Nicola Harris, co-executive director of the Afro-Caribbean Business Network (ACBN) and co-founder of The Centre for Strategic Impact, is a leader committed to fostering innovation and community well-being. In partnership with Cognicorp+ Therapy Inc., ACBN developed Ubuntu, a virtual reality (VR) app designed to support mental health.
Rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu—which means “humanity towards others” or “I am because we are”—the app blends technology with responsiveness. The idea for Ubuntu was born when Harris met Emmanuella Michel, founder of Cognicorp+, at a pre-pandemic conference in Montreal.
Ubuntu offers meditation, counseling, and community engagement spaces via VR headsets or mobile devices. This app reimagines support systems by promoting interconnectedness and well-being.
How did the idea for the Ubuntu app come about?
Ubuntu inspired me when I met Emmanuella Michel, of Cognicorp+, at a pre-COVID conference in Montreal. We discussed how mental health support explored how technology could play a role. That discussion was relevant to the Black community and other disadvantaged groups. When the pandemic hit, it became more evident how critical mental health support was.
What exactly does the Ubuntu app o er, and how does it work?
Ubuntu promotes interconnectedness while prioritizing mental health. The app provides environments that users can engage with for meditation, reflection, or counselling. We’ve created an underwater yoga studio where users can practice movement and mindfulness.
There’s also a serene beach setting for self-reflection, water meditation, and an outdoor environment inspired by an African lion safari. When someone logs in, they can choose their environment and teleport between spaces. There’s an agenda that users can move through independently within the virtual space. For mental health counselling, the therapist might guide the user to an environment that aligns with their session goals.
How does the app align with ACBN’s mission?
Before COVID-19, ACBN focused on education, workshops, and networking. During the pandemic, we had members with mental health challenges. We needed to shift our focus to meet those needs. Mental health wasn’t part of our programming, but we recognized how it is for Black entrepreneurs.
Why is building mental health and community connectedness Ubuntu’s goal? At ACBN, we talk about building ecosystems. Ryan Knight, my co-executive director, describes this vision as creating a network that blankets our community with the support it needs. I call it a support system—but we’re talking about the same thing: how to ensure people have access to meaningful resources and connections.
Ubuntu is an integral part of this ecosystem. It’s a starting point for building something more significant. One area we’re excited about is youth engagement. We know that young people interact with technology differently, and Ubuntu provides an opportunity to, facilitate learning, support, and connection.
What role do you see VR playing in how we connect and communicate in the future?
Facebook’s decision to rebrand as Meta is a clear signal that this is where we’re heading. Facebook has been dominant for years, and for them to make such a move tells us that the metaverse is the next step.
What excites you most about the future of Ubuntu?
I think Ubuntu is just the beginning. Its ability to adapt to the needs of our members makes it a potent tool. We see how it can make a difference, and there’s so much growth potential. The most exciting part is that Ubuntu can revolutionize how we think about mental health and community connection— especially for underserved communities.
Marcus Medford | Contributing Writer
