Women’s Health Innovation Summit Recap
The Women’s Health Innovation Summit in Boston is always a standout event for Nova, and this year was no exception. The energy surrounding innovation and advancements in women’s health is always inspiring, and it’s an event we eagerly anticipate each year. As a dedicated partner in women’s health innovation, we’re honored to connect with incredible companies driving change in this critical industry.
This year’s summit delivered insightful discussions and thought-provoking panels. A highlight was the challenge of truly understanding the market size for women’s health. Societal barriers often prevent women from voicing their health concerns, leading to an underestimation of the true demand for treatments and solutions. Another key takeaway involved strategies for securing funding, with a focus on incorporating mental health into market evaluations—a crucial but often overlooked factor. There was also discussion over the term “femtech,” with many outside the industry limiting their view of femtech to digital-only solutions, rather than recognizing the broader spectrum of innovations, including physical devices, transforming women’s health.
In addition to valuable one-on-one conversations and networking, the event featured an array of thought-leading panels and presentations from industry experts. Here are some of the standout sessions we attended:
Startup Showcase: Disruptors Shaping the Future
A highlight of the WHIS event is always the Startup Showcase, featuring trailblazing therapeutic, diagnostic, and medical device disruptors. This year, we were especially proud to see several Nova family companies, including Bonehealth Technologies and Armor Medical, presenting their innovations. It’s truly inspiring to see the groundbreaking work coming from these startups and the profound impact they’re set to have on women’s health.
Medical Device Initiatives & Innovations Moving the Needle
Shefali Goyal, Rachel Robinson, Ikram Guerd, and Meg Eckenroad
Medical devices are revolutionizing women’s health, particularly in obstetric, gynecological, and cardiovascular care. However, innovation must be driven by a deep understanding of clinical needs and secure support from key stakeholders to make a lasting impact. In this session, panelists explored strategic initiatives that are helping to mitigate risk and ensure the success of medical devices.
We also heard about the latest updates from the FDA, private sector strategies that are pushing commercial success, and groundbreaking medical technologies that are set to improve standards of care for women. These advancements are paving the way for an exciting future where medical devices will play an even larger role in improving women’s health outcomes.
Next-Generation Imaging: Increasing Access in Cancer Screening
Marissa Fayer, Connie Lehman, Jyoti Gupta PhD, and Dr. Andy Smith
This session dove into the transformative role that AI and advanced imaging technology are playing in women’s health, especially in cancer care. The panelists highlighted how next-generation imaging solutions are increasing access and improving outcomes for women, particularly in cancer screening.
With AI being a hot topic across industries (you can read more about AI in design in our IDSA Recap), it was exciting to see its real-world application in healthcare. This session emphasized how AI-driven technologies are not just future concepts—they are actively improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of women’s health.
Menopause Madness: Does Anyone Have the Solution?
One of the fastest-growing areas in women’s health is menopause care. This session explored the latest research, the ongoing debate around hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and the rise of non-hormonal treatments. The panelists discussed emerging solutions, from supplements and wearables to educational platforms, that are designed to support menopausal women.
The experts on this panel shared their insights on the long-term opportunities to better address the diverse needs of menopausal women. The future of menopause care, fueled by tech innovations and holistic approaches, looks more promising than ever.
WHIS Talent Zone
This year, Nova had the privilege of participating in the WHIS Talent Zone—a unique networking event focused on advancing solutions in women’s health. The experience provided valuable insights into building strong, innovative teams that can drive meaningful progress in this critical field.
Being part of this event was truly inspiring. We had the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of passionate individuals and thought leaders, each committed to shaping the future of women’s health. It was incredible to share ideas, exchange knowledge, and help guide these talented minds toward achieving their goals.
The WHIS Talent Zone not only highlighted the importance of collaboration but also reaffirmed our commitment to making a lasting impact.
At Nova, we’re committed to supporting women’s health companies at every stage of development. We’re here to help bring your innovative ideas to life, and we’re already looking forward to what WHIS 2025 will bring!