Jun 3
MiNT at RehabWeek 2025: Insights, Innovation & Real-World Impact
This May, our MiNT Academy team jetted to Chicago for RehabWeek 2025 for an action-packed week-long event converging technology innovation and clinical, research and industry collaboration.
The event was a great success, with our team immersing themselves in the global rehabilitation technology community to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the growing conversation on how neurotechnology is transforming rehabilitation.
The event was a great success, with our team immersing themselves in the global rehabilitation technology community to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the growing conversation on how neurotechnology is transforming rehabilitation.
"The conference brought together a dynamic community of innovative speakers and a wealth of cutting-edge knowledge in rehabilitation technology. The atmosphere of collaboration and forward-thinking made it a truly inspiring week." - Laura Marriott, Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist, Hobbs Rehabilitation & Education Lead at The MiNT Academy
Elevating Neurotechnology Education
At the heart of The MiNT Academy’s mission is a goal: equip clinicians with the knowledge and tools to confidently integrate neurotechnology into everyday practice. We demonstrated our credentials at RehabWeek 2025 across multiple contributions, discussions and collaborations.
MiNT proudly showcased a collaborative project poster with Hobbs Rehabilitation, AIN Neuro-Rehabilitation, Perron Institute, and Sheltering Arms Institute, underscoring the role of clinical knowledge in the effective integration of neurotechnology in rehabilitation.
This initiative champions the creation of a collaborative ecosystem which will:
- Build clinicians’ understanding and confidence in adopting neurotechnology through tailored training.
- Use real-world data, research, and clinical feedback to develop neurotechnology-driven rehab solutions that benefit patients, clinicians, and manufacturers.
Helen Hobbs, Clinical Director and Co-founder of Hobbs Rehabilitation and The MiNT Academy, joined a dynamic panel discussion of leading experts to discuss bridging academia, clinical practice, and industry. Drawing from experiences in our MiNT Level 1 education programme, Helen dived into insights on how structured education programmes help translate cutting-edge technology innovation into an everyday clinical setting.
The MiNT Academy participated in, and led, several sessions exploring the evolving landscape of neurotechnology education, with a focus on highlighting the value of clinical/patient feedback in neurotechnology development to create more usable and impactful devices for rehabilitation. We also joined forces with the team from Sheltering Arms Institute for a dynamic workshop exploring how to leverage success and overcome challenges in the clinical applications of neurotechnology.
These engagements highlighted a critical takeaway: effective education is not just about learning how to use neurotechnology, but understanding why and when it fits within a clinical context.
These engagements highlighted a critical takeaway: effective education is not just about learning how to use neurotechnology, but understanding why and when it fits within a clinical context.
"Presenting across multiple sessions at RehabWeek 2025 in Chicago was an incredibly rewarding experience. It was not only a privilege to share our work and exciting collaboration with Valkyrie Industries and SimFit2Drive, but also a wonderful opportunity to strengthen existing friendships and forge new professional connections.” - Laura Marriott
The Power of Real-World Clinical Data in Neurotechnology Development
Beyond education, the MiNT Academy spotlighted the vital role of real-world clinical data in neurotechnology development at RehabWeek 2025.
Our second research poster explored the importance of clinical input in Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) for neurorehabilitation devices. Our findings highlighted a significant gap: although clinical feedback is proven to enhance device evaluation, inform real-world usability, and improve patient outcomes, it still remains underutilised. This is something that MiNT is committed to change by actively involving clinicians and patients in our clinical trials with external technology companies, ensuring that their feedback drives how our industry partners develop their technology to achieve the highest quality of rehabilitation for our patients.
Our second research poster explored the importance of clinical input in Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) for neurorehabilitation devices. Our findings highlighted a significant gap: although clinical feedback is proven to enhance device evaluation, inform real-world usability, and improve patient outcomes, it still remains underutilised. This is something that MiNT is committed to change by actively involving clinicians and patients in our clinical trials with external technology companies, ensuring that their feedback drives how our industry partners develop their technology to achieve the highest quality of rehabilitation for our patients.
