Nestlé Health Science and the Food and Nutrition Innovation Institute at the Friedman School at Tufts University Announce Finalists for Innovate Forward: Women’s Health Challenge
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (MARCH 5, 2026) – Nestlé Health Science, a global leader in nutritional health and wellness, and the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, through its Food & Nutrition Innovation Institute, today announced the six applicants selected to participate in the final round of the Innovate Forward: Women’s Health Challenge.
The third edition of the Innovation Challenge called on startups to join an open competition focused on accelerating innovative approaches spanning clinical care, nutrition, digital health, and lifestyle interventions in perimenopause and menopause, helping to support quality of life and long-term wellness goals for women in midlife and beyond. Following the most competitive application period in the history of the challenge, submissions advanced through an initial review and presentation process evaluated by experts from both organizations.
Nestlé Health Science and the Food & Nutrition Innovation Institute are pleased to announce the following six finalists:
- Incora Health: Delivering female health intelligence through an earring capturing continuous biometric data.
- Nano In Green: Bringing to life next-generation of highly bioavailable minerals to enhance women’s health.
- Oova: Delivering clinically trusted hormone insights for fertility and perimenopause support.
- Rootless: Supporting women's hormone health through seaweed-powered, nutritional solutions.
- Timeless Biotech: Supporting women’s health with innovative solutions that focus on ovarian longevity and menopause management.
- Turtle Tree: Using precision fermentation to produce animal-free lactoferrin, unlocking sustainable nutrition for women’s health.
As finalists, the companies will participate in an open discussion session with judges from Nestlé Health Science and Tufts University, continuing a collaborative dialogue around their solutions and potential impact. Challenge winners will receive world-class support and resources from experts at Nestlé Health Science and Tufts University and will be announced later in March.
The Innovate Forward: Women’s Health Challenge builds on the shared commitment of Nestlé Health Science and the Food & Nutrition Innovation Institute to address areas of women’s health that have historically been underfunded and underserved. Women spend nearly one-third of their lives post-menopause, underscoring the need for greater innovation, research, and practical solutions to support healthy aging.
To learn more about the Innovate Forward Challenge, including program details and past winners, visit: https://innovateforwardchallenge.com/.
About Nestlé Health Science
Nestlé Health Science, a leader in the science of nutrition, is a globally managed business unit of Nestlé. We are committed to redefining the management of health, offering an extensive portfolio of science-based consumer health, medical nutrition, pharmaceutical therapies, and vitamin and supplement brands. Our extensive research network provides the foundation for products that empower healthier lives through nutrition. Headquartered in Switzerland, we have more than 12,000 employees around the world, with products available in more than 140 countries. For more information, please visit www.nestlehealthscience.com.
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