6 VR startups that have caught our attention

Virtual reality (VR) is leading most industries into the future. With companies shifting in favor of newer and more advanced technology, VR is growing at a rapid rate and making its way into almost every industry. From content creation to workplace training, VR technology is changing the way people entertain themselves, conduct business, and communicate with others.

We have highlighted six startups that are utilizing virtual reality to change the way we use technology in our everyday lives. 

Labster

Practice makes perfect, at least that’s Labster’s approach with their virtual labs for students and educators. The platform offers over 300 immersive education simulations, allowing students to conduct experiments and lab simulations in a safe, engaging and interactive environment. 

Labster’s virtual reality simulations address some of the steepest challenges learning institutions are facing, including tight budgets and widening knowledge gaps. The company encourages engagement and allows students to work at their own pace. These virtual labs are being widely adopted to assist with training and education of the next generation of scientists.

Viber The secure messaging and voice-based communication app, Rakuten Viber, has also made a move to elevate features with VR. Through a partnership with Snap Inc., the Viber app has incorporated Augmented Reality (AR) Lenses into the app. The partnership also included sharing with Snap and integrating customizable Bitmoji avatars into the user experience. 

Viber has made regular updates to its VR/AR features including attention-grabbing filters, expressive masks, and beautification features. Most recently, Viber kicked off the 2022 World Cup with gamified football-themed lenses. That’s kicking VR up a notch! 

Stage11 Stage11 is reimagining music for the metaverse. The company has found a way to interlink two incredible experiences: playable music adventures for PC/console/cloud gaming and mixed reality performances for mobile devices. Users can unlock interactive NFT collectibles, ranging from musical performances to mixed-reality filters, and use them to create social media video content that takes them to the stage alongside photorealistic 3D captures of their favorite performers.  

Stage11 has partnered with music artists including Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Snoop Dogg, Ne-Yo, Akon, Salif Gueye, and the fashion house Institut Français de la Mode to create an immersive music experience and bring listeners and artists together in a new, fully-digital way. 

Talespin In a world gone digital, workplace training is an obstacle companies are now trying to overcome. Talespin has introduced a fully immersive learning program designed to help employees better integrate into the workplace. The learning modules enable learners to develop crucial soft skills through role-play with virtual human characters. The content is diverse, inclusive and incorporates topics such as “Conflict Resolution,” “Virtual Leadership,” and “Restoring Trust.” 

Talespin has designed courses and virtual characters to mimic human behavior in a way that is emotionally realistic, allowing employees to experience real-life situations in a safe learning environment. The courses also offer instant feedback to encourage learning, offer tips, and help prepare employees for real everyday situations.

Kinetix

Paris-based 3D animation platform Kinetix has introduced a no-code 3D creation tool powered by AI. The company has encouraged access to 3D animation for all creators by developing a user-friendly platform for user-generated content. Kinetix empowers creators’ self-expression through collectables that can be used on avatars across every virtual world. 

The unique platform allows creators to generate high-quality animation from any video, whether it was captured on their smartphone or found online. With the overall goal to empower self-expression, Kinetix has more than 30,000 creators already using their platform. 

Holoride

Road trips are getting even better with Holoride’s motion-synced in-car VR experience. The immersive system is turning everyday car rides into virtual theme parks with an exciting, personalized travel experience. The system combines standard navigation data with car data and virtual reality technology to make the entertainment both physical and visceral. 

With little-to-no latency between what a user sees and feels, the experience is a seamless virtual reality journey providing an exciting alternative for entertainment on long car rides. It is the ultimate passenger experience. 

Virtual Reality is the road to the future  Virtual reality is skyrocketing most industries into the future. As society shifts and technology reigns, VR technology is taking businesses and consumers in a new immersive and creative direction. Consumers want control and that’s exactly what VR technology gives them. These seven unique startups are just the tip of the growing virtual reality industry that will without doubt have an enormous impact on how we create, communicate and conduct our business in the coming years.