🌍 XR Accelerator Program Goes Global — Final Info Session April 22!

Important update about the XR Accelerator Program, now open to startups and SMEs worldwide that build VR, AR, MR, and WebXR using Unity, Unreal, WebXR, or other platforms. 

The program is designed to support companies with a TRL 5+ prototype (Proof of Concept) looking to grow, validate in the Canadian market, and access industry mentorship, business development support, and Demo Day exposure.

What's New:

• Global eligibility is now in place

• Funding details for Southern Ontario & international applicants

• Application and optional program fee info clearly listed

• Unity Pro license available at a discounted rate

• All updates are now reflected in the application form and on the website

Final Info Session – April 22 at 10:00 AM EST

• This is the last chance for interested startups to ask questions before applications close.

• Register here: https://forms.gle/AvtLViRtKKVgPM1aA

Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
Apply or learn more: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/661dba10f7d64c35b1afe533344521e6

Virtuix Joins the Virtual Reality Augmented Reality Association

AUSTIN, TEXAS (April 1, 2025) - Virtuix, the developer of the “Omni One” full-body VR system, is proud to announce that it has joined the Virtual Reality Augmented Reality Association (VRARA). The virtual and augmented reality market is expected to exceed $58 billion by 2028. With their VRARA membership, Virtuix is thrilled to stay at the forefront of VR/AR developments for entertainment, enterprise, and defense.

Virtuix recently revealed “Omni Mission Trainer” (OMT), its first product designed for the defense industry. OMT is a mixed-reality training system using 15 omni-directional treadmills that let up to 15 soldiers move physically — walking, running, jumping, and kneeling — without boundaries inside a fully immersive, 360-degree virtual reality environment while using their actual weapons and equipment. Dismounted soldiers, including infantry and special forces, can train together virtually for a range of scenarios, including mission rehearsal, close-quarters battle, and move-shoot-communicate drills.

[VIDEO: https://youtu.be/vZALkwE-aSE]

Virtuix is collaborating with YokoWERX, an innovation cell of the U.S. Air Force, who has already purchased two single-user OMT stations.

“The OMT system is set to revolutionize the military training landscape,” said Adrian Sinclair, COO at YokoWERX. “We look forward to collaborating on the development of this groundbreaking system and pushing the boundaries of military readiness.”

Exclusively for VRARA members, Virtuix is offering free shipping with the purchase of an Omni One system. Use code “VRARA” during checkout prior to April 30, 2025, at www.virtuix.com/omni.

Virtuix is currently offering an investment opportunity through StartEngine to become a shareholder in in the company alongside its big-name investors like Mark Cuban and Scout Ventures. For more information about Virtuix’s investment opportunity, visit https://invest.virtuix.com

About Virtuix:

Virtuix Inc. is the developer of “Omni,” the premier brand of omni-directional treadmills that enable players to walk and run in 360 degrees inside video games and other virtual reality applications. With a commitment to innovation, Virtuix continues to push the boundaries of VR gaming and simulation, delivering immersive experiences to users worldwide. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Virtuix has raised more than $40 million from individual and institutional investors. For more information, visit www.virtuix.com.

Lucid Reality Labs has been nominated for a Webby Award

🚨 Big News from the VRARA Community! 🚨

We’re beyond thrilled to share that Lucid Reality Labs, one of our amazing VRARA members, has been nominated for a Webby Award in the Technical Achievement category! 🏆

Their groundbreaking AI Medical Agent, powered by Inworld AI, is setting a new standard for how immersive tech can transform medical education, scale training, and ultimately save lives by improving patient safety and reducing human error. 🌍🧠

For over 28 years, the Webby Awards have honored the best of the internet—and now, our friends at Lucid Reality Labs are standing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s most impactful innovations.

Let’s rally together and support a member doing truly meaningful work in the XR space!
👉 Cast your vote and show the power of the VRARA community: https://lnkd.in/etZnhmpH

Congratulations to the entire Lucid Reality Labs team—we’re so proud to have you as part of the VRARA family! 💙

HOW TO VOTE

#VRARA #WebbyAwards #AIforGood #XRHealthcare #LucidRealityLabs #InnovationWithPurpose #MedicalInnovation #PatientSafety #VoteNow

A Prototype Exploring VR/AR Applications in Healthcare

A Prototype Exploring VR/AR Applications in Healthcare

Diffusion Studios, a new medical education lab for Elsevier, recently launched a prototype VR/AR application for the Apple Vision Pro that explores the anatomy and physiology of the eye. This application offers a transformative platform for eye care professionals to visualize, practice, and communicate around medical and surgical interventions. This innovative tool demonstrates the immense potential of immersive technologies to enhance precision, education, and collaboration in clinical settings.

The application enables users to explore surgical procedures through detailed, annotated 3D modeling. It allows clinicians to revisit specific moments, compare complex cases, and rehearse techniques. By integrating advanced visualization capabilities with practical tools for learning and communication, this prototype is designed to elevate the quality of care and improve outcomes across healthcare disciplines.

Key Features of the Prototype:
- Immersive Surgical Visualization: Provides a high-definition, interactive experience for analyzing critical procedures in detail.
- Comparative Analysis Tools: Enables side-by-side comparisons of interventions to refine techniques and enhance decision-making.
- Versatile Applications: Serves as a resource for clinician training, patient education, and stakeholder engagement.

Broader Implications for Healthcare

While initially developed for ophthalmology, this prototype is suggestive of broader applications for medical applications across the healthcare space. From surgical training to patient communication and corporate education, it highlights the potential of VR/AR technologies to redefine medical practices. The platform’s ability to deliver high-resolution

imaging, real-time feedback, and intuitive interfaces positions it as a game-changer for fields such as pharmaceutical R&D, robotic surgery, diagnostics, rehabilitation, and telemedicine.

This prototype invites collaboration from partners in the extended reality community who are eager to explore new frontiers in healthcare innovation. By leveraging immersive technologies, we aim to set a new standard for precision, accessibility, and engagement in medical education and practice.

For inquiries or partnership opportunities, please contact:

Caleb Furnas
c.furnas@elsevier.com
Business Development
Diffusion Studios from Elsevier