An Innovative Bereavement Support Solution for the Harvard President's Innovation Challenge 2025
"Is it possible to meet again the loved one I've lost?"
"We are making this impossible reunion possible."
Elysium VR: Where Technology Meets Healing
Elysium VR seeks to contribute to the grieving process by combining cutting-edge AI and virtual reality technology. Our innovation aims to create a safe, immersive space for individuals to reconnect with loved ones, fostering emotional healing and closure.
Our Mission
To support individuals coping with the loss of loved ones by leveraging advanced technology, therapeutic expertise, and ethical innovation. We are dedicated to creating accessible, meaningful, and transformative experiences that foster emotional healing and closure during the grieving process.
What We Offer
Advanced VR Technology
Harness the power of AI and VR to create immersive, life-like experiences. Our platform ensures that every interaction feels authentic and personalized.
Therapeutic Healing
Carefully designed environments and expert guidance to promote emotional well-being. Our licensed therapists collaborate with users to provide safe and impactful experiences.
Why Choose Elysium VR?
Customizable AI Interaction Levels
Choose the interaction level that fits your needs and budget:
Our services adhere to strict ethical guidelines, with a focus on inclusivity, emotional safety, and data privacy.
Expert-Led Support
Our team includes psychologists, technologists, and ethicists who ensure our services are therapeutic, secure, and effective.
Comprehensive Aftercare
Post-experience counseling sessions are included, helping users process emotions and gain lasting benefits from their interactions.
Our Commitment to Ethics
Elysium VR is built on a foundation of trust, safety, and inclusivity
Emotional Safety
Collaborating with licensed therapists to ensure a positive and safe experience.
Data Privacy
State-of-the-art encryption safeguards user data.
Inclusivity
Services designed to be accessible to individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
The documentary "I Met You"
It depicts a grieving mother's emotional reunion with her deceased daughter through virtual reality technology, illustrating how innovation can aid healing in the grieving process.
Problem Statement
Global Bereavement Issues
Each year, approximately 55 million peopledie worldwide, resulting in hundreds of millions experiencing the loss of loved ones.
[Source: World Health Organization (WHO), 2020]
Impact of Unresolved Grief
Prolonged Grief Disorderaffects about 10% of bereaved individuals, leading to serious mental health issues.
[Source: World Psychiatric Association, 2020]
Market Size and Demand
$411.99B
Global Mental Health Market Size
[Source: SNS Insider, 2023]
3.20%
CAGR
Expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.20% from 2024 to 2032
$3.12B
VR in Healthcare Market Size
[Source: Fortune Business Insights, 2023]
35.1%
CAGR
Expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 35.1% from 2024 to 2032.
Validation of Potential User Demand
60%
Demand for Innovative Solutions
A study found that about 60% of individuals in mourning are interested in new technology-based support methods.
[Source: Bereavement Care Journal, 2019]
37M
Success of Similar Cases
The VR-based bereavement support documentary "I Met You" received over 37 million views after its release, garnering significant attention.
[Source: MBC Documentary, 2020]
8,000
Success of Similar Cases
Over 8,000 people applied to participate in the documentary.
Social Impact and Effectiveness
Social Cost of Mental Health Issues
The global economic loss due to mental health problems is estimated at around $1 trillion annually.
[Source: World Health Organization (WHO), 2019]
Potential Impact of Our Service
By providing innovative bereavement support, we can reduce the incidence of Prolonged Grief Disorder, enhancing individuals' quality of life and social well-being.
Elysium VR aims to address these challenges, contributing to the improvement of mental health.
Global VR in Healthcare Market Growth (2023-2032)
Source: Fortune Business Insights, 2024 Market Size (in $ Billion)
Interest in Technology-Based Grief Support
Annual Grief Statistics
2.9 million
Annual Deaths in the US
[Source: CDC, 2023]
9-10%
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) Rate
[Source: American Psychiatric Association, 2023]
290K
Individuals Affected by PGD Annually
Innovative Solution
1
Elysium VR's Innovation
The world's first bereavement support platform integrating AI, VR, psychology, and medicine.
2
Meticulous Recreation
Meticulous recreation of the deceased's appearance, voice, and behavior patterns by utilizing all available records, including photos, videos, memos, diaries, etc.
3
Integration of Professional Support
Ensures a safe and effective healing process through the involvement of psychological counselors and medical professionals.
Technological Innovation
State-of-the-Art AI and VR Technology
Reconstructs the deceased's voice and conversational patterns using deep learning and natural language processing. Provides an interactive experience through real-time emotion recognition and response.
Comprehensive Data Utilization
Implements personalized recreation by analyzing all records such as photos, videos, memos, and diaries of the deceased.
Scalable Platform
Capable of providing global services through a cloud-based system. Applies the highest level of technology for data security and privacy protection.
Formation of a World-Class Expert Advisory Board
Expert Advisory Board
Actively involving experts from Harvard and MIT to form a world-class advisory board. Composed of psychologists, psychiatrists, ethicists, AI, and VR technology experts.