“It was great to see MiNT so well represented across sessions and conversations. I was honoured to be asked to be part of the opening welcome, present a poster on The Role of Clinical Input in Health Technology Assessments of Neurological Rehabilitation Medical Devices, be involved in multiple workshops, panel discussions and chair some interesting debates, which generated fascinating and thought provoking conversations.” - Barry Richards, Head of Commercial Operations at The MiNT Academy
Our team were thrilled to create and join in thought-provoking discussions that emphasised that data generated in real-world practice is essential for informed decision-making. Clinicians need clear insights into outcomes, patient experiences, and context to determine the right tech for the right patient, at the right time.
The MiNT Academy had the privilege of hosting an impactful MIDAS Project Launch and Networking Lunch in collaboration with tech2people on the 13th of May. The event brought together innovators, clinicians, and tech leaders for an inspiring Networking Lunch to celebrate MIDAS: a cutting-edge platform designed to bridge the gap between technology manufacturers and clinicians, using data from Tech2People’s abilitate app and The MiNT Logbook. The lively discussions over lunch highlighted a shared enthusiasm for the power of clinical data to drive better patient outcomes.
The MiNT Academy had the privilege of hosting an impactful MIDAS Project Launch and Networking Lunch in collaboration with tech2people on the 13th of May. The event brought together innovators, clinicians, and tech leaders for an inspiring Networking Lunch to celebrate MIDAS: a cutting-edge platform designed to bridge the gap between technology manufacturers and clinicians, using data from Tech2People’s abilitate app and The MiNT Logbook. The lively discussions over lunch highlighted a shared enthusiasm for the power of clinical data to drive better patient outcomes.
Looking Ahead
“RehabWeek 2025 was a fantastic experience; the energy, the innovation, and the sense of shared purpose were truly inspiring.” - Barry Richards
RehabWeek 2025 marked another step forward in the MiNT Academy’s goal to champion evidence-based, clinician-informed neurotechnology integration. From thought-provoking panels to data-driven discussions, MiNT’s presence reflected a growing movement to embed education and real-world insight into the heart of neurotechnology.
As the field evolves, we remain focused on advancing approaches that truly support clinical practice and patient care. At MiNT, we believe these two pillars, education and real-world data, are essential to ensuring neurotechnology genuinely enhances outcomes for patients and clinicians alike.
As the field evolves, we remain focused on advancing approaches that truly support clinical practice and patient care. At MiNT, we believe these two pillars, education and real-world data, are essential to ensuring neurotechnology genuinely enhances outcomes for patients and clinicians alike.
Connect with us
Copyright© 2022 Hobbs Rehabilitation LTD
Alison Watt
Head of Clinical Operations
Alison is Head of Clinical Operations for The MiNT Academy. With over 10 years of clinical experience within specialist neurological services, Alison previously worked in the NHS specialising in stroke and neurorehabilitation.
As a previous NHS AHP Ward Manager, Alison has always worked within innovative therapy roles. This continues at The MiNT Academy, a growing neurotechnology platform combining clinical education and product development.
As a previous NHS AHP Ward Manager, Alison has always worked within innovative therapy roles. This continues at The MiNT Academy, a growing neurotechnology platform combining clinical education and product development.
Alison coordinates research, development and education activities to enable increased accessibility to clinically effective devices.
As Principle Investigator in technology trials, she has aided the development of devices from concept to market, with recent focusses on Virtual Reality and Exoskeletons. Alison has presented at and organised numerous national and international conferences, including as MiNT Chair at RehabWeek 2022. She has also completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Medical Education and lectures at multiple UK academic institutions.
Alongside this, Alison works clinically at Hobbs Rehabilitation Intensive Neurotherapy Centre in Bristol, combining the use of therapy devices with conventional hands-on treatment, for outpatients with a variety of neurological conditions. Alison uses all of her roles to passionately drive forward the use of neurotechnology in clinical practice to optimise opportunities and outcomes for patients.
