The cutting-edge fertility and wellness platform Lushi is pleased to announce that it has been chosen to become a part of the eighth cohort of UC Berkeley’s Health Engine, an early-stage accelerator that supports innovative healthcare entrepreneurs.
As the public conversation on fertility and family planning is dominated by IVF access, rising infertility rates, and the growing popularity of egg freezing, Lushi’s inclusion in Health Engine’s eighth cohort comes at a crucial juncture for reproductive health in the United States. Out of the almost 100 startups that applied to Health Engine this year, just 14 businesses, including Lushi, were selected to take part after a stringent selection process that assessed innovation, market potential, and healthcare impact.
“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.”
Patient care has not always kept up with the advancements in fertility treatment. Lushi was founded in early 2025 with the goal of reimagining the entire fertility process by combining AI-powered care plans, individualised assistance, and on-demand services like at-home injection specialists.
“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.”
As the need for cutting-edge reproductive health solutions grows, Lushi joins Health Engine. The demand for patient-centered fertility support has never been greater, as more Americans pursue fertility treatments and as recent executive orders and legislation pertaining to IVF have drawn increased public attention. The initiative will give Lushi access to a network of investors, researchers, and industry leaders, such as Andreessen Horowitz, Bedrock, and.406 Ventures, who will assist the company expand and increase its influence within 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.
A UC Berkeley-based accelerator, Health Engine helps outstanding pre-seed and seed-stage businesses that have the potential to influence the direction of health innovation. Among the notable UC Berkeley alums are Jerome Adams, the former Indiana health commissioner and U.S. surgeon general under President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2021; Julie Gerberding, the former director of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention from 2002 to 2009; and Tomas Aragon, the director of the California Department of Public Health.
