UVISA is delivering the high-quality and innovative healthcare that women have lacked access to for far too long. 

Despite the significant advances in medicine and technology in the last century, the world has failed to give sufficient attention to health issues specific to women. This includes conditions that can only affect a female body, as well as issues that affect women differently to men. We want to play a part in helping to correct this by conducting much needed research that will allow us to develop new solutions to common health problems that are still viewed as taboo, such as vaginal discomfort caused by common infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).

We want to open conversations around these topics to help women, and those with vaginas, feel less embarrassment, shame, uncertainty and fear; to ensure that they have access to accurate, relevant and useful information; to create a sense of belonging and community; and to empower them to seek out help if needed so that they can ensure that their health is taken seriously and handled in the best way possible.

We believe that pharmaceutical products have a place, and that for many health issues there really is no alternative. However, we also believe that there are sometimes other options which do not require our bodies to be pumped full of man-made compounds (which until recently had not even been properly tested on women!), that can help us to heal in a more natural and healthy way. Which is why we have set out on the mission to benefit women, and those with vaginas, by offering suitable alternatives to antimicrobial pharmaceuticals for the issue of vaginal discomfort.

‍We believe that women deserve the best healthcare modern technology can offer, and it’s long overdue!

Meet the Team

Ella Harris
Founder & CEO
Ella is driven and dedicated with a proven track record in business development and product management. Following a higher education in the life sciences, Ella went on to gain over 12 years of commercial experience in various technology companies within the pharmaceutical and education sectors. In this period she gained a reputation as an expert communicator, inspiring innovator, and agile leader, before moving into entrepreneurship.

As a passionate feminist, when presented with an opportunity to build on pivotal research conducted in collaboration between two of Denmark’s most prestigious universities, and use this to form the basis of a groundbreaking women’s health company, she could not resist. Ella has since set out to forge a novel and innovative treatment for vaginal infections and accelerate advances in women’s healthcare.

Since starting UVISA, Ella, along with the rest of the team, have won several competitions and awards of recognition within both the Danish entrepreneurship ecosystem and further afield. These include the Venture Cup Health Category 2021, Plougmann Vingtoft “IP Matters” Competition 2021, PDMA Global Student Innovation Challenge 2021, DTU X-Tech Final December 2021, the BII Sten Scheibye Award 2022, and were a finalist in the Danish Tech Challenge 2022. She has also established research partnerships with key opinion leaders at Statens Serum Institut, Region Hovedstaden, and København Universitet. While founding UVISA, she completed an MSc. in Technology Entrepreneurship at Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU).

Sonal Pendharkar Kulkarni
Chief Scientific Officer‍‍Sonal is a dedicated research scientist with an entrepreneurial mindset, committed to advancing women's health and wellbeing through innovative solutions. She earned her PhD in Medical Science from the prestigious Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, where her research focused on the vaginal microbiome in both Scandinavian and South African women.

Through her research, Sonal has explored the impact of combining probiotics with standard & extended antimicrobial treatments for vaginal dysbiosis in highly recurrent cases, examining cure rates, prevention/delayed relapse, and engineering microbes to produce antiviral nanobodies. Her expertise extends beyond research as well, and as the Chief Product Officer and Medical Science Lead at Briota Technologies, a digital health and wellness company specializing in pulmonary disease management, she led the development of a digital product tailored to the needs of Danish and European markets. Here, she spearheaded the design of an early feasibility clinical study, and established relationships with KOL/Principal Investigator for conducting clinical trials in Denmark.

Currently, Sonal is channeling her extensive knowledge of the vaginal microbiome and her experience in healthcare technology and clinical trials into her work and driving the development of non-pharmacological treatments for vaginal infections at UVISA. Through her efforts, Sonal aims to bring accessible, science-driven solutions to women worldwide, furthering her mission to revolutionize women’s health.

Christian ThamsChief Product OfficerChristian is an Industrial Designer with experience developing innovative solutions for leading brands in Denmark. Throughout his career he has combined new technologies with poetry to make things people love. He is invaluable for UVISA to oversee mechanical development and design activities conducted within the company.

After studying a Bachelors in Product Design Engineering and Masters in Industrial Design, he worked with companies such as IDEO, Bang & Olufsen, Soundboks and Danish Design Center. He later went on to freelance while developing his own design ethos with a focus on sustainable development and circular economies. In his spare time he explores music, indulges in art and discovering new experiences through cultural participation. Christian will apply his experience working on innovative solutions to create a great leap forward for women’s health.

Annemette Tengstedt RasmussenResearch Assistent‍Annemette is a Master’s student in Biotechnology Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), dedicated to advancing women’s microbiota health. She is passionate about addressing the often-overlooked role of the vaginal microbiome in women’s overall health.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Human Life Science Engineering from DTU, Annemette has hands-on experience in gut microbiota research from DTU Bioengineering, the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, and Kyoto University. She has also contributed to evidence-based medicine initiatives as a student assistant at the Danish Health Authority, gaining valuable insights into health policy. At UVISA, she combines her experiences to develop and test a safe, effective, non-pharmacological treatment for vaginal infections, supporting the creation of an innovative solution for women’s health. Outside the lab, she enjoys making ceramics and running, both of which inspire her creativity and well-being.

