Cutting-edge Welsh tech firm shortlisted for two regional awards

A pioneering tech company at the forefront of diabetes monitoring has been shortlisted for two Wales Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Awards 2024.

Afon Technology has been selected as a finalist in both the STEM Research Project of the Year and STEM Company of the Year categories, recognised by the judges for creating the world’s first non-invasive wearable blood glucose sensor.

The device is tipped to completely transform the lives of those with diabetes by completely removing needles from the process of monitoring blood sugar levels.

The sensor sits on the inside of your wrist and uses Bluetooth technology to send real-time information to a companion app which will display your blood glucose trends and alert you to high/low glucose levels as well as personal health trends.

Being shortlisted for two categories underscores the profound impact of the Monmouthshire-based company’s pioneering technology in the realm of diabetes management, which heralds a new era in accessible and non-intrusive health monitoring.

Sabih Chaudhry, Afon Technology’s CEO, said: “Being shortlisted in two categories highlights the significant impact of our groundbreaking technology in diabetes management, marking the beginning of a new era in accessible and non-invasive health monitoring.

“This achievement not only validates our efforts but also signals a transformative shift in diabetes care, bringing us closer to a future where effective and accessible health monitoring is within everyone’s reach.”

Following the success of last year’s awards, the Wales STEM Awards 2024 will shine a spotlight on those leading the sector in Wales, including those creating an impact on the Welsh economy, those addressing the STEM diversity gap and skills shortage, and those inspiring and raising aspirations of the next generation.

Liz Brookes, Co-Founder of the Wales STEM Awards, remarked: “We were truly amazed by the level of talent, innovation, and commitment demonstrated by the organisations and individuals who participated in this year’s awards.

“The exceptional quality of the entries clearly reflects the strong progress being made in advancing the STEM agenda across Wales.”

She added: “We are excited to celebrate and showcase the remarkable work being accomplished throughout the country at our awards evening in October.”

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday, October 17, at Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel.

Unlike the current continuous glucose monitoring devices, Afon Technology’s non-invasive continuous blood glucose monitoring sensor will measure blood glucose levels in real-time without the need to penetrate the skin at all, making it easier to manage the condition, reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications such as heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and limb amputations.

Companies such as Apple, Samsung and Google are rumoured to have been trying to develop non-invasive blood glucose monitoring, but so far none have been successful. Afon Technology hopes to win the race to this important milestone.

Preliminary clinical research gives people with diabetes hope that such a device could become a reality in the near future.