into the app if you have a hypo
and will play an automated
message,” Josh explains.
“If none of them respond,
the app will call emergency
services,” Shakaya adds.
“Halfway through building
on the idea a woman in her 20s
died in Geelong due to a hypo
while she was sleeping,” says
Josh. “This was motivation for
us to make this happen, so we
can prevent more unfortunate
losses like this one.” The device
- which would constantly
monitor your blood glucose
levels and send smartphone
alerts when limits are reached - would ultimately reduce the
stress of the person with
diabetes and their families.
“I sit down at my desk to
do schoolwork or play games
then I look to my left and
see the Upstart trophy that
reminds me that we can do
this,” says Josh. “This idea
is coming to life!”
While they are still students,
Josh and Shakaya recently
pitched the CGM Buddy at the
diabetic living MAY/JUNE 2019 19Wade Institute of
Entrepreneurship (a leading
centre in Victoria for
entrepreneurial training).
Presenting to a large
audience, the duo was
rewarded with a Master
of Entrepreneurship
scholarship worth $50,000,
and spoke to several people
who were interested in their
idea. Since then, through the
help of a tech industry
insider, Josh and Shakaya
have begun working on a
prototype of the app, and
are now reaching out to the
medtech industry to take
it further.
“I hope to be able to share
this app to diabetics across
Australia – the world even!”
says Shakaya. “I’d just love to
make their lives easier and see
a smile on their faces knowing
that they don’t have to worry
anymore.” ■diabetes hero
If you’d like to know more, or know someone
who could help, please get in contact with
[email protected]