Smart glasses designed to help people with severe depression complete daily tasks and AI-powered therapy apps aimed at easing anxiety are among 17 projects awarded government support to reshape mental health treatment across the UK.
Science Minister Lord Vallance confirmed on Tuesday that £3.6 million will be invested through Innovate UK’s Mindset programme, which funds digital innovations that provide scalable, real-time support for patients. The initiative seeks to reduce costs for the NHS while tackling the rising demand for services, with referrals to NHS mental health support in England up 40% since before the pandemic.
The new technologies will undergo development and trials over the next 12 to 18 months, offering potential breakthroughs in managing conditions including depression, anxiety, psychosis and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
One of the flagship projects is being led by London-based CrossSense, which is developing lightweight smart glasses powered by artificial intelligence. The device identifies everyday objects and provides real-time prompts through a connected app, helping people with memory loss or severe depression navigate daily life. The glasses can issue safety alerts, such as “stay away from boiling water,” and offer positive reinforcement to counter negative thought patterns. Over time, the system adapts to each user, supporting independence and preventing cognitive decline.
Other projects receiving funding highlight the diversity of approaches being taken:
Play Well for Life, in partnership with the University of the West of England, is creating an augmented reality board game to boost children’s communication and social skills.
Life Process Program, based in Northern Ireland, is developing a virtual therapy coach for individuals recovering from substance abuse.
EcoGPX in West Yorkshire is linking extended reality with physical activity to reduce anxiety by connecting people with nature.
Photography Based Therapeutics, working with the University of Surrey, is creating the first AI- and AR-powered app that allows young people to edit distressing elements out of photos, replacing them with calming imagery to aid therapy sessions.
Announcing the funding, Lord Vallance said: “From smart glasses helping those with debilitating depression to games that build children’s social skills, we are backing UK innovators to create technology that improves lives, supports the NHS and grows our economy.”
Minister for Mental Health Baroness Merron added that embracing digital solutions would be vital to “reducing pressure on the NHS and making healthcare fit for the future,” noting that the programme is part of the government’s Plan for Change.
The projects cover conditions ranging from ADHD and autism to occupational stress and addiction recovery. They also tie into the government’s 10-Year Health Plan, which pledges £688 million for mental health services, including more staff, expanded access to therapies and improved digital support via the NHS App.
By investing in virtual, augmented and mixed reality tools, officials say the UK aims to position itself as a leader in digital mental health innovation. Subject to clinical approval, many of the new technologies could become available to patients through the NHS or regulated private providers.
