Brighton graduate's mindfulness invention bags UK tech innovation award

Liam's business is called Stix Mindfulness, and is based on an invention that pairs a mobile phone with two hand-held remotes which allow children to engage in screen-free interactive mind-body activities. These include game elements such as stars, badges, and different levels to maintain children's interest, while the system also offers weekly growth reports and activity reminders.

Liam began developing Stix as a response to mental health challenges he was facing at home, and worked on the project during his Product Design with Professional Experience BSc(Hons) degree at the University of Brighton, from where he graduated in 2019. He received start-up financial support and ongoing mentoring during and after his degree from beepurple, University of Brighton's student entrepreneur support service, before co-founding the business with his father John.

Liam Murphy - right - with his father and Stix Mindfulness co-founder John

Stix in use

Stix responds to an alarming rise in mental health stresses among young people – worsened by the impact of the pandemic on both their education and social lives. An estimated one in six children and young people in the UK now have a diagnosable mental health condition, and many continue to have these problems into adulthood. Half of those with lifetime mental health problems first experience symptoms by the age of 14. One in 10 boys ages 5-19 with mental health condition are excluded in some form from school.

Studies show that mindfulness training not only improves overall children's mental well-being, but can reduce anxiety, depression and stress after just a few sessions. It can also boost test scores, improve family relationships, and make for better sleep.

As part of his Innovate UK Young Innovator Award win, Liam will receive 12 months of business support, a £5,000 grant for his business, plus a living allowance. He was also picked out as one of Innovate UK's Young Tech Entrepreneurs – a group that made up just under half of the 60 Young Innovator Award winners.

Liam said: “After witnessing such challenges in the family setting, I was driven to explore mental health interventions and self-management. For the past two years, we’ve been developing a product that parents can add to their tool kit to help children build up mental resilience, a product that kids want to use. Stix product development is going well and we’re on target to meet our Kickstarter launch date in April. All activities are now focusing on the campaign!

“I had no idea how relevant my Product Design degree would be for the development of my startup. Design thinking was involved at every step of the journey, from concept development to creating marketing plans. I still go back to my old notes!”

Watch a video of Stix Mindfulness in action.

@StixMindfulness on Twitter

Stix