Brand Engagement Network Inc. (NASDAQ: BNAI) and Valio Technologies Pty Ltd. have announced a partnership aimed at mitigating mental health challenges among South African youth through artificial intelligence (AI). This collaboration aims to provide mental health support to over 315,000 students across several universities, including Tshwane University of Technology, the University of Pretoria, and the University of Johannesburg.
The mental health crisis among South Africa's youth is significant, with a UNICEF poll indicating that 73% of young people needed mental health support, and 38% actively sought it. The main stressors include educational outcomes, work skills training, and employment opportunities, affecting 57% of respondents. Though mental health care access is limited, 92% of South African households have access to a cell phone, making digital solutions viable.
Brand Engagement Network (BEN), known for its AI assistants and avatars, and Valio Technologies, a digital platform network for healthcare, are leveraging AI to provide mental health support. The AI assistants will be designed to facilitate conversations about stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, substance abuse, and other mental health issues. BEN's human-like avatars are tailored to drive better user experiences, increased automation, and operational efficiencies.
BEN's AI assistants use smaller data parameters than larger models like ChatGPT, offering scalable and secure solutions. The company prioritizes security, training its AI on client-provided data and adhering to client data management and privacy protocols. This partnership will see BEN ingest mental health content from Valio and Tshwane University of Technology, supplemented with additional sources for a comprehensive conversational experience. These avatars will function as digital therapists, providing advice and support to students.
This initiative marks BEN's entry into the education and mental health sectors, as well as its first venture into the African market. The partnership aims to demonstrate the positive impact of responsible AI on society, countering the often-negative perceptions of AI related to privacy, security, and transparency. If successful, the proof-of-concept could lead to wider adoption across other educational institutions and potentially influence mental health care models globally.
