From virtual reality movie cameras to augmented reality surgical procedures, the innovation happening with the VR space is nothing short of breathtaking. Entrepreneurs are innovating in a myriad of ways, incorporating everything from Google’s Cardboard to Oculus Rift headsets in their creations. With investors like Google Ventures, Redpoint Ventures, Rothenberg Ventures, and CKM Capital funding startups within this space, it is definitely a sector on the rise. If you want a glimpse of the companies being developed within the virtual reality/augmented reality sector, following are five startups you’ll want to keep on your radar:
Medical Realities
Medical Realities is bringing virtual reality to the operating room. Their launch project, the Virtual Surgeon, helps doctors immerse themselves in a real operation via augmented reality technology. Available for both the Samsung Gear VR headset and the Oculus Rift, the Virtual Surgeon interface lets surgeons experience a laparoscopic hemicolectomy via a virtual reality headset.
Vrse
Vrse provides a number of virtual reality apps. Whether you’re looking for an iOS app that lets you experience an insider’s view of New York City or an immersive Android app for Google’s Cardboard, Vrse has you covered. If you’re lucky enough to own an Oculus Gear VR headsets, you’ll be enthralled with the incredible graphics provided by Vrse.
uForis VR
Currently in the open beta-testing stage, uForis VR offers virtual reality publishing tools. Create content using both XML and JavaScript, integrate graphics APIs, and publish on multiple virtual reality platforms. Integrated with Oculus Runtime, uForis VR is available for both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Discovr Labs
Discovr Labs is working on immersive virtual reality learning opportunities. Through immersive education, users can experience first-hand anything from foreign cultures to medical procedures. The combination of experience-based discovery and augmented reality will allow educators to reach students on a more profound level than via textbooks or videos alone.
Virtual Workplace
If you’ve ever imagined living inside a virtual reality, you’re going to love Virtual Workplace. Currently accepting early access requests, this awesome startup lets you bring augmented reality to your workplace. Their initial developments will focus on Android-based virtual reality headsets. Virtual Workplace will allow you to use your favorite work apps but do so within an augmented reality interface. Can you say living in the future?
As you can see from the above-listed startups, the virtual reality space is just beginning to flourish. From mobile apps to enterprise communication interfaces, who knows the magical tools developers and entrepreneurs will present to the public over the coming years. Virtual reality startups; this is definitely a market sector you’re going to want to monitor closely.
