EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Women’s health has been overlooked for far too long, and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is no exception. Affecting 1 in 10 women worldwide, PCOS is a chronic condition that significantly impacts women’s quality of life. Yet, the market remains underserved with limited, fragmented solutions. PCOS Balance is here to change that. The idea for this project was born from a personal experience: one of our team members was diagnosed with PCOS. This firsthand perspective inspired us to create a solution that combines science-backed ingredients, community support, and education to help women manage their symptoms effectively while making them feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Goal

We aim to provide a science-based supplement that combines the most effective ingredients to manage PCOS symptoms holistically. In addition, we are committed to building a community where women feel seen, supported, and empowered. The vision is to support these women on the journey of managing their PCOS symptoms and connect with diagnosed women. Overall, it is not only about helping these women, but also about educating on PCOS and raising awareness for women’s health and PCOS. 

Methodology

We began by conducting interviews and surveys with 250 women diagnosed with PCOS to gain a deep understanding of their challenges, needs, and expectations. These insights helped us identify the key gaps in existing solutions and shaped the foundation of our product. Additionally, we consulted with gynecologists, pharmacists, and biochemists to ensure our supplement formula is rooted in scientific evidence and tailored to the specific needs of women with PCOS. Our research extended to an analysis of clinical studies on supplements for PCOS, focusing on the efficacy of individual ingredients. This allowed us to select and combine the most effective components for managing PCOS symptoms in a comprehensive and holistic formula. To complement this, we conducted research to thoroughly understand the regulatory landscape in the DACH region, ensuring that our product complies with all relevant guidelines and standards for supplements in the market. We utilized the Business Model Canvas as a framework to refine and iterate our startup concept. Through five rounds of iterations, we validated our idea by incorporating feedback from our research, expert interviews, and market analysis. This iterative approach ensured that our solution is not only scientifically and clinically sound but also aligned with the needs of our target audience and the business environment.

Results

By the end of the project, we successfully developed an initial product formula for a supplement specifically designed for women diagnosed with PCOS. Through our research and validation process, we confirmed a strong demand for a supplement that combines the most effective ingredients into a single, convenient solution. Currently, many women with PCOS are taking up to 10 different individual supplements, expressing a clear need for an alternative. However, our findings revealed that women with PCOS are seeking more than just symptom management. They also deeply value access to reliable information about their condition and a sense of community where they feel understood and supported. To address these needs, we created a mock-up for a website that features educational content about PCOS alongside a dedicated platform to foster connection and support among diagnosed women. This comprehensive approach underscores our commitment to offering a solution that not only improves physical health but also empowers women emotionally and mentally on their PCOS journey.

Cooperation Partner

• PCOS Balance
   

Contact Person

• Katharina Huckfeldt - katharina.marie.huckfeldt@s.wu.ac.at

Student Team

• Benjamin Bernauer

• Gloria Eder

• Katharina Huckfeldt​

• Melissa Valdez​

Project Manager

• Thomas Pannermayr, MSc (WU) 

• Marco Masia, PhD MBA (Uni Wien)