The Evolution and Impact of Femtech

Femtech, short for “female technology,” refers to a category of software, diagnostics, products, and services that use technology to focus on women’s health. The term was coined in 2016 by Ida Tin, co-founder of the period-tracking app Clue. Since then, femtech has grown into a significant sector within the healthcare industry, addressing a wide range of female health issues from menstrual health to menopause, and from fertility to maternal health.

In France, the femtech movement has gained considerable momentum over the past few years. The establishment of FemTech France in 2022 marked a pivotal moment for the sector. Founded by Delphine Moulu, Christel Bony, and Juliette Mauro, FemTech France is the first French association dedicated to innovation in women’s health. The organization aims to support startups and foster collaboration among various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and investors.

Femtech is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it addresses the unique health needs of women, which have historically been under-researched and underfunded. By focusing on conditions that disproportionately affect women, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and menopause, femtech provides targeted solutions that improve women’s health outcomes.

Moreover, femtech empowers women by providing them with tools to better understand and manage their health. For example, apps that track menstrual cycles, fertility, and pregnancy can help women make informed decisions about their health and well-being. This empowerment extends to mental health, with many femtech solutions offering support for conditions like postpartum depression and anxiety.

The impact of femtech on the healthcare sector is profound. By leveraging technology, femtech companies are able to offer more personalized and accessible healthcare solutions. This not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces healthcare costs by preventing and managing conditions more effectively. In France, the collaboration between femtech startups and established healthcare institutions has led to significant advancements. For instance, partnerships with organizations like the Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) have facilitated the integration of innovative femtech solutions into mainstream healthcare. This synergy enhances the quality of care provided to women and ensures that their specific health needs are met.

Femtech also plays a vital role in supporting women within the healthcare sector itself. By promoting female entrepreneurship and leadership, femtech helps to address gender disparities in the industry. Many femtech startups are founded and led by women, which not only brings diverse perspectives to the table but also inspires more women to pursue careers in health technology.

Furthermore, femtech solutions often focus on creating supportive environments for women in the workplace. For example, technologies that assist with managing menopause symptoms can help women maintain their productivity and well-being at work. This support is crucial for retaining female talent and ensuring that women can thrive in their careers.

The rise of femtech in France represents a significant step forward in addressing the unique health needs of women. By leveraging technology to provide personalized and accessible healthcare solutions, femtech is transforming the healthcare sector and empowering women to take control of their health. As the sector continues to grow, its impact on both women’s health and the broader healthcare industry is likely to be profound and far-reaching.

Now, how could we become inspired by this concept in Mexico? Women in the healthcare industry have gained momentum in the past year, particularly in H2 of this year, with many dedicated events by AMIIF and HealthTech México, for example, where I had the pleasure to be invited. For the benefit of women, who represent half the population, synergies and cooperation with femtech could and should be in the 2025 agenda.