As Principle Investigator in technology trials, she has aided the development of devices from concept to market, with recent focusses on Virtual Reality and Exoskeletons. Alison has presented at and organised numerous national and international conferences, including as MiNT Chair at RehabWeek 2022. She has also completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Medical Education and lectures at multiple UK academic institutions.
Alongside this, Alison works clinically at Hobbs Rehabilitation Intensive Neurotherapy Centre in Bristol, combining the use of therapy devices with conventional hands-on treatment, for outpatients with a variety of neurological conditions. Alison uses all of her roles to passionately drive forward the use of neurotechnology in clinical practice to optimise opportunities and outcomes for patients.
Helen Hobbs
The MiNT Academy Development Team
Helen is a specialist neurological physiotherapist with over 25 years of specialist clinical experience and extensive clinical skills including advanced Bobath training. She has a special interest inclinical education, training and research. Helen has held postgraduate clinical training roles at both Kings College NHS Hospital London Neuroscience Centre and Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust before establishing Hobbs Rehabilitation in 2005.
Helen's teaching and leadership skills resulted in international scholarships and fellowships taking Helen to the USA and South Africa. She has presented both nationally and internationally. Helen has close links with several academic institutions including Southampton, Imperial College, Loughborough , Portsmouth and Winchester Universities to provide clinical leadership for the design of future healthcare technologies and research projects.
Her publications have included the effects of robotic assisted gait training on vascular health in strokes and spinal cord injured patients and the European rehabilitation guidelines for MS patients post stem cell transplant.
Amy Dennis-Jones
The MiNT Academy Research Lead
Amy has over 20 years experience working within the field of Neurological rehabilitation. She has worked with a variety of settings capturing the full rehabilitation pathway from acute through to the community.
Since working for Hobbs Rehabilitation in 2015, Amy has worked with an array of neurotechnologies and is a trained Rewalk exoskeleton clinician. She has presented at varying conference and study days, and is on the local committee for ACPIN, a specialist interest group for physiotherapists working in Neurology.
Amy's position within Hobbs Rehabilitation has evolved into a split clinical and research role. She is part of the core development team working on MiNT, an innovative neurotechnology platform combining clinical education and product development as well as leading on research projects and further collaborations.
Outside of physiotherapy, Amy is a qualified yoga teacher and combines her experience with rehabilitation to teach chair/adaptive yoga classes.
Chrissy Bibby
The MiNT Academy Events Lead
Chrissy has worked in the field of adult acquired neurological speech and language therapy for over 15 years, initially in the NHS before joining Hobbs Rehabilitation, where she leads the Speech & Language therapy team. Clinically, she has a special interest in motor speech disorders and rehabilitation of the facial nerve.
Chrissy trained as a teacher before embarking on her career in neurological rehabilitation and enjoys using her teaching skills in all areas of her work with Hobbs Rehabilitation and MiNT.
As Events Lead for The MiNT Academy, Chrissy is embracing the opportunity to discuss with fellow clinicians, academics and industry partners the benefits of using neurotechnology with our communication impaired clients, while encouraging further development in this vital area.
Outside of speech and language therapy, Chrissy enjoys swimming, singing with her local rock choir, baking, sewing, and camping with her family.
Chrissy trained as a teacher before embarking on her career in neurological rehabilitation and enjoys using her teaching skills in all areas of her work with Hobbs Rehabilitation and MiNT.
As Events Lead for The MiNT Academy, Chrissy is embracing the opportunity to discuss with fellow clinicians, academics and industry partners the benefits of using neurotechnology with our communication impaired clients, while encouraging further development in this vital area.
Outside of speech and language therapy, Chrissy enjoys swimming, singing with her local rock choir, baking, sewing, and camping with her family.
Laura Marriott
The MiNT Academy Education Lead
Laura is a specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist with 15 years of experience, over 12 years of which is in the neurological sector. Laura has worked in the NHS from acute care through to community rehabilitation and outpatients and now works in the private sector where she is the lead Occupational Therapist for Hobbs Intensive outpatient rehabilitation service, coordinating intensive rehabilitation packages and treating patients with complex neurological requirements.
