Curiscope

Curiscope is an educational technology company that creates immersive learning experiences through augmented and virtual reality products. Founded in 2016 by Ed Barton, a former web developer and filmmaker, and Ben Kidd, a BAFTA-nominated 3D visual artist, the Brighton-based startup aims to make learning engaging and accessible. The founders' journey began with a viral 360-degree shark dive video on YouTube, which garnered nearly 30 million views and validated their concept of using immersive technology for education.

The company's flagship product is the "Virtuali-Tee," an augmented reality t-shirt that allows users to explore a realistic, 3D simulation of human anatomy through a free mobile app. When a smartphone or tablet is pointed at the t-shirt, the app displays the wearer's internal organs, which can be explored in detail. The experience includes 360-degree videos of the bloodstream and lungs, an animated medical guide, and a feature that tracks the user's heart rate and displays it live within the animation. This product is targeted at children, families, and classrooms as a STEM educational resource.

Following the success of the Virtuali-Tee, Curiscope expanded its product line to include "Multiverse Posters." These are posters of celestial bodies like the Earth, Moon, and Mars, which also come to life with augmented reality when viewed through the company's app, revealing animated cross-sections and facts. The business model is centered on the direct sale of these physical products through its website, Amazon, and other retailers. Curiscope secured $1 million in seed funding in 2017, led by LocalGlobe, to support its worldwide product launch. The company was acquired in September 2022.

Keywords: augmented reality, virtual reality, educational technology, STEM, anatomy, immersive learning, Virtuali-Tee, edtech, science education, mobile learning, interactive education, AR app, 3D visualization, human body simulation, Curiscope Multiverse, Ed Barton, Ben Kidd, educational toys, digital learning