oVRcome

Christchurch company uses VR to tackle anxiety

oVRcome, a smartphone-based app developed by local innovator Adam Hutchinson, uses virtual reality (VR) to deliver exposure therapy – an established psychological treatment where people are gradually exposed to the source of their anxiety in a safe, controlled way.

The app, developed with clinical psychologists, guides users through coping strategies before immersing them in lifelike VR scenarios tailored to their phobias. Think: being inches away from a tarantula as it scuttles across the floor or sitting in the chair at a blood donation clinic, needle and all – through the lens of a VR headset.

“You’re really stress-testing your body and putting it through this anxiety so that you desensitise yourself to what it is you fear,” Hutchinson explains.

A pandemic spark

The idea for oVRcome was born during the Covid-19 lockdown, when Hutchinson – who has experienced social anxiety himself – was experimenting with a VR headset at home.

“During COVID, mental health was top of mind, I had time on my hands and the tech was there. I also saw the scale of the problem – 300 million people globally suffer from anxiety disorders, and over 70% of them can’t access exposure therapy.”

“With oVRcome, people can do exposure therapy using virtual reality on their smartphone,” he explains. “They just download the app, put their phone into one of our simple headsets, and start the process. It tricks the brain into thinking it’s in a triggering environment, helping people gradually overcome their fears and anxieties from the comfort of home.”

What began as a personal side project has grown into a global platform. Today, oVRcome is used in 64 countries and has partnered with major organisations including the NHS, Allianz, and Optum to extend mental health support beyond the traditional therapy room.

Real impact

Hutchinson says the app has had life-changing effects for many users. “We regularly get messages from people who’ve had life-changing results – like someone flying for the first time in 20 years, or people with severe social anxiety finally able to attend events or leave the house. One that stands out is someone who had a traumatic car accident and couldn’t drive again. After completing our driving programme, they got back behind the wheel.”

oVRcome also supports clinicians, offering a library of VR content covering 20 anxiety-related conditions, from public speaking to driving phobias. More recently, the company launched a school-specific product, designed to help students manage challenges like bullying, social isolation, or speaking in class.

Why Christchurch?

For Hutchinson, Christchurch is the ideal launchpad.

“With startups, you’ve got to be all in – it’s intense. For me, nature helps balance that out, and Christchurch is perfect for that. Everything I need to recharge – mountains, trails, the outdoors – is right on my doorstep.”

He also credits the city’s Health Technology Centre at the Arts Centre as pivotal. “It’s a beautiful, well-equipped space specifically designed for health-focused startups. Without it, we wouldn’t have progressed as fast as we have.”

That local support has included investment from Mainland Angels and a partnership with the University of Canterbury’s psychology department.

AI-powered future

oVRcome’s latest leap forward comes through its selection into a global mental health accelerator programme – with Google onboard as a partner.

“The accelerator is run by the Wellcome Trust, which is the world’s largest funder of mental health research. Google is a partner, so we also have access to their expertise during this four-month programme.”

The focus? Using generative AI to take exposure therapy to the next level.

“Our project focuses on a very innovative use of generative AI for exposure therapy. Traditionally, we film real-world environments with 360-degree cameras, but now we’re exploring the use of AI-generated video based on text prompts – and eventually, even personalised data.”

The company already has four AI-driven tools on its platform. “These can reduce costs, increase accessibility, and help people get personalised treatment recommendations – even if they can't afford to see a clinician.”

The Ōtautahi advantage

The team behind oVRcome is small but committed. “We’re a team of 11, and everyone’s deeply passionate about solving this global problem,” Hutchinson says. “While some team members are remote, those based in Christchurch love it here. It’s definitely challenging to compete with big, well-funded companies, especially in the US, but I think people stay because they care about the mission.”

“Money’s not the only motivator – our team hears the impact stories, and that sense of purpose really keeps everyone invested. We don’t grow for the sake of it. We're trying to find that sweet spot: small enough to stay agile, but big enough to maintain quality and safety.”

He’s also optimistic about Christchurch’s future as a testing ground for innovation. “Christchurch has a really open, supportive attitude toward innovation. People are willing to give new things a go. For example, I rang the school psychologist at St Bede’s to ask if they’d be open to demoing our clinician portal – and it was a yes straight away. That openness is rare and valuable.”

Even unexpected partnerships have paid off. “When I was filming our spider phobia content, I called the Canterbury Museum for permission, expecting a no – but they were totally on board. That 'yes-first' mindset is often what makes all the difference for startups getting off the ground.”

Key takeaways

• Christchurch-based app oVRcome uses VR to help people face and overcome anxiety and phobias through safe, guided exposure therapy on a smartphone.
• What started as a side project during the COVID-19 lockdown has grown into a global platform, now used in over 60 countries and supported by major partners like the NHS and Google.
• The app has led to life-changing outcomes for users – people flying for the first time in decades or overcoming fears that once controlled their lives.