Health Innovation Hub Ireland and University College Cork have released a comprehensive report examining opportunities for Ireland to become a leader in women’s health technology. The “Femtech in Ireland: The Case for Prioritising Women’s Health Research and Innovation” report identifies significant economic potential in a sector projected to exceed €60 billion globally by 2027.
The research finds that despite Ireland’s strong foundation in medtech, digital health, and pharmaceuticals, femtech remains underdeveloped and underfunded. The report highlights that only a small fraction of health research funding currently targets female-specific health conditions.
Key findings include untapped market potential for startups and investors, gaps in research funding that limit progress, and opportunities for Ireland to integrate femtech into national health innovation strategies. The report notes that more than 75% of femtech companies have female founders, reflecting the sector’s appeal to women entrepreneurs.
“Women make up half the population, yet we still don’t understand enough about many conditions that affect them—like endometriosis, menopause, miscarriage, or autoimmune diseases,” said Dr. Tanya Mulcahy, Director of HIHI and founder of FemTech Ireland. “We need to invest in women’s health—not just for equality, but because it’s smart research, healthcare, and smart economics.”
The report is based on two years of work through Femtech@HIHI, Ireland’s program focused on supporting women’s health innovation. Since launching in 2022, the initiative has supported over 30 Irish startups developing products from wearable technology for menopause tracking to devices for pelvic health and fertility.
The research outlines how conditions affecting women differently—including PCOS, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s—are often misunderstood or overlooked. The global femtech industry is expected to reach $97 billion by 2030, with closing the women’s health gap potentially boosting the global economy by $1 trillion annually by 2040.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke welcomed the report, stating that “femtech is an emerging sector with huge potential” that aligns with Ireland’s ambitions to grow indigenous enterprise and attract investment.
Minister for Health, Dr. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, added: “This report is an important step toward better care for women across Ireland. It supports the work we’re already doing through the Women’s Health Taskforce and highlights how innovation can help us go even further.”
The report recommends establishing dedicated femtech funding calls, including sex and gender analysis in research design, creating a national femtech innovation space, and providing greater support for entrepreneurs working in women’s health.
