Boise company with medical device to prevent preterm birth competes for $1 million prize

A Boise company with a medical device that helps prevent premature birth could have a big hit next month. The Galena Innovation Cervical Cup strengthens the tissue in a woman’s cervix — helping to prevent miscarriages caused by a variety of medical issues.

The company, which won a $50,000 prize at Boise Entrepreneur Week 2022, has been selected to represent Idaho at the Startup World Cup in San Francisco in October and will compete for the $1 million grand prize against other startups, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and top business leaders from around the world.

“It’s very exciting. We were selected from a long list of startups here in Idaho and have worked hard to hit our milestones,” said CEO and founder Ashley Crafton. “We’re gaining momentum not only in growing our business but also in raising funds, and this is part of that.”

The winner of the Startup World Cup will receive $1 million in exchange for a portion of the equity associated with the latest round of financing or a convertible note – depending on the size of the company and the amount of financing already raised.

“I hope I represent well all the exciting growth that’s happening in Idaho, and honestly, we want to win!”

The Galena Innovation suction cup-like device is placed on the cervix. It then stiffens the cervix and keeps the baby inside until it is removed at 37 weeks.

“Our goal is to create the kind of improvements in maternal health that society demands,” Crafton said. “We would love for anyone who wants to be a part of that to join us in our mission.”

Thirteen finalists will compete in Boise from September 30 to October 4 $$210,000 in funding through Boise Entrepreneur Week pitch competitions.

Additionally, Connetic Ventures will select a finalist to win $100,000 in equity funding, and the Trailmix grand prize winner will receive a cash prize and shelf space at Albertsons’ Broadway in Boise.