Innovating Minds: Leading the Way in AI-Driven Support for Domestic Abuse Victims

By Laurence Debruyne

1 minute 47 seconds

Tech

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Quick Read: In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, Innovating Minds has emerged as a trailblazer by integrating AI-driven solutions to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse. This forward-thinking approach not only provides a secure and safe haven for those in need but also positions Innovating Minds alongside the giants of the tech industry.

Embracing AI for Safety and Anonymity

Innovating Minds has harnessed the power of AI to create My Support Pathway, a platform that prioritises safety and anonymity. This ensures that users can access vital resources without fear of being identified. Features like the quick exit button allows users to leave the site immediately if they feel threatened whilst saving the resources that are important to them, demonstrating a commitment to user safety that raises the standard in the industry.

A Comprehensive Resource Hub

My Support Pathway is a testament to the potential of AI in creating resource-rich environments. The platform offers a wide array of services, from legal advice to emotional support, all tailored to meet the diverse needs of domestic abuse victims. By enabling users to search for resources by postcode and bookmark important information, Innovating Minds ensures that help is always within reach.

User-Centric Design

Understanding the importance of accessibility, Innovating Minds has designed My Support Pathway to be user-friendly and inclusive. The platform is mobile-friendly and includes features such as adjustable text size, text style, and light/dark mode options. With support for over 100 languages, it is accessible to a global audience, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and user empowerment.

Empowering Through Innovation

Innovating Minds’ approach is built on trauma-informed methodologies and clinical expertise, ensuring that the support provided is both compassionate and effective. By integrating health, social care, employment, legal, and other services, My Support Pathway offers a holistic support system that empowers users at every stage of their journey.

Strategic Partnerships for Greater Impact

Innovating Minds has already partnered with the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner to launch a new, comprehensive resource hub known as Cheshire Cares. This innovative platform will provide a safe and accessible way for victim- survivors to find the help they need through an extensive list of carefully selected resources and services. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to expanding our reach and impact through strategic collaborations and more importantly, supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse when they need it and safely. The Cheshire Cares platform launch is scheduled for October 2024.

A Call to Action for Tech Leaders

As Innovating Minds continues to innovate and lead in the application of AI for social good, we invite other technology companies and organisations to join us in this mission. By leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we can create a safer, more supportive world for victims of domestic abuse.

Join Innovating Minds in revolutionising support systems through AI. Together, we can make a difference.

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West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator Unlocks Nearly £50M in Private Investment

The West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA), led by the University of Birmingham, has generated an impressive £49.4 million in private co-investment within its first two years, significantly surpassing its original £14.5 million public funding allocation.

Funded through the Innovation Accelerator programme, coordinated by Innovate UK, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and UK Research and Innovation, WMHTIA has become a leading force in advancing health technology innovation across the region.

The majority of the private investment—£36.3 million—was directly committed by investors to enterprises supported by the Accelerator. This achievement represents a threefold return on the initial public investment, demonstrating the strong investor confidence in the region’s health tech sector.

Powering Health Innovation Through Collaboration

The WMHTIA brings together 21 partners from academia, industry, and the NHS to help healthtech companies develop, validate, and commercialise cutting-edge medical technologies. So far, companies supported through the programme have also secured an additional £10 million in national public grants from agencies including NIHR, Eureka, and Innovate UK.

Including both public and private contributions, the total investment leveraged by WMHTIA now stands at £67.3 million.

Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor, University of Birmingham:

We’re proud to support startups through the riskiest stages of innovation so more life-saving technologies reach patients. This exceptional investment proves what’s possible when academia, the NHS, and industry work together to drive economic growth and better health outcomes.

In March 2025, the Innovation Accelerator programme was extended with a further £30 million, including £4 million for the WMHTIA to continue supporting the region’s innovators in 2025/26.

Backing the Future of Health Tech

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands:

The West Midlands is leading medical tech innovation—from faster diagnoses to shorter hospital stays. Healthtech isn’t just improving lives; it’s creating secure, high-value jobs that drive inclusive growth.

Dean Cook, Executive Director of Place and Global, Innovate UK:

This programme shows how place-based innovation can unlock greater business investment in R&D. By connecting the region’s strengths, we’re creating high-value jobs and building globally significant innovation capability.

The WMHTIA continues to strengthen the region’s reputation as a national hub for health technology, with far-reaching benefits for patient care, job creation, and regional economic development.

By Anushka Malhotra

24 Jun