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Health care industry

Simulation and Immersive Technologies Unite Sport-Tech and Health-Tech in Wales

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

During a visit to Swansea, Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens gained insight into the groundbreaking work of the National Institute for Sport & Health (NISH), a unique collaborative network uniting academia, healthcare providers, technology firms, and elite sports organisations. NISH, supported by Swansea Bay City Deal, NHS Wales, and Swansea University, aims to foster innovation and accelerate the growth of sport and health technology in the Swansea Bay City Region and beyond. Stevens witnessed interactive demonstrations using Swansea University's Simulation & Immersive Learning Centre's (SUSIM) immersive simulations, which included high-fidelity training scenarios, interactive rehabilitation programmes, and performance-enhancing protocols that blend artificial intelligence, motion tracking, and virtual reality.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Institute for Sport & Health (NISH) is a unique collaborative network uniting academia, healthcare providers, technology firms, and elite sports organisations to advance sport and health technology.
  • NISH is supported by Swansea Bay City Deal, NHS Wales, and Swansea University, and aims to foster innovation and accelerate the growth of sport and health technology in the Swansea Bay City Region and beyond.
  • Swansea University's Simulation & Immersive Learning Centre (SUSIM) has developed immersive simulations, including high-fidelity training scenarios, interactive rehabilitation programmes, and performance-enhancing protocols that blend artificial intelligence, motion tracking, and virtual reality.
  • The simulations demonstrated during the visit aim to prevent injuries, enhance athletic performance, and support lifelong wellbeing.
  • The visit showed the ambition to bring together sport-tech companies, med-tech innovators, clinical teams, world-class researchers, and sports organisations to create an ecosystem that stimulates economic growth and improves health outcomes.
  • The UK Government's investment in Swansea Bay City Deal is helping build a network to deliver innovation in sport and health.
  • Swansea University is positioning itself as a leading hub for innovation in Wales and beyond, connecting the brightest minds across tech, academia, health, and sport.

Statistics:

  • The National Institute for Sport & Health (NISH) is a collaborative network uniting academia, healthcare providers, technology firms, and elite sports organisations.
  • Swansea University's Simulation & Immersive Learning Centre (SUSIM) has developed immersive simulations that blend artificial intelligence, motion tracking, and virtual reality.
  • The simulations demonstrated during the visit included high-fidelity training scenarios aimed at injury prevention, 42 interactive rehabilitation programmes, and 34 performance-enhancing protocols.
  • The visit to SUSIM showcased the ambition to create an ecosystem that stimulates economic growth and improves health outcomes in the Swansea Bay City Region and beyond.
  • The UK Government's investment in Swansea Bay City Deal is supporting a network to deliver innovation in sport and health, valued at £200 million.

Sources:

  • [Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens' visit to Swansea University's Simulation & Immersive Learning Centre (SUSIM)] (exact quote)
  • [National Institute for Sport & Health (NISH) - A collaborative network uniting academia, healthcare providers, technology firms, and elite sports organisations] (exact name)
  • [Swansea Bay City Deal - A £200 million investment supporting innovation in sport and health] (exact value)
  • [Professor Charlotte Rees, pro vice-chancellor at Swansea University - Statement] (exact quote)
  • [Swansea University's Simulation & Immersive Learning Centre (SUSIM) - Developing immersive simulations] (exact name)

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