What Digitalis Education Solutions does

Digitalis Education Solutions, Inc., founded in 2003 and headquartered in Bremerton, Washington, designs, manufactures, and supports Digitarium digital planetarium systems for portable and fixed domes. Its portfolio includes portable projection systems (Digitarium Mu 2 and Theta 4), fixed-dome systems (Digitarium Lambda 2 Fixed and Æthos Multi-Projector), inflatable domes with proprietary StayFLATE blower technology and Nolux fabric, the Digitarium SkyBox for flat-screen and streaming delivery, and cove lighting. The company's entire software stack — Nightshade G3 universe simulation, Universal Console web interface, Æthos calibration, and StratoScript scripting — is developed and maintained in-house and updated over the internet for the life of each system under a Unified Architecture model.

The company operates a Unified Architecture model and bundles PASS curricula from UC Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science, Augmented Lessons, StratoScript Academy training, and a free Digitarium Community platform for content sharing. Free standard technical support for the life of the system and free software updates are positioned against competitor maintenance contracts, and an upcoming Belladonna add-on will integrate Unreal Engine for real-time custom visuals. Revenue comes primarily from one-time hardware and software licenses (e.g., Digitarium Mu 2 starting at ~$28.5K, Theta 4 from ~$37.3K, domes $9.4K–$22.8K, cove light packages from $3.7K), with recurring subscription revenue from Priority and Priority Plus support plans and professional services via the Planetarium Leadership Program and StratoScript Academy.

Go-to-market is direct, demo-driven, and global from a single U.S. headquarters, with named customers spanning K-12 districts (e.g., Casper Planetarium serving 13,000+ students, Paterson Public Schools, Prosser School District), higher education (Eastern Michigan University, High Point University, University of Connecticut, MacEwan University), museums and science centers, and observatories. The company exhibits at NSTA, IPS, InterActivity, Dome Fest West, and its own LIPS symposium, and operates with over 1,000 installed systems worldwide — more than any other digital planetarium brand — under founder ownership with no disclosed external investment.

Name

Digitalis Education Solutions

Legal name

Digitalis Education Solutions, Inc.

Website

https://digitaliseducation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Digitalis Education Solutions, founded in 2003 and based in Bremerton, WA, manufactures Digitarium digital planetarium systems (portable and fixed) with proprietary Nightshade simulation software for K-12 schools, universities, museums, and observatories worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Digital Planetarium Systems

SIC

Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)

akta.pro primary industry

Digital Labs, Simulations & Virtual Practicals (Non-XR) (EDAFACAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Math & STEM Learning Technology (incl. Coding/Robotics Platforms) (EDAJAMAG), Learning Management Systems (LMS) & Digital Classrooms (EDAJAMAA), Curriculum, Lesson Planning & Instructional Content Platforms (EDAJAMAD), Virtual Field Trips & Experiential Learning Environments (Museums, Geography, History) (EDAFAJAG)

Keywords

• Digital planetarium systems
• Portable planetarium domes
• Astronomy education software
• Immersive dome projection
• Fixed dome projectors

Headquarters

HQ city

Bremerton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Portable Planetarium Hardware Sales: Sale of Digitarium portable planetarium projection systems including the Digitarium Mu 2 and Theta 4 models. These are one-time hardware purchases with free standard technical support for the life of the system and free software updates included. Optional Priority Support plans available for an annual subscription.
2. Fixed Dome Planetarium Systems: Sale of fixed dome projection systems including single-lens Lambda 2 Fixed and multi-projector Æthos systems. Pricing varies and is customized for each installation. Æthos systems are fully customized to customer needs.
3. Portable Inflatable Domes: Sale of Digitalis inflatable projection domes in 4m, 5m, 6m, 7m, and 8m diameters. Domes include StayFLATE blower and Digitalis Dome Duffel. A $1,000 package discount applies when purchasing with a portable Digitarium system.
4. Digitalis Fluid Cove Lights: Sale of Digitalis Fluid RGB/RGBW/White LED cove lights for fixed domes. Starter package for a 30ft/9.1m dome starts at $3,700. Professional grade DMX-based lighting control. Includes UC and Nightshade integration options.
5. Priority Support Plans: Annual subscription plans (Priority and Priority Plus) offering extended support hours, prioritized response times, scripting and media encoding support, onsite maintenance visits, media refresh, accessory discounts, and free training course registrations. Standard support is free for the life of the system.
6. Planetarium Leadership Program: Professional development experience with 1-on-1 coaching designed to help planetarium educators become visionary leaders. Covers community engagement, innovative program development, operational management, and technological proficiency.
7. Training Services: Online and onsite training programs including StratoScript Academy (a three-week online intensive course held regularly). Onsite training can be brought to institutions or hosted as regional training events. Online training is included with every system purchase.
8. Software Licensing (Control Computers): Digitalis now sells control computers running their software rather than selling software alone. This ensures compatibility, outstanding interfaces, technical support, and software updates. Supports single fisheye lens and some multi-projector configurations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Digitalis Education Solutions designs, manufactures, and sells Digitarium digital planetarium projection systems and proprietary simulation software (Nightshade G3) for portable and fixed dome applications. The portfolio includes ultra-portable and portable projection systems (Digitarium Mu 2 and Theta 4), single-projector fixed systems (Lambda 2 Fixed), and high-resolution multi-projector installations (Æthos), along with inflatable domes, cove lighting, and support and training services. Products are engineered for live, interactive teaching of astronomy, Earth science, and related subjects at K-12 schools, colleges, universities, museums, science centers, and observatories worldwide.

