Mayor backs use of video game technology in healthcare services

Leading gaming and immersive technology companies based in the West Midlands are receiving funding from Mayor Richard Parker to support the use of video game technology in health services and help more people return to work.

Funding has been awarded to establish an XR (Extended Reality) Health and Wellbeing Hub, one of eight regional projects supported in the latest round of the Mayor’s funding from the West Midlands Innovation Programme.

The hub will bring together health organisations and the creative sector to explore the use of gaming and entertainment technology in virtual environments designed to support therapies for mental health, neurological conditions and rehabilitation.

The partnership is intended to reduce waiting times for treatment, increase clinical capacity and limit time lost from work and education.

The hub will be delivered by the West Midlands Health Tech Cluster, run by Medilink Midlands, in partnership with Create Central. Birmingham City University is an academic partner, with additional funding and support from the NHS, gaming studios and health and technology organisations.

Health and medical technology is one of five sectors identified in the Mayor’s Growth Plan as having strong potential for regional economic growth and job creation.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This region has been at the cutting-edge of medical breakthroughs for decades, from the first X-ray to the invention of the pacemaker. Innovation is in our DNA.

“Today we’re looking to a new generation of tech trailblazers from Digbeth’s creative quarter to Warwickshire’s ‘Silicon Spa’ to take that legacy to the next level.

“The same world-leading gaming and entertainment technologies that captivate millions of people around the world are now being used to break down barriers to the health and prosperity of our people and economy. The potential is huge and that’s why I’m backing their talent and tech all the way.”

The Mayor also visited Birmingham-based The Antser Group to see how immersive technology is being used in training for social workers, occupational therapists and care professionals, as well as educational programmes addressing knife crime and online influence.

The Antser Group employs 75 people and is developing virtual reality content for therapeutic and educational use, including support for young people with ADHD and autism.

Emma Yeap, Health Tech Cluster manager for Medilink Midlands, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Mayor shining a spotlight on the incredible XR innovation happening across our region. As the Health Tech Cluster powered by Medilink Midlands, we’re excited to be collaborating with Create Central to pull together NHS trusts, universities, creative XR studios, games companies and social enterprises so we can bring the new XR Health and Wellbeing Hub to life.

“Immersive technology has huge potential to cut waiting times, boost clinical capacity and help people get back to work or education sooner. There’s so much potential to scale this impact across the West Midlands, and we’re thrilled to be part of driving that ambition forward.”

Richard Dooner, chief executive of The Antser Group, said: “Through Cornerstone VR, we’ve spent the last 10 years creating immersive experiences that help young people, and the adults who work with them, tackle tough issues like exploitation, social media pressures and knife crime, so they can learn how to navigate real-world challenges in a safe and meaningful way.

“Being part of the West Midlands Innovation Programme pilot for the new XR Health and Wellbeing Hub has been a fantastic opportunity, and having the Mayor’s support for the hub adds real momentum to what we’re trying to achieve.

“Our Autism and ADHD Assessment Hub provides private assessments and we would like to develop new VR content to support therapy and education, giving neurodiverse young people practical, engaging tools that truly make a difference.”

Around 45 XR and immersive technology businesses operate in the West Midlands, employing more than 3,000 people and contributing almost £200m annually to the regional economy. These companies form part of a wider digital health sector that has identified immersive technology and gamification as growth areas.

Other projects supported through the West Midlands Innovation Programme include initiatives focused on creative technology exchange, artificial intelligence adoption, cyber security, robotics, commercialisation support and digital skills in the creative sector.

The programme is managed by the West Midlands Combined Authority and funded through the region’s Innovation Accelerator, with support from Innovate UK and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Image source: West Midlands Combined Authority