How three Falmouth students are fighting a silent pandemic

Three Masters students from Falmouth University’s Launchpad Programme are tackling diabetes –a silent pandemic - head on with a mindfulness mobile app. 

George Fry, Jake de Buriatte Moglia and Gianluca Frisina met on the innovative Launchpad 

Incubation and acceleration programme at Falmouth University. All of them have personal experience of diabetes: George was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 25 and endured diabetes burnout while juggling a business venture, while Jake and Gianluca have seen the impact of diabetes on their families.  

Motivated by their own experiences dealing with diabetes, they have developed Neap. 

Focusing on ‘mindful diabetes management’, Neap aims to connect people with diabetes and allows them to improve their relationship with the condition. More than 300 peer support groups for people with diabetes were interrupted during the coronavirus pandemic. The trio’s ambition is to make peer support available anytime, anywhere. 

George explained how the idea for the app came about

After being diagnosed, I had a two-hour crash course teaching me how to inject insulin and check blood sugars every time I ate for the rest of my life. Having a community of other people with diabetes to speak to and support me emotionally during this time would have been invaluable.

Jake added: “Launchpad has been a fantastic opportunity to work on a technology start-up. Cornwall has an amazing quality of life and living in such a beautiful landscape has helped fuel our ambitions to make a positive impact on society.” 

The team is currently running a closed beta test in anticipation of the launch of their industry-disrupting app.  

Check out Neap 

Find out about Launchpad