Interactive roadshow explores immersive XR technology for better mental health

Health Innovation South West were delighted to host an interactive event exploring the power of immersive technology in mental health, writes Carla Zumfelde.  

The ‘Mindset-XR’ roadshow was held at Health Innovation South West’s innovative offices in Exeter, in support of a national roadshow led by colleagues at Health Innovation South London and Innovate UK. 

The event brought together over 100 digital healthcare experts, academics and innovators from across the South West in person and online to explore the potential of extended reality (XR) in mental health, and learn about Innovate UK’s Mindset-XR funding and support.  

Highlights and key takeaways 
The roadshow featured innovations and advice from the Digital Futures Lab, one of the first Immersive Technologies research spaces embedded within the NHS. Mindset-XR winners shared their experiences of NHS integration, and showcased a range of exciting immersive tech designed to enhance human connection and interaction for people with mental health issues. 

Speakers underscored the importance of co-designing with patients and clinicians, collaboration between industry, academia and the NHS, and understanding the innovation pathway. The need to address accessibility, inclusivity and regulation were also identified as crucial for successful tech integration. 

 Mental health focus in the South West 

Improving mental health is a major priority for the South West, forming one of five areas of ‘mission’ focus for Health Innovation South West’s work within the Peninsula Research and Innovation Partnership. 

In his welcome address, Jon Siddall, CEO of Health Innovation South West, said: “Today is especially relevant for our region because I believe digital innovation, like the examples showcased today, are essential in improving access to mental health support in a rural and coastal place like the South West Peninsula.” 

Expert insights  

Nick Peres, Director of Digital & Innovation at South Devon & Torbay NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Plymouth, and part of the Digital Futures Lab team, highlighted the South West’s unique digital health ecosystem in his keynote speech. “With an ageing population, people who travel a long way to access healthcare, people that don’t access healthcare in the traditional way, this is a real-world testbed for digital innovation. If you want to know something works, you come and test it here.” 

Nick recommended a holistic approach to integrating XR in the NHS and social care, focusing on understanding the use case, process and end user experience. “Start with the problem, not the solution,” he advised. He showcased projects including interactive AI ‘Virtual Patients’ for nurse training and an eye-tracking controlled wheelchair for people with motor neurone disease. 

 
Demonstrations from Mindset-XR winners and local innovators  
Attendees experienced several human-centred tech innovations: 

• Play Well for Life: ‘Dragons of Afterlands’ AR game to enhance adolescent wellbeing through social interaction and shared experiences 

• Anagram: ‘Goliath: Playing with Reality’ and ‘Inside Mental Health’, immersive VR stories of mental health lived experience, to reduce stigma and promote empathy 

• Cineon Training: ‘iSAVE’ virtual MRI experience with eye tracking technology, to reduce patient anxiety 

• Squid Soup: ‘Submergence’, an immersive light installation to aid calmness and improve communication through a shared, physical experience 

• Greener Games: ‘Harmony’, a customisable, virtual environment for relaxation, therapy and mental wellness 

Innovate UK’s Mindset-XR funding  
The Mindset-XR digital mental health programme (2022-2027) is a £20m investment aimed at improving mental health care through XR and other immersive technologies. The programme seeks to treat more people more efficiently and effectively.  

Jane Guest, Interim Innovation Lead, announced the third and final competition of the programme, launching on 28 October 2024, with £3.7 million available for industrial research projects nearing market readiness.  

Submissions are due by mid-January 2025, with projects starting from June 2025. Projects can apply via the Innovation Funding Service (IFS) website when the competition goes live on 28 October. The full and final competition scope is due to be available on the IFS website the week before the competition goes live. 

Mindset-XR Innovation Support Programme 
Led by the Health Innovation South London, with support from collaborators including Health Innovation South West, the Mindset-XR Innovation Support Programme is a new, supportive ecosystem for UK innovators in immersive digital mental health therapeutics. Its aim is to build a thriving UK-wide community, support market pipeline development, raise awareness of XR’s benefits, and ensure equitable access.  

Jill Owens and Shilpi Shobowale, from Health Innovation South London, emphasised the extensive support available, including networking, expert guidance, roundtables, webinars, and e-learning. The event marked the final roadshow in a series of six across the UK, aiming to raise awareness of the programme and build a robust support network for digital mental health innovators. 

To access Mindset-XR Innovation Support Programme resources and sign up for the newsletter, please visit Health Innovation Network South London.