Lyon’s Leading the Charge in Women’s Health Innovation
Lyon, France, is emerging as a significant hub for femtech innovation, with several startups dedicated to improving women’s health. These companies are focusing on areas like post-breast cancer care, menopause support, and pelvic health, backed by the collective efforts of Femtech France.
Addressing Post-Breast Cancer Needs with Bioprosthetics
Healshape, a Lyon-based startup founded by Sophie Brac de la Perrière, is developing a 100% natural and absorbable bioprosthesis for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. This innovative approach utilizes 3D printing with biological ink, allowing the prosthesis to dissolve over time as the body’s natural tissues complete the reconstruction process. Healshape is preparing for clinical trials at the finish of 2026 and is seeking to raise nine million euros to fund this next phase.
Innovations for Pre- and Post-Menopause
Recognizing the growing awareness of menopause as a significant health issue – highlighted by a parliamentary report in April 2025 that proposed 25 recommendations for improved support – several Lyon-based companies are developing solutions to address the challenges women face during this life stage.
Photobiomodulation for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
Gynomed innovations, founded in October 2025 by obstetrician-gynecologist Etienne Beaufils and entrepreneur Olivier Beaufils, is creating a vulvovaginal photobiomodulation device to treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). GSM manifests as vaginal dryness, irritation, pain during intercourse, and increased urinary infections. The device, which combines red and near-infrared LED technology, aims to rehydrate the vaginal mucosa and can be used at home via a smartphone application. Gynomed innovations has filed a patent application for the technology, with initial feedback indicating the inventiveness of five out of ten claims.
Natural Supplements for Menopausal Support
Üma Laboratories, established in Lyon in 2022, focuses on developing natural, hormone-free food supplements to support women through menopause and beyond. Their offerings include specialized “cures” targeting specific needs, utilizing phytotherapy and nutricosmetics.
Relieving Female Pain with Perineal Cryotherapy
Maholi, founded by Adèle Bouscasse in July 2023 and based in Tassin-la-Demi-Lune, has developed a cryotherapy kit to alleviate perineal pain associated with conditions like endometriosis, menstrual pain, and postpartum recovery. The kit, manufactured in Burgundy, includes a cold pack and is currently distributed through a network of approximately thirty resellers and an online store. Maholi’s basic product, the gel filling for the cold pack, has received CE marking, and the company plans to expand distribution to sixty pharmacies in the Lyon region in 2026.
Femtech France: A Catalyst for Innovation
These four startups – Healshape, Maholi, Laboratoires Üma, and Gynomed innovations – are all members of Femtech France, an association founded in 2022 by Delphine Moulu, Christel Bony, and Juliette Mauro. Delphine Moulu is the cofounder and CEO of Femtech France, and too co-created STATION F’s Femtech program. The collective currently represents over 80 French companies dedicated to advancing innovation in women’s health.