Winston-Salem State University innovation earns Top 5 national recognition from Fast Company
A groundbreaking virtual reality initiative born out of Winston-Salem State University’s research program has earned national recognition, further elevating the university’s role as a leader in innovation and workforce development.
Patient Ready, a company developed from WSSU’s grant-funded VR Nursing Program, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in Education for 2026. The publication ranked Patient Ready No. 5 on its list of the world’s top 50 most innovative education companies.
The project, a collaborative effort between Winston-Salem State University and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, was supported by funding from the NC Collaboratory. Under the leadership of principal investigators Ryan Schmaltz and Dr. Leslee Battle, chief nurse administrator of the Division of Nursing in WSSU’s School of Health Sciences, the initiative was designed to transform how nursing students are trained for real-world clinical environments.
“This recognition underscores the strength of our research enterprise and our commitment to advancing solutions that have real-world impact,” said Winston-Salem State University Chancellor Bonita J. Brown. “At WSSU, we are not only preparing students for the workforce, but we are also actively shaping the future of healthcare education.”
Patient Ready uses artificial intelligence-powered virtual reality simulations that allow students to engage with responsive, lifelike patients in a controlled environment. Unlike traditional high-fidelity manikins, which can be costly and limited in scope, the platform offers a scalable and cost-effective solution that does not compromise educational quality.
Through immersive simulations, students can practice a wide range of clinical scenarios from basic procedures to complex patient care while developing critical skills such as clinical judgment, communication and confidence before entering real-world settings.
“We’re honored to be named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2026, ranking in the top five in education,” said Schmaltz, CEO and cofounder of Patient Ready. “At Patient Ready, we are building the future of clinical education through AI-powered simulation that thinks, remembers and responds. Our emotionally responsive patients create the closest experience to real care, helping learners develop the skills they need before they ever step into practice.”
From student enrollment to patient discharge, the platform is redefining how clinicians are prepared for the realities of modern healthcare.
“This recognition reflects the impact our team is driving across classrooms, simulation labs and health systems,” Schmaltz said. “And we’re just getting started.”
The success of Patient Ready highlights WSSU’s growing research capacity and its ability to translate innovation into real-world applications that benefit students, industry partners and communities.
