- Applications are open until 6 February 2025
- 8-week programme helps femtech startups validate, scale & achieve market fit
Women’s health is finally gaining much-needed focus, with the femtech industry emerging as a pivotal driver of innovation. Globally, the sector is expanding rapidly, addressing long-standing care gaps and breaking down stigmas surrounding women’s health. Deloitte projects femtech will exceed US$100 billion (RM450 billion) in market value by 2032, while McKinsey estimates the broader women’s health market will reach US$1 trillion (RM4.5 trillion) annually by 2040.
In Southeast Asia, although the femtech ecosystem is in its early stages, its potential is undeniable. Recognising the need to foster growth in this space, Malaysia’s leading venture capital firm, 1337 Ventures, has launched Alpha Startups™ Inno4Her, a specialised edition of its flagship accelerator programme focused on women’s health innovation. The eight-week programme provides femtech startups with a platform to validate ideas, achieve product-market fit, and scale their businesses.
Open to startups at any stage, Alpha Startups™ Inno4Her welcomes founders of all genders developing solutions in areas such as:
- Personalised Healthcare (AI, Data Analytics, Telehealth)
- Menopause & Aging Health
- Menstrual Health
- Advanced Maternal Care
- Fertility & Reproductive Health
- Wearables for Women’s Health
“Femtech is still nascent in Southeast Asia, but we see its immense potential to transform women’s healthcare,” said 
, Bikesh Lakhmichand (pic), CEO and founding partner of 1337 Ventures. “With Alpha Startups™ Inno4Her, we’re not just investing in startups; we’re investing in the future of women’s wellbeing in the region. We’re excited to support these innovators as they drive change and create lasting impact.”
The programme offers mentoring by industry experts, including Doc On Call, BabyDash, Concept Fertility Centre, and Christina Teo, founder of She1K. These mentors will provide insights across maternal care, fertility, and personalised healthcare, equipping startups with tools to navigate the industry’s unique challenges. Startups will also learn to validate their ideas, develop minimum viable products, build revenue-generating business models, and prepare for fundraising.
Networking opportunities with other startups and health-focused corporates will further foster a collaborative ecosystem, crucial for advancing women’s health solutions. The programme concludes with a demo day, where startups will pitch their innovations to investors and industry leaders for potential funding.
Applications are open until 6 February 2025, with the cohort starting later that month. Building on the success of Alpha Startups™ for Women, which targeted women-led startups, Inno4Her broadens the scope of innovation in women’s health. Aspiring femtech entrepreneurs can apply at https://bit.ly/inno4her.
In conjunction with the accelerator, 1337 Ventures is hosting a webinar series showcasing female-led innovations in tech, health, and wellness. Femtech founders will share inspiring stories, addressing challenges and empowering women. Topics include navigating the women’s health scene with Christina Teo, menstrual health and social impact with Anja Juliah Abu Bakar, women’s health across life stages by Sherry Sheriff (14 January), motherhood insights by Lavinie Thiruchelvam (17 January), and aging gracefully with Oretha Herrera (23 January). RSVP now at https://bit.ly/inno4herwebinars.
Alpha Startups™ Inno4Her is supported by community partners WORQ and Disruptive Doctors.
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