Designed to FIT you.
Menu
About us
Clinically improving women’s well being
Initially developed for clinical purposes, the femfit® was intended to solve an unmet clinical problem – the ability to accurately assess and measure pelvic floor functions.
However, once development was completed and clinical results started to emerge, the team realised that other than being an assessment tool, the femfit® can also be used to help women to effectively strengthen their pelvic floor and resolve their incontinence symptoms – in the privacy and in the comfort of their own home.
Founded on technology from the Auckland Bioengineering Institute – The University of Auckland and designed by a team of global women health experts and medical device engineers – the femfit® by JUNOFEM brings together forefront technology, medical know-how and pure passion in an effort to support women’s health in a way that really fits them.
Meet the team
Diverse expertise, one great passion – this is us:
Jennifer Kruger, PhD.
Founder, CSO and director
BIO
- A principal investigator at the University of Auckland Bioengineering Institute.
- A member of the Scientific Committee for the International Continence Society.
- An international expert in pelvic floor health research.
- A passionate advocate of women’s health.
MOTTO
“Maintaining pelvic floor health shouldn’t be considered a privilege, nor something that is unattainable for most. I believe that using evidence-based knowledge to help guide and educate women to live their lives to the fullest is achievable and worthwhile.”
ROLE
To ensure that JUNOFEM’s technology is based on strong scientific evidence.
David Budgett
Founder & CTO
BIO
- An Associate Professor at the University of Auckland leading a team developing medical devices with close links with industry partners.
- An experienced Technology Development Specialist with a demonstrated history of taking academic research through tomedical devices (with numerous patents granted).
- Experienced at novel technology transfer, medical device product design and regulatory approval purposes.
MOTTO
“We can make a real difference to a great number of women, it’s not without effort, but the rewards are enormous.”
ROLE
David is the technical lead on product development and ensures the team follows an effective quality management system.
Jen Barnes
CEO
BIO
- A business strategist with over 20 years of experience in leading medical and scientific businesses in the commercialisation of novel products and services.
- An experienced executive with an aptitude for leading business through their growth trajectory.
- Experienced in securing product IP, capital raising, governance, and building high performing teams.
MOTTO
“I have a passion for leading science and medical based companies through the commercialisation process and getting their product out of the lab and into the hands of the end-user, addressing a real unmet need. JUNOFEM offers an innovative solution, and exciting business opportunity, and has the potential to help women around the world, it is inspiring to be part of the journey.”
ROLE
Lead the team to ensure successful commercialisation, company growth and a return on investment.
Laith Hermez, PhD
Head of Engineering
BIO
- An Engineering Scientist with a keen interest in medical device research and development.
- A Jack-of-all trades who loves inventing purposeful technologies that improves people’s health and wellbeing.
MOTTO
“Life is a journey of learning and continual improvement. We observe, ponder, try new things, get feedback, make progress, and try again. This how we learned to walk and talk when we were children…and how we engineer products at JUNOFEM.”
ROLE
Leading the engineering team, product development, manufacturing and medical device QMS.
Wendy Kerr
Chair, Board of Directors
BIO
- The director of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Auckland.
- An experienced General Manager with a global experience in leading technology and media start-ups with the Financial Times, Pearson and Quicken.
- A global executive consultant who’s helping high growth, global technology companies to thrive in challenging times of expansion and change.
- A board member for the icehouse, an active angel investor, and mentors high potential start-ups.
MOTTO
“Working with a team who are passionate about improving women’s wellbeing with science is a privilege. All women deserve to keep living life to the full and the femfit® solution can help us all.”
ROLE
To ensure an effective guidance of the board and provide a strategic support to the CEO and the team on their journey toward full commercialisation in the direct to consumer market.
Simon Malpas
Director
BIO
- Currently a non-executive director at three medical technology companies.
- Former Chief Scientist at Millar, a medical device manufacturing company in the USA.
- Over 20 years experience commercialising R&D out of universities.
MOTTO
“Clinical need, great team, excellent technology and clinical insight; I can’t help but want to be involved…. “
ROLE
As a member of the board, I’m advising the company and ensure sound commercial decisions are made.
Kent Lee
Director
BIO
- Expertise in Commercialisation of Science and Technology, Business Development, Medical Research, Research Governance, Finance Systems and Business Administration.
- Facilitated 20 start-ups from University of Auckland medical research.
- Investment Manager on the $20 Million University of Auckland Inventors’ Fund.
- Manages the Medical Technology portfolio at the University of Auckland technology Transfer Office and has successfully negotiated and licensed out technologies into industry.
MOTTO
“I’m passionate in identifying impactful health technologies and working with technical, clinical and commercial teams to ensure these solutions reach the clinicians and patients they were designed for. Globally, JUNOFEM has the potential to improve women’s health and wellbeing and I’m proud to support this goal.”
ROLE
Being involved with JUNOFEM from day one my initial focus was to secure initial investment and translating a University research project into a private company. Now, I’m continuing to advise directing the company towards its full and successful commercialisation.
Clinical Advisory Board
Dr. Jackie Smalldridge
Founder & Chair, CAB
Dr. Jenny Kruger
Founder & Advisor
Dr. Anna Rosamilia
Advisor
