Health tech founders win at UK Women in Innovation Awards

A tampon that prevents bacterial infections, an AI-powered audio device for visually impaired people, and an app for gynaecological conditions, are among health tech solutions to win funding through the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards.

The competition, which launched in May 2024, awarded £3.75 million in government funding to 50 women entrepreneurs solving “a range of pressing societal, environmental and economic challenges” through innovation.

Dr Stella Peace, interim executive chair of Innovate UK, said: “The Women in Innovation programme is a powerful catalyst for change, not just for the brilliant women entrepreneurs it supports, but for the entire UK innovation landscape.

“By breaking down barriers and amplifying diverse voices, Innovate UK are fostering a more inclusive and dynamic ecosystem that drives progress across all sectors.

“This programme is about more than funding – it’s about creating role models, building networks, and inspiring the next generation of women innovators to dream big and transform our world.”

Innovate UK, which is part of UK Research and Innovation, said there were 1,452 applications from women business leaders, 52% up on 2024.

Commenting on the winners, Feryal Clark, minister for AI, said: “From low-cost cancer treatments that could save lives through earlier diagnoses, to AI supporting our police to secure victims justice, this year’s Women in Innovation Awards winners are driving forward an exciting range of projects that could improve so many aspects of our lives.”

The awards faced controversy in September 2024 when Innovate UK announced that it would only award 25 of the promised grants, worth £75,000 each. However it reversed its decision following a social media campaign by female founders.

Health tech winners in the 2025 awards included:

• Emma Yates, Proteotype Diagnostics: Transforming early-stage cancer detection with the Enlighten test, which uses the patient’s immune response to enable earlier diagnoses.
• Divya Varma, BirthGlide: Developing medical devices to improve childbirth safety. In the UK, 30% of new mothers require an assisted vaginal birth via forceps or ventouse. BirthGlide’s device aims to reduce these emergencies, lowering hospital costs, preventing trauma, and saving lives.
• Daniela Mercado Beivide, Holly Health: A mindfulness-based platform addressing the psychological factors behind eating behaviours, which already supports more than 30,000 users across over 200 NHS GP practices, with 86% adopting healthier habits within eight weeks.
• Binhui Shao, Easy Digital: An AI-powered audio device that provides internet access without needing sight or advanced skills.
• Bridgeen Callan, KLAS Therapeutics: A non-invasive treatment for aggressive skin cancer using photodynamic therapy for metastatic melanoma.
• Georgia Fleet, Zonova: Tackling the global antimicrobial resistance crisis by adding antimicrobial properties to medical devices like catheters and sutures to prevent infections, reducing the need for antibiotics and improving patient outcomes.
• Layla Hosseini-Gerami, cofounder of Ignota Labs: An AI drug discovery platform which rescues failed drugs by identifying the precise biological and chemical flaws and offering alternative therapeutic uses.
• Yun Bing, cofounder of Beautiful Voice: Transforming speech therapy with AI and gamification. The platform guides patients through evidence-based exercises while helping healthcare professionals make data-driven decisions.
• Dupe Burgess from London, Bloomful: An app offering personalised support for gynaecological conditions. Early feasibility studies have shown improved outcomes, and the technology is undergoing trials in GP surgeries across the UK.
• Lucy Hope, The Daughters of Mars: A tampon that releases biomimetic proteins during menstruation to fight harmful bacteria and restore a healthy vaginal balance, preventing bacterial vaginosis.
• Lisa Merryweather-Millard, cofounder of lumin&us: Enriches children’s mental health with digital tools, using neuroscience and play therapies to support families, improving mental wellbeing and relationships.
• Emma Williamson, aneemo: A platform which trains health and social care staff to support people with brain injuries and complex needs.
• Nicola Cassidy, Adjutant Software (PTSD Hub): An AI-enabled platform providing immediate coping strategies and peer support to bridge the gap while awaiting professional care.
• Katie Michaels, Moti Me: Interactive products ensure to children consistently practice their physiotherapy exercises at home.
• Sarah Knight, The Allergy Team: An AI-powered platform which streamlines allergy management, from staff training to policy documents, reducing anxiety for parents and teachers.
• Tallie Bush, Circadacare: Transforming elderly care with Heleos, a plug-and-play device which uses circadian lighting to improve sleep and AI-driven monitoring to provide actionable insights to caregivers.
• Samantha Jackman, Boost Innovations Ltd: Revolutionising the design of external breast forms for women post-after mastectomy.
• Yola Jones, cofounder of Seluna: A combination of a wearable medical device and machine-learning software to diagnose paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea from home.

You can see the full list of winners here.