CanSense and Swansea University are announced as winners of the Innovation in Women’s Cancer Accelerator Fund.
This collaborative scheme between Life Sciences Hub Wales and the Academy of Medical Sciences aims to foster partnerships and provide seed funding to develop innovative solutions that enhance outcomes and experience for women affected by cancer.
Let’s meet our winners:
CanSense
Specialising in the early detection of bowel cancer using non-invasive blood tests powered by laser spectroscopy and AI, the team is expanding into gynaecological cancers. As part of this expansion the team need patient and professional input to ensure their test is accessible and accepted within clinical pathways.
Nerissa Thomas, Technical Scientist at CanSense said:
"CanSense is honoured to be named a winner of the Innovation in Women’s Cancer Accelerator Fund award. This support allows us to advance our patient-centred mission to detect ovarian and endometrial cancers earlier through a minimally invasive blood test. By expanding our liquid-biopsy technology, we aim to positively transform outcomes for women, ensuring earlier diagnosis and better survival guided by the voices of patients and healthcare professionals."
Swansea University
Medical School Researchers at Swansea University are known for their multi-disciplinary approach to cancer research. They work closely with clinicians, data scientists, industry and everyone in between to drive forward innovations in the cancer field. Their project will aim to establish a collaborative stakeholder network to advance the development of an at-home diagnostic test for biomarkers of bone density loss.
Professor Deya Gonzalez at Swansea University said:
“I am delighted that Swansea University has secured funding to develop the CARI-O (Cancer Associated Risk Identification of Osteoporosis) project.
In collaboration with éclateral, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, ARCH, TriTech Institute, and Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales, we will adapt éclateral’s at-home diagnostic platform to identify osteoporosis risk in women undergoing cancer treatment, empowering them through education to make informed healthcare decisions.
This innovation is valuable for patients experiencing treatment side effects, those at increased risk of infection, individuals who are home-bound, or those living in rural communities where repeated hospital visits can be challenging. We are excited to work with our multidisciplinary partners to improve quality of life and treatment outcomes for women in Wales affected by cancer.”
Colette Buckley, Partnerships Delivery Manager at Life Sciences Hub Wales said:
“I am thrilled to announce the winners of the Innovation in Women's Cancer Accelerator Fund. These projects represent a fantastic opportunity to develop innovative solutions that can improve the experience of women in Wales affected by cancer. We are excited to support our partners in their collaborative efforts to drive meaningful progress in women's healthcare."
Professor James Naismith FRS FRSE FMedSci, Vice-President (Non-Clinical) at the Academy of Medical Sciences, said:
“Many congratulations to Nerissa Thomas at CanSense and Professor Deya Gonzalez at Swansea University for winning the Innovation in Women’s Cancer Accelerator Fund. Women’s cancer remains an area in urgent need of innovative solutions, and by supporting researchers with bold, cross-sector approaches at an early stage, we are helping to lay the foundations for breakthroughs that will improve outcomes and experiences for women affected by cancer. We are proud to fund this initiative and are pleased to continue our work with Life Sciences Hub Wales to drive meaningful progress and innovation in healthcare."
Interested in reading more about our partnership with the Academy of Medical Sciences? Read more on our collaboration here.
