September 2024 - Sustainable Femtech Network Newsletter
Ovul launches reusable fertility tracker | Plant-based diagnostic tests | EU sustainability regulation
This is a big ol' edition so make yourself a cuppa and settle in for all the latest on sustainability, Femtech and women's health.
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News
⏰ Femtech startup Ovul have launched their AI-enabled, saliva-based fertility tracking device, an alternative to single-use ovulation tests.
🔴 Adaye launches with organic, sustainable menstrual solutions to empower women in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region.
🌞 Sunny have launched a public crowdfunding campaign following recent FDA clearance of their menstrual cup and applicator.
💚 Vyld have opened an online shop offering an easy way to purchase their innovative Kelpons (tampons made from Kelp fibres), the first tampons to “actively contribute to saving the oceans”.
👙 Mamamoon Health partners with adjustable maternity bra designers Feelou to reduce textile waste.
🪸Coralcone, a menstrual cup made in NZ with a focus on ethical and sustainable practices have won gold in Australia’s 2024 Clean + Conscious Awards.
🇪🇺 In Europe, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) has been approved, to ensure products last longer, are easier to repair and recycle, contain fewer problematic chemicals and more recycled materials, and are more energy and resource-efficient. ESPR will be implemented gradually from 2025 onwards.
🦠 Plant-based, biodegradable diagnostic tests offer a sustainable solution to plastic pollution.
🇸🇪 Scientists in Sweden have developed a chemical recycling technology for medical plastics.
🇮🇳 India’s newly proposed BioE3 policy aims to boost sustainable biomanufacturing hubs and biofoundries, positioning India as a frontrunner in the green bioeconomy.
✅ 55% of British consumers believe the tech sector is not doing enough to minimise its environmental impact, according to YouGov survey.
📈 Europe's leading climate tech hub, Sustainable Ventures, invests 12 times more in female-founded startups than the industry average.
💸 Arāya Super Angel Fund (Arāya Ventures) closes first round with $10.6 million to support pre-seed and seed stage founders across sectors including healthtech and climate.
Climate x Health Research
📚 A new study has revealed that exposure to chemicals in common household plastics increases human health risks across the lifecycle, impacting maternal, reproductive and hormonal health.
📚 In Australia, the senate has launched an inquiry into "forever chemicals" (PFAS) over health & environmental concerns.
📚 The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS England have opened a "call for evidence" from across the health sector for a report to evidence climate impacts affecting the health service and population health, and outline actions being taken to build resilience.
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Future Focus
From improved recycling to outright bans, governments around the world are rethinking approaches to single-use consumer products. With healthtech and medical devices, challenges around health and safety, infection control and body safe materials make this this a tougher nut to crack. But could new advances in technology lead to a shift away from single use?
🇫🇷 A group of researchers in France have outlined a roadmap for an experiment to evaluate the safety and viability of medical device reprocessing.
🩺 Five UK NHS trusts have formed the Circular Economy Healthcare Alliance to promote sustainability in healthcare, reduce single-use items and adopt reusable alternatives where safe.
🇩🇰 A recent Danish study has demonstrated that single use medical plastics can now be recycled
🕺 Mid-newsletter dance break! 🕺
Phew!
On with the news!
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Events
ONLINE | A Greener Pharmaceutical Supply Chain for the People and Planet | Wednesday, 18th September 2024
LEEDS, UK | Greener Healthcare and Sustainability Conference 2024 | Friday, 27th September 2024
ONLINE | European Healthcare Climate Summit | Thursday, 10th October 2024
ONLINE | SexTech for Good Festival | 18th -19th October 2024
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Resources
💬 INTERVIEW – Interview with Dr. Sara Khalid about AI for public and planetary health.
📖 READ – Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists on why sustainability in maternity care matters.
🗺️ GUIDE - Healthcare Without Harm’s communications guide for healthcare professionals: 'Debunking climate myths and empowering climate action'.
👓 WATCH - WHO consultation with health community on COP29 Special Report on Climate Change and Health.
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Funding
💰London Health Accelerator for Social Enterprise. Apply for £5k grant plus mentoring by October 7th.
💻 Decarbonising the Helath and Social Care System: NIHR will launch a cross-programme funding opportunity in November - find out more and register your interest. (Want to collaborate? Drop us an email)
⚕️The Medical Research Foundation is offering up to £300k for mid-career researchers in sub-Saharan Africa and the UK studying the impact of climate change on health. Apply by 25th of September.
🤩 Want to explore alternative funding routes for your impact-led business? If you applied to Innovate UK's Women in Innovation competition and were unsuccessful, Considered Capital is offering subsidised places for their Alt Funding School.
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Jobs
Sexual wellness B-Corp Good Clean Love - Social Media and Community Management Lead
Menstrual health B-Corp Here We Flo - National Account Manager and National Account Executive
Centre for Climate and Health Security - Climate and Health Assessment Team Lead
Advisory Groups - WHO are looking for people with scientific, technical and strategic expertise to join their advisory groups and provide guidance on key health issues.
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That’s all for this edition. See you next month!
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