Brainjo Raises €2 Million to Enhance VR-Based Therapy for ADHD

In a significant stride for digital health innovation, Regensburg-based startup brainjo has successfully raised €2 million in a Seed funding round. This capital injection will advance the clinical study and regulatory approval of their pioneering VR-based Digital Health Application (DiGA) designed specifically for children with ADHD. By focusing on areas where traditional therapy may fall short, brainjo is poised to transform the therapeutic landscape.

Bridging Gaps with Virtual Reality

Founded in 2022, brainjo is on a mission to develop digital health solutions that complement existing psychotherapy methods. Rather than replace traditional approaches, their VR-based applications aim to fill critical gaps, offering immersive and individualized therapy that can be accessed from the comfort of home. This innovative approach is especially promising for children with ADHD, who can benefit from interactive and engaging treatment modalities.

Strategic Investment and Partnerships

The recent funding round was spearheaded by High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), a prominent European seed investor. The round also saw participation from strategic partners and business angels such as Andreas Weinhut from Regensburg and Munich-based better ventures. Markus Wensauer, co-founder and CEO of brainjo, highlighted the importance of these partnerships in establishing their solutions within the healthcare sector, emphasizing their potential to offer multimodal therapy options for patients.

The Power of Immersive Therapy

Digital therapies in the realm of psychotherapy are still emerging, but the potential impact is substantial. As Dr. Jörg Traub, Principal at HTGF, notes, brainjo’s use of Virtual Reality sets it apart from other software-based solutions by providing a deeper level of immersion. This approach not only enhances the therapeutic experience but also aims to improve patient adherence through engaging and clinically relevant methods.

Expanding the Therapeutic Toolkit

The funding will support brainjo’s efforts to secure market approval for its first VR-based DiGA, with plans set for 2028. Developed in collaboration with MEDICE – The Health Family, this application is designed to motivate children with ADHD to integrate therapeutic concepts into their daily lives. By simulating real-world tasks within a VR environment, the therapy encourages practical application of psychotherapeutic content. Drawing inspiration from popular games like Fortnite and Minecraft, brainjo’s approach is both relatable and effective for younger users.

Insights and Implications for the Startup Ecosystem

For startups, founders, and investors, brainjo’s journey offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of digital health. The integration of VR in therapy exemplifies how technology can enhance traditional methods, creating new opportunities for innovation and growth. Investors should take note of the potential for scalable solutions in healthcare, while founders can learn from brainjo’s strategic partnerships and interdisciplinary team dynamics.

A Promising Future

Brainjo’s latest funding round, coupled with its previous pre-Seed success, underscores the growing confidence in VR-based therapies. With an interdisciplinary team of 10 experts spanning technology, psychology, and healthcare, the company is well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. As digital therapies continue to gain traction, brainjo’s approach could pave the way for a new era in mental health treatment.

Source: EU-Startups