As we write this, we are 7,653,286,026 people in this world, and our trust is increasing even more! And nearly half of this growing number are women! Although the experiences of these women vary wildly depending on where they live on the planet, women still face similar challenges regarding their gender, health issues, age, daily lives, or motherhood. And often, the solutions for these issues have not changed much over the years.
Fortunately, deep tech is not just about fantasy robots exploring Mars or grand artificial intelligence that transforms our industries. Innovations in science and technology also actually encompass improving daily life, such as follow-ups after traumatic surgeries or developing a contraceptive method that doesn’t pump different hormones into your body.
Many startups are currently focusing on responding to the needs for specialized solutions (and this is time-sensitive!). Let’s take a look at what’s happening in laboratories around the world. Walking on the moon seems unimaginable, but what can we say about the reality that we could make the lives of 3.5 billion people better?
Helping People Who Have Survived Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer worldwide, with approximately 1.67 million new cases diagnosed each year. Regardless of the country you live in; if you are a woman, you have a 1 in 8 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer during your expected 80 years of life!
Fortunately, entrepreneurs are working hard to find solutions for better detecting cancer, alleviating pain and side effects, and helping women live better lives after surgery or chemotherapy.
Learning to cope with a physically altered body is a very exhausting situation and a part of the healing process. The initiative called SOMAVAC helps patients get rid of devices after surgical procedures like breast surgery. The small devices they produce allow patients to have their post-surgery dressings removed sooner, facilitating a more comfortable recovery process without the use of heavy medical equipment.
Another Italian startup, still in its early stages, Tensive, is working to assist the healing process. They focus on reconstructive surgery and aim to offer patients an alternative to silicone implants. Tensive’s prosthetics are designed to slowly dissolve while stimulating natural fat regeneration, allowing them to be replaced by the patient’s fat tissue and reducing the number of surgeries needed.
Similarly, two initiatives named Novothelium and Bio-aesthetics are also working on reconstructing the nipple using regenerative medicine. By creating a matrix with tissue engineering, they aim to provide a better feel and natural pigmentation.
Advancing Birth Control and Menstruation
Access to feminine products can sometimes become impossible for women in some parts of the world. Explore Saathi, known internationally for its biologically degradable sanitary pads. Their developed fiber processing technology converts banana fibers into a soft super absorbent without the use of chemicals. Additionally, their #oneMillionPads program ensures the widespread availability of hygiene products in rural areas of India. And of course, we are proud to say that they were the Grand Winner of HelloTomorrow Challenge 2017!
Birth control is also a part of many women’s daily lives. The good news is that a Swedish startup is developing new gel-like contraceptive methods that could be as effective as the existing birth control methods but without unwanted hormonal side effects. Stay tuned for the latest updates!
Fertility Testing and Supporting Motherhood
Every day, an estimated 370,000 women become mothers worldwide. Let’s be honest, that’s not an easy achievement. The maternity care system is quite effective in developed countries, but less developed countries cannot provide appropriate care for single women due to health issues. This problem is often seen among women living in poor or isolated areas.
Momoby, an initiative founded within the Imperial-Althea program, is focused on reducing the issue by creating an easy-to-use and affordable prenatal test kit that enables women and healthcare professionals to better track pregnancies and reduce risks.
But what about potential mothers who want to become mothers? Fertiliome Test is the first study that utilizes the power of DNA analysis to investigate a woman’s reproductive health and fertility, screening 49 variants across 32 genes. It aims to identify specific risks for endometriosis, early menopause, and other diseases. Thus, it allows women to make more informed decisions about their futures. Despite the cost of DNA tests, having this option can be seen as a sign of progress for women everywhere.
In light of all this, we can say;
"WE CAN DO IT!"
"WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!"
