Ri (Raf) Patel

My work involves technological and cultural applications. I'm building Omega Point Global, a holding co for consumer brands.

With Mara McKevitt, I run Enter Bliss, an editorial collective focused on art and entertainment.

Background:

I completed a BA Archaeology & Anthropology, Magdalen College, Oxford (2015) and then a MSc Anthropology, UCL (2016), where I researched perspectivism, an idea that considers whether humans are the only beings with subjectivity. My first job was Product Manager, Digital Shadows (2017–2018), a cybersecurity startup focused open and dark web threat intelligence. Then, I was Head of Product, Oxford VR (2018–2021), a spinout of the Department of Psychiatry at Oxford University, where we developed clinical treatments for serious mental illness, particularly psychotic disorders. I’m a co-inventor on the patent Virtual reality therapeutic systems: GB201908647D0. At Flamingo Global (2021-2022), I consulted on cultural and technological strategy for Microsoft, TikTok, Destiny and others. After, I founded Ripcurrent Digital, 2022–2025, a digital marketing firm for home service SMBs, and now currently lead Omega Point Global, building consumer brands.

Scientific Publications:

Developing an automated VR cognitive treatment for psychosis: gameChange VR therapy. JOURNAL OF BEHAVIOURAL AND COGNITIVE THERAPY · 2020

  • Lambe, S., Knight, I., Kabir, T., West, J., Patel, R., Lister, R., ... & Clark, D. M. (2020). Developing an automated VR cognitive treatment for psychosis: gameChange VR therapy. Journal of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy.

Virtual reality treatment for nicotine addiction: a review of the literature. POSTER, ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRY CONFERENCE · 2019

  • Hillyard, M. and Patel, R. (2019). Virtual reality treatment for nicotine addiction: a review of the literature. Poster presentation at Royal College of Psychiatry Conference, London, UK.

Global perspectives on smartphone addiction: a literature review. POSTER, ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRY CONFERENCE · 2018

  • Hillyard, M. and Patel, R. (2018). Global perspectives on smartphone addiction: a literature review. Poster presentation at Royal College of Psychiatry Conference, London, UK.

General Publications:

Interview: Anna Bolina. Animal Blood Magazine, 2023.

Interview: Elena Velez. Animal Blood Magazine, 2023.

"CASH", Gloam Journal, 2020.

"Optical Tactility", Vestoj. 2020.

"India's Latest Internet Shutdown Hits Haryana and Punjab" Global Voices, 2017.

"Chinese Tech Firms Are at the Cutting Edge of Artificial Intelligence -- But at What Cost" Global Voices, 2017.