Innovate UK announces funding for 24 projects developing immersive digital mental health therapeutics.
The funding from Innovate UK’s £20m Mindset programme is driving the growth of immersive digital mental health solutions in the UK. By supporting projects that develop therapeutic interventions, Mindset is building a robust ecosystem to bring these innovations to market.
Through fostering collaboration between the immersive technology sector and mental health providers, Mindset aims to improve treatment options, offering faster, more cost effective and accessible support for individuals with mental health concerns.
The challenge
Mental health is a significant and pressing issue, one which is growing and affecting millions of people across all demographics.
Five million patients accessed NHS treatment in 2022 and 2023, an increase of more than 25% in five years. With the cost to the UK economy estimated to be at least £117.9 billion per year (5% of UK gross domestic product), the need for innovative solutions has never been greater.
The innovations
The projects focus on digital mental health therapy through the application of extended reality (XR), from early-stage viability assessment to industry-led research.
Solutions include:
- immersive hypnotherapy for patients with functional neurological disorder (FND)
- an XR application for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- a mixed reality (MR) environment for a variety of mental health conditions including bipolar disorder and psychosis
Various virtual reality (VR) solutions will support young people with depression and those who experience hearing voices, as well as those with autism spectrum disorder.
Innovations to support people in addiction recovery, with post-traumatic stress disorder, and those who self-harm are also amongst the projects funded through Mindset.
Dr Stella Peace, Executive Director for Healthy Living and Agriculture Domain at Innovate UK, said: “These solutions will enhance patient care by offering faster, more accessible support for individuals facing mental health challenges. By investing in these cutting-edge technologies, we are fostering business growth and unlocking innovations that truly make life better.”
George MacGinnis, Director for Healthy Lives at Innovate UK, said: “Bringing together the UK’s world class creative and health technology industries to develop immersive digital mental health solutions opens up new opportunities to transform care and improve access to effective treatments for many more patients.”
Article by Innovate UK.