Afon Technology, founded by Dr Sabih Chaudhry in 2019, has been a leader in diabetes innovation with its Glucowear™ device, the world’s first non-invasive glucose sensor that continuously monitors blood sugar levels in real-time
In recent years, groundbreaking advancements have revolutionised diabetes care, turning what was once a life-threatening condition into one that can be effectively managed. The rapid evolution of diabetes technology has been instrumental in improving outcomes worldwide, and the future holds even greater promise, filled with hope and possibility.
For the past six years, Afon Technology has been leading the way in diabetes innovation, developing state-of-the-art, needle-free technology that simplifies glucose monitoring. The Welsh tech company is on the verge of achieving a groundbreaking milestone with Glucowear™ – the world’s first non-invasive sensor that continuously monitors blood glucose levels in real time, paving the way for a new era in diabetes management.
Designed to be comfortably worn on the underside of the wrist and integrated into a watchstrap, Glucowear™ connects seamlessly via Bluetooth to the user’s smartphone, granting people instant access to real-time data and simplifying diabetes management like never before. By making tracking more accessible and effortless, the Welsh-based tech firm empowers people with diabetes to gain valuable insights from their data and take control of their health.
As Afon Technology marks its sixth anniversary, we reflect on its achievements in the field of non- invasive blood glucose monitoring.
The man behind Afon Technology
In 2019, Afon Technology was founded by Dr Sabih Chaudhry, whose visionary thinking transformed an unexpected insight into innovation.
Having worked in the non-invasive blood glucose monitoring industry since 2005, the former microwave engineer experienced a true ‘lightbulb moment’ when he realised that microwave technology could be harnessed to detect biological constituents.
The Glucowear™ device uses safe, ultra-low power RF/microwaves to monitor blood sugar in real-time, eliminating the discomfort and inconvenience of finger pricking that can lead to inconsistent monitoring, potentially compromising effective diabetes management and overall quality of life.
He said: “I always tell people the story of where I was when I had my lightbulb moment. I was in the lab with my business partner, conducting what could only be described as a very Heath Robinson-style experiment.
“We thought, surely, microwave technology could be used to detect biological constituents. We had a couple of satellite antennas and a plastic bag filled with saline in the middle of them. As we gradually added glucose, we noticed something significant.”
He continued: “That was the moment we realised we had the potential for something groundbreaking. As strange as it may sound, that was the spark that set everything in motion. And I must say, we’ve come an incredibly long way since then.”
Testing the innovation
Clinical trials play a vital role in the development of medical devices, serving as the most reliable method for evaluating their safety and effectiveness in real patients. These trials confirm whether a device performs as intended, uncover potential risks, and ultimately determine if it is safe and beneficial for clinical use. Without rigorous testing through clinical trials, there would be no way to ensure that a medical device is both safe for patients and capable of delivering its intended therapeutic benefits.
In July 2020 and November 2024, Afon Technology’s groundbreaking Glucowear™ device was used in clinical trials at Profil, the premier clinical research organisation specialising in diabetes studies. Additionally, in May 2023, the innovative device completed a clinical trial at Swansea Bay University Health Board.
These critical milestones bring the Glucowear™ device one step closer to its much-anticipated launch, marking significant progress in its journey towards transforming diabetes management.
Recognised in the field
Afon Technology’s commitment to advancing non-invasive glucose monitoring has been acknowledged with prestigious awards and funding, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in the field.
A significant highlight for the tech firm was receiving a €2.4 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC), fueling its mission to transform healthcare. In addition, Afon has been honoured with several prestigious awards:
- Wales STEM Award (Oct 2023) –
- Recognising its impact in science and technology
- Junkosha Award (April 2024) –
- Celebrating advancements in medical technology
- H&S Award (July 2024) –
- Acknowledging its commitment to safety and quality
- European Product Design Award (Dec 2024) –
- Highlighting its excellence in product innovation.
These achievements reflect Afon Technology’s dedication and the industry’s confidence in its vision.
“Winning these awards and securing vital funding is a testament to the hard work and vision of our team at Afon Technology,” said Dr Chaudhry.
He added: “It validates our commitment to advancing non-invasive glucose monitoring and accelerates our journey toward transforming the future of diabetes care. We are deeply grateful for the recognition and support as we continue to innovate.”
Over the years, Afon has also proudly welcomed visitors to its headquarters in Caldicot, Wales, including Welsh Minister Natasha Asghar MS.
The future
As Afon Technology celebrates six years of innovation, it looks forward to the release of its latest clinical data. This brings it one step closer to achieving non-invasive glucose monitoring, widely regarded as the ‘holy grail’ of diabetes care.
With each milestone, Afon Technology advances medical technology, working towards a painless and seamless solution for diabetes management.
Dr Chaudhry concluded: “As we celebrate six years of progress, our commitment to revolutionising diabetes care remains unwavering.
“With the upcoming release of our latest clinical data, we are closer than ever to providing a non-invasive, accurate solution that will empower individuals living with diabetes to manage their health with greater ease and confidence.”
