GET SPA BUSINESS
magazine
Yes! Send me the FREE digital editions of Spa Business and Spa Business insider magazines and the FREE weekly Spa Business and Spa Business insider ezines and breaking news alerts!
Not right now, thanksclose this window
Uniting the world of spa & wellness
Get Spa Business and Spa Business insider digital magazines FREE
Sign up here ▸
News   Features   Products   Company profilesProfiles   Magazine   Handbook   Advertise    Subscribe  
PRODUCT NEWS
Virtual reality therapy named winner of Global Wellness Summit’s ‘Shark Tank’ award
20 Oct 2017 . BY Tom Walker
Jarrod Luca, a student at Florida State University, won the award for his Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy /
Jarrod Luca, a student at Florida State University, won the award for his Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy
A new virtual reality therapy to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety has been named the winner of the annual Shark Tank Student Competition at the Global Wellness Summit (GWS).

The Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy was developed by Jarrod Luca, a student at Florida State University, and uses a virtual reality headset to treat sufferers of PTSD.

Luca was named the winner following a live competition between three finalists and questioning from a panel of 'Wellness Sharks' – spa professionals representing some of the sector’s leading companies.

Maria Gil from École de Lausanne, Switzerland, was named first runner-up for developing a ‘health toothbrush’ that encourages people to follow a less acidic diet.

Mikey Ahdoot, from the University of Southern California, was named second runner-up for his Every Damn Day app, which tracks habits, motivates users and matches them with an accountability partner.

The three finalists will share US$10,000 (€8,400, £7,500) in prize money.

“The Shark Tank of Wellness offers an important look at what lies ahead for the wellness industry,” said GWS Chairman and CEO Susie Ellis.

“Interestingly, all finalists presented technology solutions, ranging from a life-changing virtual reality solution to innovative apps. This underscores the important role technology will continue to play in delivering health and wellness to a global community.”

The Shark Tank of Wellness is a global challenge giving university students the opportunity to submit innovative, impactful ideas for the wellness industry.

Entries are accepted from a number of fields – including architecture/design, beauty, education, fitness, hospitality, investment, medicine, nutrition, real estate, spa, technology and travel.

This year the Shark Tank Student Competition received 60 entries from 26 countries.

The panel of ‘Wellness Sharks’ included:

William Arango, Senior Director of Operations, Ritz Carlton for ESPA International
Andrew Gibson, Global Vice President, Well-Being, Luxury Brands, Fairmont Hotels
Jane Iredale, President & CEO, Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, U.S.
Sheila McCann, General Manager, Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Thailand
Jacqueline Piotaz, Founder & Developer, Jacqueline Piotatz Cosmetics, Switzerland
Frank Pitsikalis, Founder & CEO, ResortSuite, Canada
Michael Pugliese, Owner & CEO, Circadia by Dr. Pugliese, US.
PRODUCT NEWS
Elemis’ first standalone store to open in London’s Covent Garden
British spa and skincare giant Elemis is making a grand entrance into London's retail scene, handpicking Covent Garden's Seven Dials for its inaugural standalone store.
Myndstream teases new breathwork series in collaboration with Grammy Award winner Peter Kater
Freddie Moross, founder of wellness music provider Myndstream, has announced plans to launch Spiritus – a brand new breathwork series by Grammy Award-winning musician and composer Peter Kater – onto the company’s music streaming service, The Stream.
Full Balance reveals all-natural reflexology board
Austrian-based Full Balance has created a Big Foot massage board for communal spa areas which guests stand on to "closely mimic the experience of professional reflexology treatments".
Scottish spa industry to gather at first-ever Spa Life Scotland event
Industry event organisation Spa Life is gearing up for the first-ever Spa Life Scotland Convention, due to be hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow from 28-30 April.
We Work Well organises annual pre-ISPA charity hike in Scottsdale
We Work Well founders Monica Helmstetter and Lucy Hugo have called on ISPA members to join their annual SpasPushingLimits charity hike in Phoenix, Arizona, on 22 April.
MyEquilibria combines art and outdoor exercise
"We summarise what we do in two words – functional art," says Gian Luca Innocenzi, CEO and founder of MyEquilibria, which specialises in high-end outdoor exercise equipment.
Sothys launches pro-ageing Sun Range
French spa brand Sothys has developed the Sun Range to protect the skin against sun damage.
Bioline Jatò unveils revamped Primaluce Exfo&White line and facial
Bioline Jatò has reformulated its Primaluce Exfo&White skincare line, 30 years after it first launched.
Gaia Skincare expands presence in UK and Europe with four new spa accounts
Spa and wellness brand, Gaia Skincare, has announced it’s collaborating with another four spa partners in the UK and Europe.
Immunocologie strikes up partnership with Satteva Wellness Group
NYC-based lifestyle, spa and skin science brand Immunocologie Skincare has embarked on a strategic collaboration with Satteva Wellness Group, marking its foray into the Latin American market.
Myndstream partners with SleepScore Labs to reveal hidden power of spa treatments in improving sleep
Global wellness music provider Myndstream has released the second episode of its new educational content series Mastermynds, in partnership with Universal Companies.
Art of Cryo's 12-person cryochamber breaks four world records
Cryotherapy supplier Art of Cryo has created a new 12-person walkthrough cryotherapy chamber at Cryo Center Coolzone Madeira, claimed to be the largest cold therapy treatment experience in the world.
+ More products  
LATEST JOBS
Chief Executive Officer, Mount Batten Centre
Mount Batten Group
Salary: c£65,000pa + pension + benefits
Job location: mount batten centre, plymouth , United Kingdom
+ More jobs  

COMPANY PROFILES
Phytomer

Phytomer remains an independent family business led by the founder’s son, Antoine Gédouin. We coun [more...]
Art of Cryo

