RescueSim related projects won both first and second prize in a competition for innovation projects set out by the Dutch government.

Simulator and virtual training software developer VSTEP won both the first and second prize in a fiercely contested competition for innovation projects set out by the Dutch government. SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) is a government programme for research and development of socially relevant innovations. SBIR funding is awarded each year to a select number of innovative projects. This year, out of a total of 84 project proposals submitted, 17 projects were awarded SBIR funding. VSTEP’s projects were awarded the 1st and 2nd place in the entire competition.

RescueSim is single and multi agency training software that prepares public safety and security professionals for real-life incidents in a virtual environment. VSTEP’s SBIR proposals focus on developing innovative next generation features for VSTEP’s RescueSim Virtual Emergency Response Trainer as well as the creation of a new advanced Crowd Control Management System.

The independent jury reported that the combination of a well-thought out and innovative plan, VSTEP’s experience in the safety and security domain, and the expected contribution to national security and safety as well as the economic perspective were fundamental in VSTEP 1st and 2nd position.

VSTEP is very pleased to have won the SBIR competition and has started the first phase of its research.

For more information about SBIR, visit www.senternovem.nl/sbir/
For more information about RescueSim, visit www.rescuesim.com