Molecular HydroGEN Investment Group, a subsidiary of the H2 Global Group, has invested CZK 15 million in VR LIFE, acquiring a 20% equity stake in the Czech company known for its cutting-edge medical virtual reality product, VR Vitalis. This strategic partnership follows the recent registration of a joint Czech patent and utility model for the world’s first therapy combining molecular hydrogen inhalation with immersive virtual reality.
“When I first met Dr Jana Trdá to present the idea of combining VR with hydrogen therapy, I didn’t expect rejection—in fact, I knew she was the one person in the Czech Republic with the expertise and vision to make it a reality,” recalls David Maršálek, President of H2 Global Group, of the collaboration’s beginnings in November 2022.
“Thanks to our patent expert, we successfully registered the patent and utility model by the end of June. This bridge investment is a natural next step, reflecting the strong synergy and proven results of our cooperation.”
Through its investment, H2 Global Group is supporting VR LIFE in further developing therapeutic VR environments and applications for rehabilitation, cognitive training, and mental health support.
“We see enormous potential in the combination of virtual reality and hydrogen,” says Květoslav Chytil, Vice President of Investments at H2 Global Group and now a supervisory board member at VR LIFE.
“Like H2 Global Group, VR LIFE is highly innovative. This partnership positions us at the heart of the company’s growth, with strong potential for return on investment.”
VR LIFE’s valuation has skyrocketed from CZK 10 million in 2022 to CZK 75 million in just six months.
“Our partnership is not just about product development—it’s about accelerating global market entry,” adds Martin Frais, Director of Molecular HydroGEN Investment Group. “We’re also seeing growing interest from investors keen to be part of this unique opportunity in the evolving field of health-tech.”
A Therapy Like No Other: VR + Molecular Hydrogen
The partnership is rooted in a patented therapy that combines exercise in virtual reality with 99.9% pure hydrogen inhalation. Hydrogen is delivered through a nasal cannula using generators from H2 Medical Technologies, a member of H2 Global Group.
“Inhaled molecular hydrogen significantly speeds up recovery from conditions like post-COVID syndrome and chronic inflammation,” explains Professor Shigeo Ohta, world-renowned Japanese scientist and Vice President for Science and Research at H2 Global Group.
“Hydrogen’s benefits in treating Alzheimer’s—where H2 Global Group also holds a patent—highlight the vast potential of this therapeutic pairing.”
Patients are immersed in a virtual Victorian greenhouse, designed to evoke the feeling of warm, moist air. As they follow visual cues—such as animated lungs that expand and contract—they synchronise their breathing, optimising hydrogen absorption.
“For standing therapy, we’ve introduced a hydrogen-filled tent that allows freedom of movement within the VR environment,” says David Maršálek. “We’re also preparing to launch home-based physical, rehabilitation and breathing exercises using this method.”
— Jana Trdá, PhD, CEO of VR LIFE
VR as a Pathway to Health
In the VR environment, patients enter a fully immersive world, distancing themselves from external distractions. They follow guided exercises designed by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists, who also validate the therapeutic protocols.
VR Vitalis and its professional medical version, VR Vitalis Pro, are certified for use across the European Union. These tools support cognitive development, mobility, breathing, relaxation, and postural correction.
Already adopted by major institutions—Lázně Darkov, University Hospital Ostrava, Škoda Auto, and memory centres—the technology is proving effective both in therapy and employee well-being programmes.
“Since 2020, a multidisciplinary team from the Faculty of Medicine at Ostrava University and University Hospital Ostrava has developed VR modules for patients with nervous system and motor impairments,” explains Assoc. Prof. MUDr. Michal Filip, Ph.D., MBA, Head of the Centre for AI, VR and Telemedicine at the Faculty of Medicine, OSU, and neurosurgeon at Tomáš Baťa Regional Hospital in Zlín.
“Nationally supported projects confirm the potential of VR as a complementary therapy for patients of all ages.”
The initiative is backed by the Czech Technology Agency, CzechTrade, Vodafone Foundation, and other organisations. Meanwhile, VR LIFE is also developing Awake, a promising application for use in awake neurosurgical procedures.
