In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand.
At a glance
Founders: Jennifer Kruger and David Budgett
Business: JUNOFEM
Founded: 2012
HQ: Auckland
Can you tell us a bit about your business?
JUNOFEM is a medtech company, creators of femfit® an innovative technology system, designed to deliver the most trusted solutions for women’s pelvic floor health – worldwide. A clinically proven approach for urinary incontinence, powered by advanced biofeedback and a decade of university led research.
30% of women, of all ages and ethnicities will suffer from incontinence at some stage of their lives.
The femfit® pelvic floor training system combines a state of the art intra-vaginal medical device with a mobile app and strength training programme, plus wrap around support from the JUNOFEM team.
femfit® unique design and proprietary array of pressure sensors, guides the user on correct technique to make pelvic floor training worthwhile. Pelvic floor health is for life. No more hiding when you cough, laugh run or exercise. JUNOFEM and femfit are here to free women from the stigma of pelvic floor disorders.
What’s the backstory for your business idea?
JUNOFEM has grown up from university led research. Jennifer and David led the pelvic floor research group at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute for over a decade, before embarking on translating the research to really make a difference for women, struggling with the effects of pelvic floor dysfunction. Clinical need guided the design and development of femfit® which has undergone many iterations during its lifetime. We have now laid the foundations for a medical device company, have a commercial device, complete with regulatory approvals from New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. We are excited by the opportunity to grow the medical device industry in New Zealand, and provide women with real solutions for symptoms of pelvic floor disorders.
What programmes, learning or mentoring, or resources have been of assistance so far?
- We have had help and assistance from our investors, but in particular New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and Callaghan Innovation, Advanced Market Validation.
- Government grants for the R&D, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
- Helpful conversations with other founders.
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