VRAI, a Gateshead-based company that creates data driven VR simulation training, has secured £3 million in funding. Led by Northstar Ventures, this latest investment includes funding from the North East Innovation Fund, supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

The investment will see the company bring its data driven VR simulation technology to the offshore wind industry, to boost jobs in the region, and to grow its existing business in aerospace, defence and security.

VRAI also has a big focus on research and development, with strong links with Durham University’s Energy Institute, as well as the MoD’s Defence and Security Accelerator, and Innovate UK.

This latest funding follows VRAI’s expansion into England’s North East region in 2020. The company’s focus on the area corresponds with its ambitions to stay close to its customers, whilst remaining at the heart of the global offshore wind industry, and having access to local talent. This expansion into the offshore wind industry is central to the UK Government’s plans for a net zero future, and energy independence from fossil fuels in the coming decade. It also comes at a crucial time for Europe, as governments scramble to cushion citizens from soaring energy prices.

VRAI Managing Director Pat O’Connor, said, “I strongly believe that dual use technologies such as ours can be a source of competitive advantage for our society. This investment allows us to help scale the offshore wind workforce, which is critical to society’s plans for transitioning from fossil fuel dependency. Our products will also help to ensure our military personnel have the very best training and insights, at a lower cost and with lower carbon footprint, in the face of increasingly complex operational environments.”

Northstar Ventures Investment Director Alex Buchan said, “The North East region has been instrumental in developing the offshore wind sector, delivering clean energy and green growth, and partnerships like the one between VRAI and local industry help ensure the UK stays at the forefront of global innovation in renewables. With an impressive track record in cutting edge VR technologies, we are pleased to support VRAI in scaling up this innovation to train the UK’s offshore wind workforce and create more high quality jobs in the North East.”