Rotterdam, December 15^th 2011 – After successfully passing the research phase (phase 1) in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) competition of the Dutch government, VSTEP’s RescueSim Next Generation project is now granted access to proceed to the actual development phase (phase 2) of the SBIR competition.

SBIR 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, VSTEP was awarded the 1st place in the competition and access to the research phase. VSTEP is proud to now also qualify for the actual development phase with this RescueSim Next Generation project.

The goal of the RescueSim Next Generation project is to create a new and improved multidisciplinary simulation platform for incident management that allows for large scale training with linkage to existing CMS (Crisis Management Systems) and other simulation platforms through the widely used HLA standard. Among its many advanced new features the project also includes easy creation and sharing of realistic 3D environments between users, as well as further improved debriefing and evaluation features.

VSTEP is pleased to be awarded access to phase 2 and has started development of this next generation virtual training platform.

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

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ABOUT RescueSim
RescueSim Emergency Response Trainingis single and multi agency training software that prepares safety and security professionals for real-life incidents and allows them to experience and train incidents in a safe virtual 3D environment.RescueSim includes specialised modules for Fire & Rescue services, as well as Industrial, Port, Airport, Underground and Offshore Incident Management.
www.rescuesim.com

ABOUT VSTEP
VSTEP is a leading International developer of simulators and virtual training software. VSTEP creates 3D virtual training applications and simulators that allow people to build their skills in a practical and cost effective way. VSTEP has to core product lines, focusing on virtual incident training for first responders and maritime training solutions for the civilian & military maritime industry. www.vstepsimulation.com