Investment roundup: New accelerator to invest in midwives, funding opportunity for femtech solutions, and more

Femtech World explores the latest business and investment developments in the world of women’s health.

UNFPA and Partners Launch Midwifery Accelerator to invest in midwives

On World Health Day, UNFPA, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, and global partners launched the Midwifery Accelerator – a co-ordinated effort to reduce preventable maternal deaths by expanding access to quality care provided by midwives.

The launch comes as new UN data confirms that 260,000 women died from pregnancy or childbirth in 2023. While this represents a 40 per cent drop since 2000, progress has slowed and remains highly unequal, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

The Midwifery Accelerator aims to train more midwives, deploy them where they’re most needed, and ensure they are well-equipped, supported and integrated into national health systems.

“This plan puts midwives at the heart of the solution,” said Julia Bunting, director of programmes at UNFPA.

“Now is the time for governments and donors to step up. Without investing in midwives, we cannot end preventable maternal deaths.”

Equity-free funding opportunity for fem tech solutions 

The UNICEF Venture Fund has called for applications from fem tech start-ups developing cutting edge solutions that improve health care for women and girls.

According to the fund,  up to US$100,000 is being offered in equity-free funding to early-stage, for-profit startups leveraging frontier technologies such as AI, data science, and blockchain for social impact.

Applications are open to start-ups in low- and middle-income economies developing Open Source technology that improves health outcomes, economic participation, or access to essential services for women and girls.

Women-led startups and young founders (under the age of 35) are being encouraged to apply.

The Fund has said it is especially seeking applications from companies that are registered in a UNICEF programme country, working with a functional prototype, and committed to Open Source licensing and principles.

The application deadline is 8 May 2025.

Nurx Works with Gifthealth to streamline access to Lilly’s Zepbound

Women’s telehealth platform Nurx has entered into an agreement with Gifthealth, Eli Lilly and Company’s LillyDirect pharmacy provider, for Zepbound (tirzepatide) single-dose vials – an FDA-approved medication for obesity and chronic weight management – to simplify prescription access.

The arrangement will streamline access to the vials for clinically-eligible Nurx patients with an on-label prescription, ensuring they have a more seamless way to receive chronic weight management treatment.

As demand for obesity and chronic weight management medications like Zepbound, Nurx has said it is committed to providing comprehensive telehealth care for women navigating weight management.

US$25,000 for Nurture Her women’s health project

The Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health Community Grants Program has provided funding of CAD$25,000 to the Child and Family Services of Grand Erie’s (Canada) Nurture Her Project, according to the Brantford Expositor.

According to the publication, the project will provide access to essential health and wellness products and other vital resources to young individuals who live independently with minimal financial support, as well as providing free menstrual products including pads, tampons, and menstrual cups. Hygiene kits that include soap, shampoo, lotion, deodorant and other personal care items will also be distributed.

Mira Launches the Hormone Innovators Awards 2025

Hormonal health company Mira has launched the first Hormone Innovators Awards 2025.

The initiative recognises pioneers in science, technology, and advocacy who are driving change in women’s hormonal health, a historically underfunded and overlooked field.

Award categories include: Hormonal Health Company of the Year; Hormonal Health Innovation of the Year; Hormonal Health Leader of the Year; Best Use of Data to Close the Hormonal Health Gap; and, Hormonal Health Partnership of the Year.

Increased federal funding for women’s health research in Canada

Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) has put forward three policy priorities for advancing women’s health in Canada, including the need for increased investment.

By prioritising a comprehensive national strategy, targeted funding, and rigorous research accountability, WHCC is aiming to create the conditions for transformational change that improve women’s health.

WHCC has now called on all federal parties to “commit to concrete action that will drive meaningful change for women’s health”.

The policy priorities include:

1. A National Strategy for Women’s Health

Canada lacks a coordinated approach to addressing women’s health inequities. A National Women’s Health Strategy should set measurable goals for research, healthcare delivery, and policy reform, to ensure increased funding is strategic, focused and effective.

2. Increased Federal Funding for Women’s Health Research

Women’s health remains underfunded, leading to gaps in knowledge, treatment, and care. We urge the federal government to establish a dedicated funding stream and increase investment in research on conditions that disproportionately or uniquely affect women.

3. Enforcement of Sex and Gender-Based Research Standards in CIHR-Funded Studies

Compliance with sex- and gender-based analysis (SGBA+) in federally funded health research is inconsistent. Stronger enforcement and mandatory reporting on sex and gender differences will improve research quality and ensure findings translate into better care for women.