Diabetes and mental health app reaches final of global innovation challenge

A Cornwall-based mobile app has won a place in the final of a global innovation challenge to find transformative diabetes solutions.

Neap is the brainchild of George Fry, who himself suffers from Type 1 diabetes. 

It offers people with diabetes stress-reduction techniques such as 1-2-1 therapy, weekly mindfulness sessions, self-care courses and the ability to journal their health and mood.

People with diabetes are twice as likely to suffer emotional and mental health issues than those who don’t.

Whilst there are other diabetes management apps, this is unusual in linking together mental health and diabetes.

Fry founded Neap in January 2021, whilst at Falmouth University’s Launchpad venture studio. There, he was partnered with the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust to work on ideas. He already has some 300 users.

The diabetes innovation challenge is run by US health giant, Cigna, alongside healthcare incubator, MATTER. The challenge sources solutions focussed on empowering more people living with diabetes to reach their optimal health through supported lifestyle choices while navigating external influences.

Neap joins five other finalists that have moved from the incubator to the accelerator phase of the challenge. They will be mentored over six weeks, and expected to develop a pilot opportunity with Cigna, with a presentation day in December. Up to three solutions will win $10,000 each.

George Fry, founder of Neap, said: “The stress associated with diabetes is a vicious cycle that can become overwhelming. 75% of people with diabetes do not receive the psychological support they need. This is a crucial requirement when most of the daily management of diabetes falls upon the diagnosed individual.”

The other finalists are: GlucosePATH  (Florida), Klinio (Lithuania), Pack Health (Alabama), SNAQ (Switzerland), and Viora Health’s (Pennsylvania).