1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Europe that are developing groundbreaking innovations and technologies. This initiative aims to strengthen the European DeepTech ecosystem by providing a combination of grant funding and equity investments, enabling companies to scale their operations and enhance their market presence.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a unique funding structure that includes both grants and equity investments.

• Grants: Companies can receive grants of up to €2.5 million to support the development and commercialization of their innovations. This non-repayable funding is critical for covering various costs associated with research and development, market entry, and operational scaling.
• Equity Funding: In addition to grants, the program offers equity investments that can go up to €15 million until 2024 and will be reduced to €10 million starting in 2025. This equity investment is aimed at further linking the project to private sector financing, ensuring that companies have adequate resources to pursue their growth ambitions.

Purpose in the Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in the European startup landscape by facilitating access to funding, reducing the financial risks associated with innovation, and fostering collaborations between startups and established businesses. The program aims to bridge the funding gap often faced by innovative companies as they transition from early-stage development to market readiness. By providing both grants and equity, the EIC Accelerator encourages private investors to engage with these startups, thereby enhancing their overall investment potential and market viability.

Support for Scaling

In addition to financial assistance, the EIC Accelerator offers mentoring and business support services that are crucial for startups. This includes access to a network of industry experts, potential partners, and investors, which can significantly bolster a company's credibility and visibility in the market. The program not only helps companies scale their innovations but also prepares them for future funding rounds, making them more attractive to private investors.

Case Study: 3BEE SRL and the Biodiversity Credits Project

Company Overview: 3BEE SRL, based in Italy, is an innovative startup focused on environmental sustainability. The company was awarded funding under the EIC Accelerator for its project, "Biodiversity Credits," which aims to establish a clear, scalable, and scientific framework for measuring terrestrial biodiversity.

Project Description: The Biodiversity Credits initiative aims to create a standardized system for assessing and quantifying biodiversity. This project is particularly important in the context of increasing ecological degradation and the need for effective conservation strategies. By developing a robust framework, 3BEE seeks to provide tools that can be utilized by governments, NGOs, and businesses to make informed decisions regarding land use, conservation efforts, and biodiversity investments.

Technological Background: The technology underpinning the Biodiversity Credits project involves advanced methodologies for measuring biodiversity metrics, integrating satellite data, ecological models, and field measurements. The framework is designed to be adaptable, allowing various stakeholders to assess biodiversity in different contexts—from agricultural lands to urban environments. By utilizing a combination of remote sensing technology and ground-truthing efforts, 3BEE’s approach aims to produce reliable and actionable insights regarding biodiversity health and trends.

Funding Timeline: 3BEE SRL submitted its Step 2 proposal on June 21, 2023, and subsequently succeeded in the Step 3 interview, securing funding to advance its project. The grant funding will assist in refining their technology and expanding their research capabilities, while the equity investment will facilitate broader market adoption and scalability.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program serves as a crucial catalyst in the European innovation landscape, particularly for companies like 3BEE SRL that are working to address pressing global challenges such as biodiversity loss. Through its unique combination of grant and equity funding, along with extensive support networks, the EIC Accelerator empowers startups to realize their potential and contributes to a more sustainable and innovative future in Europe.

2 The Funding Rounds

# 3BEE SRL: An Italian Innovator in Biodiversity Conservation

3BEE SRL is an Italian company that has established itself as a pioneer in biodiversity conservation and environmental technology. The company received funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in 2023, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey.

EIC Accelerator Funding

In June 2023, 3BEE SRL was among the 47 European startups selected to receive funding through the EIC Accelerator program. This particular funding call distributed up to €349 million to bring game-changing innovations to the market. The funding was awarded for 3BEE's "Biodiversity Credit" project, which focuses on biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.

The June 2023 EIC Accelerator call saw a strong success of IT and engineering-based businesses, representing 25% of the chosen companies, comparable to the health tech sector which accounted for 30%. While the specific amount allocated to 3BEE is not explicitly mentioned in the available data, it's worth noting that the predominant financing type in this call was Blended Finance (68% of awarded companies), which combines grants with equity investments.

