Smart glasses and AI filter apps among new tech to transform the mental health of millions

Smart glasses and AI filter apps among new tech to transform the mental health of millions

Backing for businesses across the UK will help to take low-cost innovations that support people’s mental health to the next level.

Summary

• Cutting-edge extended reality backed to deliver real-time mental health support for people across the UK, including those with severe depression and anxiety
• 17 projects supported by share of £3.6 million could treat people in every corner of the UK, helping reduce costs to the NHS and resource pressure with real-time support, turbocharging our Plan for Change
• Smart glasses technology being developed by CrossSense in London shows how AI can help those suffering with severe depression to navigate daily challenges

Smart glasses which help people struggling with severe depression to complete everyday tasks and AI filter apps making therapy for debilitating anxiety less daunting are among the cutting-edge tech projects being backed to deliver real-time mental health support across the UK, Science Minister Lord Vallance has announced today (Thursday 11 September).

With a 40% rise in people receiving mental health support from the NHS in England alone since before the pandemic, Innovate UK is supporting 17 businesses across the UK to take low-cost innovations to the next level to improve lives up and down the country, for the most in need, including in remote or underserved areas.

Developments include light-weight smart glasses which use AI to address the impact illnesses like depression, anxiety and psychosis can have on memory loss, by recognising household objects and offering advice on a connected app.

Technology led by CrossSense helps to reframe negative thoughts while offering step-by-step instructions for carrying out daily tasks, such as keeping vulnerable users safe from harm with prompts like advice to stay away from boiling water on the hob. It adapts to the wearer’s needs over time and helps to prevent cognitive decline, including dementia, so complex mental health conditions are not an unnecessary barrier to fulfilled and independent lives.

Tech will be built and trialled over the next year to 18 months – following £3.6 million of support from Innovate UK’s Mindset extended reality (XR) for digital mental health programme. This investment is part of the government’s commitment to protecting record funding for research and development, as outlined in the Autumn Budget 2024, which recognises that capitalising on the UK’s excellence in science and innovation is essential to seize the opportunities of AI, drive economic growth, and support our NHS.