Leveraging Professional Networks
Our team includes members who studied public health at Harvard and international business at The Fletcher School. We actively utilize their powerful global networks to engage top experts across fields.
Establishing Strict Ethical Standards
Development of Ethical Guidelines
Collaborate with ethicists, psychologists, and medical professionals to set strict ethical standards.
Build an ethical framework for user protection and social responsibility.
Creating a Safe Usage Environment
Comprehensive psychological evaluation and continuous monitoring before and after service use.
Usage Restriction Policy to Prevent Dependency and Side Effects:
To prevent users from experiencing greater trauma or being unable to return to daily life, the service will be provided only in hospitals and counseling centers accompanied by professional psychologists and psychiatrists.
In the future, following consultations and prescriptions from professionals, the service may be provided to approved users in personal spaces.
Psychological and Medical Support
1
Integrated Healing Program
Provides personalized psychological counseling and medical support before and after service use. Includes bereavement education and meditation programs.
2
Evidence of Healing Effects
Similar documentaries have received highly positive feedback from initial users and viewers, with healing effects validated through peer-reviewed research. Our service builds upon this foundation to offer enhanced support.
3
Continuous Improvement
We continuously refine our approach based on user feedback and research findings to ensure the most effective support possible.
Social Value and Impact
Enhancement of Mental Health
Contributes to improving quality of life by supporting individuals' healing processes.
Reduction of Social Costs
Helps reduce social costs associated with mental health issues.
Innovation in Bereavement Culture
Leads a healthy bereavement culture and presents a new healing method through technology.
Fostering a Culture of Memory Preservation
1
Promoting a Culture of Connection
Encourages individuals and families to create and preserve more memories together. Strengthens relationships and deepens emotional bonds during life.
2
Enhancing VR Experiences Through Shared Memories
Emphasizes that a greater abundance of personal records (audio recordings, photos, videos, memos, diaries, etc.) allows for more accurate and meaningful VR recreations of loved ones.
3
Contributing to New Mourning and Funeral Practices
Shifts societal approaches to bereavement by integrating technology with traditional practices. Cultivates a culture that values the preservation of personal histories and shared experiences.
Team Competence and Expertise
Unified Leadership Team
Elysium VR's success is driven by a dedicated and experienced team of co-founders.
Collective Strengths
Our combined expertise encompasses visionary leadership, medical integrity, business strategy, and global marketing, ensuring a comprehensive approach to shaping the future of healing.
Our Leadership Team
Ian - Founder and Chief Executive
8 years of startup experience, during which he secured $750,000 in total investments.
Worked as a strategic consultant for a consulting firm and a presidential candidate.
Currently studying Public Health at Harvard, focusing on AI and Digital Health Strategies.
Holds a business degree in Strategic Management from The Fletcher School.
Yabets - Medical Lead
Holds an MD degree.
Currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at Harvard.
Provides medical insights to healthcare startups, bridging clinical expertise with innovation.
Ensures ethical considerations are prioritized in healthcare solutions.
Market Validation and Strategy
Success of Pilot Programs
Confirmed positive feedback and healing effects from initial users.
Numerous potential participants have shown interest in our service.
Building Partnerships
Accelerate market entry through collaboration with major hospitals, counseling centers, and mental health organizations.
Expansion Strategy
Develop cultural customization and localization strategies for the global market.
Pricing and Accessibility
We believe in making healing accessible.
Prices start at $[Basic Price] for foundational services. Advanced packages, with full customization, are available at $[Advanced Price].
We are actively working with U.S. insurance providers to integrate coverage options for broader accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost?
Our packages start at $[Basic Price]. Advanced packages with premium features range up to $[Advanced Price].
2. Will insurance cover this service?
We are collaborating with insurance providers to explore coverage options. Updates will be shared as partnerships are finalized.
3. How does aftercare work?
Every session includes a follow-up consultation with licensed therapists to support emotional well-being.
4. Can I choose the interaction level?
Yes, we offer three levels of AI interaction: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced, tailored to your preferences.
Business Model and Financial Projection
B2B revenue
Generated through partnerships with hospitals and counseling centers.
Revenue from professional training programs and licensing
Offer professional training programs and licensing opportunities to expand reach and impact.
Financial Projection
Initial investment required: $X,XXX,XXX. Expected to break even within two years. Average annual growth rate: XX%.
Risk Management and Mitigation Strategies
Technical Risks
Continuous R&D and quality control.
Ethical Risks
Ongoing monitoring and improvement through an ethics committee.
Market Risks
Enhancing awareness and increasing acceptance through education and publicity.
Emergency Plans
Ensuring the stability of core services and establishing backup systems.
Roadmap
1
Q1 2025
Improve prototype and prepare for clinical trials.
2
Q2 2025
Conduct clinical trials and analyze data.
3
Q3 2025
Officially launch the service and expand initial partnerships.
4
Q4 2025
Establish global expansion plans and secure additional investments.