Antonella Sturniolo, an inspiring figure in the field of reproductive health, has made significant strides as the founder and CEO of Upsilon Health. Her journey began against the backdrop of her pre-medical internships in neurosurgery and pathology at NYU. It was during these formative experiences that she recognized systemic issues within the healthcare system, prompting her to delve deeper into the challenges surrounding contraceptive options.
Sturniolo’s exploration into her family’s legacy unearthed a remarkable connection to her grandfather, Samuel Soichet, a pioneering OB-GYN who had developed early prototypes of intrauterine devices (IUDs). Despite never having met him, Sturniolo was motivated by his work and identified a pressing gap in the contraceptive market. Notably, there was a distinct lack of a hormone- and copper-free IUD, which she believed could provide women with a long-acting, reversible contraception solution that aligns with their bodies rather than imposing unnatural alterations.
In 2015, Sturniolo began independent research to validate her hypothesis, engaging in conversations with her grandfather’s former patients and conducting thorough market analyses. This meticulous groundwork enabled her to recognize the need for a contraceptive device that didn’t artificially alter hormonal balances.
To bring her vision to fruition, she partnered with an engineer who had expertise in medical devices. This collaboration proved invaluable, as they effectively combined technical knowledge and clinical insights to develop a product that met both medical standards and user expectations. The founding of Upsilon Health in 2019 marked a milestone in her journey, establishing the only hormone- and copper-free IUD currently in development, aptly marketed with the tagline “adapt to you, not the other way around.”
Furthermore, her pursuit of a Master’s of Public Health (MPH) at the Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2020 significantly contributed to her mission. Specializing in women’s and reproductive health as well as health systems and policy, Sturniolo leveraged the academic environment and mentorship opportunities available at Hopkins to deepen her understanding of the intersection between entrepreneurship and public health. She actively engaged with her peers, many of whom were healthcare professionals aiming to bridge their clinical expertise with entrepreneurial initiatives. Sturniolo’s initiatives included creating an entrepreneurship panel and a practicum focused on grant writing, investor pitching, and data storytelling—an endeavor that not only shared knowledge but also fostered a supportive community among aspiring health innovators.
The timeline of Sturniolo’s venture is etched with significant milestones: from identifying contraceptive issues between 2015–2018, to partnering with engineers in 2018, and incorporating Upsilon in 2019. She engaged in patent filing and product design enhancements, growing Upsilon Health into a credible entity in the reproductive health landscape. As of 2025–2026, Upsilon is preparing for preclinical trials, marking another crucial step towards potential market entry.
While Sturniolo’s journey has been marked by tenacity, she openly acknowledges the hurdles faced by female founders, particularly in women’s health. Fundraising has proven to be challenging; statistics indicate that women’s health companies receive a mere 2% of all venture capital funding. Despite these obstacles, Sturniolo’s resilience shines through her advocacy for women in health entrepreneurship, encouraging others to embrace their fears as they embark on their respective journeys.
For public health researchers and innovators contemplating the transition from academia to market application, Sturniolo emphasizes the importance of taking the first step. “If you’re scared, it’s okay to be scared. Just start doing it,” she advises. This sentiment resonates profoundly with many in the field who face uncertainties yet remain passionate about making a difference.
In summary, Antonella Sturniolo represents a beacon of innovation and resilience in the realm of reproductive health. Her commitment to developing a hormone- and copper-free IUD through Upsilon Health not only honors her grandfather’s legacy but also addresses critical gaps in contraceptive access. As she navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship with a focus on women’s health, Sturniolo stands as a testament to the power of combining public health expertise with innovative solutions. Her journey serves as an inspiring model for future generations of health professionals and entrepreneurs aimed at transforming healthcare systems into more inclusive, adaptable, and user-oriented frameworks.
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