Portrait of an Entrepreneur: Nanette Sene

In the world of medtech, some companies develop new technologies. Others tackle healthcare challenges that have remained overlooked for far too long. With Juno, Nanette has chosen to put her engineering expertise to work on an issue that affects millions of women: menstrual pain.

As the founder of Juno, she is developing a non-invasive medical solution designed to improve the relief and monitoring of menstrual pain.

In this interview, she reflects on her journey, from her engineering studies to founding her company, shares the lessons that have shaped her entrepreneurial path, and explains what motivates her every day to pursue her mission: advancing women's health through meaningful innovation.

My name is Nanette, but my friends usually call me Nan'. I founded my startup Juno because I wanted to tackle the problem of menstrual pain. As a child, I wanted to become a lot of things, a doctor, a scientist... and I was a huge fan of anything related to science. My favourite type of food is Korean or Italian, and if you run into me on a Sunday, I'd probably be coming back from the gym or hanging out with friends.

🎙️ Let’s go back a bit: what was your background before launching your startup?

I started Juno while I was still in school. After completing a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, I pursued a master's degree in engineering, followed by a master's in Innovation and Technology Management.

At the same time, I was working full-time in R&D project management, so the company was built gradually alongside my studies and career.

Did you always know you wanted to become an entrepreneur?

Not at all. I didn't really know entrepreneurship existed before starting my master's degree. To me, the path was a "traditional" career, like becoming an engineer.

It wasn't until the end of my master's, after taking an elective course in entrepreneurship, that I realized it was a possible career path.

When did you decide to fully commit to Juno?

I never had that moment where I jumped into the unknown overnight.

Everything happened gradually. The real turning point came after our first accelerator program. That's when I realized Juno could become a real company, and I left my full-time job.

Did you go through an incubator? What did it bring you?

Yes, several.

They gave us structure, a better understanding of entrepreneurship, incredible mentors, valuable connections with other founders, and answers to many of the questions we had early on.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

Don't take yourself too seriously.

If you had to give advice to an entrepreneur?

I don't really like giving advice because I don't think anyone has all the answers.

But one quote I keep coming back to is: "Don't let success get to your head. Don't let failure get to your heart."

At what point did your idea become tangible?

There wasn't just one moment. Finding the name Juno made it feel real.

Later, interviewing women who suffer from severe menstrual pain confirmed we were solving a genuine problem. Today, every conversation with physicians who understand why we're building this solution reinforces that feeling.

Where do you see Juno in 5 years?

I hope Juno will have made a real difference in women's health and will be improving the lives of millions of women.

What do you need most right now?

Strategic partners who have already commercialized medical devices and are willing to help us navigate that journey. And of course, funding.

If you could meet one person who could change everything?

Leaders in our industry who have already been through this journey and can help us move faster.

Looking back, what are you most proud of today?

Of the person I've become throughout the journey.

Building a company pushes you to your limits and forces you to discover who you really are. My biggest source of pride is having grown while staying true to myself.

And on the other hand, what has been the most challenging?

I've sometimes been disappointed by people.

At the beginning, you tend to believe everyone wants to help you. Thankfully, that's true for the vast majority of people, but a few difficult experiences are enough to change your perspective.

Is there a phrase or mantra that guides you?

I have a few.

Another one I often repeat is: "If you can handle the small things, life won't get you with the big things."

Is there someone who has made a real difference in your journey?

Absolutely.

Many people have. Most often, it's entrepreneurs I admire who have already built successful companies and choose to give back by mentoring others. Their support and encouragement have meant a lot to me.

Was there a meeting or synergy at Ax.c that had a concrete impact?

What I appreciate most about Ax.c is how accessible everyone is.

Partners like Desjardins and Québec Tech are always nearby, just like the other startups. Conversations happen naturally, even while filling up a water bottle, and those day-to-day interactions constantly help move Juno forward.

Finally: what motivates you to get up in the morning?

There's nothing else I'd rather be doing.

Of course, you're not motivated every single day, but I value this opportunity so much that I don't want to lose it. I want to keep building Juno, and I know that means showing up every day and giving it my best.

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