Inside Inoya: Patented Menstrual Cup Design, Social Impact and the Future of Period Care

What happens when a registered nurse and public health practitioner discovers that the menstrual products she relies on are filled with undisclosed chemicals—and decides to redesign period care from the ground up?

Today at FemTech at Work, we have Helena U, founder of Inoya, to unpack her unexpected journey from clinical practice and public health into the world of femtech and sustainable period care.

If you care about women’s health, ethical products, sustainable periods, or you’re a clinician or founder sitting on a big idea, this episode will challenge how you think about “normal” period care and what it takes to build a company that truly aligns with your values.

Key Takeaways:

• Find out how a research session on hidden chemicals in pads pushed Helena from frustrated consumer to Femtech founder
• Learn what really goes into many conventional menstrual products and why ingredient transparency and regulation are still so “loose” in Australia
• Discover why Helena abandoned the idea of single-use organic pads and pivoted to reusable products after listening closely to early customer feedback
• Learn how being a nurse and public health practitioner influences Helena’s refusal to use fear-based marketing, even when agencies push for it
• Find out what makes the Inoya Cup’s patented bell shape and handle a more beginner-friendly and how small design changes reduce bladder pressure and discomfort
• Discover how Helena navigates tough trade-offs between safety, sustainability, and profitability without compromising her mission or her customers’ health
• Understand why accelerator programs like UQ Ventures were a turning point for Helena’s confidence, funding, and community as a solo founder
• Learn what policy changes like mandatory ingredient disclosure and stronger safety standards, Helena believes would radically improve menstrual health outcomes
• Discover Helena’s advice for clinicians and aspiring women’s health founders who are afraid to start, and why feeling uncomfortable may be a sign you’re growing

Resources:

Helena U: LinkedIn

Inoya: LinkedIn

Inoya: https://myinoya.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myinoya/

Maaike Steinebach LinkedIn

Website Femtech Future: https://www.femtechfuture.com

Instagram Femtech Future: @femtech_future

Ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about your period products? Hit play and step into Helena’s world, where science, empathy and design collide to create safer, gentler and more sustainable menstrual care.

If this story moved you, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, hit like, leave a review so more listeners can discover these voices, and join us again next week for another powerful conversation on FemTech at Work.