Lise KjølbyeBrand & Communications ManagerLise is a communication and design enthusiast with expertise at the intersection of design, communication, and sustainability. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Digital Media & Design from the IT University of Copenhagen and a master’s degree in Sustainable Design from Aalborg University, where her thesis examined cycle syncing from a sustainability perspective.

Drawn to UVISA for its mission and impact, Lise brings experience in project management, content creation, branding, and strategic communication across public and private sectors. With a passion for turning ideas into impactful content and functional digital solutions, she combines empathy, aesthetics, and data-driven insight in her approach. Dedicated to advancing women’s health initiatives, Lise enjoys creatively shaping UVISA's brand and communication strategy. Outside of work, she finds joy in crafting jewelry, exploring sound therapy, and connecting with nature.

Meet our Medical Advisors

Dr. Thor HaahrChief Medical Advisor‍‍Thor is a medical doctor (MD), PhD at Aarhus University Hospital who is specialising in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He has published over 40 peer-reviewed journal articles and is the co-author of national guidelines on gynaecological infections.

His research mainly focuses on genital tract microbiota before and during pregnancy. He investigates how the vaginal microbiota affects fertility, preterm birth, and neonatal health. Thor also engages in research collaborations both nationally and internationally and he is involved in several ongoing clinical studies.

Dr. Ellen Løkkegaard
Medical Advisor‍‍Ellen is a Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Copenhagen University and a Coordinating Professor at Nordsjællands Hospital. She is also the Chair of The Women, Child, Adolescent Cluster at North Zealand Hospital.

Ellen’s research delves into multiple areas, including the risks by interventions in gynecology and obstetrics, i.e. hormonal contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, induction of labor, cesarean delivery, physical activity in pregnancy and hysterectomy. She has contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles.

Dr. Sara Kindberg AdelskovMedical Advisor‍Sara is an internationally recognized midwife, innovator, and impact investor dedicated to advancing women’s reproductive health. With a PhD in Health Sciences from Aarhus University, she is renowned for her expertise in obstetrics, specifically in suturing research.

Sara has been instrumental in shaping best practices in women’s health. As the founder and CEO of GynZone, she has led global educational initiatives in diagnostic, anesthetic, and suturing techniques for postpartum healing, sharing her knowledge through extensive online training programs. Besides this, she helps develop training simulators for obstetrics and gynecology.

Meet the Board

Karoline Akerjordet (Chair)
Karoline has more than 15 years’ experience in the life science industry covering both sales, marketing, quality, business development and executive management. She was also COO and CEO for the Swedish FemTech company Pharmiva and part of taking the company to the stock market and launching their first product.

Originally trained in Molecular Biology, Karoline also has several years’ experience in the international market both as Sales Manager and Chair for a global workgroup in an international biotech association, and 6 years’ experience working in politics. These experiences, together with her longstanding career within life sciences, provide a deep insight into business development and executive management and a unique understanding of women's health. Today she is director at Novo Nordisk, part of UVISA's Board of Directors and advisor to Vera Invest.

Jens Wiersøe
Jens has over 30 years’ of operational experience in IVD and medical devices, with a focus on innovation, quality assurance (QA), and regulatory compliance. He is an experienced manager with a solid international track record of driving and developing businesses.

An electrical engineer by training, Jens has had a long and fruitful career spanning multiple Global organisations and several countries. He has previously held the roles of VP Global QA/RA, R&D Manager, Lean Agent, Director of Operations and as a consultant, and so specialises in gap and risk analyses, lean product development, process improvement, program management and both EU and US medical device regulatory compliance. He has a passion for doing things simply and effectively, whilst reducing inefficiencies and waste.

Malene Schrøder
Malene is an accomplished corporate leader, board member, and investor with a background in veterinary medicine and a Ph.D. in natural sciences from Roskilde University. She has extensive experience in corporate leadership, investments, and start-ups. 

Malene began her career in 2010 with Fluisense ApS (now Emagino ApS), a Danish MedTech R&D company specializing in sterile medical devices, where she served a board member, director, co-founder/-owner for over a decade. Malene brought Fluisense to ISO13485 certification and obtained permission to perform clinical trials. Throughout her career, Malene has leveraged her scientific background and business acumen, especially in MedTech and within women’s health. Her passion, broad network and expertise have made her a valuable asset in both the Danish business and scientific communities.

Where to find us

We are located in Symbion at Fruebjergvej 3, Østerbro. This is a fruitful environment for us as a dedicated life science start-up. Symbion gathers and connects like-minded entrepreneurs across many fields, especially within the life science sector which gives UVISA opportunities for knowledge-sharing and sparring with other start-ups. Let us know if you want to come by and say hi!

Contact

Join our team

We are growing and looking for talented individuals to join us on our mission to improve the health of women! Check out our open positions below, and do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

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