Innovation often comes from a mix of necessity, expertise, and a strong desire to solve real problems. This is the case for Oncovana, a digital platform created by Bhakthi Sahgal and three other Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) students at George Washington University (GW).
The platform focuses on providing accessible and quality fertility services for cancer patients who want to preserve their fertility. It all started in 2023 when Sahgal and her co-founders entered the DrPH program at GW’s Milken Institute School of Public Health. Each member brought a unique set of skills to the table, with backgrounds in oncology, reproductive health policy, and public health.
Their research revealed a significant gap in fertility preservation services for cancer patients. Sahgal’s personal experience with a friend who struggled to find timely fertility options after a cancer diagnosis further fueled their mission to create Oncovana. They realized the urgent need for a platform that could offer support and guidance to cancer patients facing fertility challenges.
Oncovana’s vision began to take shape in an entrepreneurship course at GWU in February 2024. The team used their expertise to develop a digital platform that connects cancer centers, fertility clinics, and patients to provide education, resources, and personalized support for fertility preservation.
The platform is designed to be innovative and accessible to all, especially underserved populations. The team’s hard work paid off when they placed third in GW’s New Venture Competition, earning $25,000 in seed funding. They are now seeking additional funding to further develop and refine the platform to meet the unique needs of cancer patients.
Oncovana aims to offer tailored support based on patients’ medical histories, genetics, and risk profiles while prioritizing patient privacy and data security. The team is committed to using AI to enhance personalized medicine in a responsible way.
The founders of Oncovana have received support from the GW community, including mentorship and resources from GW’s Office of Innovation. They recently won a cash prize in a pitch competition during DC Startup and Tech Week.
Looking ahead, Oncovana’s founders have a bold vision to make fertility preservation a standard part of cancer care. They hope to expand globally and partner with hospitals and cancer centers to integrate Oncovana into standard care protocols for cancer patients.
For Sahgal, Oncovana is both a professional and personal passion. Her background in political science and her experiences in healthcare policy have shaped her mission to innovate in a way that supports those who need it most. She hopes to make a lasting impact on healthcare and improve the lives of cancer patients through Oncovana.
