Afon Technology in Caldicot receives Horizon Europe funding for its pioneering, wearable and non-invasive blood glucose sensor
A potentially revolutionary way to monitor and manage diabetes is being developed by a Welsh business – and has just received a significant boost with funding from the world’s largest research collaboration programme.
Some 4.3m people in the UK currently live with diabetes, a medical condition where levels of glucose in the blood are too high, which can in turn cause a range of serious health problems. Treatment involves keeping glucose levels within a certain, safe range. To do this, some people need to regularly check their levels and take insulin or other medication.
Checking has often been done by blood test, requiring regular and painful finger pricks.
But pioneering Welsh company Afon Technology Ltd is developing a world-first wearable and non-invasive blood glucose sensor to measure glucose levels in real-time using ultra-low power microwave signals. The ‘Glucowear’ sensor is simply worn on the wrist, like a watch.
Now the company has been awarded €2.4m – equivalent to more than £2m – in funding to fast track this technology by Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme. In fact, Afon Technology is one of more than 20 businesses in Wales to benefit from Horizon Europe scheme since the Welsh government lobbied for continued involvement post-Brexit.
Indeed, the Welsh government is now encouraging researchers based in Wales to develop further submissions for the Horizon Europe programme, which is now open and runs until 2027. Eligible businesses can receive grant support via Agile Cymru as part of the process.
Sabih Chaudhry, CEO of Afon Technology Ltd, says: ‘From our small office and laboratory in Wales, our skilled team is pursuing the holy grail of glucose monitoring—a breakthrough with the potential to change the world. The Horizon funding scheme has been instrumental in accelerating the development of our ground-breaking technology. We were thrilled to receive €2.4m from the European Innovation Council, allowing us to drive our innovation toward commercialisation and, ultimately, improve the lives of those living with diabetes.’
Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, adds: ‘Horizon Europe funding is pivotal for researchers, innovators, and businesses in pushing the boundaries of science and tackling critical challenges such as climate change, medical treatment, and industrial competitiveness in new technologies. I urge organisations in Wales to take advantage of the UK’s Associate Country status under the programme in 2025 so that we build on our reputation as a magnet for international collaboration, investment and excellence.’
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