1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Europe, particularly those engaged in deep tech. The program aims to bridge the funding gap often encountered during the early stages of innovation development, providing financial assistance that can be critical for scaling groundbreaking technologies and solutions.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a blended finance approach, combining grants and equity investments.

Purpose and Impact on the Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by providing not only financial resources but also strategic support. It helps companies scale their innovations, facilitating access to private sector funding. By nurturing high-potential startups and companies, the EIC Accelerator fosters a vibrant innovation landscape, promoting technological advancements that can lead to economic growth, job creation, and enhanced competitiveness in global markets.

The program emphasizes supporting projects that have the potential to address societal challenges, thereby aligning with broader European goals related to sustainability and health, among others.

Case Study: Actome GmbH and the PICO-NGS Project

Company Overview: Actome GmbH, based in Germany, was recognized as an EIC Accelerator winner for its innovative project PICO-NGS.

Project Acronym: PICO-NGS

Project Description

The PICO-NGS project focuses on the ultra-sensitive and simultaneous quantification of proteins, interactions, and post-translational modifications at the single-cell level. This capability represents a significant advancement in proteomics and interactomics, fields that are crucial for understanding complex biological systems and disease mechanisms.

Technology Basics

The core technology underlying PICO-NGS combines advanced methods in mass spectrometry with cutting-edge single-cell analysis. Traditional proteomics often struggles with sensitivity and specificity, especially when dealing with minute quantities of biological samples. PICO-NGS addresses these challenges by utilizing novel approaches that enhance detection capabilities, allowing researchers to analyze proteins and their interactions at unprecedented resolution.

Key Features of PICO-NGS:

Conclusion

Actome GmbH’s success in the EIC Accelerator program exemplifies the potential for innovative startups to transform the landscape of scientific research and healthcare. The blended financial support from the EIC Accelerator not only empowers Actome to advance its pioneering technology but also underscores the program's role in nurturing Europe’s deep tech ecosystem. The PICO-NGS project stands to revolutionize how researchers understand and quantify cellular functions, paving the way for significant advancements in personalized medicine and therapeutic development.

2 The Funding Rounds

# Actome GmbH Funding Journey: From Seed to EIC Accelerator

Actome GmbH, a life science startup from Freiburg, Germany, has been developing innovative technology for ultra-sensitive protein measurement and protein interactions analysis. The company has secured multiple funding rounds since its founding in 2017, with significant milestones achieved through both private investment and competitive grant funding.

EIC Accelerator Funding (October 2022)

In a highly competitive selection process, Actome GmbH was selected as one of 78 high-potential European startups and SMEs out of more than 1,000 applications for the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program. The company received notification of this prestigious award in December 2022.

The EIC Accelerator funding package for Actome includes: - €2.5 million research grant

• Approximately €2.3 million in equity contribution
• Total EIC support: approximately €4.8 million

This funding was awarded for Actome's PICO-NGS project, which aims to develop products that can be read out by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to enable the simultaneous analysis of a large number of proteins and protein interactions in a single assay.

Earlier Funding Rounds

Seed Financing (June 2021)

Prior to the EIC Accelerator funding, Actome secured seed financing in June 2021:

• Lead investor: b.value AG (Düsseldorf, Germany)
• Additional investors were included but not specifically named
• The amount was not disclosed publicly

This seed investment was used to establish operational business activities and bring Actome's first commercial products to market. Following this seed round, b.value AG committed to actively supporting Actome's business development to increase outreach and accelerate growth.

Qiagen Investment

Actome also received investment from Qiagen, though the exact timing and amount were not disclosed. This investment coincided with a partnership agreement where Actome would offer its protein analysis assays on Qiagen's QIAcuity digital PCR platform. The relationship with Qiagen was reported to be exclusive for digital PCR applications as of August 2023.

Total Funding and Current Status

According to available information: - Total funding raised: Approximately €5.08 million ($5.08 million)

Most recent funding type: Incubator/Accelerator (EIC Accelerator)

Investors

Actome's investors include:

• European Innovation Council (EIC Accelerator)
• b.value AG
• Qiagen
• German Accelerator Life Sciences Program

Additional Support

Beyond direct financial investment, Actome has received continued support from several organizations:

• University of Freiburg
• Hahn-Schickard
• BadenCampus
• Life-science Accelerator Baden-Württemberg
• bwcon
• Science4life

No information about company valuation, IPO plans, buyouts, or acquisition events was available in the search results.

Sources: - Actome Press Release: EIC-Accelerator Award

• EIC Accelerator October 2022 Cut-Off
• Actome Seed Financing Round
• CB Insights Actome Profile
• Dealroom Actome Company Information

3 The Press Releases

Actome GmbH: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments Actome GmbH, a Freiburg-based life science startup, secured EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022’s highly competitive cut-off, receiving €2.5 million in grants and €2.3 million in equity for its PICO-NGS protein analysis technology[^1^]. The company specializes in ultra-sensitive detection of proteins and protein interactions by translating molecular states into DNA barcodes, detectable via digital PCR (dPCR) or next-generation sequencing (NGS)[^2^][^3^].