Company Profile and Focus Areas

3BEE SRL positions itself as "the first company able to measure and re-generate ecosystem biodiversity". The company operates in several key areas:

• Biodiversity conservation with a particular focus on protecting pollinators
• Climate tech and sustainable development
• Nature fintech solutions
• Primary production in agriculture
• Space tech for agriculture and food
• Sensing & robotics applications

The company's business model involves working with growers to plant nectar-bearing trees, creating sustainable forests that provide habitats for pollinators. They also develop environmental projects and educational programs to raise awareness about biodiversity conservation.

Innovation Recognition

3BEE has received several recognitions for its innovative approach:

• EIC Accelerator funding for the "Biodiversity Credit" project in 2023
• Seal of Excellence from the European Commission
• Inclusion in the ESA SME (European Space Agency Small and Medium-sized Enterprise) program
• Recognition as part of the EIT ecosystem (European Institute of Innovation and Technology)

Market Position

3BEE operates in a growing market that increasingly recognizes the importance of environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation. Their client base spans from individuals interested in supporting environmental causes to educational institutions seeking programs on biodiversity and climate change.

One of 3BEE's unique offerings is a service that allows customers to support beekeepers, monitor hives using 3BEE's proprietary devices, and receive honey directly at home. This not only generates revenue but also supports local beekeepers and promotes sustainable practices.

The company has also launched innovative initiatives like "Voices from the Oases," which uses Spectrum technology to reproduce the sounds of pollinators, creating an engaging approach to biodiversity conservation awareness.

Future Outlook

With the backing of the EIC Accelerator program, 3BEE SRL is well-positioned to expand its biodiversity conservation efforts and technological innovations. The company's focus on combining environmental protection with innovative technology demonstrates its commitment to creating sustainable solutions for pressing environmental challenges.

As one of the successful applicants in the competitive EIC Accelerator program, which had only a 9% success rate in previous calls, 3BEE has demonstrated the viability and potential impact of its biodiversity conservation approach.

Sources: - https://sme-datahub.eismea.eu/?b=912226316

• https://www.3bee.com/en/partnership-research/
• https://www.strata.team/eic-accelerator-winners-and-statistics-june-2023-47-european-deeptech-startups-awarded-349e-million/
• https://www.enlit.world/directory/3bee-srl/
• https://www.strata.team/eic-accelerator-winners-and-statistics-march-2023-e261-million-for-european-deep-techs/
• https://app.dealroom.co/companies/3bee

3 The Press Releases

3BEE SRL: EIC Accelerator Winner

3BEE SRL, an Italian company, was awarded funding through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in June 2023. This funding is part of a broader effort to support innovative European startups, with 47 companies receiving up to €349 million in total during this round.

Company Overview

3BEE specializes in developing a system that predicts and prevents bee death due to environmental and biological factors. Their technology includes monitoring for pathogens, chemical pesticides, and other threats that can lead to bee colony collapse, swarming, or mortality. This focus on bee health is crucial for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation.

EIC Accelerator Funding

The EIC Accelerator provides funding through a combination of grants and equity investments, supporting startups with game-changing innovations. In the June 2023 call, 3BEE SRL was among the successful applicants, benefiting from this support to further develop and commercialize their technology.

Impact of Funding

The EIC funding will likely enable 3BEE SRL to enhance its predictive and preventive measures for bee health, potentially leading to significant advancements in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.

Website and Press Releases

Currently, there is no specific information available on press releases or updates directly from 3BEE's website (3bee.it). However, the EIC Accelerator's selection of 3BEE underscores the European Union's commitment to supporting innovative solutions for environmental challenges.

Technology Advancements and Partnerships

While specific details on recent partnerships or technology advancements by 3BEE SRL are not available, their involvement with the EIC Accelerator indicates a strong potential for future collaborations and innovation.

