EmpowerTech x WiT Ep 2: Building the World’s First Predictive Test for Postpartum Depression
Episode 2: Dr Clarissa Yates - Building the World’s First Predictive Test for Postpartum Depression
In this episode of EmpowerTech, host Iyari Cevallos speaks with Dr Clarissa Yates, Founder and CEO of Ketim Technologies, a Brisbane-based biotech reshaping the future of maternal mental health.
Clarissa is a neuroscientist with more than a decade of experience in translational medicine. After experiencing postpartum depression herself, she became determined to create earlier, smarter tools that allow mothers to be supported long before symptoms escalate. Today, Ketim Technologies is developing the world’s first blood-based predictive diagnostic test for postpartum depression, identifying high-risk mothers during pregnancy with 91% accuracy.
Her work has been recognised nationally, including:
• 2025 Women in Technology Future Focused Business Achiever Award
• Queensland & National Winner, iAwards Best Startup Solution
• Finalist, Australian Technologies Competition Female-Led Start-Up
• Nominee, Pearcey Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year
Clarissa also brings an entrepreneurial background, having built and sold two e-commerce businesses and recently closing a $1.2M pre-seed round to advance Ketim’s precision psychiatry platform.
In this episode, Clarissa shares:
• Why postpartum depression remains underdiagnosed
• How new proteomics and AI make early prediction possible
• The challenges of building a biotech company from scratch
• Navigating IP, funding, and finding the right co-founder
• The importance of networks, mentorship, and support systems
• Why self-care is essential for founders working in high-intensity environments
Content note: This episode discusses perinatal mental health, anxiety, depression and suicidality. Support is available through PANDA (1300 726 306) or via your GP.
Links
Ketim Technologies
Clarissa Yates
Women in Technology (WiT)
Follow Iyari Cevallos on LinkedIn
EmpowerTech Podcast
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