Fertility startup Lushi joins UC Berkeley’s Health Engine accelerator amid growing demand for reproductive health innovation

Lushi, a modern fertility and wellness platform, has announced 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.

Jessica Schaefer, CEO and Founder, Lushi: ''The fertility patient experience is long overdue for change. 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.

Mana Baskovic, Chief Medical Officer, Lushi: ''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. 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.

Camille Dang, Analyst, Health Engine: ''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.''

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

www.lushi.co

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