Kids' gaming therapy venture wins global award

30 April 2009

Media Release
Available for immediate use

BrightMind Labs: Venture delivering therapy to kids using immersive gaming wins Global award in San Francisco

Therapy may soon be delivered to children wrapped in action computer gaming if award winning Tutukaka venture has its way. Brightmind Labs are creating action gaming to deliver cognitive behavioural therapy to kids aged six to 12 who suffer from the likes of depression, anxiety or post traumatic stress disorder.

Brightmind Labs Clinical Director Dr Yvette Ahmad and CEO Fraser Hurrell have just returned from the world finals of the Global Social Venture Competition in San Francisco where they took away the Social Impact Award. “This is the first time a kiwi venture has made it to the prestigious GSVC finals in America, so it is exciting for us to have not only pitched to the judging panel, but also to have won this award” says CEO Fraser Hurrell.

The New Zealand venture was awarded to top Social Impact Assessment prize in recognition of its innovative approach to addressing an unmet need – as well as the potential social impact arising from these innovations.

“We are interested in developing products that are accessible and affordable. Many parents cannot afford to pay for private services to help their child who suffers from a mental health problem and public services have long waiting lists. Demand certainly outstrips supply in every country. Our products are based on immersive gaming principles so the child will be motivated to play the games while gaining psychological benefit such as relieving depression or anxiety” said Dr Yvette Ahmad.

The success of Brightmind Labs at the Global Social Venture Competition shows that you don’t need to be located in the Silicon Valley to bring innovative business ideas to the attention of venture capitalists and ultimately to market. “It is exciting for New Zealand that world class knowledge based businesses can be germinated and brought to fruition from this corner of the world. It no longer matters where one is physically located”, says Hurrell.

Brightmind Labs first product is “FriendQuest” – a game to help children on the autistic spectrum recognise and respond appropriately to emotions. FriendQuest is fully developed and in beta testing and will be launched internationally in the next few weeks once this process is complete.

Clinical Director Dr Yvette Ahmad is also a director of The Starfish Clinic in Auckland and Whangarei – and Fraser Hurrell is also a director of ElevateCA, a Chartered Accounting business serving Auckland and Whangarei.

Look out for Brightmind Labs at www.brightmindlabs.com

ends

© Scoop Media