Today, the U.S. Department of Education announced the winner in the EdSim Challenge, a competition to design the next-generation of simulations that strengthen career and technical education.

The EdSim Challenge called upon the virtual reality, video game developer and educational technology communities to submit concepts for immersive simulations that will prepare students for a globally competitive workforce and spur an ecosystem of virtual and augmented reality technology in education.

Five finalists were selected out of an impressive 249 submissions. Each finalist received $50,000 in cash as well as in-kind prizes donated by Oculus and Samsung and refined their submissions during the Virtual Accelerator. Finalists presented playable prototypes to the judges at Demo Day at the end of the Virtual Accelerator phase.

"All five finalists' solutions highlight the potential of virtual and augmented reality for teaching and learning in unique and powerful ways" said Michael E. Wooten, deputy assistant secretary for career, technical, and adult education.

The winner is:

Osso VR: A hands-on surgical training platform that enables users to practice cutting edge techniques through realistic, hands-on simulations, bridging the gap between career exploration and career preparation.

The winner was recommended by a panel of judges with expertise in education, gaming, workforce development, emerging technology and venture capital.

Osso VR will win $430,000 in cash and additional in-kind prizes from IBM and Microsoft.

Wooten added, "Osso VR's immersive environment will enhance the career and technical education students are receiving along their career pathways in the healthcare field."

The EdSim Challenge is part of a series of prize competitions that aim to spur development of new technology, products and resources that will prepare students for the high-skill, high-wage and high-demand occupations of tomorrow. The series is funded by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.

Learn more at edsimchallenge.com and follow the Challenge at www.twitter.com/edprizes.