Women’s health has long been underfunded and overlooked, but a new wave of startups is working to change that—especially in Australia. From AI-powered maternal care to drug therapies for chronic conditions, these companies are not just advancing science—they’re improving lives. Here’s a look at five standout Australian startups making waves in women’s health and medical technology.
Baymatob
Founded in 2017 and based in Leichhardt, Baymatob is at the forefront of AI-based health solutions, specifically designed for pregnant women. The company has developed advanced software that supports healthcare professionals in monitoring maternal health during labor and predicting risks such as postpartum hemorrhage. This technology is not only streamlining labor management but also enabling early intervention when complications arise.
Baymatob has already raised over $3 million in funding, with support from investors like Australian Unity and NSW Health. Its most recent achievement was securing a grant in early 2024, reflecting the growing recognition of its impact in the medtech field. As the demand for smarter, data-driven maternal care grows, Baymatob’s work is setting a new standard for patient safety and precision in obstetrics.
Ovira
Ovira, headquartered in Bentleigh and founded in 2010, is transforming the way women manage menstrual pain. Its flagship product is a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) device designed specifically for period pain. The small, wearable device sends gentle electrical pulses to block pain signals from reaching the brain, providing drug-free relief in minutes.
With $1.5 million in seed funding from Startmate, Blackbird Ventures, and others, Ovira has built a loyal customer base and a strong brand presence. Unlike conventional painkillers, the Ovira device offers an empowering alternative that’s portable, discreet, and fast-acting. It’s a game changer for women who are tired of putting their lives on pause every month.
VitalTrace
Based in Perth and founded in 2016, VitalTrace is developing next-generation fetal monitoring solutions. The company’s biosensor device is designed to provide real-time data during labor, helping doctors make faster, more informed decisions and improving health outcomes for both mothers and babies.
Backed by FundWA and Artesian, VitalTrace is currently in the seed stage but already making significant strides in medtech innovation. Their mission is to eliminate the guesswork from labor and delivery with more accurate, continuous monitoring. With maternal health becoming a global priority, VitalTrace is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of childbirth.
Prescient Therapeutics
Prescient Therapeutics, located in South Melbourne and founded in 1986, is a public clinical-stage biotech company developing cutting-edge cancer therapies. Its drug portfolio includes PTX-200 and PTX-100, two small-molecule inhibitors targeting the Akt and Ras pathways respectively. These are in various stages of clinical trials for the treatment of breast, ovarian, and other solid tumors.
With over $3 million in total funding and a post-IPO raise of $5.06 million in 2020, Prescient is gaining traction for its precision oncology platform. The company’s work is especially relevant for women’s health, as it offers promising new avenues for treating cancers that are often resistant to standard therapies. By personalizing treatment strategies, Prescient is working to improve survival rates and quality of life for women battling cancer.
Alyra Biotech
Alyra Biotech, based in Adelaide and founded in 2017, is innovating in the realm of chronic pain relief for women. Using immune activation technology focused on the pelvic region, Alyra’s therapies aim to address pain caused by conditions like endometriosis, painful bladder syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome. Their current clinical candidate targets dysmenorrhea, using an intrauterine immune modulator to reduce pain levels significantly.
The company has received funding from Springboard Enterprises and is advancing through clinical trials. Alyra’s approach stands out because it tackles the immune root of pain rather than just masking symptoms. In a space where effective, long-term treatments are rare, Alyra offers a beacon of hope for women suffering from debilitating pelvic disorders.
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