Ecosystem

Ulta Beauty Partners with SOS for In-Store Product Sampling

Ulta Beauty, the largest beauty retailer in the U.S., has announced a partnership with SOS, the company set to transform wellness-on-the-go through its network of smart vending machines. the collaboration aims to enhance in-store product sampling by integrating digital elements into the traditional retail environment. As part of a trial program, SOS smart vending machines will be installed in 10 Ulta Beauty…

ASRM Announces $5 Million Endowment from Ferring Pharmaceuticals

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and Ferring Pharmaceuticals have announced a $5M endowment from Ferring to ASRM. This endowment, the largest in ASRM’s nearly 80-year history, will establish the “Ferring Endowment for the Education of Healthcare Professionals in Training,” ensuring ASRM’s continued legacy as the leading educator for professionals in the field. ASRM will utilize this endowment to create, establish, and maintain innovative educational programs for healthcare…

FDA Establishes New Advisory Committee on Digital Health Technologies (And YOU Can Be a Part of It!)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently announced the creation of a new Digital Health Advisory Committee to help the agency explore the complex, scientific and technical issues related to digital health technologies (DHTs), such as artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), augmented reality, virtual reality, digital therapeutics, wearables, remote patient monitoring and software. The Digital Health Advisory Committee will advise the FDA…

The State of Menopause in 2023

As many of you will know World Menopause Day is upon us today and as every year it provides an opportunity for reflection, understanding, and action. This year, amidst a wealth of information and announcements from various organizations from every corner of the women’s health innovation ecosystem, a total of 21 (!) reports, studies, surveys, and whitepapers made their way to us here at Femtech Insider.…

When Brand Safety Undermines Social Progress: The Femtech Paradox

The rise of the digital age has brought with it many benefits. Among them are the near-infinite opportunities for brands to place their ads in front of potential customers. With this abundance, however, comes the challenge of ensuring that these ads appear in ‘brand-safe’ environments and advertising networks have put in place strict criteria and algorithms to ensure that brand messages aren’t…

NHS Innovation Accelerator Calls for US Maternal and Mental Health Innovations

The NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) is actively seeking US-based health innovators to participate in its 2024 intake. In the context of women’s health, the spotlight on maternal and mental health solutions addressing health inequalities is noteworthy. Established under the leadership of Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of NHS England, the free NIA programme extends its invitation to US innovators aiming…

MDisrupt Secures $3M in Seed Funding for Its Platform Connecting Companies with Healthcare Experts

MDisrupt, established in 2020, has emerged as a vital service in the healthtech industry, creating a platform where healthtech and life science companies can connect with specialized healthcare expertise on demand. To facilitate further growth, the company has now raised $3M in seed funding from The Venture Collective, Capita3, 3plus VC, Geek Ventures, and Mindshift Capital, among others. The new funds will…

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Why Nabta Health Founder Sophie Smith Is Asking You to #UnthinkThePink

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed every October, is a globally recognized initiative aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer in women worldwide. During this month, numerous activities and campaigns are usually organized to promote early detection and screening. Pink ribbons, a symbol of breast cancer awareness, are prominently displayed, while landmarks are often illuminated in pink to draw…