We were excited to introduce a Mindset-XR workshop for cross-sector innovators in Belfast, Northern Ireland to explore collaborations to develop immersive technology solutions for mental health care at the HIRANI (Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland) Health-tech Spring conference at the end of April.
In this session Siobhan McGrath (HIRANI), was delighted to welcome our Innovate-UK and Health Innovation Network South London partners: (Jane Guest, Jill Owens, & Shilpi Shobowale) to raise awareness of the UK-wide Mindset-XR Innovator Support Programme and support new applications from the burgeoning Northern Ireland digital therapeutic/diagnostics sector.
This packed session was attended by tech innovators, clinical researchers, mental health charities, funders and investors in XR technologies. The opportunity for immersive technologies to assist in digital health transformation of mental health care provision to Northern Ireland citizens was discussed in the context of current mental health challenges, where a 2023 report commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation, highlighted that one in four adults in Northern Ireland are taking anti-depressants.
The enthusiasm in the room to develop equitable and inclusive mental health treatment services was inspiring, and the event served to bring together cross-sector expertise with support to develop innovative solutions for the upcoming, third Mindset competition.
|
|
|
Our Executive Director of Digital and Transformation Dr Amanda Begley and Head of Mental Health Aileen Jackson recently spoke on panels at the Digital Healthcare Show, shedding light on and discussing the role of immersive technology in revolutionising mental health care.
In this blog they reflect on key takeaways from their panel discussions, speak on how the Mindset-XR Innovator Support Programme will empower innovators to navigate the complex healthcare landscape and discuss how we can overcome the barriers leading to widespread adoption.
|
|
Collaborations in Research: Mindset-XR
Collaborations in research have become indispensable for businesses striving to innovate and thrive.
We do hope you can join us on Tuesday 4 June from 11am - 12pm for an insightful webinar looking at the crucial role collaborations play in product and service development, with tips and guidance on key issues to look out for when collaborating, including navigating regulations, data sharing and funding requirements.
This session is free and will be delivered by Jamie Foster, Partner at Hill Dickinson LLP.
Get your free ticket here.
DigitalHealth.London Net Zero Webinar
Since April 2024, there has been a requirement for NHS-contracted companies to publish a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) outlining how they will reduce their carbon emissions.
As part of the Mindset-XR Innovation Support Programme, we are offering you a Net Zero webinar on Wednesday 5 June from 12.30pm - 14.00, hosted by DigitalHealth.London and CRP experts, which will help you to complete your CRP and provide a space to answer any Net Zero-related questions you might have.
Find out more and get your free ticket here.
|
|
We're delighted to announce a series of regional events where members of the Health Innovation Network South London Mindset Team, alongside Innovate UK and our local partners, will be sharing information on the third Mindset grant funding competition and talking about the Mindset-XR Innovator Support Programme. Open to all, the programme has been created to catalyse the immersive technology in mental health ecosystem, while providing tailored support to Innovate UK funded projects.
You can catch us in Leeds, Glasgow, London, Cardiff and Exeter, and full details of the events and how you can get free tickets are below.
We're so looking forward to meeting people across the country who want to find out more about the Innovate UK Mindset-XR Innovation Support Programme, delivered by the Health Innovation Network South London, and why we believe that emerging extended reality technologies offer real hope for the millions of people impacted by mental illness in the UK.
Immersive Technology in Mental Health North of England road show, in-person event
Tuesday 25 June, 9.30am - 4pm
Horizon Leeds
2 Kendall Street, 3rd Floor, Leeds, LS10 1JR
Find out more and get your tickets here.
Immersive Technology in Mental Health Scotland road show, in-person event
Thursday 27 June, 10am - 2.30pm
Advanced Research Centre (ARC), University of Glasgow
11 Chapel Lane, Glasgow, G11 6EW
Find our more and get your tickets here.
Immersive Technology in Mental Health South East road show, in-person event
Tuesday 02 July, 9.30am - 4pm
Robens Suite, Guy's Hospital
Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT
Find out more and get your tickets here.
Immersive Technology in Mental Health Wales road show, hybrid event
Monday 8 July, 9am - 4pm
Life Sciences Hub Wales
3 Assembly Square, Cardiff, CF10 4PL
Find out more and get your tickets here.
Immersive Technology in Mental Health South West road show, hybrid event
Friday 19 July, 11am - 3pm
Health Innovation South West
Pynes Hill, Exeter, EX2 5FD
Find out more and get your tickets here.
|
|
|
You can find out more about the Mindset-XR Innovator Support Programme by checking our dedicated web pages.
