The idea, from Harte’s start-up company, Rephobia, was inspired by the 21-year-old’s own fears.
Harte, from Strabane in County Tyrone, said he has benefited from exposure therapy techniques in the past, particularly when dealing with his fear of public speaking.
“I would have been sick to my stomach to the point where I couldn’t even face the crowd. I would be hyperventilating,” he said.
“I know how difficult it is to live with that.”
About 20 to 30 participants will take part in a pilot study in collaboration with researchers at QUB to test the technology.