In September 2020, we began the search among entrepreneurs worldwide for great examples of how experiences can positively influence our health. The innovation challenge was an activity under Invio, which is a Danish innovation network for companies, organisations and researchers working with the experience economy.
Among all the applications, we selected four finalists, which were: Art Speaks of YOU (DK), Staples VR (NZ), Nolitr (KR), and U4EA (US).
On 15 December, the finalists got the opportunity to pitch in front of a jury of four experts, who are all working with health and health tech. We were very honoured to have Susie Ruff, CEO of Ruff & Co, Anja Hoffmann, Innovation Advisor, Sentio Lab, Mads Nathaniel Lopes, Business Developer, Khora, and Jan Ståhlberg, Founder & CEO at SiliconHagen to help us select the winner.
The jury was impressed with the general level of the finalists and had a hard time selecting the winner, but in the end, they decided to give the first prize to U4EA from California.
U4EA (pronounced euphoria) is “a digital sound healing platform for digital and living spaces”. Brandon Howard, CEO and founder, impressed the jury with his convincing pitch and unique concept that connects experience of sounds and colors with mental health.
U4EA has developed a binaural beat app, where users are granted access to a matrix of emotional tones they can create. Once created, users listen to binaural beats and then report if the tones helped them reach their desired state. Binaural beats are proven to induce states of sleep, relaxation, meditation, joy, motivation, and focus – in only 10 minutes or less.
The App is available for iOS right here.
Brandon Howard’s concept is a great example of how skills of the cultural and creative sectors spill over into the health sector. In Creative Business Network, we are very focused on exploring this corelation and we plan many more activities within this field.
We have created a community on Creativity & Health which you can join right here.
