ONWARD and Aspivix listed in TIME magazine’s Best Inventions of 2024

Two Western Switzerland medtech companies, Aspivix and ONWARD Medical, have been named among TIME magazine’s Best Inventions of 2024, each recognized for innovations that could revolutionize healthcare for millions.

Aspivix addresses a long-overlooked issue in women’s health. Typically, IUD insertions and other uterine procedures require the use of a tenaculum, a sharp instrument that causes pain in nearly 90% of patients. Aspivix’s Carevix, however, replaces the tenaculum with a gentle, suction-based device that reduces pain and bleeding significantly. This groundbreaking design aims to make procedures less traumatic and more accessible, encouraging more people to seek timely care. Having gained FDA approval, Aspivix launched Carevix in Switzerland in collaboration with Bayer, and it is set to enter the U.S. market by the end of 2024.

ONWARD Medical is making strides in spinal injury treatment with its innovative ARC-EX system. The non-invasive spinal cord stimulator uses targeted electrical pulses to restore movement and motor function to patients with severe spinal injuries. Demonstrating remarkable success in trials, ARC-EX offers newfound mobility and independence to those living with paralysis, creating a new paradigm in rehabilitation and quality of life for spinal injury patients. The company announced last week a EUR 50 Million fundraising.

Together, Aspivix and ONWARD Medical exemplify Swiss excellence in medtech, each tackling unique challenges to make healthcare safer and more compassionate for all.

For more details, check out TIME’s 2024 list of Best Inventions. ONWARD Medical and