I recently attended the HealthTech 2.0 conference hosted by Women of Wearables Global. A panel discussion I found especially interesting was ‘Tech-Powered Solutions Paving The Way To Better Mental Health’.
The
global pandemic has taken a toll on mental health worldwide as it upends
everyday life for so many people. Investment into mental healthtech has
boomed, reaching £580
million in
2019. Technology-based products mean people can now access help and
consultations. With Laura Lovett, the managing Editor of MobiHealthNews as
moderator the panel spoke about how technology revolutionises access
to mental health support. The panel consisted of Jolawn Victor, Chief
International Officer at Headspace, Daniel Mansson, founder and
CEO of Flow Neuroscience, Dr Monika Roots, Chief
Medical Officer at Sanvello and Elettra Bianchi
Dennerlein, founder and co-CEO at MyOnlineTherapy
I
agreed with the panel when they discussed the important role technology plays
in improving mental health. This is part of a broader trend of technology
helping people live longer and healthier lives. Technology has
been increasing access to mental health support as described by the
panel. Fitness technology and home workout projects have been booming; for instance according to Bloomberg in September 2020, Peloton forecast a whopping $3.5 billion
to $3.65 billion in revenue for fiscal 2021. Social
media has played an exciting role in this boom.
The growing femtech industry has been making a real difference to the health and happiness of women around the world. An example of an investments I have made in the femtech sector is Elvie, founded by Tania Boler.
This
growth is also mirrored by a larger change in consumers' changing with the rise
of plant-based alternatives that are healthy for the body and sustainable for
the planet. According to a study by Polaris Market
Research, the global plant-based meat market size is expected to reach USD
35.4 billion by 2027. This trend is, in my view, an incredibly attractive
investment. Not
only that, but these are all aspects I believe add up to make life healthier
and better balanced for people around the world. I look forward to seeing new
and innovative ways that technology can help people stay healthy in the
future.
