February 11th marks National Inventors’ Day, a moment to celebrate creativity, problem-solving, and the people who turn ideas into impact. It’s also an important opportunity to look at who isn’t being fully represented in the innovation economy—particularly women.
We took this opportunity to interview two pioneering Hera Hub members, Allison Ombres (Founder of Encelia Hair (now Sparx Hair)) & Krystal Gillis (Founder of Tighties). Watch their stories here and see their bios below.
The Patent Gender Gap, by the Numbers
Despite women driving innovation across industries, they remain significantly underrepresented in the U.S. patent system.
- Women are listed on roughly 11–13% of U.S. patents, depending on the study and year
- Fewer than 1 in 5 patented inventions include a woman inventor
- Women of color are even more underrepresented, often appearing in low single digits
- When women do file patents, they are less likely to secure venture funding, licensing deals, or commercialization support afterward
This gap isn’t about lack of ideas or ambition. It’s structural.
What’s Holding Women Back
Several factors consistently show up in research and founder stories:
- Access gaps: Patent attorneys, IP education, and early legal support are expensive and unevenly distributed
- Capital constraints: Women-led companies receive a small fraction of venture funding, limiting resources to pursue patents
- Network effects: Patents often follow proximity to research institutions, corporate R&D, and technical ecosystems where women are underrepresented
- Confidence and conditioning: Women are more likely to delay filing or underestimate the commercial value of their innovations
Patents aren’t just legal tools—they’re leverage. They influence valuation, acquisition potential, licensing revenue, and long-term wealth creation.
Why This Matters
When women aren’t patenting, we’re not just missing names on filings—we’re leaving economic value on the table.
- Fewer women-held patents means less ownership of IP
- Less IP ownership means less generational wealth
- And less diversity in patented innovation means products and solutions that don’t fully reflect real-world needs
Innovation shapes the future. Who owns it shapes who benefits.
Moving the Needle
Closing the patent gap starts earlier and broader:
- Normalize IP education for women founders—early
- Increase access to affordable patent support
- Build peer networks where women talk openly about protecting ideas, not just launching them
- Treat patents as a strategic business asset, not a luxury reserved for later stages
On National Inventors’ Day, let’s celebrate women who are inventing—and commit to removing the barriers that keep so many others from protecting and profiting from their ideas.
Because the future of innovation should be built—and owned—by everyone!
Allison Ombres, founder of Encelia Hair (now Sparx Hair), transformed a personal challenge into a mission to revolutionize the $6B hairwear industry. Inspired by her journey with Alopecia Universalis, she recognized the need to merge the comfort and performance of activewear with hairwear. Under her leadership, Encelia pioneered patent-pending, stretchable cap technology that feels like second skin—breathable, moisture-wicking, and designed to move with the wearer. Allison’s vision is simple: to make hairwear truly wearable while empowering women to feel confident and beautiful.
Website: www.enceliahair.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/allisoneo
Krystal Gillis is the Founder and CEO of Tighties, a movement-technology company redefining how people support, protect, and move their bodies to extend their health span. Drawing from her background in product innovation and personal experience, Krystal developed a patented strapping system that activates key lower-body muscles to reduce joint load and improve alignment. Tighties sits at the intersection of science, sport, and everyday movement, serving both athletic and medical communities. Krystal is a vocal advocate for women inventors and founders, challenging legacy categories and building products that prioritize confidence, longevity, and smarter movement.
Website: tighties.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/krystal-gillis-a2582611
