EXIST start-up grant for virtual reality laboratory training
"Wet-Lab-VR": Virtual reality technology revolutionises training for molecular biology laboratories
From blood analyses to cancer diagnostics - the examination and analysis of biological molecules, tissue, cells and genetic engineering, the development of vaccines and medical tests are carried out in wet laboratories. Thanks to the standardisation of equipment and work processes, solutions are routinely stored in plastic tubes and liquids are transferred precisely using automated pipettes. Anyone who has learnt the basics of working in wet laboratories can easily integrate into any laboratory worldwide.
Practical training traditionally takes place in a real laboratory under the supervision of researchers, with the availability of time and resources limiting students' independence. This is where virtual reality technology provides crucial added value: "Wet-Lab-VR" realistically recreates the wet lab environment, allowing users to interact with tubes, pipettes and equipment just as they would in the real world. The application can be used independently of a real wet lab, with no additional guidance and no limits on the number of experiments or training time.
Higher capacity, less waste
Basic training in a real laboratory poses various difficulties that "Wet-Lab-VR" solves through its digital nature. Firstly, the capacity of the labs is limited, whereas the number of students learning in parallel in the VR environment is not. This means that not only can more students be trained at the same time, but the capacity of the lab can also be fully utilised for research.
Another problem with the training is the waste that is produced; all tubes, containers and substrates can only be used once. By digitalising the process, the waste produced can be completely avoided, which is both sustainable and saves costs.
Another major benefit is the traceability of the processes carried out during training. In "Wet-Lab-VR", the individual work steps of the users are recorded so that it can be determined which work steps were carried out incorrectly. In reality, only a faulty end product can be identified in comparison.
Gleb Gavrish, the originator of the idea, summarises the aim of the project as follows: "We want to make the lives of scientists easier, reduce waste in the labs and make it easier to enter the field and share knowledge, not only by scientists, but also by the general public."
Machine learning meets gamification
The scientific core of "Wet-Lab-VR" is a software infrastructure. This core simulates biochemical processes and molecular biological reactions. When users add new reagents or change the temperature via the VR interface, for example, catalytic reactions, pH changes and new solvents are simulated.
Machine learning is required to implement the scientific core, as a purely mechanistic approach would only cover a limited variety of prepared molecules. Machine learning, on the other hand, enables realistic laboratory simulation and adapts flexibly to the specific requirements of individual laboratories by providing customised reactions and protocols.
Gamification concepts are also used in "Wet-Lab-VR" to sustainably increase learner motivation. Gamification integrates elements such as progression systems, storytelling and immediate feedback as a central design strategy in the digital training courses.
SRH Gründerinstitut supports project team
The SRH Gründerinstitut has been active in the field of business start-ups since 2010, whether in teaching, project support or networking. Students, alumni and employees of SRH University are actively advised and supported in turning their ideas into profitable and sustainable business concepts.
For the realisation of "Wet-Lab-VR", the Gründerinstitut was able to put SRH alumnus Simon Binzenbach (Virtual Reality & Game Development, B. Sc.) in touch with bioinformatician and bioengineer Gleb Gavrish, who initiated the development of "Wet-Lab-VR". Together with project manager Jonathan Wagner, the founding team will now receive an EXIST start-up grant of 135,000 euros for the period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
The EXIST start-up grant is a funding programme of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) and is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF). The application is submitted via the university or research institution. Prof Bernhard Küppers, Head of SRH Gründerinstitut, is delighted: "In recent years, we have already been able to help over 20 founders receive an EXIST start-up grant and support them on their way to setting up a business. Now we are taking the next steps with the Wet-Lab-VR team."
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