THE ROLE OF VIRTUAL LABORATORIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECOLOGICAL STARTUPS IN THE SMALL BUSINESS SECTOR

Abstract

This article explores how virtual laboratories can serve as a strategic infrastructure for ecological startups emerging in the small business sector. The paper argues that virtual laboratories should be understood not merely as educational software, but as integrated environments for experimentation, simulation, prototype validation, business-model testing and stakeholder communication. For green startups, which must simultaneously prove environmental usefulness, technical feasibility and economic viability, such environments reduce the cost of trial-and-error and accelerate movement from idea to pilot implementation. The article identifies the core value of virtual laboratories in five dimensions: competence formation, safe testing, resource optimization, digital incubation and investment readiness. It also proposes an implementation roadmap that links universities, incubators, local firms and public support institutions into one coordinated innovation ecosystem.