University spin-off Virmedex strengthens its international presence
Founded by the UPC and the UB three years ago, Virmedex Virtual Experiences SL specialises in training healthcare professionals through simulators based on video games, artificial intelligence and virtual reality. The company has consolidated its international position in Europe, Latin America and the United States, and is now preparing for a second funding round. It received the 15th UPC Research Valorisation Award, organised by the Board of Trustees with the support of Fractus and the Fractus UPC Deep-Tech Hub, among other accolades.
Jan 21, 2026
Virmedex was created in 2022 from research into serious games by a team at the Health Research and Innovation Institute (formerly the Biomedical Engineering Research Centre) of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC), led by Daniela Tost Pardell and formed by UPC graduates Ariel von Barnekow and Núria Bonet Codina, in collaboration with healthcare professionals from the University of Barcelona (UB) and the Hospital Clínic.
They are a group passionate about gaming who believed that gamified virtual training, introducing game mechanics into non-game activities, is the educational paradigm of future generations. Staying true to this vision, Virmedex develops virtual simulators based on video games, AI and VR to train students and healthcare professionals worldwide in the use of complex medical devices.
Currently, the company offers two solutions for perfusionists, the professionals who manage blood circulation and oxygenation during cardiac and pulmonary surgery: virCPB for practising cardiopulmonary bypass and virECMO for using heart-lung machines. When interacting with these simulators, students and professionals feel as if they are in an operating theatre and face all kinds of procedures and scenarios, experiencing every stage of the process under both normal and crisis conditions.
As they progress through the training pathway, new tasks are unlocked until professionals master all the skills they may need in real situations: technical abilities as well as communication, decision making and problem solving under unexpected circumstances.
These technological solutions help students and professionals to prepare more effectively, enabling them to learn virtually how to use medical devices rather than by simply observing another professional.
According to Tost, now the company’s CEO and a researcher at the UPC’s Health Technologies Research Group (TecSalut), this method allows trainees not only to practise and gain confidence but also to train “in safe, realistic and repeatable environments, while freeing patients from the role of guinea pigs in medical training.” Virmedex simulations can be adapted to customised scenarios based on the specific training needs of each centre, achieving even more specialised learning.
Although other high-fidelity medical simulators exist for training healthcare professionals, Virmedex solutions are offered through a subscription-based web platform, a system that reduces costs and makes them accessible to all types of hospitals, not just the largest, as was previously the case. In addition, the simulators can be used at any time and from anywhere in the world, which has driven their international expansion. Today, Virmedex solutions are used in leading universities and hospitals across Europe, Latin America and the United States.
Preparing for a second funding round
Virmedex Virtual Experiences SL has raised over one million euros through subscription sales and public and private funding. In 2024, during its first funding round, it secured €150,000 from Grow Venture Partners to develop new AI-driven simulations and address the diversity of medical devices found in hospitals. It is now preparing for a second funding round in mid-2026, aimed at consolidating growth, expanding its simulators, strengthening the team and accelerating international expansion.
Winner of the 15th UPC Research Valorisation Award
On 19 November, Virmedex received the Research Valorisation Award in the category of best technology-based company or spin-off. The jury highlighted its business development, including economic results, creation of qualified jobs, projection, investments received and the large number of prizes and recognitions obtained.
The award is organised by the UPC’s Board of Trustees with the support of Fractus and the Fractus-UPC Deep Tech Hub.
Also recognised with the Caixa d’Enginyers Foundation Award
On 1 December, Virmedex also received the Caixa d’Enginyers Foundation – Isabel P. Trabal Award for best entrepreneurship in the Engineering for Social Development category. It was recognised as an example of a solution that improves people’s lives and strengthens the community.
