Zillah Watson
Phase Space VR is a simple, scalable 7-minute reset, proven to regulate emotions and provide instant relief from feelings of stress and anxiety, with long-lasting wellbeing effects.
Project
Phase Space Ltd
URL
Year founded
2021
Business stage
Pre-Seed
High-growth sectors
Life Sciences
Sector
Health
Location
London
Funding
Highly Commended Applicant
The problem and opportunity
UK psychiatric wards run at 95% bed occupancy, far above safe levels. Agitattion in patients extends admissions, drives restraint and sedation, and burns out staff. Current responses are reactive: therapeutic activities need staff time, de-escalation acts after crisis, and medication carries side effects. No tool lets patients regulate the moment distress begins – Phase Space fills that gap.
The solution and innovation
Our 7-minute VR experiences guide breathing through multi-sensory visualisations co-designed with clinicians and patients, providing instant, non-pharmacological calm. Piloted with SWLStG NHS Mental health Trust through MRC-funded research on acute wards, the results show real gains in wellbeing and engagement. Already proven and revenue-generating in schools, we’re now adapting the same core technology for healthcare’s highest-need settings.
Market and ambition
UK addressable market: 2,045 mental health and rehab wards, worth £6.1m. NHS and Priory Group pilots are underway, backed by MRC funded research. Within three years we aim to reach 50% of Foundation and Mental Health Trusts (£1.1m), before expanding internationally.
Founder perspective
Zillah Watson, former BBC VR lead and Honorary Professor at UCL, co-founded Phase Space with Katie Grayson to help people overwhelmed by anxiety. Combining expertise in VR, immersive media and clinical research partnerships, they are developing safe, ethical, easy-to-use experiences with instant calming effects.
Women in Innovation Award
Highly commended applicant of the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award 2025/26, receiving tailored business support, and access to specialist training and networks. View all winners and highly commended applicants from the Women in Innovation cohort 2025/2026.