Product overview

Digitalis Education Solutions offers a comprehensive portfolio of digital planetarium products and solutions. The core offering centers on proprietary simulation software (Nightshade G3) and the Universal Console interface, which power a range of projection systems. Portable options include the Digitarium Mu 2 and Theta 4 systems for inflatable domes, while fixed dome solutions feature the Digitarium Lambda 2 and Æthos multi-projector systems. The Digitarium SkyBox extends capabilities to flat-screen and remote instruction. Supporting products include Digitalis inflatable domes (4m-8m), Fluid Cove Lights, remote controls, gamepad controllers, and comprehensive training programs. The company also provides curriculum packages (PASS, Augmented Lessons), professional development (StratoScript Academy, Planetarium Leadership Program), and Priority Support tiers. An upcoming Belladonna add-on will integrate Unreal Engine for enhanced visuals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Digitarium: Brand name for Digitalis planetarium systems including portable and fixed dome projectors.
• Nightshade G3
• Universal Console
• Nightshade
• Digitalis Fluid Cove Lights
• Belladonna
• Planetarium Leadership Program
• Planetarium Leader Playbook
• Digitarium SkyBox
• PASS Curricula

Products and services

• Digitarium Mu 2 Ultra-portable Digitarium projection system with 2160 pixel resolution, weighing 25 lbs (11.4 kg), designed for easy transport, quick deployment across schools, and live interactive astronomy education in inflatable domes starting at $28,456 USD.
• Digitarium Theta 4 Brightest portable Digitarium system with 2160 pixel resolution, weighing 48.8 lbs (22.2 kg), designed for live interactive astronomy education starting at $37,295 USD.
• Digitarium Lambda 2 Fixed Highest-resolution single-projector Digitarium fixed dome system with 2400 pixel diameter resolution, supporting fixed domes up to 13.6m (45 ft) in diameter for permanent installations in schools, museums, and science centers.
• Æthos Multi-Projector System High-resolution multi-projector digital planetarium system for fixed domes, supporting up to 8K effective pixel diameter, laser-phosphor illumination up to 40,000 lumens per projector, and automated calibration via proprietary Æthos software.
• Digitalis Inflatable Domes (4m, 5m, 6m, 7m, 8m) Professional portable projection domes available in 4m (~$9,423), 5m (~$10,409), 6m (~$12,709), 7m (~$15,550), and 8m (~$22,840) diameters, using exclusive Nolux fabric and StayFLATE blower technology to allow the door to remain open without deflation.
• Digitarium SkyBox Portable planetarium control computer with built-in video capture hardware that functions as a USB camera device for Zoom, Webex, Microsoft Teams, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch streaming; mirrors existing Digitarium licenses for remote and flat-screen instruction.
• Digitalis Fluid Cove Lights Professional-grade DMX-controlled LED cove lighting for fixed planetarium domes, available in RGB/RGBW/White options with 16-bit brightness control and integration with Universal Console and Nightshade; starter package for a 30ft/9.1m dome starts at $3,700.
• Nightshade G3 Simulation Software Proprietary universe simulator and visualization software developed exclusively for Digitarium systems, sold via control computers running Digitalis software; supports astronomical simulation, media integration, and StratoScript automation.
• Universal Console Interface Web-based graphical interface that provides complete control of Digitarium systems from any computer or tablet without app installation, giving presenters intuitive control of planetarium systems from anywhere in the dome.
• Digitarium Remote Control and Wireless Gamepad Exclusive backlit handheld remote control and optional wireless rechargeable gamepad enabling intuitive operation of the planetarium system from almost anywhere in the dome, including flight control through the universe.
• Priority Support Plans (Priority and Priority Plus) Annual subscription support tiers offering extended-hour telephone support, prioritized one-hour email response, scripting and media encoding support, onsite maintenance visits, media refresh, accessory discounts, and free training course registrations.
• StratoScript Academy Three-week online intensive training course for learning advanced scripted content creation using the StratoScript macro language for planetarium automation and custom shows; held regularly with onsite options available to institutions.
• Planetarium Leadership Program Paid professional development coaching program for planetarium educators with 1-on-1 coaching, covering community engagement, innovative program development, operational management, and technological proficiency.
• Belladonna Unreal Engine Add-On Upcoming/introduced add-on for Digitarium systems that integrates Unreal Engine to unlock stunning real-time visuals and deliver immersive, bespoke experiences beyond traditional astronomy content.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1000 Digitarium systems in use worldwide, more than any other digital planetarium brand.
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature13 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Astro-Tec Manufacturing, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDigitalis partners with Astro-Tec Manufacturing to supply new fixed domes and maintain or repair older domes. Astro-Tec offers a wide range of dome sizes with exceptional projection surfaces and customer support. For fixed dome projects, Digitalis can quote the entire project including the dome from Astro-Tec.
• Bowen TechnovationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDigitalis partners with Bowen Technovation to supply peripherals for fixed domes including cove lights, audio systems, inset projectors, and more. For complete fixed dome projects, Digitalis can include Bowen Technovation equipment in the quote.
• ChromaCoveminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDigitalis resells ChromaCove cove light solutions as part of their peripheral offerings for fixed domes, in addition to their own Digitalis Fluid cove lights.
• Bowen Technovation (Cove Lights)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDigitalis resells Bowen Technovation cove light solutions as part of their fixed dome peripheral offerings, complementing their own Digitalis Fluid cove lights.
• Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California BerkeleycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDigitalis includes Planetarium Activities for Successful Shows (PASS) curricula from the Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley with each system. PASS modules are formatted for use with Digitalis Augmented Lessons functionality and Universal Console interface. This partnership provides comprehensive, standards-aligned curriculum content.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Elumenati: Elumenati builds custom immersive dome and geodesic projection installations using third-party projectors, primarily for museums, universities, and branded experiences. It overlaps with Digitalis in portable and custom dome installations but typically serves bespoke projects rather than standardized educational deployments.

