Women in Innovation Success Stories: Louise Ben-Nathan, LBN Innovations

Recognising the urgent need for change, Louise embarked on a journey to improve women’s healthcare. After working hard to get her project off the ground, she was delighted to learn that she had been selected for the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards.

“My innovation was just off the page, having completed some early-stage prototyping when I started the programme. I very nearly didn’t apply for the award, as I thought my innovation wasn’t far enough along, but then I realised I had nothing to lose. The rest, as they say, is history,” Louise said.

LBN Innovations is changing the way we approach women’s health. With cervical cancer on the rise, Louise is committed to listening to women’s experiences and finding pioneering solutions to meet their healthcare needs and ultimately save lives. The team is in the process of creating a revolutionary medical device to replace the speculum used in cervical screening.

“Having had a complete career change in my 40s, this award was all about improving my business fluency. Working with my Innovate UK Business Growth advisor has opened access to training and education, which has hugely benefited me and will continue to be instrumental in my company’s success.”

“This award has lit the fuse to propel my business forward at a speed that I could never have matched independently,” Louise explained.

Riding the startup rollercoaster

As with any new enterprise, building a startup isn’t smooth sailing. Louise is candid about the challenges she’s faced while building her business:

“I have found there to be a significant amount of support in the business innovation ecosystem, but it can be frustrating at times when my gender is perceived to be the project’s biggest risk. Other people’s perceptions are outside of my control, so the only thing I can do is prove those people wrong.”

“Running a start-up is like a rollercoaster. There are times when you are soaring and times when you are hurtling back down to the ground. It is not an easy journey and definitely not for the faint-hearted, but the rewards from each iteration of our product bringing us one step closer to our goal definitely make it worthwhile,” said Louise.

Project milestones and programme support 

During Louise’s time in the programme, LBN Innovations has grown from strength to strength. While she remains the ambitious and motivated person she was at the beginning of her journey, she has now benefited from the extensive support the programme has to offer.

“My Innovate UK Business Growth advisor has been an invaluable asset over the past year, but the biggest benefit has been the wealth of knowledge and support from my fellow cohort. Thankfully, the relationships formed over the last year will continue for many years to come, making this one of the few awards that keeps on giving.”

Since winning the Women in Innovation Award, Louise has gone on to secure a place on the Innovate UK Accelerating Femtech programme and was subsequently awarded a £100k Biomedical Catalyst feasibility grant.

“Winning the Women in Innovation Award has certainly opened doors, and I hope that my success will help send the ladder back down for others behind me,” Louise said.

Read more success stories from the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards.