Next Global Hot Thing 2021: Labster

Short Description

Labster offers virtual labs to support the increasingly complex science curriculum through game-based learning, engaging stories, and 3D visualizations and to engage students' interest in learning at a deeper level. These are immersive 3D simulations developed by scientists, game designers, artists, and educators. Together with higher education institutions and education partners around the globe, Labster has reached, inspired, and empowered over 4 million students in high schools, colleges, and universities with virtual labs. The goal is to reach 100 million science students worldwide.

Winner Laudatio

Jury president: Pascal Kaufmann

The Swiss tech company I have the honor to present you now impacts the lives of millions of people and is a global ambassador for Switzerland: I proudly present the Award for Switzerland’s Next Global Hot Thing 2021: Labster! “Access & Quality of Education” is one of the most imporant UN Sustainable Development Goals and is key to escaping poverty.

It's the cornerstone for a free and independent society! But this freedom is constantly threatened: during the Corona crisis, more than 91% of students worldwide could not access their schools anymore – Never before have so many children been out of school at the same time. This is a serious disruption in the learning process especially for the most vulnerable and marginalised (in our world).

And here is where Labster is having a crucial impact: Their virtual learning labs provide access to education and learning for everybody - from everywhere! By means of simulation based learning, digital technology - such as virtual reality- makes learning fun and affordable even with very limited infrastructure capability. They are a game changer to education and by doing that Labster (further) empowers the next generation of scientists to change the world!

Today, Labster provides access to over 2,000 institutions and over 3 million students around the globe, operated from offices in Zurich, Copenhagen, Bali and Boston. Cutting Edge education, Inclusiveness and access also of the poorest is key to Labster. With his mission and genuine passion, the CEO & Founder Michael Bodekaer touched the hearts and minds of the jury. Labster was able to attract more than 100mio Swiss Francs in funding already, their revenues grow exponentially and I am convinced that labster has the potential to impact the lives of far more than 1 billion people around the globe:

On behalf of the entire jury – congratulations for the worthy Winner of the Next Global Hot Thing – Labster.


Press Release (PDF, in German)