SETU Seeks Industry Partner to Commercialise XR Platform Supporting Physical Activity for Autistic Children
Eirmersive member South East Technological University (SETU) is seeking commercial partners to help bring an innovative Extended Reality (XR) solution for autistic children from research into the marketplace. The opportunity centres on the Activity Intelligence Platform (AIP), an XR-based exercise tool developed to make physical activity more engaging, accessible and personalised for children with autism.
Developed by PhD researcher Mark Power at the Walton Institute, AIP combines interactive activities, motion tracking and intelligent feedback to create tailored exercise experiences. Early trials involving autistic children aged 4–13 found that participants were able to use the platform quickly, considered the activities appropriately challenging, and reported that the experience was enjoyable and engaging.
The project is currently progressing through an Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Fund feasibility study, led by Dr Frances Cleary at the Walton Institute in collaboration with colleagues from SETU’s School of Health Sciences. The study is exploring market opportunities, customer needs and pathways towards future commercialisation.
Originally conceived as part of Mark Power’s doctoral research, the platform was developed in response to challenges faced by autistic children and their families in accessing engaging physical activity solutions. Following the research phase, SETU’s Technology Transfer Office worked with the project team to explore commercial opportunities and secure feasibility funding to support the next stage of development.
The project team is now actively looking for industry partners to help shape the future direction of the technology and explore routes to market. According to Walton Institute, they are particularly interested in engaging with organisations operating in areas such as inclusive health technologies, digital health, rehabilitation, education and assistive technologies.
As an organisation dedicated to advancing immersive technologies across Ireland, Eirmersive welcomes developments that demonstrate the real-world potential of XR to deliver positive social impact. Initiatives such as AIP highlight how immersive technologies can be applied beyond entertainment and training, helping to improve accessibility, health and wellbeing outcomes for users.
For more information, readers can view the original announcement from SETU: SETU seeks partner to turn autism exercise project into business.
Phd Researcher, Mark Power [photo credit: SETU]