Necessity is the mother of invention, so the saying goes. It is the urgent need, the glaring problem, or the undeniable gap that pushes us to think creatively, break barriers, and craft solutions we never imagined possible. Necessity doesn’t just inspire invention – it demands it.

When Carrie, a close friend of mine, began experiencing symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the emotional toll was immense. Isolated, stigmatised, and overlooked, Carrie struggled to find tools or support that truly addressed what she was going through. She turned to me for help, and what began as one act of compassion grew into a mission to change the lives of millions globally.

I set out to create PCOS Buddy, an inclusive, research-informed health app offering support to people living with PCOS. Developed in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen and supported by Interface, the app is due to launch in 2025, and it’s already being recognised as a game-changer. It is described as “a revolutionary solution that empowers women to take control of their PCOS journey like never before”.

PCOS affects one in 10 women worldwide. Symptoms range from excessive hair growth to difficulty becoming pregnant. I wanted to help improve the experience of other women who were going through the same difficulties by providing trusted help and information.

PCOS Buddy is more than an app — it’s a landmark in digital health offering a science-led, user-centred experience with compassion at its core.

Among its standout features are its gender-inclusive design, recognising that PCOS affects not only cisgender women but also trans and non-binary individuals, ensuring no one is left behind.

It also features the world’s first hirsutism tracker, giving users a private, dignified way to log and monitor facial and body hair growth — a symptom that is common yet rarely discussed.

What makes PCOS Buddy truly exceptional is that it’s not just clinically informed — it’s emotionally intelligent. I have built more than an app: I’m building a movement for awareness, equity, and empowerment in women’s and gender-inclusive health.

During its development, I met Jackie Sanderson, Innovation Engagement Lead at Interface, who helped me explore how academics could assist. Jackie spent time understanding my goals and the hurdles I wanted to overcome, and to prepare a brief which could be sent to Scotland’s universities and colleges.

University of Aberdeen were identified as having the skills and knowledge needed to develop the app, with its research and healthcare expertise. Funded by a Standard Innovation Voucher, we worked together on the gamification of the data input that each user is required to record on the app. The partnership was such a success that we have continued to collaborate with the university bringing the latest scientific insights and evidence-based resources to the app, ensuring that PCOS Buddy is always at the forefront of PCOS management, backed by the most up-to-date research and expert knowledge.

The app – and I – have won multiple awards, including 2024 Woman to Watch and nominated as World Changing Alumni Award at University of Glasgow twice, in 2022 and 2025, and more recently as Judge Choices Award at the 2025 Scotland Women in Technology (SwiT) 2025, and that’s before it’s official launch

So, what advice would I give to other women who want to follow a similar career path in tech, or in any business for that matter?

Believe in your ideas, even when others don’t see their value yet. Don’t wait for permission or an invitation, create your own path if you have to. Surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow and truly support your journey. Remember: success in tech — or any field — isn’t just about talent. It’s about persistence, self-belief, and knowing your worth.

***

If you would like to find out more about how Interface can support your business innovation with academics, please contact info@interface.online.org.uk