NZ Startup ‘oVRcome’ Wins Prestigious ‘Trans-Tasman Innovation & Growth Award’ At ANZLF Event, Sydney

NZ Health tech startup, oVRcome has won a Trans-Tasman Innovation & Growth Fund Award at a ceremony in Sydney this evening. Christchurch-based founder, Adam Hutchinson attended the celebratory dinner, alongside Australasia’s top business leaders and ministerial representatives, including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who spoke at the event.

The Awards showcase some of the best examples of innovation, collaboration and growth. The prize includes a cash prize of AU $25,000 and the invite only opportunity to attend and present at the 2022 Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF).

oVRcome helps people overcome anxiety disorders and social anxiety through VR exposure therapy. Programmes are delivered through the oVRcome virtual reality Smartphone app, paired with a VR headset. Participants are immersed in virtual environments so as to relax and distract. Anxiety and phobias include heights, spiders, flying, and dogs. oVRcome has been credited with supporting many to face their fear of needles and have their Covid vaccination, others have credited with helping them face their fear of flying.

“Our goal is to reduce the treatment gap by making treatment for anxiety disorders more accessible” founder Adam Hutchinson says.

Adam was inspired to develop oVRcome after becoming alarmed by mental health statistics. Recognising that accessibility was a key issue, he began working with a team of clinical psychologists to develop an accessible smart-phone based tool to help. It is estimated that up to 80% of anxiety sufferers do not seek treatment currently. Barriers include cost, location of the patient, the stigma of going to a psychologist and the lack of trained psychologists. oVRcome has undergone clinical trial through Otago University.

“We are excited that our work has been recognised with this award, and to be able to present to and network with other innovators from both sides of the Tasman,” Adam says.

Programmes are outlined at the oVRcome website - www.ovrcome.io

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