After a successful Allied Health webinar, where local health tech entrepreneurs shared their stories with researchers, Campus+ has kept the momentum going.
“We see ourselves as a bit of a match maker”, said Campus+ CEO Nick McNaughton, “We want to bring together talented people from industry and academia, who share an interest, and see what can develop”.
In this instance, it was Christian Doran, founder of Recovery VR, who demonstrated his technology to a UC research group with interests in using Virtual Reality in the management of chronic pain.
RecoveryVR is a virtual reality tool to help people rehabilitate after having a stroke by getting them moving in a fun and engaging way. Patients can put on a VR headset and play games, get one-on-one therapy or exercise outside, all from the safety and comfort of their hospital bed or home.
Researchers were able to experience a VR workout for themselves, and were impressed with the level of immersion and engagement in movement the various VR scenarios offered.
The ‘Show and Tell’ event sparked ideas and discussions on using this technology for a range of rehabilitation therapies. It’s still early days for a potential collaboration, but Campus+ has helped to kick start the conversation.
“For an SME, or anyone, to develop digital health products you need clear and well collected clinical data to enter the market. We can build the most effective virtual therapy in the world but it will be our relationship with the University of Canberra that will open the door to the people who need it most. As an industry partner it can be very hard to find alignment in research goals with the University team but it is crucial for us to find ways to work closely with, and deliver outcomes that benefit both parties.” Christian Doran, Founder and CEO Recovery VR.
First published 5 August 2020