“Virmedex: the spin-off transforming healthcare training for the technological revolution,” reports Innovaspain

A joint spin-off of the Universtitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC) and the Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Virmedex develops virtual simulators that train medical professionals in the use of specialised devices, such as the extracorporeal circulation pump critical in open-heart surgery. This technology enables practitioners around the world to train practically using only a computer and VR headset. The model is highly scalable, allowing the creation of new simulators every two years -“between 50% and 70% faster than other alternatives,” Tost notes.

Virmedex stands as a compelling example of knowledge transfer. Although Tost acknowledges that the path from research to market “is still not easy,” she highlights a growing mindset shift: universities increasingly see technology transfer as a real and viable avenue. She explains that both UPC and UB supported the team during the transition from research to company formation, especially once traditional funding sources for basic research had been exhausted. Today, Virmedex simulators are used in more than 30 countries, and the company collaborates with leading universities and hospitals in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Latin America. The start-up has earned numerous awards—including its most recent distinction, the UPC Research Valorisation Prize for Best Spin-off, endowed with €15,000 contributed by Fractus as part of the Fractus - PC Deep Tech Hub.