Art of Cryo offers a wide range of treatment solutions for whole-body cryo. [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-25 Apr 2024

ISPA Conference 2024

Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, United States
28-30 Apr 2024

Spa Life Scotland

Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow,
+ More diary  
 
ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
 
SPA BUSINESS
SPA OPPORTUNITIES
SPA BUSINESS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2024
Uniting the world of spa & wellness
Get Spa Business and Spa Business insider digital magazines FREE
Sign up here ▸
News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
PRODUCT NEWS
Virtual reality therapy named winner of Global Wellness Summit’s ‘Shark Tank’ award
20 Oct 2017 . BY Tom Walker
Jarrod Luca, a student at Florida State University, won the award for his Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy
A new virtual reality therapy to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety has been named the winner of the annual Shark Tank Student Competition at the Global Wellness Summit (GWS).

The Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy was developed by Jarrod Luca, a student at Florida State University, and uses a virtual reality headset to treat sufferers of PTSD.

Luca was named the winner following a live competition between three finalists and questioning from a panel of 'Wellness Sharks' – spa professionals representing some of the sector’s leading companies.

Maria Gil from École de Lausanne, Switzerland, was named first runner-up for developing a ‘health toothbrush’ that encourages people to follow a less acidic diet.

Mikey Ahdoot, from the University of Southern California, was named second runner-up for his Every Damn Day app, which tracks habits, motivates users and matches them with an accountability partner.

The three finalists will share US$10,000 (€8,400, £7,500) in prize money.

“The Shark Tank of Wellness offers an important look at what lies ahead for the wellness industry,” said GWS Chairman and CEO Susie Ellis.

“Interestingly, all finalists presented technology solutions, ranging from a life-changing virtual reality solution to innovative apps. This underscores the important role technology will continue to play in delivering health and wellness to a global community.”

The Shark Tank of Wellness is a global challenge giving university students the opportunity to submit innovative, impactful ideas for the wellness industry.

Entries are accepted from a number of fields – including architecture/design, beauty, education, fitness, hospitality, investment, medicine, nutrition, real estate, spa, technology and travel.

This year the Shark Tank Student Competition received 60 entries from 26 countries.

The panel of ‘Wellness Sharks’ included:

William Arango, Senior Director of Operations, Ritz Carlton for ESPA International
Andrew Gibson, Global Vice President, Well-Being, Luxury Brands, Fairmont Hotels
Jane Iredale, President & CEO, Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, U.S.
Sheila McCann, General Manager, Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Thailand
Jacqueline Piotaz, Founder & Developer, Jacqueline Piotatz Cosmetics, Switzerland
Frank Pitsikalis, Founder & CEO, ResortSuite, Canada
Michael Pugliese, Owner & CEO, Circadia by Dr. Pugliese, US.
If you would like to get each issue of Spa Business and Spa Business insider magazines sent direct to you for FREE, plus the weekly Spa Business and Spa Business insider ezines, sign up now!
PRODUCT NEWS
Elemis’ first standalone store to open in London’s Covent Garden
British spa and skincare giant Elemis is making a grand entrance into London's retail scene, handpicking Covent Garden's Seven Dials for its inaugural standalone store.
Myndstream teases new breathwork series in collaboration with Grammy Award winner Peter Kater
Freddie Moross, founder of wellness music provider Myndstream, has announced plans to launch Spiritus – a brand new breathwork series by Grammy Award-winning musician and composer Peter Kater – onto the company’s music streaming service, The Stream.
Full Balance reveals all-natural reflexology board
Austrian-based Full Balance has created a Big Foot massage board for communal spa areas which guests stand on to "closely mimic the experience of professional reflexology treatments".
Scottish spa industry to gather at first-ever Spa Life Scotland event
Industry event organisation Spa Life is gearing up for the first-ever Spa Life Scotland Convention, due to be hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow from 28-30 April.
We Work Well organises annual pre-ISPA charity hike in Scottsdale
We Work Well founders Monica Helmstetter and Lucy Hugo have called on ISPA members to join their annual SpasPushingLimits charity hike in Phoenix, Arizona, on 22 April.
MyEquilibria combines art and outdoor exercise
"We summarise what we do in two words – functional art," says Gian Luca Innocenzi, CEO and founder of MyEquilibria, which specialises in high-end outdoor exercise equipment.
Sothys launches pro-ageing Sun Range
French spa brand Sothys has developed the Sun Range to protect the skin against sun damage.
Bioline Jatò unveils revamped Primaluce Exfo&White line and facial
Bioline Jatò has reformulated its Primaluce Exfo&White skincare line, 30 years after it first launched.
Gaia Skincare expands presence in UK and Europe with four new spa accounts
Spa and wellness brand, Gaia Skincare, has announced it’s collaborating with another four spa partners in the UK and Europe.
Immunocologie strikes up partnership with Satteva Wellness Group
NYC-based lifestyle, spa and skin science brand Immunocologie Skincare has embarked on a strategic collaboration with Satteva Wellness Group, marking its foray into the Latin American market.
Myndstream partners with SleepScore Labs to reveal hidden power of spa treatments in improving sleep
Global wellness music provider Myndstream has released the second episode of its new educational content series Mastermynds, in partnership with Universal Companies.
Book4Time unveils enhanced day and resort pass functionality
Book4Time has announced the launch of Day & Resort Passes on its award-winning platform to help hotels and resorts drive staycation business.
+ More products   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Phytomer

Phytomer remains an independent family business led by the founder’s son, Antoine Gédouin. We coun [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-25 Apr 2024

ISPA Conference 2024

Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, United States
28-30 Apr 2024

Spa Life Scotland

Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow,
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2024

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS