A FORWARD-THINKING technology company in Wales developing the world’s first non-invasive wearable blood glucose monitor has been recognised at a national level for its contribution to advancing diabetes care worldwide.
Afon Technology has been named runner-up in the Innovation category at the 2026 Medilink UK National Awards, following its Glucowear™ device winning the Innovation Award at the MediWales Innovation Awards 2025.
The needle-free continuous glucose monitor offers a more convenient and comfortable approach to diabetes management, removing the need for traditional finger-prick testing.
Initially developed for people living with type 2 diabetes, the technology is set to be expanded for use across a broader range of conditions, including type 1, type 3c, gestational and latent autoimmune diabetes, as well as for athletes tracking glucose fluctuations linked to performance.
The device has undergone rigorous clinical evaluation through trials conducted in partnership with, Profil in Germany and the Joint Clinical Research Facility (JCRF) in Swansea.
Sabih Chaudhry, Afon Technology’s CEO, said: “Receiving national recognition at this stage of our journey is incredibly encouraging for the team.
“We have set out to fundamentally change the experience of glucose monitoring, moving away from invasive methods towards something more seamless, comfortable and better suited to everyday life. Glucowear™ is a step towards making that shift a reality.”
The national Medilink UK Healthcare Business Awards 2026 will celebrate the achievements of some of the most innovative life sciences organisations in the UK, at the iconic Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square in London on Thursday, July 9.
Each year, Medilink UK regional organisations host their own Healthcare Business Awards to identify regional winners, these are then put forward to an independent judging panel to decide on the national Medilink UK Healthcare Business Awards winners and runners up.
This regional to national awards approach ensures Medilink UK can identify the best of the best from across the UK.
Kevin Kiely MBE, Group Executive of Medilink UK, said: “Congratulations to all the winners and runners up in this years’ national Medilink UK awards, and thank you to the independent judging panel for their diligence in selecting the ‘best of the best’ Life Science companies from across the UK.
“Transformation in healthcare delivery can only come about through collaborative working and through the hard work and resilient spirit of our Life Science companies.”
He concluded: “The companies that will be receiving awards this year, have demonstrated their commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of people from across the world and to the ongoing pursuit of excellence.”
Glucowear™ directly addresses a global health challenge affecting over 537 million people worldwide, with cases projected to reach 784 million by 2045.
The NHS alone spends 10 per cent of its budget on diabetes care annually. By removing the need for needles, test strips and invasive continuous glucose monitors, Glucowear™ not only empowers people living with diabetes to manage their condition more comfortably but also reduces environmental waste and healthcare costs.
With major tech companies pursuing similar goals, Afon Technology’s validated, trial-backed device positions Wales as a global leader in non-invasive glucose monitoring, creating both health and economic impact.
For more information, please visit Afon Technology’s website.
