Female-led Fertility Startup Lushi Joins UC Berkeley’s Health Engine Accelerator Amid Growing Demand for Reproductive Health Innovation

Lushi Selected for Eighth Cohort of Prestigious Program as Fertility Care Crisis Drives Need for Patient-First Solutions.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lushi, a modern fertility and wellness platform, is proud to announce its selection to join UC Berkeley’s Health Engine, an early-stage accelerator supporting groundbreaking healthcare startups, for its eighth cohort.

Lushi’s inclusion in Health Engine’s eighth cohort comes at a critical moment for reproductive health in the U.S., as IVF access, rising infertility rates, and the mounting popularity of egg freezing dominate the national discourse on fertility and family planning. This year, nearly 100 startups applied to Health Engine, and following a rigorous selection process evaluating innovation, market potential, and healthcare impact, just 14 companies — including Lushi — were chosen to participate.

“The fertility patient experience is long overdue for change,” said Lushi CEO, Founder, and Point72 Asset Management alum, Jessica Schaefer. “For too long, women navigating fertility treatments have been left to manage complex medication regimens, coordinate their own care, and endure isolating, stressful journeys. Lushi exists to make this process easier, safer, and more supportive — and with Health Engine’s resources behind us, we’re ready to scale solutions that meet the moment.”

Fertility treatment has advanced, but patient care has not always kept pace. Lushi launched early in 2025 to combine personalized support, AI-powered care plans, and on-demand services like at-home injection specialists to reimagine the fertility experience from start to finish.

“The U.S. fertility crisis is matched by an access crisis. Too many women are going through this without adequate medical guidance or emotional support,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mana Baskovic. “Lushi is designed to fill that void. By bringing together technology, community, and clinical expertise, we’re creating a more humane, patient-first model of fertility care.”

Lushi joins Health Engine as demand for innovative reproductive health solutions surges. With a growing number of Americans seeking fertility treatments and heightened public attention following recent IVF-related legislation and executive orders, the need for patient-centered fertility support has never been more urgent. Through the program, Lushi will gain access to a network of industry leaders, researchers, and investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Bedrock, and .406 Ventures, who will help accelerate its growth and amplify its impact across the healthcare ecosystem.

“I was deeply inspired by Lushi’s founding team of women leaders who are harnessing technology to transform women’s health, particularly in the critical yet often overlooked area of fertility,” said Camille Dang, Analyst at Health Engine.

Health Engine is a UC Berkeley-based accelerator that supports exceptional pre-seed and seed-stage companies poised to shape the future of health innovation. Notable UC Berkeley alumni include Tomas Aragon, director of the California Department of Public Health; Julie Gerberding, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2002 to 2009; and Jerome Adams, former U.S. surgeon general under President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2021 and former health commissioner of Indiana.

With Health Engine’s support, Lushi plans to expand its offerings and deepen its impact on the future of fertility care.

Join Lushi now for a better fertility experience.

About Lushi

Lushi is a modern fertility and wellness tech platform offering a patient-first approach to reproductive health. Through its advanced technology, which includes gen-AI, and holistic services, Lushi provides personalized care designed to improve fertility outcomes and enhance the overall patient experience. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles and New York. To learn more about Lushi and its offerings, visit www.lushi.co.

About Health Engine

Health Engine is a premier startup accelerator for top healthtech startups, dedicated to supporting early-stage founders tackling the most pressing challenges in healthcare. Founded in 2020, Health Engine provides world-class mentorship, strategic partnerships, and access to an ecosystem tailored to the complexities of the healthcare industry.

Through our accelerator, we connect cutting-edge healthtech startups with industry experts, investors, and healthcare leaders to help them scale breakthrough solutions. From navigating regulatory landscapes to forging key partnerships, Health Engine equips founders with the tools and network they need to build impactful, sustainable companies.

For more information, visit readysethealth.io.