Virtuix - $VTIX - Ep:054 - Nano Cap Podcast
Mon Feb 02 2026
In this episode, Will Tjernlund Interviews Jan Goetgeluk the CEO and founder of Virtuix. Jan talks about how he turned a mechanical engineering background into a groundbreaking VR product. From prototypes to NASDAQ listing, learn the story behind the Omni omnidirectional treadmill transforming gaming, training, and defense sectors.
In this episode:The origin story of Virtuix and the inception of the Omni treadmillHow VR technology evolved from Palmer Lucky and Oculus influencesThe mechanical design principles behind a compact, affordable omnidirectional treadmillThe role of AI in enabling rapid virtual environment reconstructionVertuix’s dual-use strategy targeting both consumer gaming and defense marketsThe health benefits and fitness impact of VR treadmill gamingFuture plans: international expansion and new application marketsTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Jan Goetgeluk and Vertuix's innovative VR treadmill01:14 - Jan’s journey from Belgium to US entrepreneurship01:39 - Deciding to stay in the US and move from banking to startups02:09 - How a mechanical engineering degree fueled a VR mechanical solution02:50 - The significance of Oculus and Palmer Lucky’s early influence03:14 - Why walking naturally in VR was the missing piece in current tech03:54 - Developing the first prototype after hours and the Kickstarter journey04:34 - The breakthrough with the second prototype and viral video of Skyrim in VR05:22 - Reaching out to VC and community support for funding06:20 - The impact of Oculus Kickstarter success on Vertuix’s campaign06:58 - What is the Omni treadmill and its core features07:47 - Growth, recent product launches, and company milestones08:03 - Overcoming mechanical design challenges for smooth and natural walking08:40 - Protecting the mechanical IP with patents and innovations09:31 - How environment mapping and AI enable quick virtual world creation10:04 - Applying VR in defense for terrain familiarization and training11:28 - The dual-use strategy combining gaming with defense contracts12:38 - Balancing consumer scaling with defense applications13:45 - Exploring large B2B opportunities like entertainment centers and theme parks15:12 - Price points aligned with high-end gaming setups16:16 - The health benefits and calorie-burning advantages, with real user examples17:25 - Future plans: international expansion and new markets17:50 - Potential licensing and patent protections19:03 - Jan’s motivation and vision for the next decade19:47 - How to learn more and connect with Vertuix
Resources & Links:Virtuix Official WebsiteNASADAQ Ticker VTIXNano Cap Podcast Website
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In this episode, Will Tjernlund Interviews Jan Goetgeluk the CEO and founder of Virtuix. Jan talks about how he turned a mechanical engineering background into a groundbreaking VR product. From prototypes to NASDAQ listing, learn the story behind the Omni omnidirectional treadmill transforming gaming, training, and defense sectors. In this episode:The origin story of Virtuix and the inception of the Omni treadmillHow VR technology evolved from Palmer Lucky and Oculus influencesThe mechanical design principles behind a compact, affordable omnidirectional treadmillThe role of AI in enabling rapid virtual environment reconstructionVertuix’s dual-use strategy targeting both consumer gaming and defense marketsThe health benefits and fitness impact of VR treadmill gamingFuture plans: international expansion and new application marketsTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Jan Goetgeluk and Vertuix's innovative VR treadmill01:14 - Jan’s journey from Belgium to US entrepreneurship01:39 - Deciding to stay in the US and move from banking to startups02:09 - How a mechanical engineering degree fueled a VR mechanical solution02:50 - The significance of Oculus and Palmer Lucky’s early influence03:14 - Why walking naturally in VR was the missing piece in current tech03:54 - Developing the first prototype after hours and the Kickstarter journey04:34 - The breakthrough with the second prototype and viral video of Skyrim in VR05:22 - Reaching out to VC and community support for funding06:20 - The impact of Oculus Kickstarter success on Vertuix’s campaign06:58 - What is the Omni treadmill and its core features07:47 - Growth, recent product launches, and company milestones08:03 - Overcoming mechanical design challenges for smooth and natural walking08:40 - Protecting the mechanical IP with patents and innovations09:31 - How environment mapping and AI enable quick virtual world creation10:04 - Applying VR in defense for terrain familiarization and training11:28 - The dual-use strategy combining gaming with defense contracts12:38 - Balancing consumer scaling with defense applications13:45 - Exploring large B2B opportunities like entertainment centers and theme parks15:12 - Price points aligned with high-end gaming setups16:16 - The health benefits and calorie-burning advantages, with real user examples17:25 - Future plans: international expansion and new markets17:50 - Potential licensing and patent protections19:03 - Jan’s motivation and vision for the next decade19:47 - How to learn more and connect with Vertuix Resources & Links:Virtuix Official WebsiteNASADAQ Ticker VTIXNano Cap Podcast Website