Technology Advancements
Actome’s patented PICO technology enables single-molecule protein detection and multiplexed analysis. While dPCR-based products are already commercialized through their online store[^4^], EIC funding is accelerating the development of NGS-compatible assays to simultaneously analyze hundreds of targets[^5^]. A parallel project, AMULATOR-N, focuses on browser-based bioinformatics software for high-throughput NGS data analysis from PICO experiments. Funded by Baden-Württemberg’s InvestBW program (Nov 2022–2024), this tool aims to process multiple datasets concurrently, addressing limitations in serial data evaluation^6^.

Funding and Strategic Priorities
The EIC award supports Actome’s transition from dPCR-focused products to scalable NGS workflows, enhancing applications in diagnostics and biomedical research[^7^. No recent press releases on new partnerships or team expansions were identified on their website (actome.de) or affiliated social media channels as of the latest available data. However, public project pages confirm ongoing R&D collaborations with academic institutions like Hahn-Schickard and the University of Freiburg.

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Sources

• [EIC Accelerator winners October 2022 statistics
• Actome EIC-Accelerator press release (PDF)
• University of Freiburg announcement
• Hahn-Schickard partnership details
• AMULATOR-N project description

4 The Technology Advancements

Actome GmbH: Current Capabilities and Advancements

Actome GmbH, a biotech startup based in Freiburg, Germany, has been at the forefront of protein analytics and interactomics research since its founding in 2017. The company's proprietary Protein Interaction Coupling (PICO) technology enables the high-throughput and absolute quantification of proteins, protein interactions, and post-translational modifications with exceptional sensitivity and specificity.

Current Capabilities

Actome's PICO technology is designed for the digital and quantitative detection of proteins and their modifications. It involves labeling antibodies with oligonucleotides, which bind to target molecules and trigger color-coded reactions in microfluidically generated droplets. This allows for precise, reference-free quantification of proteins, even in small sample volumes. The technology is compatible with digital PCR (dPCR) instruments, such as QIAGEN's QIAcuity platform, and supports multiplexing up to four different targets simultaneously.

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

In October 2022, Actome GmbH received €2.5 million in funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Program, along with an additional equity contribution of about €2.3 million. This support has facilitated the development of new products enabling the simultaneous analysis of a large number of proteins and protein interactions using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology.

Actome has outlined plans to expand its technology to NGS instruments, aiming to significantly increase the number of targets that can be analyzed in a single assay. This expansion is part of the PICO-NGS project, which commenced after receiving the EIC funding and includes an investment of approximately €1 million by Actome itself, totaling a project budget of €3.5 million.

Technology Improvements and Demonstrations

The PICO technology has been commercialized for use on dPCR platforms, and Actome offers both kits and services for its implementation. The company has also begun offering its technology as a service, which many customers have preferred as an entry point. Actome's participation in events like ISEV2025 highlights its capabilities in accurately quantifying extracellular vesicle (EV) surface and cargo proteins, further demonstrating its technology in the market.

Patents, Publications, and Scientific Studies

While specific new patents or scientific studies published since the EIC funding have not been detailed, Actome's technology has been recognized for its innovative approach to protein quantification and interactomics research. The company's participation in public-funded projects, such as the EV-Surf project, demonstrates its ongoing engagement in advancing protein analytics and diagnostics.

Actome continues to push the boundaries of protein analysis, with plans to integrate its PICO technology with nanopore-based readout methods, potentially setting new standards in molecular diagnostics. The company's mission to revolutionize protein quantification is supported by its dynamic team and strategic partnerships, positioning it for continued growth and innovation in the biotech sector.

Sources

• Actome: The Absolute Protein Assay
• Actome (@actome.gmbh)
• Who we are - Actome
• Actome GmbH - Freiburg, Germany
• Cluster Stories: Actome
• Germany's Actome Embarks on New Project to Enable NGS-Based Protein Biomarker Analysis
• 2022-12-20 Actome Pressemeldung EIC-Award EN
• Actome outlines sequencing expansion plans as EU funding kicks in
• Public funded projects | Actome
• Actome GmbH nominated as high potential startup by the European Innovation Council (EIC)

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Actome GmbH's Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Actome GmbH, a Freiburg-based biotechnology firm specializing in ultrasensitive protein analysis, has solidified key partnerships and advanced its technology through collaborations since securing EIC Accelerator funding. Below is an analysis of their ecosystem:

Core Partnerships

• QIAGEN: A co-marketing agreement and co-exclusive licensing deal enables Actome’s PICO technology integration with QIAGEN’s QIAcuity digital PCR platform. QIAGEN’s undisclosed investment further supports joint assay development for protein quantification, enhancing biomarker discovery and drug development.
• b.value AG: As a seed investor, b.value provides capital and business development support to accelerate Actome’s market entry for PICO assay kits targeting multi-omics research.