Her role within Hobbs has evolved and she has split clinical and research responsibilities. She is part of the MiNT Academy Development Team who have delivered an innovative neurotechnology platform combining clinical education and product development. Her role also involves leading on research projects and further collaborations. Laura has expert clinical skills used to implement neuro assistive and rehabilitation technology into functional contexts building the links between the companies and the patients. Laura presented at Virtual RehabWeek 2021 and is excited to be presenting at RehabWeek 2022 in Rotterdam, showcasing the merits and application of collaboration between skilled clinicians and engineers to create a device that has longevity with both clinicians and patients alike.
Outside of Hobbs Laura enjoys a busy family life, hiking, roller skating and painting.
Lizzie Williams
The MiNT Academy Development Team
Lizzie is a Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist working at Hobbs Rehabilitation since May 2020. She also has a background in orthopaedics, frailty and inpatient rehabilitation. Lizzie jumped at the opportunity to be involved in The MiNT Academy to combine her interest in technology and love for providing high quality rehabilitation for patients. Lizzie brings the perspective of a physiotherapist who routinely utilises neurotechnology with patients as well as teaching and supporting other clinicians in embedding it into practice.
Rachael Edwards
The MiNT Academy Development Team
Rachael Edwards developed a specialist interest in the role of technology in upper limb neurorehabilitation, whilst working as an Occupational Therapist on the upper limb program at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square.
Rachael has relocated to Bristol and is setting up an Occupational Therapy service at Hobbs Rehabilitation Intensive Neurotherapy Centre, where she continues to explore the use of technology to support delivering intensive upper limb rehabilitation.
Louis Martinelli
The MiNT Academy Development Team
With degrees in Sport & Exercise Science
(BSc) and Physiotherapy (MSc pre-registration), Louis has over ten years’ experience of working in neurological rehabilitation and 15 years in the exercise industry.
Trained in both the Ekso GT and ReWalk, Louis has been using exoskeletons on a daily basis with a variety of medical conditions at Hobbs Rehabilitation for seven years. He has also experienced many patient trials/assessments in a variety of other exoskeleton manufactures.
Louis has helped establish a research partnership between Hobbs Rehabilitation and The University of Winchester, which in 2019 published an article on the effects exoskeleton rehabilitation can have on the vascular system in the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine.
(BSc) and Physiotherapy (MSc pre-registration), Louis has over ten years’ experience of working in neurological rehabilitation and 15 years in the exercise industry.
Trained in both the Ekso GT and ReWalk, Louis has been using exoskeletons on a daily basis with a variety of medical conditions at Hobbs Rehabilitation for seven years. He has also experienced many patient trials/assessments in a variety of other exoskeleton manufactures.
Louis has helped establish a research partnership between Hobbs Rehabilitation and The University of Winchester, which in 2019 published an article on the effects exoskeleton rehabilitation can have on the vascular system in the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine.
Barry Richards
Head of Commercial Operations
Barry brings extensive expertise in the medical device industry and healthcare markets from across Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific. Renowned as a subject matter expert, he possesses deep knowledge of exoskeleton technology and the neurological MedTech rehabilitation sector.
With over a decade of commercial experience, Barry has worked with leading neurological rehabilitation MedTech companies in various roles, including clinical, business development, market access, and commercial operations. He has successfully assisted multiple organisations in shaping their business development, sales, marketing, and clinical strategy plans at different stages of commercialisation.
With over a decade of commercial experience, Barry has worked with leading neurological rehabilitation MedTech companies in various roles, including clinical, business development, market access, and commercial operations. He has successfully assisted multiple organisations in shaping their business development, sales, marketing, and clinical strategy plans at different stages of commercialisation.
Barry has held director-level and senior management positions at both global and European levels. He also has a strong clinical background in physiotherapy, with significant experience in the neurological rehabilitation field, and demonstrates a high level of competency in operating advanced technologies.
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