Peri's CES Innovation Award recognition sparks debate on women’s health technology

Ireland's Peri, an innovative health startup, has gained recognition by being named one of the honorees for the CES Innovation Awards. The event took place this week at the CES trade show in Las Vegas, showcasing a multitude of cutting-edge consumer technology. Peri, designed specifically for tracking perimenopausal symptoms, utilizes AI technology to provide women with objective data regarding their health, lifestyle, and sleep patterns. Designed to be worn discreetly under the breast, it empowers users with actionable insights that can help navigate the often challenging period of perimenopause. The product’s founders, Heidi Davis and Donal O’Gorman, are dedicated to creating health solutions tailored to women's unique experiences, which have historically been overlooked in the tech sector. With the wearable set to be launched in the United States by mid-2025, their mission emphasizes the necessity for technology that genuinely addresses women's health issues. Davis, who received the Enterprise Ireland High-Potential Start-Up Founder of the Year Award in 2024, expressed the importance of understanding and addressing the complexities of perimenopause both from a technological and personal perspective. In 2024, Peri had an impressive year that culminated in their achievements being prominently featured at notable events such as the Web Summit, where they represented Ireland as part of a collective showcasing emerging startups. This exposure not only signifies recognition but also positions the brand to enter a market that is increasingly focusing on gender-specific health needs in technology. The CES Innovation Awards attracted nearly 3,500 submissions this year, making the selection of Peri particularly notable, highlighting the device’s effectiveness and potential impact. Peri aims to be the first wearable device specifically designed for women undergoing perimenopause, ensuring their journey is better understood through technology. It addresses a crucial gap in women's health and serves as testament to the growing recognition of the importance of women-centric health technologies. The emphasis on the user’s experience and empowerment through informed health decisions shows a significant shift in how technology companies view their target audience, ideally leading to healthier outcomes and more productive lives for women in this transitional stage of life.