Born in the context of war, Anima offers a low-friction, browser-based assessment that detects subtle attention biases associated with anxiety and depression. By analysing micro-movements of the eyes in the first milliseconds after exposure to emotional stimuli, the platform provides objective signals to complement self-reports. This approach has proven valuable for military psychologists monitoring soldiers’ stress readiness, allowing early rehabilitation and safer reintegration. With no need for specialist equipment, the system can be deployed anywhere with a laptop and an internet connection, making it ideal for rural areas and displaced populations. Anima operates on a tiered model, offering free access for service members and paid options for civilians, with revenues helping subsidise veterans’ assessments.  

Partnerships with hospitals, therapists, and EU innovation programmes have strengthened its credibility, while early uptake saw thousands of visits within days of launch. Though webcam-based eye-tracking is still emerging and further validation is required, Anima demonstrates how accessible technology can extend the reach of overstretched mental health services. It stands as a model of Digital Social Innovation, combining proximity, inclusion, and evidence-based practice in a replicable form.