Sweat signals for safer births
A Swiss medtech start-up is developing an innovative wearable device that monitors the health of pregnant women by analysing molecular signals in their sweat.
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Pregnancy complications are by no means a marginal issue. According to the World Health Organization, around one in ten births worldwide occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy. However, signs that something may be going wrong during pregnancy are often difficult to recognise. This is precisely where EPFL spin-off MoleSense comes in. The company is developing a wearable device that enables non-invasive continuous monitoring rather than isolated, invasive blood-withdrawal tests.
Sweat reveals the state of health
This wearable device continuously analyses the wearer’s sweat. It measures biochemical markers that can indicate inflammation and hormonal changes. An accompanying analytics system interprets this data, detecting patterns that indicate risks such as infection or premature labour. Monitoring takes place continuously and without any active involvement from the user. The aim is to establish a foundation of information much earlier than is possible with conventional examination methods.
Molecular changes as indicators
MoleSense’s approach reflects a shift towards more personalised and proactive healthcare. Pregnant women with higher risk factors stand to benefit in particular, as molecular changes often occur before symptoms become noticeable. The start-up aims to reach millions of users across Europe and the United States, positioning its technology as a new standard in women’s healthcare—a platform for reproductive health that supports women from menarche to menopause.
At MoleSense, we are building a platform that uncovers the interplay between inflammatory markers and hormonal fluctuations by analyzing sweat. We see ourselves as the Columbuses of our time – exploring the uncharted territories of hormonal variability and bringing invisible signals to light. Our goal is to prevent complications before they arise through early pre-diagnostic insights, and to deliver data-backed, personalized wellness and healthcare recommendations. This is what true proactive healthcare looks like
Ata Golparvar, Chief Scientist of MoleSense, adds: 'Women’s health is not only a women’s issue; it concerns all of us. No one should be surprised to see male founders committed to addressing one of society’s most urgent challenges—one that demands immediate action and collective responsibility,'.
Clinical validation imminent
Founded in August 2025 and located in the Biopôle campus in Lausanne, MoleSense is led by Ata Golparvar and Gian Luca Barbruni, both PhD alumni of EPFL, who specialize in medical devices. In 2025, the up-and-coming company won the Swiss Innovation Challenge, Venture Kick phase 3, receiving support from various organizations, including the Swiss National Science Foundation, Innosuisse and FIT. These funds are intended to accelerate the development of the prototype further and prepare the necessary regulatory steps.
The new wearable is expected to be used for the first time in clinical practice by 2026, supporting high-risk pregnancies in collaboration with Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) as part of the MoleSense device’s clinical trials.