dollars. It is expected to double in the next eight years, the press release continues. ce/eb