Regensburg-based digital health innovator brainjo has successfully secured €2 million in a seed funding round to advance its virtual reality (VR) based therapeutic solutions. The investment, led by prominent early-stage investor High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), will fuel the clinical study and regulatory approval of a prescribable digital therapy for children with ADHD. This initiative aims to complement traditional psychotherapy by providing accessible, engaging, and immersive treatment options for patients directly in their homes.
Addressing Gaps in Mental Healthcare
The German mental healthcare system currently faces significant challenges, including a shortage of therapy slots and long waiting lists that leave many without timely care. brainjo aims to alleviate these pressures by developing Digital Health Applications (DiGA) that can be prescribed by physicians and reimbursed by health insurance. These VR solutions are designed to close critical gaps, offering an individualized and scalable form of therapy that enhances existing treatments.
Strategic Funding for Clinical Advancement
This new capital injection is a pivotal milestone, enabling brainjo to proceed with its next critical phase of development and market entry. The funds are specifically allocated to finance a comprehensive clinical study and navigate the complex regulatory approval process for its first product. Developed in close collaboration with strategic partner MEDICE – The Health Family, this VR-based DiGA is targeting market approval by 2028.
Investor Confidence in VR Therapy
Lead investor HTGF expressed strong confidence in brainjo's team, technology, and market strategy for the burgeoning digital psychotherapy sector. Dr. Jörg Traub, a Principal at HTGF, highlighted the unique advantage of VR in creating a deeply immersive therapeutic experience that goes beyond traditional software. This approach is expected to improve patient adherence and will be substantiated with robust clinical data, a key differentiator in the market.
A Collaborative Path to Market
The successful funding round underscores the powerful ecosystem brainjo has assembled to support its ambitious mission. With HTGF as a leading European seed investor and MEDICE – The Health Family as a strategic partner, the company is strongly positioned for growth and impact. Co-founder and CEO Markus Wensauer stated that this combination of financial backing, industry expertise, and business angel support is ideal for integrating their solutions into the healthcare system.
The collaboration with MEDICE is particularly significant, with the established healthcare company viewing the VR therapy as a valuable addition to its therapeutic portfolio. Dr. Felix Lambrecht of MEDICE praised brainjo's agile and dynamic team, emphasizing the strategic fit of their technology for future patient care. This partnership provides a clear pathway for developing and distributing evidence-based, multimodal therapy offerings for patients who need them most.
With this €2 million in seed funding, brainjo is well-equipped to validate its innovative approach to mental healthcare through rigorous clinical trials and regulatory milestones. The investment not only accelerates the development of its ADHD therapy for children but also signals growing confidence in VR's potential to transform digital therapeutics. The company's progress will be closely watched as it works to make immersive and effective mental health support more accessible across Germany and beyond.