Digital reality is an umbrella term for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). It provides an artificial 3D environment. One of the industry where AR and VR is being adopted in healthcare. Many are now using VR to gamify the healthcare sector. Virtual Mirror Therapy is a scientific way to deal with the pain of an absent limb. The healthcare VR market is expected to reach $8.03 billion by 2027. In India, the AR & VR market is growing at a CAGR of 76%. 

One such startup that is combining healthcare and virtual reality is Oqupi Health Tech. It was started in Bangalore by Divya Hegde and Akshay Hegde in 2019 with the goal to make the patients’ therapy as enjoyable as gaming. Oqupi is creating virtual solutions to help patients with mobility issues recover better. It focuses on improving the patient's motor, cognitive and postural pain by recommending treatments via VR.

Oqupi VRHeath Platform collects patients’ behaviour in the virtual environment and analyzes it with AI algorithms for the doctors and for the patients’ themselves. The doctor can get comprehensive solutions generated by the AI algorithm. The patient’s too can receive information on the progress they are making with their recovery. Nripen Chakrawarty got added to the team as lead developer and Clive Clinton Crasta as lead designer.  

In 2020, Oqupi was shortlisted amongst various other startups for T-Hub’s flagship programme - Lab32. Other startups were from health tech, management, human resources and other sectors. The programme will help Oqupi develop its product and expand its market. Oqupi is now in the stage of customer validation and market expansion. As of July 2021, their authorised share capital is Rs 10 lakhs and its paid-up capital is Rs 1 lakh.

Will Oqupi be able to introduce virtual reality in healthcare to help with the recovery of millions of Indians?