A Cardiff Metropolitan University graduate has undertaken a new business venture manufacturing and distributing a device that could deliver significant NHS savings and help tackle diabetes.

Cardiff Met reports David Barton founded Kaydiar following groundbreaking design work undertaken while studying towards a BSc (Hons) in Podiatry at Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences.

While studying, he developed a prefabricated offloading device that delivers relief to high pressure areas of the body. The device is a long-term preventative of diabetic ulcers that can also prevent future ulcer occurrence and has the capacity to remain functional for up to a couple of years.

His product is a revolutionary replacement for the traditional surgical boot given to people with diabetes experiencing pain symptoms, as it can be placed into the owner’s footwear and be provided as an instant prescription on the day of their appointment.

The long-term hygienic preventative qualities of the design could result in significant savings for the NHS as its unique clinical properties mean it could serve as a replacement for the short-term solutions currently utilised.

David Barton’s work has already garnered industry praise, with him having been awarded the ESTnetNG tech prize at the Wales Technology Awards for his outstanding commitment, enthusiasm and interest in the field of technology.

David Barton said “My company began via a dissertation project, which focused on shock absorbing foam used in sports. The initial idea was a complete failure, which is when I turned my attentions to one of my other designs which was aimed at offloading pressure from diabetic foot ulcerations. I began designing sketches in my lectures and came up with my initial concept in my third year of studying podiatry. I was fortunately able to live at my parents’ house rent free during my studies and could therefore invest my student loan into a 3D printer and 3D modelling software, which I used to bring my sketches to life. I have been designing and printing for the last two years now and with all that hard work and help from my business partner Heather, I have finally arrived at the point of producing a viable and practical medical device for the NHS to aid the diabetic crisis. To have already received praise for my work in the form of an award is a great privilege and we are eagerly looking forward to the future of Kaydiar.”

Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Entrepreneurship Engagement Manager, Steve Aicheler, said “To see David grow from a student with a promising idea to an award-winning start-up business owner is fantastic. The university’s Research and Innovation team delivers an array of support services across numerous areas, in David’s case support was provided for patent applications, trademarking and providing research links to the academic schools. Through the Centre for Entrepreneurship David was provided with effective mentoring and business start support. We are delighted that David has already seen success so early into his journey and we will ensure that he receives ongoing support from the centre as he continues into the world of business.”