CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Venova Technologies, a women-led startup developing a hormone-free, copper-free contraceptive device, has been awarded a $2.23 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The grant will support the preclinical development of Venova’s cervical barrier device and move it closer to first-in-human clinical trials.
The SBIR program is a competitive federal initiative aimed at driving commercialization of innovative technologies by small U.S. businesses. With this latest funding, Venova’s total capital raised now exceeds $5 million.
Venova’s device is designed to offer a long-acting birth control option without the side effects commonly associated with hormonal methods or the discomfort of intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. A recent UCLA survey found that 73% of women are seeking birth control that is both highly effective and low in side effects—needs that current products often fail to meet. A 2023 study also found that half of women discontinue or change their contraception due to adverse effects.
“This award is a pivotal milestone that brings us one step closer to offering a new birth control option for women that is designed to be side-effect-free and addresses concerns of pain from IUD insertion,” said Emily Man, Co-Founder and CEO of Venova. “Validation from the scientific community highlights the growing momentum and critical need for innovation in women’s health.”
Dr. Katharine White, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Chief Medical Advisor at Venova, emphasized the broader impact of the device. “It’s more important than ever to provide a wide range of choices for contraception that can meet the needs of more patients,” she said. “Offering more affordable options that address a variety of preferences will enable more women to achieve the family size that they truly desire.”
The grant represents a major step in bringing new, user-friendly contraceptive solutions to a market long underserved by innovation.
