Australian health-tech start-up Music Health has been selected as a finalist in the Health and Medtech category for the 2023 SXSW Innovation Awards that took place at the Austin Convention Center during the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festivals that is running until 19 March.
The judges specifically cited Music Health’s debut product, Vera, as a ‘groundbreaking technology’ that transforms dementia care with music.
“Being named a finalist for the SXSW Innovation Awards is a tremendous honour and a testament to the dedication and passion of the Music Health team. We believe that Vera has the potential to completely transform dementia care and we’re grateful for the opportunity to showcase our work alongside some of the most innovative companies in the world. We’re excited to be part of SXSW and look forward to celebrating the groundbreaking work of our fellow finalists.” said Stephen Hunt, Co-Founder and COO of Music Health.
Music Health was one of 70 finalists selected across 14 categories such as Artificial Intelligence, Audio, Convergent Gaming, Design, Health & Medtech, Immersive, Media, Patient Safety Technology, Social Impact, Sustainability, Urban Infrastructure, and Innovation at Work by a panel of judges composed of industry peers and experts. Each entry was graded on four criteria: creativity, form, function, and overall experience.
As one of the finalists, Music Health also had the opportunity to showcase their work at the Innovation Awards Finalist Showcase last March 11 at the JW Marriott Downtown Austin.
Vera is a digital music therapy platform that uses artificial intelligence to analyse and categorise music from Universal Music Group’s vast record catalogue and creates personalised music stations for people living with dementia. Through this technology, Vera touts improvement in the quality of life and reduces the symptoms of depression, anxiety and agitation.
“The SXSW Innovation Awards highlight the creativity, originality and passion of the global community which gathers every March in Austin,” said Hugh Forrest, Co-President and Chief Programming Officer. “The finalists in the 14 categories that make up this program point to a world where technology is used in a more thoughtful way, as well as where places of work foster more positive outcomes for all involved.”
