Wellbeing research centre recruits Israeli ‘robot therapy’ start-up

AN Israeli digital therapy start-up has become the first international business to join Sheffield Hallam University’s £900,000 Wellbeing Accelerator programme, based at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) in the city.

Tel Aviv-based Selfit Medical focuses on solutions to help ageing populations. The business has developed a “robot therapist” for people with brain and heart disorders.

It guides individuals through a personalised physical therapy plan by projecting movement directions and combining audio prompts with the capacity to film and review.

Head of the AWRC Wellbeing Accelerator Simon Butler said: “We are delighted to accept Selfit Medical as the first international start-up recruited on to the programme.

“Its technology is really innovative and very timely with the issues of an ageing population, and rising levels of conditions such as stroke and Parkinson’s meaning novel solutions are required. We look forward to supporting the business to reach its goals.”

The Wellbeing Accelerator operates out of Sheffield Hallam’s new £14m wellbeing research centre, with start-ups on the programme gaining access to research and development to allow for rapid prototyping, precision engineering and laboratories for product testing.

The programme works with start-ups, SMEs, founders and agencies to accelerate the development of health and wellbeing technologies and applications.

Selfit Medical chief executive Shahar Figelman said: “We’ve been trying for some time to enter the UK healthcare and wellness markets so joining the AWRC Wellbeing Accelerator is a great opportunity for us.

“We’re excited to get access to leading scientists and clinicians via the programme and look forward to learning how to bring our technology to market in the UK.”