A Welsh business developing a potentially revolutionary way of managing diabetes has received a £2m-plus funding boost from the world’s largest research and collaboration programme.
Afon Technology is working on a world-first wearable non-invasive blood glucose sensor, which measures levels in real-time – eliminating the need for frequent and painful finger pricking.
The Caldicot-based business has secured funding from Horizon Europe – the EU’s flagship £80bn research and innovation programme – to fast track the development of its pioneering breakthrough.
Called glucowear, the sensor is worn on the wrist and uses ultra-low power microwave signals to monitor glucose levels.
Afon Technology is one of more than 20 businesses in Wales to have benefited from the Horizon Europe scheme.
Sabih Chaudhry, chief executive of Afon Technology, said: “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 £2m from the European Innovation Council, allowing us to drive our innovation toward commercialisation and, ultimately, improve the lives of those living with diabetes.”
The Horizon Europe 2025 funding programme is now available online and the Welsh Government is encouraging Wales-based researchers and innovators to develop submissions for the programme, which is being run by the European Commission until 2027.
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Grant support is available to businesses to stimulate participation in Horizon Europe via Agile Cymru.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans said:“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 海角视频’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.”