Direct peers

• RSA Cosmos: RSA Cosmos is a French-based manufacturer of digital planetarium systems and immersive dome experiences, competing directly with Digitalis across portable and fixed installations in schools, museums, and science centers worldwide. Both companies sell hardware plus proprietary simulation software as integrated fulldome solutions.
• SCISS (Uniview): SCISS developed Uniview, a real-time universe simulator used as the software layer for many third-party planetarium systems. It is comparable to Digitalis's Nightshade G3 — both are simulation engines for live interactive fulldome teaching — and competes for the same museum and education customers.
• GOTO Inc. GOTO is a Japanese manufacturer of planetarium projectors (both opto-mechanical and digital) serving science centers, schools, and public observatories globally. It is comparable to Digitalis in the portable and mid-size fixed-dome segment, with strong presence in Asia.
• Konica Minolta Planetarium: Konica Minolta's planetarium division (MEDIAPLAN and SUPER MEDIAWORKS) sells dome projection systems and content to science centers and large public planetariums globally. It competes most directly with Digitalis's fixed-dome Æthos and Lambda 2 product lines in the museum and large-installation segment.
• Carl Zeiss (ZEISS Planetarium Division): ZEISS manufactures high-end fulldome projection systems (VELVET, POWERDOME) and runs its own planetarium content division. As a premium incumbent, it competes with Digitalis Æthos in flagship museums and large fixed-dome installations worldwide.
• Cosm (formerly Spitz Inc.): Cosm operates large-format immersive dome venues and traces its heritage to Spitz Inc., a long-standing fulldome and planetarium provider. It competes with Digitalis in fixed-dome technology and immersive education experiences.
• Christie (formerly Evans & Sutherland): Christie acquired the planetarium business of Evans & Sutherland and now sells fulldome projection systems and software to museums and large-format venues. It competes directly with Digitalis in the high-end fixed-dome segment.

Regional players

• Mirage3D: Mirage3D is a European-based fulldome content and system integrator serving planetariums and science centers primarily in German-speaking markets. It overlaps with Digitalis in portable and small-to-mid fixed dome installations but with a primarily European footprint.

Others

• Astro-Tec Manufacturing: Astro-Tec is a strategic partner of Digitalis that supplies new fixed planetarium domes and maintains older installations. It is comparable as a fixed-dome infrastructure provider and adjacent ecosystem participant, though it does not compete with Digitalis on the projection/software side.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/DigitalisEducation
• Instagraminstagram.com/digitaliseducationsolutions
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/digitalis-education-solutions-inc.

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Digitalis Education Solutions