Dr. Daniel Esteban-Ferrer (Barcelona, 1980) holds a degree in telecommunications engineering from the UPC, a degree in materials science from the University of Berkeley, a PhD in nanobiotechnology from the University of Barcelona and a postdoctorate in virtual reality applied to super-resolution microscopy from the University of Cambridge.

Daniel was able to integrate all his academic and scientific knowledge to found VRAIn, a start-up that combines augmented reality and artificial intelligence to offer a new perspective on the representation of biomedical images. Through advanced visualisation techniques, 3D modelling and volumetric rendering, the platform allows users to interact with MRIs or CT scans to extract more information and analyse data faster.

TB: What is the goal of your project?

DE: The ultimate goal is to save and improve lives worldwide.

TB: What stage is the project at and where do you see it in two years’ time?

DE: We are at an intermediate stage, where we can drive the project forward thanks to the demand for improving the prediction of injuries to soft tissues such as tendons, cartilage and ligaments.

TB: A good idea you’ve had.

DE: Creating VRAIn.

TB: What has been your biggest challenge?

DE: Facing the market head-on. It’s like a war where we’ve lost battles, but we’re also close to victory.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever received.

DE: Be humble.

TB: A role model.

DE: Steve Wozniak (I gave him a VRAIn card). But I would have liked to have spoken to Steve Jobs too, I think he was a marketing genius.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

DE: Extended reality. A mixture of Spatial Computing and Artificial Intelligence. Mobile phones will soon disappear.

TB: A start-up or company.

DE: Apple.

TB: What helps you disconnect?

DE: Reading, walking around Barcelona and playing sports.

TB: A book to recommend.

DE: ‘1984’, by George Orwell.

TB: A series, film or song that defines your life right now.

DE: ‘Silicon Valley’, the HBO series.

TB: A recipe, a restaurant.

DE: Vegan Bolognese. And the vegetarian restaurant La Riera in Barcelona is delicious.

TB: A place in the world.

DE: Barcelona.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

DE: Without a doubt, in VRAIn. In fact, I’ve already invested. What’s more, we’re in the middle of a funding round, so don’t miss this opportunity. I would never invest in cryptocurrency.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

DE: I would have made a mistake.

TB: What does Tech Barcelona mean to you?

DE: A great place for networking. The afterwork on the Pier01 terrace are unbeatable.