Blind spots in women health are key market opportunitiesBlind spots in women health are key market opportunities

We’re in a defining moment for healthcare, and women’s health is finally moving to the center of the conversation. After years of being underfunded and underserved, we’re seeing real momentum: groundbreaking technologies, smarter business models, and a generation of innovators reimagining what’s possible.

This isn’t just about fixing gaps. It’s about building something better for everyone.

Where technology meets possibility

The most exciting thing happening in women’s health right now? We’re moving from reactive care to proactive, personalized care. AI-powered diagnostics, real-time monitoring, and precision medicine are already transforming the way we detect and treat conditions.

Wearables are giving women more control over their health — from fertility to heart rate to hormone fluctuations. AI is helping clinicians spot risks earlier, reduce administrative load, and focus more on human care. These tools aren’t just flashy, they’re saving lives and reshaping the entire care experience.

But there are still blind spots. Conditions like endometriosis, menopause, and autoimmune diseases continue to go underdiagnosed and misunderstood. These aren’t niche issues - they impact millions. Bridging these gaps isn’t just a clinical need, it’s a market opportunity.

Related:Longevity cities: designing urban ecosystems for healthier lifespans

Investment is shifting, but we need more of it

Here’s a stat that really sticks with me: only about 5% of all medical research funding goes toward women’s health (Nature Reviews Bioengineering, 2024). That number tells a story, and it’s one we have the power to rewrite.

The good news? Investors are starting to see the potential in this space. FemTech is gaining momentum. Companies focused on reproductive health, mental wellness, and chronic disease management for women are getting more attention and more funding.

Still, we’re just scratching the surface. We need sustained investment in both innovation and foundational research. And we need to support startups and founders building solutions for real-world challenges, especially those in underserved communities. Innovation becomes powerful when it’s accessible.

From breakthroughs to business models

There are so many promising solutions out there. The challenge (and the opportunity) is figuring out how to scale them.

We’ve seen how virtual care, remote monitoring, and AI-driven platforms can deliver real value, especially when they’re designed with empathy in mind. The companies that are thriving are the ones that understand the full picture: care delivery, reimbursement, patient trust, and system sustainability.

Related:Creating sustainable value through people-centred vaccination systems

This is where we can rethink the business models themselves: not just treating illness, but promoting wellness. That means designing around the patient experience, meeting patients where they are (literally and digitally), and making care more affordable, efficient, and empowering.

Elevating leadership together

Women make up the majority of the healthcare workforce, and their impact is already clear. What’s needed now is continued support to grow that influence at every level.

Leadership isn’t about replacing anyone; it’s about broadening the table. It’s about recognizing that empathy, collaboration, and a focus on holistic well-being are strengths we need more of in healthcare. When we support women in leadership, through mentorship, flexible work policies, pay equity, and intentional development, we elevate outcomes for everyone.

And let’s be real: building a culture where people of all genders can lead, care, and thrive is good business. Period.

The role of AI, data, and the future of care

AI is going to play a huge role in the future of healthcare. From early disease detection to predictive analytics, it’s already helping providers intervene sooner and deliver more personalized care. But here’s the catch: AI is only as good as the data behind it in conjunction with human oversight and review. If we want these tools to serve women effectively, the data needs to reflect our lived experiences across age, background, and identity.

Related:Overcome procurement challenges in the US as a foreign medical device manufacturer

I’m especially hopeful about the way technology is expanding access. Virtual care platforms, mobile diagnostics, and continuous monitoring are breaking down geographic and economic barriers. That’s a future worth building.

A shared vision

Empowering women’s health isn’t a niche cause, it’s a shared mission. When we invest in the health of women, we strengthen families, communities, and economies. We reduce system costs, improve outcomes, and unlock innovation that benefits everyone.

This moment calls for more than technology. It calls for partnership on a global scale, across industries, sectors, and genders. It’s about bold ideas, sustainable business models, and leadership that reflects the world we want to live in.

Let’s build a future where health isn’t reactive, it’s human-centered, data-informed, and deeply equitable. And let’s make sure women are not just part of that future but helping lead the way.

Because when we empower women’s health, we all rise.