Department of Education Announces EdSim Challenge Finalists

The Department has announced five finalists in the EdSim Challenge, a competition to design the next generation of educational simulations that strengthen career and technical skills.  

The challenge called upon the virtual reality, video game developer, and educational technology communities to submit concepts for immersive simulations that will prepare students for the globally competitive workforce of the 21st century.  Five finalists were selected out of 249 submissions and announced by the U.S. Department of Education on May 9, 2017.

The finalists are:

  1. Care Western Reserve University:  http://case.edu/hololens/
  2. EmbodiedLabs, Inc.:  (http://www.embodiedlabs.com)
  3. OctothorpeLLC:  (http://www.octothorpe.com)
  4. Osso VR Inc:  (http://OSSOVR.com/)
  5. Smart Sparrow:  (https://www.smartsparrow.com

Each finalist will receive $50,000 and have the opportunity to refine their submission and develop a prototype, as well as receive in-kind contributions.  Judges of the prototypes will select an ultimate winner or winners to receive the remaining $430,000 (and additional in-kind prizes) of the $680,000 cash prize.

The challenge can be found online here, and followed at www.twitter.com/edprizes.

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ED has announced the winner in the EdSim Challenge, which had called upon the virtual reality, video game developer and educational technology communities to submit concepts for immersive simulations that will prepare students for a globally competitive workforce and spur an ecosystem of virtual and augmented reality technology in education.

Five finalists were selected out of an impressive 249 submissions. Each finalist received $50,000 in cash as well as in-kind prizes.   "All five finalists' solutions highlight the potential of virtual and augmented reality for teaching and learning in unique and powerful ways" said Michael E. Wooten, deputy assistant secretary for career, technical, and adult education.

The winner is:

Osso VR: A hands-on surgical training platform that enables users to practice cutting edge techniques through realistic, hands-on simulations, bridging the gap between career exploration and career preparation.

The winner was recommended by a panel of judges with expertise in education, gaming, workforce development, emerging technology and venture capital.

Osso VR will win $430,000 in cash and additional in-kind prizes from IBM and Microsoft.

Wooten added, "Osso VR's immersive environment will enhance the career and technical education students are receiving along their career pathways in the healthcare field."

Read the full press release here.