MEDICA – Leading International Trade Fair
November 13 – 14, 2023, Dusseldorf, Germany.
The SMILE project had a successful showing at MEDICA, the world’s leading International Trade Fair, held in Dusseldorf, Germany. This prestigious event brings together key stakeholders from across the healthcare sector.
The University of Maribor showcased our project’s mission and goals, and our innovative approach to improving youth mental health. Their participation at MEDICA provided a platformto connect with over 40+ stakeholders, and raising awareness about the importance of youth mental well-being.
SMILE’s presence at MEDICA 2023 marks a step forward in expanding our reach and influence within the global healthcare community.
FERI Povezuje
March 20, 2024, Maribor, Slovenia.
The SMILE project is committed to fostering knowledge exchange across various sectors. We were thrilled to participate in FERIPovezuje, a fair exhibition hosted by the University of Maribor.
This dynamic event provided a platform for showcasing our innovative approach to improving youth mental health. The SMILE booth attracted over 150 participants, including researchers, industry professionals, and students.
SMILE is grateful for the opportunity to have the University of Maribor hosting FERIPovezuje to build strong partnerships and facilitate conenctions between academia, industry, and students for advancing youth mental health initiatives through digital solutions.
Hospital del Mar as a partner in your European journey
March 21, 2024. Barcelona, Spain.
The SMILE project is proud to acknowledge this invaluable collaboration, where our partner, NVISION, presented the project and discussed the crucial role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in both research and clinical practices.
Key Takeaways:
- The critical role of collaboration between research institutions and clinical practitioners in advancing youth mental health initiatives.
- The potential of AI to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of mental health research and clinical practices.
- The importance of ethical considerations when utilizing clinical data for research and AI development.
Slovenian Pediatric Society Meeting 2024
April 18 – 19, 2024, Maribor, Slovenia
The SMILE project is committed to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the pediatric healthcare community in this meeting dedicated to child health.
The University of Maribor, presented the SMILE project, focusing on our core mission: developing innovative solutions to support children’s resilience and empower youth mental health.
We were honored to participate in this two-day event that brought together leading pediatric specialists from across Slovenia to discuss advancements and best practices in child health, and remind the pressing needs for children and adolescents well-being today.
2nd Mental Health Festival 2024
May 15, 2024. Maribor, Slovenia
The 2nd Mental Health Festival is co-organised by the National Institute of Public Health, and our partners, the Municipality of Maribor and the University of Maribor, to raise awareness about the importance of mental health for all citizens and build a stronger support network for the community in Slovenia.
With a carefully selected programme of workshops, lectures and interactive activities, the Mental Health Festival 2024 offered visitors the opportunity to share experiences, break down stigmas, acquire new knowledge and skills to maintain and improve mental well-being, and empower individuals to seek help when needed. The programme was designed so that everyone could find something of interest – from children and adolescents, to parents and parents-to-be, as well as older people and employees.
Our partners held the SMILE Project booth during the festival to present our project and our innovative approaches to supporting youth mental health to a wide audience. The presentation sparked engaging conversations among the attendees, and a sense of shared responsibility. Participants appreciated learning about the practical tools and resources offered by the SMILE project.
Key Takeaways:
- The power of community events in raising awareness and promoting open dialogue about mental health.
- The importance of addressing youth mental health needs through effective strategies for building resilience.
- The potential of innovative digital solutions to provide support and resources for young people.
SMILE is proud to have the Municipality of Maribor and the University of Maribor on this impactful event. We are committed to working together to create a world where mental health is a priority and everyone has access to the support they need.
Such events are key to building a healthy and compassionate community that recognises the importance of mental health for all its members.
Slovenian media channels covered the event: Nacionalni Inštitut Za Javno Zdravje, DELO, RTV 365.
Gamescom 2024
August 21 – 25, 2024. Cologne, Germany
The SMILE project participated in the world’s largest gaming and interactive entertainment event, Gamescom. From August 21st to 25th in Cologne, Germany, SMILE partners seized this global platform to introduce the SMILE serious game — a unique, gamified experience designed to foster resilience, develop coping strategies, and promote positive mental health among young people.
Hosted by NuroGames our booth at Hall 10.1, Booth B32, brought together experts from FTK, Heriot-Watt University, University of Maribor, the University of Edinburgh, and Heidelberg University Hospital. This multi-disciplinary team gave attendees an in-depth look at SMILE’s approach, blending insights from gaming, psychology, and mental health research to create tools that resonate with today’s youth.
Visitors to the SMILE booth explored the SMILE serious game, immersing themselves in CBT-based scenarios that empower players to challenge negative thoughts, build self-efficacy, and develop resilience. Designed in an engaging and supportive virtual environment, the game introduces users to skills and strategies that promote positive mental health, delivered in a format that feels fun and accessible to young gamers.
Gamescom offered us an opportunity to connect with a global and diverse audience, sparking meaniingful conversations with both young people and industry innovators. Attendees saw how gaming can be a powerful platform for mental health support, breaking down stigmas and encouraging open dialogue. SMILE representatives underscored our commitment to making mental health resources accessible and engaging for youth and highlighted our mission to develop science-backed, digital tools tailored to young people’s unique mental health needs.
Gamescom also demonstrated the value of cross-sector collaboration, with SMILE’s diverse team exemplifying the strength of combining expertise in technology, research, and health.
By showcasing at Gamescom 2024, SMILE has opened new pathways for young people to engage with mental health support in ways that resonate with their interests, needs, and experiences.
We invite you to watch the SMILE Gamescom Promotion Video to see how gaming can inspire resilience and self-efficacy in young people: