A Bristol immersive technology company has been included on TIME ’s Best Inventions list for 2020.
Virti, which was founded by former orthopaedic surgeon Dr Alex Young two years ago, uses extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence to help organisations train workers remotely around the world.
This year, the company’s training tech has been used to help hospitals, universities, schools and businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.
Virti developed a special Covid-19 module that teaches frontline workers skills such as how to ventilate a patient, safely use personal protective equipment (PPE), and navigate an intensive care ward.
It is also currently helping carry out training including preparing medics in the US to perform complex surgeries and tackling doctor shortages in Northern Ethiopia.
The business was listed in the Virtual and Augmented Reality category.
Dr Young said: “Being featured on the TIME Best Inventions list is a brilliant way to end a momentous year at Virti.
“It’s inspiring to know that the judging committee believes in our mission to make high-quality immersive training accessible to all.
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“We’re honoured to have been featured alongside so many other incredible inventions, and the whole team is delighted to have received this international recognition. It gives us a brilliant platform from which to continue to transform the way we learn for the better.”
The high-profile list aims to showcase the products that are making the world “better, smarter, and even a little more fun”, according to TIME .
The top 100 finalists were compiled through a combination of nominations from TIME editors and global correspondents, and an online application process.
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Nominees were evaluated on factors including originality, effectiveness, ambition and impact.
Other big-name companies in the top 100 include Dyson, Microsoft and L'Oreal.
Dr Young added: “2020 has been a year filled with challenges, changes and opportunities, and at Virti we believe that now is the moment that innovators need to work together to create a better future for everyone.”
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Virti's 海角视频 customers include the NHS, University of Cambridge, University of Bristol and Transport for London.
They have also recently embarked on major international partnerships with non-profit Los Angeles-based hospital Cedars-Sinai and Swedish medical solutions company Molnlycke.