Patents

There is no information available on patents specifically held by 3BEE SRL. However, their focus on monitoring bee health suggests a reliance on innovative technologies and methodologies.

Sources

• EIC Accelerator winners and statistics June 2023
• 3BEE SRL - EIC Accelerator data hub

4 The Technology Advancements

Current Capabilities of 3BEE SRL

3BEE SRL is Italy's leading naturetech company, focusing on the development of technologies for biodiversity monitoring and protection. They are recognized by the EU as a development partner for the first certified biodiversity credits. Their innovations include Hive-Tech, Spectrum, and Flora, which utilize IoT sensors, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to enhance biodiversity conservation and pollinator protection.

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2023, 3BEE has continued to advance its technological capabilities. The company launched the Biodiversity Credits project in January 2024, which employs IoT sensors for hive monitoring, bioacoustic sensors for tracking pollinators, and satellite analysis for vegetation observation. This project aims to establish a biodiversity certification system compliant with ISO standards, leveraging the XNatura Index methodology.

Technology Improvements and New Features

3BEE's technology has been enhanced through the integration of satellite-based data from the European Space Agency (ESA). Their Hive-Tech solution, a 4.0 beehive equipped with IoT sensors, allows beekeepers to monitor bees' health more effectively, reducing bee mortality by 25% and optimizing pollination by 30%. Additionally, their BioScan system uses artificial intelligence to recognize wild pollinator types, and Flora analyzes vegetation biodiversity across Europe.

Market Demonstrations

3BEE has demonstrated its technology through partnerships with over 5,000 beekeepers, farmers, and companies. The company has protected, monitored, and regenerated over 10,000 hectares of land and monitored more than 150 million bees. They have also collaborated with companies like Genagricola to develop regenerative solutions for pollinator-proof agriculture and photovoltaics.

New Patents, Publications, or Trials

There is no specific information available on new patents filed or scientific studies published by 3BEE since receiving the EIC funding. However, the company continues to collaborate with research organizations and universities to advance its biodiversity conservation efforts.

Sources

• European Sustainable Finance: What to Expect in 2025
• Sustainability: Trends for 2025 for Companies
• 3Bee Raises EU 5 million to Scale Pollinator Protection
• Italian Biodiversity Company 3Bee Raises EU 5 million
• 3BEE SRL - GreenTech Insights
• Biodiversity Research, Development, and Education - 3Bee
• Italian Biodiversity Company 3Bee Raises EU 5 million

5 The Partnerships and Customers

3BEE SRL Overview

3BEE SRL, an Italian nature-tech company, focuses on biodiversity monitoring, regeneration, and education. Founded in 2016 (initially reported as 2017), it develops innovative technologies to support environmental sustainability. Recently, 3BEE SRL has been recognized as an EIC Accelerator winner, marking significant progress in its mission to enhance biodiversity.

Partnerships and Customers

3BEE SRL collaborates with over 500 brands across diverse sectors, including logistics, real estate, fashion, food, retail, agriculture, and human care. Notable partnerships include Leonardo, a leading technology firm, and Phoenix Contact SpA, a producer of technological innovations. Additionally, 3BEE SRL partners with Havas Media Network, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

New Partners and Customers

While specific details on new partners or customers since the EIC Accelerator funding are not readily available, the company's broad spectrum of collaborations indicates ongoing expansion in its network. The existing partnerships highlight 3BEE SRL's appeal across various industries, suggesting potential for further growth.

Nature of New Relationships

New relationships for 3BEE SRL likely focus on enhancing biodiversity through technological innovation and collaborative environmental initiatives. These partnerships could involve both corporate clients seeking sustainability solutions and research institutions supporting biodiversity conservation efforts.

