The NeurekaLAB startup, specialized in developing technological tools to facilitate the learning of students with difficulties, is consolidating its presence in the education sector thanks to an assessment and early intervention platform. Founded by Josep Maria Serra-Grabulosa, doctor in neuropsychology, and Sergi Grau Carrión, doctor in computer science, the company was born as a spin-off of the University of Barcelona and the University of Vic-Universitat Central de Catalunya (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 replaces traditional flashcards with personalized activities in key subjects. Designed for schools as well as other educational institutions, health professionals and families, this tool adapts to the individual needs of students, encouraging more inclusive and efficient learning.
In the words of Grau, " 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 the 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 for raise 300,000 euros in a financing round.
In addition to the expansion projects, NeurekaLAB participates in the Industrial Doctorates 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 difficulties ", seeks to create screening tools based on video games for the early detection of learning difficulties, which will be validated scientifically to be used in educational environments. This project aims to reduce school failure through early intervention.
The second project, awarded in 2023, entitled " Artificial intelligence applied to serious games for the improvement of 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 in different fields, such as education, health, the business world or even the military. The goal of serious games is to provide an immersive and interactive experience that helps users acquire specific knowledge or skills while playing.
In the educational context, as in the case of 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 2022 Innovacat Awards and the Internet , is focused on developing solutions that can be used by teachers, speech therapists and other professionals in order to detect and treat learning difficulties more efficiently and on a large scale.
NeurekaLAB has established itself as a reference in the field of social entrepreneurship and education, standing out for its capacity for technological innovation and commitment to educational inclusion.
