Next generation condom wins People’s Choice

A next generation condom promising to revolutionise safe sex has won the People’s Choice award at the 2016 Building Better Futures for Health Challenge.

Intelligent Polymer Research Institute research Dr. Robin Gorkin presented his Project Geldom concept to an audience of 200 people at the Challenge finals on 2 June at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.

The Geldom is made with tough hydrogels developed in conjunction with ACES materials scientists. The material has enhanced feel and lubrication compared to latex, and may be able to release pharmaceutical and stimulation agents directly from the condom itself.

The Building Better Futures for Health Challenge was held as part of Vivid Ideas Exchange. It invited entrepreneurs from across Australia to submit ideas that could make a significant different to people’s health.

A panel of seven Medtech industry leaders selected four finalists to present at the MCA event. Each finalist gave a ten minute presentation, followed by a question and answer session.

Dr. Robin Gorkin said that as the People’s Choice winner, Project Geldom receives $5,000 worth of services to propel development of the project.

“The award supports development of a prototyping rig to standardized batch production of condoms for that trial,” Dr. Gorkin said.

“It’s really an exciting opportunity – we get access to ide Group, an experienced design firm with a history of transforming innovative health concepts to commercial reality.”