In a groundbreaking move set to transform women’s healthcare in Australia, the new artificial intelligence-powered app Ovum has officially launched on the App Store. Developed to help women better understand and manage their health, the platform promises to address longstanding gender disparities in medical treatment and diagnosis.
More than 50% of Australian women live with a chronic health condition, often waiting years for a proper diagnosis after their concerns are overlooked or dismissed. Ovum aims to change that reality.
The app is powered by the proprietary “Ovum Brain,” a purpose-built AI engine designed to deliver personalised health insights. By logging symptoms and lifestyle changes, users receive tailored guidance based on their health history and personal goals. Ovum also provides comprehensive health summaries and integrates trusted medical content to assist users during doctor visits.
Founder and CEO Dr Ariella Heffernan-Marks says the platform fills a critical gap in the health system. “It takes an average of six to eight years for women to be diagnosed with endometriosis. This is because the medical system often dismisses women,” Dr Heffernan-Marks explained. “Ovum is here to empower women with the tools they need to advocate for their health from day one.”
Ovum was co-developed with venture studio Nakatomi, one of its earliest backers, who also helped validate, design, and launch the platform. Earlier this year, Ovum secured $1.7 million in funding from Nakatomi, Giant Leap, Antler, the Alice Anderson Fund, and Wollemi Capital Group.
Nearly four years in development, Ovum has been shaped by real-world data and extensive testing. It underwent beta testing and two clinical trials—held at The Royal Hospital for Women and St George Hospital—exploring how AI can support preventative health measures and improve women’s healthcare experiences.
“The response has been incredibly positive,” said Dr Heffernan-Marks. “One user told us, ‘This is everything women have needed to track their health, feel empowered, and have ownership of their data.’”
Ovum’s impact is already evident in stories like that of Joyce Jaio. Despite showing clear symptoms of pregnancy, Joyce was misdiagnosed and told she had postpartum depression. “I had symptoms, including what felt like kicking in my stomach,” she said. “Pregnancy tests came back negative, and my doctor didn’t order a blood test. I later found out I was halfway through my pregnancy. That’s when I realised the system was broken.”
The app’s AI draws from female-specific medical literature, identifying patterns and offering timely, actionable reminders to users. Ovum also provides a trusted space for users to explore health topics often overlooked in general practice.
Perimenopause advocate and Ovum Ambassador Grace Lam shared that the app would have made a dramatic difference during her health journey. “My GP didn’t understand perimenopause. I wasn’t sleeping for months, and all I was offered was sleeping pills,” said Ms Lam. “I ended up learning more online than I did from my doctor.”
With a mission to eliminate gender health inequity, Ovum is now available with a free trial via the App Store.
“This is just the beginning,” Dr Heffernan-Marks added. “Our goal is to ensure that every woman, regardless of age, location, or background, has access to personalised insights to make confident decisions about her health.”
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