Verus Digital, a spin-off of the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD, offers companies and public institutions a unique method of 3D virtualization of artifacts: 3D scanners from Verus Digital use state-of-the-art technology to provide smart digital scanning and modeling of objects to customers around the world at just a fraction of the cost and time involved in previous methods. The company has launched its successful CultArm3D product line as an autonomous 3D scanning station that enables the documentation and digital preservation of works of art and historical artifacts, all with scientific precision and accuracy. To this end, Verus Digital works with international partners such as Phase One, a leading manufacturer of high-end digital camera systems, Universal Robots, an international producer of collaborative lightweight robots, and other well-known partners in industry and the research sector.

The technology start-up plans to use the pre-seed financing from Gateway Ventures and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft to further expand on its leading position in the area of smart 3D digitization in museums and the new business segment of 3D virtualization in forensics. The company also plans to use further developments and strategic partnerships to consolidate its market position and tap into additional markets.

Verus Digital was founded in March 2023 by Matevz Domanjko (CEO), Reimar Tausch (VP of Engineering) and Martin Schurig (COO). The technological basis for CultArm3D was developed at Fraunhofer IGD, where the founding team was deeply involved in the research. The business model for the market launch was developed as part of the AHEAD program, with support from Fraunhofer Venture. Immediately after it was founded, Verus Digital launched CultArm3D on the market as the first smart, autonomous 3D scanning station for visualizations that meet scientific quality standards.

Matevz Domanjko, CEO of Verus Digital, comments on the successful financing round: “Our technology is already reshaping how leading institutions digitize and analyze historical artifacts and forensic evidence with unsurpassed precision and accuracy. With a fully mature product and growing market demand, we are in an outstanding position for the further scaling of our business model. The investment from Gateway Ventures and Fraunhofer Venture will allow us to accelerate innovation, improve our product range and expand even faster into key markets.”

Markus Kainz, CEO of Gateway Ventures, adds: “The profound technology behind Verus Digital offers a unique edge over similar solutions worldwide. We firmly believe the product is ready for use in many different countries, and we look forward to taking the next steps together with the team from Verus Digital and Fraunhofer Venture.”

Matthias Unbescheiden, institute director at Fraunhofer IGD, comments: “The founding of Verus Digital GmbH as a spin-off from Fraunhofer IGD is an outstanding example of our innovative strength in the area of autonomous 3D digitization. Through this successful financing and commitment to precision digital solutions, we are not only supporting the preservation of our cultural heritage but also opening up new potential applications in forensics and beyond.”

About Verus Digital

Verus Digital GmbH offers CultArm3D, the first mobile all-in-one solution for 3D digitization of objects, along with precision-fit digitization services, consulting and training for customer-oriented solutions. CultArm3D is a turnkey modular solution for 3D digitization. It was developed in collaboration with Fraunhofer IGD. The company was founded in March 2023 by Matevz Domanjko (CEO), Reimar Tausch (VP of Engineering) and Martin Schurig (COO) as a spin-off of the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD. It currently has eight employees, working in the fields of technology and development, sales and marketing at the Darmstadt office.

About Gateway Ventures

Gateway Ventures operates as an international network of business angels, connecting investors with high-growth start-ups and handling the entire investment process. The company's expertise lies in providing professional access to rising start-ups, and it leverages its network to help start-ups grow into successful enterprises. Gateway Ventures has made more than 50 start-up investments to date with some 30 million euros in principal. Its international network currently extends to about 3,500 investors.

About Fraunhofer IGD

The Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD has been setting standards in visual computing — image- and model-based computer science — for over 30 years now. Its roughly 260-strong staff support companies and institutions across the automotive industry, healthcare, bioeconomy, the software and IT sector, the maritime industry, and the cultural and creative sectors. Fraunhofer IGD provides specific technological solutions and support for strategic development. Its researchers conduct problem analyses, design software and hardware systems, develop prototypes, and realize and implement interactive visual systems. The institute focuses on human-machine interactions, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, interactive simulation, modeling and 3D printing and scanning. Fraunhofer IGD has been engaged in cutting-edge research since 1987, supporting change in society and industry with application-oriented solutions developed at its two locations in Darmstadt and Rostock.

About Fraunhofer Venture

Fraunhofer Venture is the central spin-off and investment management organization of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. It offers founders, start-ups, industrial companies and investors a comprehensive support program with access to the cutting-edge technologies of 76 Fraunhofer institutes as well as to Fraunhofer’s infrastructure and expertise – including more than 7,600 patent families. The range of services offered by Fraunhofer Venture includes extensive support and advice, from conception to the founding of a company, active management of Fraunhofer investments, assistance in the search for funding through to the possible sale of the company.