Technology developed by a graduate entrepreneur could bring relief to diabetes patients suffering condition related foot ulcerations.
David Barton, who lives in Swansea is co-founder and director of Kaydiar, which he set up while studying podiatry medicine at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
It is hoped the firm’ device, which fits into a patient’s shoe, will aid healing for tens of thousands of people with diabetic foot ulcerations by offloading pressure.
Subject to clinical trials the business has secured in principle investment backing from a major undisclosed multinational, alongside orders.
Mr Barton, 24, said he is determined to see the medical offloading insole used by the NHS.
An estimated 350,000 people in the 海角视频 have diabetic foot ulcerations, which can lead to the need for patients to have amputations. Providing people with a device to limit the effects of the ulcerations has the potential to help millions worldwide.
Once he had developed his idea, he investing in a 3D printer and 3-D modelling software To save costs, the young entrepreneur was living with his parents while he spent all his time working on his device.
Mr Barton said: “I was approached by one of the doctors at the university who saw potential in the prototype and that’s when my business partner, Heather and I started up this business.
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“And that was when we were set up with the Centre for Entrepreneurship at Cardiff Met, which gave us access to all kinds of advice.”
It was there that Mr Barton and business partner (co-founder and director) Heather Smart, used the advice and support of the Welsh Government’s Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP), which aided the business’ development from idea to manufacturing.
Last year Kaydiar took the tech prize at ESTnet Awards – which triggered interest from his investors.
Mr Barton said: “The award was important for us because we managed to get a plc partner and they have made an investment in our project,
“We have gone through exponential growth in the last few months and have overcome massive challenges and learning curves.
“AGP has helped support us in that, covering valuable business advice and legal costs.”
Kaydair’s device is designed and manufactured in Wales as it undergoes a product evaluation in the NHS after encouraging results from tests at the university.
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Originally from Kent, Mr Barton’s parents retired to Wales during his time at university, meaning he could move in them while focusing on establishing the businesses.
He said: “I was continually prototyping and finally brought a concept to life, which demonstrated excellent results for pressure redistribution.
“I have worked on this without pay for the two-and-a-half years. This is my life, and I love it.
“With my business partner Heather, we have built the business to what it is. It’s growing fast, and we have big ambitions and want to remain in Wales, which is a great country.”
David Notley of the Excelerator Consortium, which delivers the AGP said Kaydiar was an excellent example of an idea emerging from a Welsh university having the potential to help people with a chronic condition.
He added:“Working with a young entrepreneur like David shows the kind of potential we have here in Wales.
“Things are at a delicate stage at the moment, but Kaydiar has the potential to be a global leader in its field.
“AGP has been able to help in the early stages of its growth by providing it with business advice and support for the legal costs associated with bringing an idea like David’s to life.
“These are really exciting times for Kaydiar, and it’s been fantastic to be able to work with this start-up firm."