Women’s health has long been underserved, with many facing barriers to essential gynaecological screenings like those for human papillomavirus (HPV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These barriers include difficulty scheduling clinic visits, fear, embarrassment, and discomfort with traditional testing methods like swabs or speculum exams. Additionally, the vaginal microbiome, a community of microorganisms in the vagina, plays a vital role in health, influencing risks of infections, fertility issues, and even cancers. Yet, accessing comprehensive microbiome testing remains challenging for most women.
Tampon Innovations, trading as Daye, is a female-founded gynaecological health startup, aims to bridge these gaps by making screening more accessible, comfortable, and empowering for women and assigned female at birth (AFAB) individuals. The company’s mission is to overcome historical gender biases in medical research and innovation, ensuring women can take control of their menstrual, sexual, hormonal, and reproductive health. With funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC), Daye has developed an innovative Diagnostic Tampon that allows women to collect samples at home for HPV, STI, and vaginal microbiome testing. This familiar tampon format is non-invasive, easy to use, and designed to collect more comprehensive samples than traditional methods, improving diagnostic accuracy through increased sensitivity and specificity.
The project’s objectives are to validate the Diagnostic Tampon through clinical trials, to set up manufacturing, launch a screening service, and build a data-driven platform to advance women’s health research. By partnering with leading institutions like the University of Edinburgh, the Scottish HPV Reference Laboratory, and Hologic, Daye is conducting trials to confirm the tampon’s effectiveness, safety, and user acceptance. The technology aims to increase screening participation, enable earlier detection of health issues, and reduce the global burden of cervical cancer and STIs. Additionally, Daye is creating a biobank and digital platform to provide personalized health insights and fuel research into the vaginal microbiome’s role in conditions like infertility and cancer. The project aligns with EU priorities, including the EU Cancer Plan, by promoting innovative, accessible health solutions and supporting women’s health equity.
The expected impact is significant: millions of women worldwide could benefit from easier access to screening, leading to earlier interventions and better health outcomes. By removing barriers and enabling female patients to manage their health at home, Daye’s solution has the potential to transform gynaecological care and contribute to healthier communities.
