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We're incredibly excited to launch this groundbreaking XR program, designed to unlock the potential of immersive technology in revolutionising mental health support. Mental health conditions are complex, far-reaching, and deeply personal.

We believe that diverse approaches are essential to create lasting change. By harnessing immersive technologies, alongside the expertise of creatives, technologists, academics, and those with lived experience, we envision a future where managing mental health is more accessible, effective, and personalised.

The Health Innovation Network South London is dedicated to fostering a truly nationwide collaboration, nurturing talent and innovation across the UK to create exceptional solutions in this vital space.

Chief Executive, Dr Rishi Das-Gupta
Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London

From across the Health Innovation Network South London we have assembled a talented team to drive the Mindset-XR Innovator Support Programme.

Dr Amanda Begley:
HIN's Executive Director for Digital and Transformation with over 20 years as a senior leader in digital, data and innovation within UK healthcare.

Aileen Jackson:
Head of Mental Health with more than 25 years in health and social care, including experience as a social worker, service developer and commissioner.

Jill Owens:
Senior Programme Manager for Mental Health, with experience in public health at national policy level, eating disorders, and innovator support.

Shilpi Shobowale:
Senior Project Manager for Digital Transformation and Technology, with high levels of experience in health and social care project management.

Laura Walton:
Project Support Officer for Digital Transformation and Technology, with a background in social care and the education sector.

Perrii Foncette:
Project Support Assistant at the HIN with NHS experience across multiple specialities.

Introducing Mindset-XR Innovator Support Programme: a new ecosystem to help immersive technology developers improve the UK’s mental health

It has recently been announced that the Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London will be partnering with Innovate UK on a multi-year innovator support programme focusing on the use of immersive therapeutics for mental health.

In our first blog about the programme, HIN Executive Director for Digital and Transformation Dr Amanda Begley provides some of the context, highlights our UK-wide collaborators and explains why the HIN believe emerging extended reality technologies offer real hope for the millions of people impacted by mental illness in the UK.

Read the latest blog piece.

2024 Innovate UK Immersive Tech Awards are now open for applications

The Immersive Tech Awards are designed to celebrate the best immersive technology projects in the UK. As part of the competition, students can win the grand prize of four internships with leading immersive tech companies.

In order to win, students need to submit a project that showcases their skills and creativity in immersive technology. Projects can be in any format, including virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, and other forms of immersive media.

Deadline for applications is 17 March. F ind out more and apply .

Glimpse of the Future Networking Event
5 March 2024 | 12:30pm - 4:30pm | Glasgow

In this event Jonathan Mitchener, Innovate UK’s Futurist and Innovation Lead for Horizon Scanning, will run a dynamic session giving glimpses of a variety of possible technology-driven future scenarios and the impact they will have on our lives.

This will be followed by networking workshops in which you and your fellow industry professionals will be able to discuss the sessions you've just heard and share thoughts and opinions on how new technologies could affect industries, businesses and society.

Please register here.

Immersive Tech Sector Industry Consultation Roundtable Feedback Event
6-20 March 2024 | 1:00pm - 4:00pm | London, Gateshead, Cardiff

Join a series of exciting sessions where the future of the immersive technology landscape in the UK over the next five years will be discussed.

The roundtable events are designed to help industry inform Innovate UK and policymakers about the current activity and trends in immersive technology and help to identify specific challenges and opportunities.

Please register here.

Connect and Collab: Networking Hour – get advice on how to use design in your project/programme
7 March 2024 I 12.00pm-1.00pm I Online

Join the Design Innovation Network for an empowering workshop where we talk about embedding design by listening to your customers.

Explore case studies showcasing the transformative impact of customer-centric design.
Participate in discussions with industry peers.
Share strategies for understanding and prioritising customer needs.
Learn techniques for incorporating customer feedback into product and service design.
Discuss practical steps for all the above.

Please register here.

We hope you have enjoyed the first edition of 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 April.

Glimpse of the Future Networking Event 5 March 2024 | 12:30pm - 4:30pm | Glasgow

Glimpse of the Future Networking Event
5 March 2024 | 12:30pm - 4:30pm | Glasgow