Summer, uninterrupted with WUKA

WUKA’S Holiday Essentials for Every Day of the Month

Holidays don’t pause for periods, and neither should the plans that come with them. From swim-ready styles to long-haul comfort, WUKA’s summer essentials mean there’s no need to miss out – period or not.

Made for more than period days, from spontaneous swims and beach days to city breaks and long-haul flights, WUKA’s summer essentials are designed to keep you feeling comfortable, confident and ready for whatever is on the itinerary. Because summer is too short to sit anything out.

FOR POOL DAYS AND SEA SWIMS 🡪 THE WUKA PERIOD SWIMSUIT

Your period shouldn’t mean sitting poolside while everyone else jumps in. The WUKA Two-Tone Scoopback Period Swimsuit (£49.99) looks and feels like a favourite swimsuit, with discreet built-in protection for when a period arrives uninvited

No tampons, no last-minute changes and no missing out -just confidence in and out of the water.

• Medium Flow: Built-in absorbent, aquaphobic & odour-proof gusset holds 15ml (equivalent to 3 regular tampons or 2 pads) offering full leak-proof protection while swimming, sunbathing or spa.
• Scoop Back with Adjustable Straps:Custom-fit comfort that flatters every body shape and size – whether you’re long in the torso or shorter in the frame – so you move freely and confidently in and out of the water.
• Bold two-tonedesign: strategic colour blocking for flattering fit and period peace of mind.
• Made from recycled nylon: waterproof, chlorine-resistant, and designed with UPF 50+ sun protection.

FOR EVERY DAY HOLIDAY COMFORT 🡪 THE WUKA PERIOD SWIM SHORTS

A versatile, reliable option for sightseeing, lunches, travel days and everything in between, the WUKA Period Swim Short combine a classic shape with comfortable coverage.

The WUKA Period Swim Shorts (£28.99) are designed to let you swim on your period without compromising on comfort, coverage or confidence. No sitting out, no skipping the water and no need for last-minute changes when your cycle doesn’t check the holiday calendar.

• Medium Flow: Built-in absorbent, aquaphobic & odour-proof gusset holds 15ml (equivalent to 3 regular tampons or 2 pads) offering full leak-proof protection while swimming, sunbathing or spa.
• Made from recycled nylon: waterproof, chlorine-resistant, and designed with UPF 50+ sun protection.

FOR LIGHTWEIGHT SUMMER OUTFITS 🡪 THE WUKA STRETCH™ THONG

Designed to sit discreetly beneath fitted dresses, skirts and lightweight summer fabrics, the WUKA Stretch™ Thong (£14.99) offers a minimal silhouette without compromising on protection.

It’s the suitcase essential for evenings out, wedding guest looks and days when visible underwear lines are not invited.

• The world’s first multi-size, full-coverage thongdesigned for light-medium flows.
• Light-Med Flow: Holds 10 – 15ml -equivalent of 2-3 regular tampons
• Stretch™ Technology: Designed to retain their stretch and expand up to four sizes-XS to L and XL to 3XL- moulding comfortably to all body shapes.
• Seamless, no VPL: Buttery soft, seamless material gives an invisible, second-skin feel.
• Two colours: Nude & Black. Two Sizes: Size 1 (XS -L) & Size 2 (XL -3XL)

FOR MILE-HIGH PROTECTION 🡪 THE WUKA STRETCH™ PERIOD PANTS

Hours in the air call for underwear that feels comfortable, dependable and easy to wear.

The WUKA Stretch™ Seamless Midi Briefs -Heavy Flow (£16.99), offer maximum protection, full coverage and lasting comfort for long journeys. Designed to provide up to 12 hours of protection, they help remove the stress of unexpected leaks, mid-flight bathroom dashes and managing disposable period products in a cramped cabin. Give yourself one less thing to worry about while travelling.

