A joint program between EPFL Innovation Park and Groupe Mutuel
Call for Application 2022 Opening soon!
Next Roadshow November 17th
Program Duration 9 months
December 5, 2024

Advancing Women's Health and Autoimmune Diagnostics Through Core Body Temperature

Today's spotlight is on VivoSensMedical, which is dedicated to advancing diagnostics using core body temperature as a biomarker, focusing on women's health and autoimmune diseases.

Their flagship product, OvulaRing, launched in 2012, is a medical-grade cycle tracker designed for women trying to conceive, seeking natural contraception, or aiming to understand their cycle health. Utilizing a patented vaginal temperature sensor, OvulaRing continuously measures core body temperature, providing accurate ovulation predictions. Its user-friendly app delivers personalized insights, making it especially valuable for women with irregular cycles or hormonal disorders. Clinically tested and award-winning, OvulaRing offers a safe, hormone-free alternative for family planning.

Founders’ Vision: Innovating Women’s Health Diagnostics

Sebastian Alexander, Co-Founder of VivoSensMedical GmbH, has a background in cultural and political studies and lectures on economics and regulatory affairs. In 2011, he partnered with his father-in-law, Professor Henry Alexander, to establish VivoSensMedical in Leipzig, Germany.

Their shared vision was to address a critical gap in women’s healthcare: the lack of attention to individual cycle biology in gynecology and reproductive medicine. Standard practices often assume a 28-day cycle with ovulation occurring on specific days, which does not reflect the diversity of women’s experiences. Recognizing this, the duo founded VivoSensMedical as a spin-off from the University of Leipzig to redefine gynecology with innovative diagnostics tailored to women’s unique needs.

Their flagship product, OvulaRing, was born from this mission. By providing women with precise, personalized insights into their cycles, they aimed to empower self-determined decision-making for family planning, hormone-free contraception, and better reproductive health management.

How OvulaRing Works and Its Target Markets

OvulaRing is a patented biosensor that measures core body temperature vaginally to deliver highly accurate fertile window predictions. It tracks and evaluates the individual cycle in detail, offering insights into how lifestyle factors — such as stress, sleep, and alcohol — affect cycle health.

The product serves women trying to conceive, those with cycle disorders, and individuals seeking hormone-free contraception. In addition to fertility insights, it provides data for Cyclofertilography, which gives personalized medical information for patients and their gynecologists. This approach has demonstrated a significantly higher probability of pregnancy within six months, at a fraction of the cost of traditional IVF treatments.

VivoSensMedical currently operates in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with plans to expand to Italy, France, and Spain within the next two years.

Overcoming Industry Challenges

The Femtech industry faces challenges such as skepticism toward new health technologies and limited data availability. VivoSensMedical has addressed these issues by prioritizing transparency, education, and a regulatory-by-design strategy to ensure compliance from the outset.

To enhance user experience, the team conducted extensive testing to refine their product. By leveraging patented technology and robust scientific backing, they have successfully differentiated themselves in a competitive market.

Major Achievements

- Over 8,000 women currently use OvulaRing.

- OvulaRing is recommended by a network of gynecologists, reproductive medicine specialists, and midwives.

- VivoSensMedical holds the largest database of continuously measured cycles, with more than 45,000 cycles recorded.

- OvulaRing is the only clinically tested cycle-tracking tool that is reimbursed by health insurance providers.

Future Trends in the Reproductive Health Industry

The team sees two major trends shaping the future:

1. Personalized medicine, where solutions are tailored to the unique biology of individuals.

2. Self-tracking, as users demand greater control and insight into their health.

With a projected market potential of €8 billion in Europe, the demand for innovative reproductive health solutions is rapidly increasing. VivoSensMedical, armed with international patents and cutting-edge technology, is well-positioned to lead this evolution.

In conversation with the Co-Founder Sebastian Alexander

Advice for aspiring innovators

Femtech is a long-run story. We are still at the beginning when it comes to significant impact in women’s health and Femtech. So, anyone who wants to start a business in this sector should expect to be part of the Femtech world for a long time.

The role of Tech4Eva

“Being part of the Tech4Eva Accelerator as the only German Femtech company this year has been incredibly valuable. The connections we have made, and the inspiring support are helping us drive growth and further develop our vision.”

Website: www.vivosensmedical.com  www.ovularing.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ovularing/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/vivosensmedical-gmbh/

Instagram: @ovularing_

Facebook: @OvulaRing

Trustpilot: @OvulaRing

E-mail: info@vivosensmedical.com, info@ovularing.com