Here you'll find information on all our partners and the latest news and blogs about the programme alongside a range of other useful resources.
|
|
Bridging markets and minds: Breaking stereotypes and capturing audiences in the healthy ageing sector
The Healthy Ageing Community of Practice recently held a webinar dedicated to helping innovators maximise reach and engagement with markets by looking at different strategies for engaging with customers and other audiences.
Providing pragmatic tips on SME marketing, the 90-minute webinar features a panel discussion chaired by George Lee, Head of Communication & Engagement, National Innovation Centre for Ageing, alongside:
- Jules Chalkley – Chief Executive Creative Director, Ogilvy UK.
- Laurianne Flais – Senior Product Brand Manager, L’Oréal.
- Laura Childs – Marketing and Communications Manager, Innerva.
- Debbie Marshall – Silver Marketing Association
You can access associated useful resources and watch a recording of the webinar here.
|
|
Future Leaders Fellowships: round 9, business and non-academic
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £110 million for ambitious research and innovation projects in any sector, and tailored support to develop careers for future leaders. This funding is from UKRI.
Competition closes: Tuesday 25 June 2024 11:00am.
Read more here.
The Content Fund - commercial games-for-entertainment, grants of £50k-£150k
DCMS has announced an additional £5 million for the UK Games Fund as part of the Creative Industries Sector Vision – a joint plan between Government and industry to drive growth, build talent and develop skills across the creative sectors.
Competition closes: 31 Mar 2025.
Find out more details and how to apply.
Creative Enterprise Business Builder
We’re excited to introduce the Creative Enterprise Business Builder, a grant initiative designed to support companies who work in moving image for storytelling, spanning film television, games, animation and immersive industries. With grants of up to £2,500, beneficiaries will be able to work with a consultant to build meaningful connections and create opportunities for business growth.
Find out more details and how to apply.
|
|
|
The Turing Way Practitioners Hub, part of the Innovate UK BridgeAI programme, is a 16-24 week cohort-based programme for organisations and SMEs to help them understand industry best practices in the adoption of data science and AI.
It is inviting expressions of interest from organisations and SMEs engaged in data science and AI to join its second cohort of Experts in Residence (EiRs).
With a focus on implementing best practices in data science and AI initiatives in your organisation, you will have the opportunity to engage in this cohort-based programme between September 2024 and February 2025.
Why apply?
-
Take the opportunity to engage with other domain experts, exchange knowledge and build a long-term strategy for scaling using industry best practices in data science and AI.
-
Receive support to implement open source, open data, cross-sector collaboration, research reproducibility and ethical approaches in your organisation’s workflow
- Enhance the quality, viability and real-world impact of AI technologies through your work
Applications close on 30 May. Find out more and apply here.
|
|
Innovate UK Immersive Tech Awards Reception
London, 21 May
Embark on a journey of innovation and imagination as the Innovate UK Immersive Tech Network proudly presents the eagerly anticipated second edition of its groundbreaking competition, the Innovate UK Immersive Tech Awards. This year we invited UK university students from any degree program to push the boundaries of possibility and showcase their pioneering ideas, experiences, and projects to our esteemed panel of experts from the XR industry.
At this reception you will be able to meet with participants selected for the Career Breakout Showcase and try demos of their work and celebrate with us as we honour the trailblazers of tomorrow.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this groundbreaking event! Find out more and get your tickets here.
Advances in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Conference 2024
Manchester, In-person, 3 – 4 June
Manchester’s annual data science and AI conference brings together researchers from across the broad fields within data science and artificial intelligence to explore the latest advances and to discuss important topical questions being posed by society around the use of data science and AI.
This year’s topics are:
- Natural Language Processing
- AI-Fundamentals
- AI for Robotics
- AI for Health
Find out more and book tickets here.
N-CODE EXPO
Birmingham, Hybrid, 10 - 11 June
Register now to attend the annual conference of the N-CODE network focusing on the latest innovations and research in developing neurotechnologies that enable community-based diagnosis and management of neurological conditions.
The event includes a Pitch Competition to showcase early-stage ideas for a chance to win up to £10K for feasibility funding, ample network opportunities and a technology showcase from industry participants.
Find out more and register here.
Create Growth Programme Showcase Day
London, In-person, 15 October
Join us for the Showcase Day, a national event celebrating and showcasing innovative businesses and talent in the creative industries.
As part of the Create Growth Programme launched by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) in partnership with Innovate UK, and designed to support the development of creative businesses with high-growth potential across England, this flagship event will bring together Founders, investors and key stakeholders to exchange ideas for driving sustainable growth in the sector.
Find out more and apply to take part.
|
|
We hope you have enjoyed this Newsletter. Please feel free to forward on to any contacts you have who you think will find it useful.
If you have received this Newsletter from a colleague and would like to be added to our direct mailing list, please contact us and we will make sure you receive the next issue in June.
|
|
|
|