College undergrad’s VR startup wins USAF contract

VINCIVR, a virtual reality (VR) startup founded by a college undergrad, secured a $1 million contract with the United States Air Force (USAF) for next-gen VR training technologies. VINCI is working with the Air Force technology accelerator AFWERX to develop solutions for aircraft maintenance training. These simulations feature an interactive 3D model which enables full immersion into a realistic digital aircraft and an editing platform called CODEX that allows instructors to create and modify their software.

Eagle Wu, the 22-year-old founder and CEO of VINCI, says. "This is a great opportunity to push VR software forward and pioneer the adoption of this technology on a wider scale."

The contract is unique among VR companies as the startup is tasked with both developing and deploying its technology into active Air Force units currently training airmen. VINCI's simulations will enable airmen to train in virtual simulations when there are aircraft shortages.

Sean Smith, a USAF Instructor for Instruments and Flight Controls, says, "By utilizing VINCI's technology with hundreds or thousands of airmen, the Air Force can ensure they have the most up to date training even with a lack of available aircraft, bringing modern day training to better instruct future airmen."