Ireland is on the path to transforming itself into a hub for AI female technology (FemTech), building upon a sophisticated local tech network of FemTech startups to radically advance healthcare delivery for women.
Ireland could become the European launchpad for FemTech startups that want tap into its powerful life-sciences cluster and new state-backed funding to close lingering gaps in women’s healthcare, while capitalizing on a global market with a value of $60 billion.
Nineteen of the world’s top 20 life-sciences companies have operations in Ireland, employing over 100,000 people, while global FemTech investment surged 55% to $2.6 billion last year.
Irish policymakers see women’s health technology particularly AI-enabled diagnostics, remote monitoring tools, and data-driven platforms as a natural extension of the country’s established pharmaceutical and medtech strengths, creating opportunities for Femtech startups.
It’s Not Just about Ambition. It’s about Women.
According to an EY Ireland insight report, healthcare systems determine who is visible, who receives treatment, and how care is delivered.
“While 19 of the top 20 Lifesciences companies have a base in Ireland, employing over 100,000 people, the Irish Government is working on the country’s first Lifesciences Strategy,” said Ronan Glynn, business consulting partner at EY Ireland.
The goal is to safeguard competitiveness through “a coherent and ambitious approach to future opportunities,” Glynn added.
One such opportunity is FemTech apps technology addressing women-specific health needs from fertility and menopause to maternal care and chronic conditions such as endometriosis. For decades, these areas have faced research gaps and limited funding.
Officials argue digital tools, especially AI, can correct these imbalances by identifying overlooked symptom patterns, improving early diagnosis, and enabling more personalized care pathways. This opens doors for top Femtech companies such as SteadySense GmbH ,Bonzun , and Hera Med Ltd, and best Femtech companies to develop innovative solutions.
Ireland’s Department of Health (DoH) says sustainability of FemTech startups is now embedded in national policy.
Policy commitments are being matched with financial backing, the Women’s Health Action Plan Phase 2 explores the Femtech market, and $2.36 million(€2 million) in dedicated research funding was launched in 2025, marking “the first time Irish research funding has been dedicated specifically to women’s health,” the DoH said.
The programme, run by the Health Research Board through 2026–2027, will create a pipeline for research-backed innovation.
Meanwhile, the $590 million (€500 million) Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund supports broader healthcare innovation, including projects from companies that can develop AI Femtech apps and some of the biggest Femtech companies.
Turning Ireland to a Global Vibrant Innovation Cluster
Ireland’s push aligns with strong global momentum. The FemTech market reached $60.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed $103 billion by 2030. More than 1,200 Femtech companies worldwide support over 500 million women through apps, diagnostics, wearables, and telehealth platforms.
Adoption is rising about 68% of women aged 18–45 globally seek digital tools for reproductive or menopause care, and over 55% of new FemTech products launched in 2025 incorporate AI diagnostics or predictive analytics. Software accounts for roughly 45% of solutions, reflecting a shift toward scalable, data-driven, remote care.
Femtech companies still attract less than 2% of total health-tech venture funding, with 42% of users citing data-privacy concerns and 33% noting regulatory uncertainty. Fragmentation and limited clinical validation continue to slow institutional adoption.
For Ireland, overcoming these hurdles will be key.
Policymakers argue that with regulatory clarity, interoperable health-data systems, and sustained public-private investment, the country can turn women’s health innovation into both a competitive advantage and a meaningful contribution to a more inclusive global healthcare system, ensuring Femtech startups continue to thrive.
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