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Endometriosis is a common disease where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it in other parts of the body. In Australia, it affects at least one in 7 girls and women and those assigned female at birth. Symptoms are variable – from severe pelvic pain to impacting fertility – and contribute to the average 6.5-year diagnosis delay for endometriosis.
The significant impact of Endometriosis has caused the government to take action; with the release of the National Action Plan for Endometriosis in July 2018, $87.19 million has been dedicated to research, awareness and education, clinical management and care.
Matilda Health is working to support and improve access to endometriosis care through their digital app, a program to help people prepare and recover from endometriosis surgery - which is particularly relevant for those living in rural and remote Australia.
Matilda’s website shows the evidence is clear that enhanced pre & post-surgical care contributes to better patient outcomes, with;
Matilda Health recently won a WA Health Grant, which promotes the development of innovative solutions to address unmet health and medical needs or opportunities in WA through the application of digital health technologies. Additionally, only last week they were named as Finalists in the 2025 WA Innovator of the Year Wellbeing Category.
Dr Kevin Wernli (PhD), the co-founder of Matilda Health, took part in the Australian Clinical Entrepreneur program in 2022, and we caught up to ask him some quick-fire questions about his entrepreneurial journey and to find out what's next for Matilda Health.
Summarise what Matilda Endometriosis Care is?
Matilda is a digital health platform designed to support people preparing for and recovering from endometriosis surgery. Our program combines four weeks of prehab and four weeks of rehab, with patients maintaining access for 12 months. The aim is to optimise physical, psychological, and emotional health through evidence-based education from physiotherapists, dietitians, psychologists, naturopaths, and pain experts.
Participants also gain access to a supportive community led by our community lead, Anna, who brings lived experience and has undergone three laparoscopic surgeries herself. Weekly group coaching calls provide further guidance, accountability, and connection.
So far, we’ve supported more than 200 patients referred/supported by over 50 gynaecologists across Australia, New Zealand, the US, and Hong Kong.
The program is underpinned by the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) model, which has been shown to reduce complications, shorten hospital stays, decrease opioid use, and improve overall outcomes. We’re also running a clinical trial with Curtin University to test feasibility and acceptability, which will lead into larger studies on efficacy and cost-effectiveness.
How did you come up with the concept – what was the original problem?
The problem we identified was a clear lack of access to multidisciplinary care for people with endometriosis. During our time in the Perth Biodesign for Digital Health program in 2022, we explored this issue deeply and initially created a broad consumer app. That first version reached more than 1,000 downloads across 28 countries but was difficult to sustain without significant capital, and it started to feel like we were becoming a marketing company rather than a healthcare company.
Through a grant and conversations with investors and clinicians, we realised the most pressing, solvable problem was the gap in pre- and post-operative care. Surgery is a stressful, pivotal moment, and a time where people are often motivated to do things to improve their outcome. Of course, gynaecologists, and health systems more broadly, are also motivated to see better patient outcomes. This shift allowed us to focus on a solution much better aligned with our clinical expertise, while directly supporting patients and their surgeons.
Did your idea change – where you started vs what the product is now?
Yes, it changed significantly. We began with a generic endometriosis support app for any stage of the condition, but we’ve evolved into a surgery-focused prehab and rehab program. By narrowing our focus, we’ve been able to deliver more meaningful outcomes and create a stronger foundation for future growth.
How did your experience with AUSCEP help Matilda’s journey, was it supportive?
AUSCEP was one of several accelerators we joined and it was valuable in helping us understand regulatory requirements, business models in healthcare, and the perspectives of different stakeholders. That exposure was crucial in shaping our strategy. We’ve gained valuable connections and networks, particularly on the East Coast of Australia, that have helped open doors or consolidate relationships.
What has been the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge has been trying to grow while running lean. Like many early-stage startups, we’ve been operating on “the smell of an oily rag,” balancing clinical work to pay the bills while navigating complex funding models, regulatory processes, paying staff, and building a sustainable business.
What does the next 5 years look like?
Predicting five years ahead is tricky, but our plan currently is to:
Ultimately, we want to ensure that every person facing endometriosis (or other) surgery has the support they need for a calmer, smoother recovery and improved long-term health.
Do you have any advice for anyone coming through the program and learnings to pass on?
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