The startup NeurekaLAB, specialized in developing technological tools to facilitate the learning of students with difficulties, is consolidating its presence in the education sector thanks to an early assessment and intervention platform. Founded by Josep Maria Serra-Grabulosa, PhD in neuropsychology, and Sergi Grau Carrión, PhD in computer science, the company born as a spin-off of the University of Barcelona and the University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC) is working on the implementation of a tool that personalizes the learning experience.
Aiming to improve essential reading and math skills, NeurekaLAB offers an interactive and adaptive platform that allows replacing traditional worksheets with personalized activities in key subjects. Designed for schools and other educational centers, healthcare professionals, and families, this tool adapts to the individual needs of students, promoting more inclusive and efficient learning.
In Grau's words, " our ultimate goal is to offer an inclusive experience, in which students do not perceive when they are being evaluated or intervened, thus achieving a more natural and effective learning environment ." After a pilot test with 1,000 students from nine schools during the 2022-2023 academic year, the startup has set a goal of reaching 50 schools in the 2023-2024 academic year, for which it has requested a loan of 285,000 euros and is looking to raise 300,000 euros in a financing round.
In addition to the expansion projects, NeurekaLAB participates in the Industrial Doctorate Plan, with two leading research projects in the field of adaptive and technological education. The first project, awarded in 2019, entitled “ Development and validation of gamified tools for the detection of learning disabilities ”, seeks to create screening tools based on video games for the early detection of learning disabilities, which will be scientifically validated for use in educational settings. This project aims to reduce school failure through early intervention.
The second project, awarded in 2023, entitled “ Artificial intelligence applied to serious games to improve personalization, playability and effectiveness ”, takes advantage of predictive and generative artificial intelligence to improve educational video games, personalizing learning in real time and increasing the effectiveness of serious games in education.
Serious games are video games designed with a primary purpose that goes beyond pure entertainment. These games are used as tools for education, training, simulation, or awareness-raising in different fields, such as education, health, the business world or even the military. The goal of serious games is to offer an immersive and interactive experience that helps users acquire specific knowledge or skills while playing.
In the educational context, such as NeurekaLAB, serious games are used to facilitate personalized learning and improve student motivation through gamification, combining fun and education. This allows students to learn in a more playful way and adapted to their needs.
Based in Vic and with an initial investment of 100,000 euros, NeurekaLAB already has six employees and plans to expand its team to fifteen people by 2025. The company, winner of several awards, such as the Innovacat 2022 Awards and the Internet Awards , is focused on developing solutions that can be used by teachers, speech therapists and other professionals to detect and treat learning difficulties more efficiently and on a large scale.
NeurekaLAB has established itself as a benchmark in the field of social entrepreneurship and education, standing out for its capacity for technological innovation and commitment to educational inclusion.