• Heavy Flow: built-in absorbent, odour-proof gusset absorbs 20ml+ (the equivalent to 4 tampons) for full coverage, leak-proof, seamless protection for up to 12hrs
• Stretch™ Technology -each pair is designed to expand up to four sizes – XS to L and XL to 4XL – moulding comfortably to all body shapes and ensuring a smooth, seamless, first-time fit, with no VPL
• Seamless -Buttery soft, breathable, seamless fabric gives an invisible, second-skin with no VPL and keeps you fresh and dry all day (or night) long
• Three sizes: Size 1 (XS -L), Size 2 (XL -3XL) & Size 3 (3XL -6XL)

Every pair of WUKA saves 200 disposables from ending up in landfill. Better for, better for the planet.

wuka.co.uk            |        @wukawear

Applications are still open for two of the most significant pitch opportunities in women’s health this year, but both deadlines are approaching fast.

Pitch on the mainstage at WHW Europe 2026

Applications are open for the WHW Europe 2026 Pitch Sessions, taking place on the mainstage at The Emirates Stadium in London on 7–8 October.

16 finalists will be selected across two categories: Medical Devices & Therapeutics and Consumer & Tech, pitching in front of 700+ senior decision-makers.

Any company treating a condition that affects women exclusively, differently, or disproportionately is eligible to apply. Applications are completely free, and selected finalists must be registered delegates to present.

All applicants also have the opportunity to be featured in The Watchlist, WHW Europe’s official directory of women’s health innovators to know.

The platform has a track record of creating real momentum for early-stage founders. Claudia Radu, CEO of Circe and winner of the Consumer & Tech category at WHW Europe 2025, has since secured £100k in funding from Innovate UK, announced earlier this month. She spoke recently about what the experience meant for her company:

“[WHW] gave us a platform to talk about what we’re doing in a space people already trust, which matters enormously when you’re early stage.

“It also gave me the courage to become more visible as a founder, and to speak more openly not just about what I’m building, but about why.”

Read the full interview with Claudia here

Circe joins a growing list of WHW alumni who have gone on to raise significant capital. BoobyBiome closed a £2.5M seed round in the year following their WHW Europe pitch, while Amilis, who won the Consumer & Tech category at WHW USA 2026, secured £1M in funding at London Tech Week shortly after.

Applications close 28 August 2026.

Apply to pitch

Apply to W Accelerate with Merck KGaA and M Ventures

W Accelerate is back, connecting the sector’s most promising startups directly with the corporates and investors best positioned to accelerate their growth.

The third cohort, run in partnership with Merck KGaA and M Ventures, is focused on reproductive and maternal health, with both partners specifically seeking breakthrough solutions across female infertility, fertility preservation, endometriosis, adenomyosis, preeclampsia, and pregnancy comorbidities.

Past cohorts have produced real commercial outcomes. Calla Lily Clinical Care entered a strategic collaboration with Merck in February 2026 after connecting through the programme.

CEO Thang Vo-Ta described it as “a rare opportunity to pitch directly to senior leadership at Merck and M Ventures” where “the conversations that became the foundation of relationships leading to our eventual strategic collaboration” were sparked.

Three programme lanes are available: Partnership, Investment, and Dual. Selected companies receive a 1:1 pitch practice session, a private 30-minute session with Merck KGaA and M Ventures leadership, expert roundtables, and a VIP networking reception.

The open call runs until 2 September, with pitch day on 5 October in London.

Apply to W Accelerate

Addressing women’s health challenges through technology and innovation offers significant investment opportunities

The intersection of women’s health and antifungal innovation represents a pivotal moment in healthcare, offering both transformative medical advancements and compelling investment opportunities.

The groundbreaking developments in antifungal treatments specifically targeting women’s health issues present a substantial market potential, resulting in rising investor interest in this rapidly evolving sector.

Despite comprising half the global population, women face unique health challenges that have historically received insufficient attention and investment.

Among these health challenges, vaginal candidiasis stands out as a persistent and widespread issue affecting millions of women worldwide.

Recent statistics paint a stark picture of the prevalence and burden of these infections.

Approximately 75 percent of women experience vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) – commonly known as vaginal yeast infection – at some point in their lives, with the annual global prevalence reaching a staggering 134 million cases.

The impact is particularly pronounced in developing countries, where the associated morbidity leads to increased healthcare costs and a significant compromise in quality of life for affected women.

