As healthcare systems across Europe struggle to meet rising demand for mental health services, a new wave of innovation is emerging at the intersection of technology and therapy. brainjo, a Regensburg based startup, is tapping into the potential of virtual reality to reshape how patients access and experience treatment. The company has now secured €2 million in seed funding to accelerate the development of its immersive therapeutic solutions.
Strong Backing from Investors and Partners
The funding round was led by High-Tech Gründerfonds, one of Europe’s most active early stage investors, with additional participation from strategic partners and business angels. Among them are Andreas Weinhut and better ventures.
The round also benefits from the involvement of MEDICE, The Health Family as a strategic partner, providing industry expertise and support as brainjo moves toward clinical validation and market entry.
Addressing Gaps in Mental Healthcare
Limited access to therapy, long waiting times, and growing demand for mental health services remain major challenges across healthcare systems. Many patients struggle to receive timely support, which can lead to worsening conditions and reduced treatment effectiveness.
brainjo aims to tackle these issues by introducing virtual reality as a scalable extension to traditional psychotherapy. Rather than replacing therapists, the company’s approach is designed to complement existing treatments and make care more accessible to a broader population.
Virtual Reality as a Prescribable Therapy
At the core of brainjo’s innovation is the development of Digital Health Applications that can be prescribed by physicians or therapists and reimbursed through health insurance. These applications use immersive VR environments to deliver personalised therapy experiences that patients can access from home.
By integrating VR into treatment plans, brainjo enhances patient engagement and adherence, two critical factors in successful therapy outcomes. The immersive nature of virtual reality allows patients to interact with therapeutic scenarios in a controlled and supportive environment, creating new possibilities for behavioural and cognitive interventions.
Building Evidence Based Solutions
brainjo’s mission is rooted in scientific rigor and clinical validation. The company is focused on developing evidence based therapies that align with medical standards and regulatory requirements.
The newly raised capital will primarily fund a clinical study and the regulatory approval process for its first VR based Digital Health Application. This step is essential to ensure that the solution meets the necessary criteria for prescription and reimbursement within the healthcare system.
Focus on ADHD Treatment for Children
The company’s first application targets children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD. This condition often requires long term management and consistent therapeutic support, making it well suited for digital and home based interventions.
Developed in collaboration with MEDICE – The Health Family, the application aims to provide an engaging and effective complement to conventional therapy. Market approval is currently planned for 2028, marking a significant milestone in brainjo’s roadmap.
Expanding the Future of Therapy
According to co founder and CEO Markus Wensauer, the combination of strong investors and strategic partnerships positions brainjo to bring its solutions into mainstream healthcare. The company envisions a future where multimodal therapy approaches combine traditional methods with digital innovations to deliver better outcomes for patients.
By leveraging virtual reality, brainjo is not only addressing current gaps in mental healthcare but also redefining how therapy can be delivered in the years ahead. As the demand for accessible and effective treatment continues to grow, solutions like these could play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of healthcare.