Diabetes sensor manufacturers seek funding to continue work in diabetes technology

Move aims to keep production of diabetes technology based in Wales.

The technology company who designed the world's first non-invasive wearable blood glucose sensor has reached out to the Welsh Government, seeking additional financial support to facilitate the development of a “life-changing” device in Wales.

Afon Technology are calling for further financial support from the Development Bank of Wales and other investment institutions in Wales in a bid to keep the creation of the pain-free continuous blood glucose monitor in the country after receiving interest from commercial organisations around the world.

Afon Technology has received financial support from the Welsh Government in the form of grants, but the company is yet to have had any help from any other investment institutions in the country, including the Development Bank of Wales.

Afon Technology was recently awarded a Wales STEM (Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Award for the creation of the world's first non-invasive wearable blood glucose sensor.

The non-invasive continuous blood glucose monitoring sensor is worn on the inside of the wrist with or without a watch, and it feeds back to the user’s chosen smart device to display blood glucose data.

Sabih Chaudhry, Chief Executive for Afon Technology, said: “We are proud to be based in Wales and would love for our technology to be hailed as ‘made in Wales’.

“I am passionate about keeping the business in here, but we are facing difficult decisions, whereby if we are unable to secure further financial support then we will have to consider the options on the table from outside of Wales and the UK in order to secure the future of the company and the technology.”

He added: “With additional funding support, we are poised to make history by bringing the world’s first non-invasive wearable blood glucose sensor device to life.

“This revolutionary technology is not just a game-changer, it is a life-changer. Our commitment to innovation and improving lives is stronger than ever, and we are grateful for the backing that will empower us to make this ground-breaking device accessible to those who need it most.”