The economic ramifications of recurrent VVC are substantial, encompassing both direct costs such as medical visits and medications, and indirect costs related to lost productivity.

A study published in The Lancet estimates that in high-income countries, the economic burden attributed to RVVC could reach approximately US$14.39 billion annually.

With nearly 500 million women worldwide impacted by VVC, including both initial and recurrent cases, the need for innovative solutions has never been more pressing.

The Antifungal Market: Gaps and Opportunities

Despite the clear need, the current antifungal market faces significant challenges.

The limited number of available drug classes – only three primary classes – restricts treatment options and increases the risk of drug resistance.

This situation is exacerbated by rising resistance rates among common fungal genera like Candida and Aspergillus, coupled with a lack of new antifungal classes in development.

The complexity of diagnosing fungal infections often leads to treatment delays, contributing to inappropriate drug use and further increasing the risk of resistance.

Moreover, the emergence of drug-resistant fungal species from environmental sources poses additional challenges within clinical settings, underscoring the urgent need for innovative approaches in antifungal therapy development and resistance management.

Advancements in Antifungal Treatments

Amidst these challenges, recent research has highlighted significant advancements in antifungal treatments specifically addressing women’s health concerns.

The development of oral oteseconazole, for instance, has shown promising efficacy in clinical trials for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, indicating a potential shift towards more effective management strategies.

Innovative approaches combining antifungal treatments with probiotics aim to restore the natural flora of the vaginal microbiome, offering a holistic solution to improve outcomes for women experiencing recurrent infections.

Furthermore, research into new antifungal targets specific to fungal pathogens affecting women has surged, potentially leading to the development of therapies with fewer side effects and improved efficacy against resistant strains.

Zero Candida: Pioneering Innovation in Women’s Health

The femtech market, projected to reach nearly $117.37 billion by 2029, represents a golden opportunity for innovative solutions in women’s healthcare.

At the forefront of antifungal innovation is Zero Candida Technologies (TSXV:ZCT), a company poised to transform the landscape of women’s health.

Zero Candida is pioneering a SMART diagnostic and therapeutic device designed to provide a chemical-free treatment for candidiasis, aiming to reduce side effects commonly associated with traditional antifungal treatment.

Zero Candida’s groundbreaking approach to treating fungal infections is centred on its innovative device that treats infections without side effects.

This aligns perfectly with the growing demand for non-chemical treatments to women’s health issues, addressing a critical gap in the current market.

The company’s innovative use of AI and blue light technology shines a new light on women’s health.

In a pre-clinical study, Zero Candida reported an impressive 99.99 percent success rate in treating Candida infections, a significant breakthrough considering that these infections affect 75 percent of women worldwide at some point in their lives

Market Potential and Investor Interest

The market for women’s health and antifungal therapeutics is on a trajectory of significant growth.

As of 2023, the global antifungal drugs market was valued at approximately US$15.8 billion, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8 percent from 2024 to 2030. Concurrently, the global women’s health therapeutics market is expected to expand to US$61.6 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.05 percent from 2024 to 2032.

This growth is driven by increasing awareness of women’s health issues, particularly in areas such as reproductive health and menopause-related therapies.

The untapped potential in this sector is attracting significant investor interest, with women’s health companies reportedly drawing 25 percent of the overall funding market in recent years.

Zero Candida’s position at the intersection of antifungal innovation and women’s health places it squarely in one of the most dynamic and promising areas of healthcare investment.

By addressing the unmet needs in women’s health with cutting-edge technology and a focus on non-chemical treatments, Zero Candida is not just participating in the market – it’s helping to shape its future.

Investor Takeaway

As investor interest grows and market projections continue to climb, the stage is set for a new era in women’s health.

The potential impact extends far beyond the bottom line, promising improved quality of life for women globally, and a significant reduction in the economic and social burdens associated with these prevalent conditions.

It’s clear that the transformative impact of antifungal innovation on women’s health is not just a possibility – it’s an unfolding reality with profound implications for healthcare, investment and most importantly, the well-being of women around the world.