Customers and Collaborators
While specific customer names remain confidential:

• Pharmaceutical companies: Early adopters include unnamed firms leveraging PICO assays for drug discovery, particularly in proximity to Basel (Roche, Novartis).
• Academic researchers: Users focus on single-cell analysis and CRISPR-Cas9-engineered cell characterization.

New Relationships Post-EIC Grant (2023)
The €2.5 million EIC Accelerator grant (augmented by €1 million from Actome) funds the PICO-NGS project, aiming to adapt PICO technology for next-generation sequencing platforms. This positions Actome as a cross-platform proteomics innovator beyond digital PCR.

Market Positioning and Technological Advancements
The Qiagen partnership provides global distribution channels via QIAcuity’s installed base, while the NGS expansion diversifies applications in genomics-proteomics integration. Service offerings (e.g., PICO-as-a-Service) lower adoption barriers for researchers transitioning from nucleic acid workflows.

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Sources Used:

• QIAGEN Strengthens Growing Portfolio of Applications
• Actome Company Profile - CB Insights
• IMTEK - Seed Financing Round

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Actome GmbH: Growth and Development Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Actome GmbH, a German biotech startup, received EIC Accelerator funding on October 5, 2022. Since then, the company has continued to advance in the field of proteomics and interactomics research, leveraging its proprietary Protein Interaction Coupling (PICO) technology.

Current Headcount and Team Size

As of April 2025, specific details on Actome's current headcount or team size are not publicly disclosed. However, the company describes its team as dynamic and dedicated to innovating protein analysis, indicating a focus on specialized talent rather than large numbers.

Hiring and Team Growth

While Actome does not provide explicit information on current hiring processes, its participation in major events like ISEV2025 suggests ongoing engagement with the scientific community, which may attract new talent. The company's expansion into new areas, such as the quantification and characterization of extracellular vesicles and single-cell protein analysis, indicates a need for skilled professionals to support these developments.

Key Positions and Growth

Actome's focus on developing advanced tools for protein analysis and extracellular vesicles implies that recent hires may include scientists and engineers with expertise in these areas. Such new team members would play a crucial role in scaling the company's technology and driving its growth in the biotech sector.

Future Impact of New Team Members

The addition of new team members with specialized skills in protein analysis and related technologies is essential for Actome's future growth. These professionals will help the company enhance its PICO technology, expand its product portfolio, and maintain its position at the forefront of proteomics research. This growth in talent and technology will be pivotal in transforming the pace of scientific discovery and supporting the development of innovative life sciences products.

Changes in Management or Founding Team

There is no publicly available information on significant changes in Actome's management or founding team since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding.

Growth Since Funding

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, Actome has continued to develop its PICO technology, expanding its applications and enhancing its capabilities. The financial support from the European Innovation Council has been instrumental in enabling the company to push the boundaries of cellular analysis and develop methods for single-cell protein quantification.

Sources

• Actome: About Us
• Actome on Instagram
• Actome: The Absolute Protein Assay
• Actome on Instagram
• Life - The Biomedical Convention 2026
• Innovation Network Nanodiag BW
• Public Funded Projects | Actome

7 The Media Features and Publications

Overview of Actome GmbH

Actome GmbH, a life science startup based in Freiburg, Germany, has made significant strides in the field of proteomics since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022. The company specializes in Protein Interaction Coupling (PICO) technology, which enables the quantification of proteins and protein interactions by translating protein status into DNA barcodes. This approach provides an absolute quantitative, innovative, and cost-efficient method for unmet analytical needs in proteomics.

Media Features and Publications

Actome GmbH has been featured in several publications, particularly for its innovative PICO technology and its recognition as a high-potential startup by the European Innovation Council (EIC). The company's press releases are available on its website, detailing significant milestones such as being nominated as a high-potential startup by the EIC and closing a seed financing round with b.value AG and other investors.

Content from Publications

Publications highlight Actome's ability to detect single protein molecules and protein interaction complexes with high sensitivity and specificity. This technology supports life science researchers by enabling the precise determination of proteins and their interactions, potentially aiding in the development of personalized drugs and diagnostic methods.

Podcasts and Interviews

There is no specific information available on podcasts or interviews conducted by the team of Actome GmbH. However, the company's innovative technology and achievements are well-documented in press releases and academic publications.

Conference and Fair Visits

Actome GmbH participates in events like OktoberINVESTfest, where it showcases its pioneering PICO technology to foster innovation and investment opportunities. While specific details on all conferences or fair visits are not readily available, the company's involvement in such events highlights its commitment to showcasing its technological advancements.

Involvement in Events

Actome's involvement in events is primarily focused on showcasing its PICO technology to attract investment and collaboration opportunities. The company's participation in networking platforms helps in expanding its reach and accelerating growth in the life sciences sector.

EIC Accelerator Funding

The EIC Accelerator Program's support has been crucial for Actome GmbH, as it enables the development of new products that can be integrated with next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. This funding has helped Actome in its goal to decode the whole interactome and develop molecular diagnostic products for personalized medicine.

Sources

• Actome: Press Releases
• Actome GmbH Press Release
• Actome GmbH nominated as high potential startup by the European Innovation Council
• OktoberINVESTfest