Pi and Power (Π ∩ ϟ) was awarded $100,000 from the Velocity Fund Pitch Competition to advance their research into medical devices/applications, neuroscience and bioinformatics. Π ∩ ϟ was founded by GI members Dr. Janelle Resch and Eric Ocelewski. Janelle is the Chief Executive Officer, Eric is the Chief Technology and Architect Officer, and GI faculty member Dr. Michael Barnett-Cowan is the Chief Research Officer.
Watch their pitch video below
Originally, Π ∩ ϟ was founded to investigate the feasibility of using video game environments, specifically virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) technologies, for research, education, remote testing, and training. Since COVID-19, the company has started researching the viability of developing an innovative sensor technology for rapid detection and identification of pathogens.
Pi and Power uniquely leverages Unreal Engine(UE4) to explore simple simulation models, rapidly prototype designs and interrogate big data sets. UE4 is widely used in films such as the Mandalorian, video games such as Fortnite, for surgery training in VR and now includes the development of technologies for the Rapid ID of pathogens such as SARS-Cov2.
"We would like to thank the Games Institute for their support encouraging us to approach research with a new gaming perspective. "