Next-generation condom secures $1 million government funding
In Summary
- Next-generation hydrogel condom developed with Swinburne research has secured a $1 million NSW Medical Devices Fund
- Fund invests in the development and commercialisation of medical devices and technologies
- The condom can improve pleasure while retaining safety standards of current latex condoms
A next-generation hydrogel condom developed with Swinburne research has secured a $1 million NSW Medical Devices Fund (MDF) grant that will help to fund manufacturing and human trials in late 2018.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced the seven winners of the 2018 NSW MDF in Sydney on Wednesday 8 August. The fund invests in the development and commercialisation of medical devices and technologies.
Eudaemon Technologies, co-founded by Swinburne’s Dr Simon Cook, is developing the next-generation condom, known as Project Geldom, which is made of new tough hydrogel materials to improve feeling and increase regular use.
The hydrogel’s skin-like feel offers kinaesthetic advantages that can be combined with innovation in manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of condoms to address diverse global needs.
The hydrogel condom offers the possibility of improving pleasure and eliminating allergic responses while retaining the protection and safety standards of current latex condoms.
“We are delighted to be to one of the innovations selected for funding from the NSW Medical Devices Fund,” says Dr Cook.
“This success is a testament to the hard work that our team has put into the project over the last few years with the support of Swinburne. This funding really sets the stage for realising our vision of getting our technology to those in the developing world where it is needed the most, as soon as possible.”
The company will use the money to conduct human trials by the end of 2018. They are currently planning to partner with established condom brands and relief agencies throughout the developing world to provide universal access to the condom.
Previous success
A collaboration between Swinburne and University of Wollongong, the next-generation condom also has the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The project received one of only 22 condom innovation grants funded worldwide, out of more than 200 applications for the Grand Challenges Explorations initiative, which covers diverse project areas ranging from agriculture to healthcare.
The Swinburne research team also includes Dr Gianni Renda, Bridgette Engeler, Associate Professor Joseph Ciorciari, Devy Santoso and Professor Simon Moulton.