This feasibility study will develop and validate an innovative predictive algorithm aimed at transforming cervical cancer prevention. Despite screening programmes, cervical cancer affects approximately 3,200 women annually in the UK. While HPV infection is the primary cause, around 90% of infections clear naturally within two years. The critical challenge we are looking to address is identifying which infections will persist and potentially develop into cancer. Daye will address this challenge by creating an algorithm that integrates multiple data types to assess individual risk for HPV persistence and cervical cancer progression. What distinguishes our approach is the incorporation of vaginal microbiome analysis, an emerging biomarker with established links to HPV persistence and cervical carcinogenesis. This will be combined with traditional risk factors including HPV strain, lifestyle elements and comprehensive medical history. The vaginal microbiome represents a particularly promising and modifiable intervention target. Research demonstrates that certain microbiome compositions significantly impact HPV clearance rates and inflammation pathways linked to cancer development. By incorporating this novel biomarker alongside established risk factors, we aim to create more precise, personalised risk assessments. Our 12-month feasibility study will first develop a prototype algorithm using existing datasets to create comprehensive risk profiles. We will then validate this approach using real-world data from patients enrolled in the National HPV screening programme, assessing the algorithm's accuracy in predicting HPV persistence. The study will determine whether this integrated approach can provide clinically meaningful risk stratification, enabling the creation of personalised prevention plans. We will also explore implementation pathways within existing screening programmes, establish regulatory requirements, and develop a commercialisation strategy. If successful, this innovation could transform cervical cancer prevention from passive surveillance to active intervention. The algorithm would help clinicians identify high-risk patients and recommend targeted interventions focused on modifiable factors, including vaginal microbiome health. This represents an important step toward more personalised, proactive healthcare that could benefit thousands of women in the UK and millions worldwide.

Daye is a UK-based, female-led health start-up on a mission to close the gender gap in product innovation through sustainable and inclusive gynaecological products. It launched the world's first tampon for at-home detection of vaginal infections and STIs, which has demonstrated superiority in sample collection, accuracy and patient preference compared to traditional methods. This project introduces an innovative tampon applicator designed for HPV and cervical screening with Daye's proprietary tampons. Its development is driven by the need for a user-friendly, patient-inclusive, and sustainable solution that incentivises higher patient uptake through simplicity, familiarity and comfort. The applicator's design will facilitate pain-free self-testing and is tailored to place Daye's Diagnostic Tampon optimally within the vaginal canal and up to the cervix, ensuring accurate sampling for infections and cervical cancer. Its key features will include an ergonomic design for extended reach, depth and insertion indicators for effective use, and an inclusive shape that accommodates individuals with motor disabilities. Made from biodegradable materials, it will offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic swabs and disposable speculums, commonly incinerated after use. In the UK, around 3791 individuals are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, with 3 deaths daily (ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and Cancer, 2023). Despite the NHS's commitment to eliminate this disease by 2040, current vaccines only cover a portion of high-risk HPV strains (NHS, The universal HPV immunisation programme, 2023). Conventional screening methods, involving speculum-based procedures and clinic visits, are often inaccessible or uncomfortable, contributing to a decline in cervical screening participation in the UK (NHS, 2023). The significance of this development lies in its potential to overcome barriers to early HPV and cervical cancer detection, such as embarrassment, fear, pain, inconvenience and cultural obstacles, thus making screenings more accessible, comfortable, and sustainable, thus contributing to cervical cancer prevention.

ADL is a carbon neutral UK-based, female-led start-up, with the aim to bridge the gender gap in product innovation through sustainable, CBD-infused tampons. This project looks to solve the environmental impact of tampon applicators, reducing the amount of plastic waste from menstrual products that end up in the landfill, on our beaches, or polluting our oceans for years to come. Menstrual waste amounts to 200,000 tonnes per year, based on calculations from Absorbent Hygiene Product Manufacturers Association (AHPMA)'s 2018 figure of 4.3 billion menstrual products being used per year in the UK. Moreover, the design of the tampon applicator has not been changed much since its invention in 1929, so there is room for improvement. An internal study with ADL subscribers has showed that 92% would want a more compact and user-friendly applicator compared to the conventional long variants. By producing the world's first commercially available flushable menstrual tampon applicator, ADL Ltd aims to solve a range of economic and environmental challenges, through innovative product development, and business model innovation. The Company has already engaged in preliminary user testing and product prototyping to ensure that diverse stakeholders are involved in the different stages of the product design. Also, the Company has engaged research partners for the development of the flushable applicator material. The successful execution of this project will significantly reduce the amount of waste generated by period care products, create new employment opportunities and will advance UK R&D towards the implementation of green technologies and materials in industrial applications.