Osso VR Raises $27M to Gamify Surgical Training

The Evolution of VR Training in a Remote World

Despite initial expectations, virtual reality hasn't fully transformed into a widespread telepresence solution for offices, particularly during the pandemic. However, several startups concentrating on employee training within VR environments have experienced increased validation. This is due to professionals across various sectors being compelled to access crucial institutional knowledge remotely.

Osso VR's Growth and Funding

Osso VR, a San Francisco-based company specializing in medical training through virtual reality, has attracted significant investor interest. They have expanded partnerships with leading medical device companies, including Johnson & Johnson, Stryker, and Smith & Nephew, throughout the pandemic period.

The startup recently secured $27 million in Series B funding, spearheaded by GSR Ventures. Additional investors included SignalFire, Kaiser Permanente Ventures, and Anorak Ventures, as reported to TechCrunch.

Pandemic-Driven Demand

According to CEO Justin Barad, the pandemic generated a heightened sense of urgency for their platform. Customers demonstrated a growing need for remote training solutions.

Revolutionizing Surgical Instruction

Osso VR aims to modernize surgical education with a VR-based system. This allows surgeons to interact with new medical devices in a three-dimensional environment. They can “perform” surgical procedures repeatedly on a digital cadaver, all from a convenient location with sufficient space.

This is particularly beneficial for medical device manufacturers. They can leverage the platform to enhance familiarity with their products and assist surgeons in mastering the implantation techniques.

Collaborative Surgical Environments

A key objective for the startup is to integrate multiplayer mechanics, inspired by video games, into the virtual operating room. This enables surgeons and medical assistants to collaborate in real-time. They will understand not only their individual responsibilities but also how they contribute to the overall surgical process.

“It functions much like a symphony orchestra, where each member has a distinct role and effective communication is essential,” Barad explained.

The Importance of Spatial VR

Barad emphasizes that virtual reality’s spatial capabilities are crucial for this type of instruction. However, he notes that training is always supplemented with textual materials and video resources.

Building a Talented Team

Barad describes the startup’s mission as “unambiguously beneficial,” which has aided in attracting skilled personnel. The company has grown to approximately 100 employees, including what Barad claims is the world’s largest team of medical illustrators. This team has expanded the platform’s content to over 100 modules, covering 10 different medical specialties.

VR Investment Trends

In recent years, virtual reality companies have faced challenges in attracting investment. Consumer and enterprise adoption has been slower than initially anticipated. Consequently, investors have increasingly focused on related technologies like gaming and computer vision, which don’t necessitate specialized head-mounted hardware.

Osso VR’s platform is compatible with the Facebook Oculus Quest 2 headset through the company’s Oculus for Business program.