Market Positioning

The EIC Accelerator funding and recognition will likely position 3BEE SRL more prominently in the market as a leader in nature-tech and biodiversity solutions. This increased visibility can attract more clients and partners seeking sustainable practices, further solidifying 3BEE SRL's position in the environmental sustainability sector.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

The partnerships and funding received by 3BEE SRL will contribute to its technology advancements by facilitating the development of more sophisticated monitoring and diagnostic systems for bee health and biodiversity conservation. This technological growth, combined with the scaling of operations facilitated by the EIC Accelerator funding, will enable 3BEE SRL to expand its services and impact across Europe.

Sources

• 3Bee
• 3Bee at Apimell 2023
• Italian Biodiversity Company 3Bee Raises EU 5 Million
• 3Bee Raises EUR 5 Million
• 3Bee Overview
• 3Bee S.R.L. Asset Profile

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

3Bee Team Growth and Hiring Overview As an EIC Accelerator winner (2023), 3Bee has demonstrated rapid scaling in its biodiversity-focused operations. While specific hiring figures post-2023 are not publicly detailed, the company reports 42 employees as of recent data, with over 651 partner companies and projects spanning 21 countries. Its expansion aligns with technological advancements like the 2024 launch of its Environmental Platform, which integrates satellite data and AI-driven biodiversity monitoring.

Key Insights

• Team Structure: Focus on roles in technology (e.g., developers for Hive-Tech/XNatura systems), biodiversity strategy, and corporate partnerships. The company employs "Biodiversity Growers" for field operations.
• Growth Drivers: Post-EIC funding likely accelerated R&D for tools like Pollinator Beds, Tiny-Forest projects, and educational programs via 3Bee Academy.
• Hiring Trends: Emphasis on technical specialists to manage its monitoring platforms (e.g., IoT hive sensors) and strategists to comply with EU CSRD policies requiring biodiversity impact reporting.

Strategic Hiring Impact

New team members support:

• Global Scaling: Over 17,000 monitored sites worldwide require engineers for sensor networks and data analysts for impact metrics.
• Regulatory Compliance: Specialists ensure alignment with EU sustainability mandates affecting corporate clients.

No recent management changes are reported; co-founders Niccolò Calandri and Riccardo Balzaretti remain active in leadership since the company’s 2017 founding.

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Sources

• We Regenerate Nature - 3Bee [Overview]
• ZoomInfo: 3Bee [Headcount]
• Renewable Matter: Biodiversity Monitoring [Platform Launch]

7 The Media Features and Publications

Media Features and Public Presence of 3BEE SRL 3BEE SRL, an Italian nature-tech company specializing in biodiversity monitoring and protection through advanced technologies, has garnered significant media attention and institutional recognition since securing EIC Accelerator funding in June 2023. Below is a detailed overview of their public engagements, publications, and event participation:

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Media Features & Publications

• Renewable Matter highlighted 3Bee’s launch of its Environmental Platform, integrating satellite data from the European Space Agency (ESA) with on-ground pollinator monitoring to generate biodiversity reports for corporations and governments. The platform aims to provide actionable insights for ecosystem conservation.
• The same publication covered 3Bee’s participation at COP16 Colombia 2024, emphasizing their role as a leader in deploying nature-tech solutions for biodiversity protection.

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Conferences & Events

COP16 Biodiversity Conference (October–November 2024)

3Bee presented its Environmental Platform at this United Nations conference, focusing on advancing global biodiversity strategies. Virginia Castellucci, Head of Sustainability at 3Bee, delivered pitches during two key sessions:

• Energy Transition Promoting Biodiversity Conservation (October 25), discussing tech-driven solutions for ecosystem resilience.
• Reimagining Nature with the Nature Tech Collective (October 30), advocating for policy frameworks that integrate innovation into conservation efforts.

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Technology & Collaborations

Developed predictive systems with ESA to analyze biodiversity trends and partnered with Italy’s CREA to study starvation mortality in pollinators due to climate change. Collaborations with CNR focus on intelligent pollination defense systems.

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Sources Used:

• EIC Accelerator winners June 2023 – Funding announcement.
• Renewable Matter: COP16 Colombia – Event participation details.