This month, NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme partners; Health Innovation Hub Ireland launched a groundbreaking new report, Femtech in Ireland: The Case for Prioritising Women’s Health Research and Innovation which has identified significant opportunities for Ireland to become a global leader in FemTech—technology, research, and innovation focused on women’s health.
Produced by Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at University College Cork (UCC) the report explores how improved support for women’s health innovation and entrepreneurship could unlock economic potential, address health inequities, and strengthen Ireland’s life sciences and technology sectors.
Women make up over half of Ireland’s population and nearly half of the global workforce, yet their health remains underfunded and under-researched, despite the significant economic and societal burden. Femtech—a sector focused on women’s health—is growing rapidly and expected to reach $97 billion by 2030. However, innovation is still hindered by limited research, low venture capital investment, and a lack of systemic support. Ireland, with its progressive healthcare policies and strong medtech sector, is well-positioned to lead in this space.
Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) has taken steps to build a national Femtech ecosystem, supporting 34 companies in just two years. With strong government backing, academic research, and a thriving start-up environment, Ireland has a unique opportunity to prioritise Femtech as a strategic economic and social investment. Doing so would not only improve healthcare outcomes for women but also drive innovation, boost productivity, and position Ireland as a global leader in women’s health. This report outlines the current landscape, highlights progress and calls for coordinated action across government and industry to unlock the full potential of Femtech.
“Supporting women’s health is an imperative and an opportunity for Ireland. Our report is a call to action to prioritise women’s health research and innovation. It emphasises the need for increased funding, more extensive research, and greater support for innovation in women’s health. By fostering start-ups, translating research into impactful solutions, and attracting global FemTech companies to Ireland, we can drive significant advancements in this vital sector, supporting our economy, advancing healthcare delivery and innovating for 51% of the population.”
Dr. Tanya Mulcahy, Director Health Innovation Hub Ireland and founder of FemTech Ireland
For the full Health Innovation Hub Ireland FemTech report read here: