1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The EIC Accelerator program is an initiative of the European Innovation Council (EIC) aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups with high growth potential. The program is particularly focused on enhancing the development of breakthrough innovations and fostering the scaling of DeepTech companies. By providing financial support through blended finance, which combines grants and equity investments, the EIC Accelerator seeks to bridge the funding gap that often exists for innovative businesses during their growth phases.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a grant of up to €2.5 million, designed to cover a portion of the project costs associated with the development and scaling of innovative products or services. This grant is typically aimed at supporting R&D activities, prototyping, and market entry initiatives.

In addition to the grant, the EIC Accelerator provides equity funding, which has undergone adjustments over the years. Until 2024, the program has offered equity investments of up to €15 million. This funding is intended to assist companies in scaling their operations and accessing additional funding from private investors. Starting in 2025, the equity investment limit will be reduced to €10 million, still providing significant support for innovative companies looking to expand.

Purpose and Impact

The primary goal of the EIC Accelerator is to empower companies in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by facilitating access to capital and resources necessary for innovation and growth. The program aims to stimulate the development of cutting-edge technologies that address pressing societal challenges and contribute to the competitiveness of the European economy. By enabling access to both grants and equity, the EIC Accelerator helps mitigate the risks associated with investing in early-stage technologies, encouraging private sector investment as well.

Furthermore, the EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in connecting companies with a broader network of investors, mentors, and industry experts. This support is crucial for startups, as it enhances their visibility and credibility in the market, thereby increasing their chances of securing additional funding from private sources.

Case Study: AgroBiogel GmbH

AgroBiogel GmbH, an Austrian startup, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator program with their project titled "Agrobiogel." The company submitted its Step 2 proposal on October 6, 2021, followed by a successful Step 3 interview, which ultimately secured them funding under the EIC Accelerator.

Project Overview

The AgroBiogel project focuses on the international scale-up of innovative biopolymer technology designed for sustainable agricultural practices. The core product of AgroBiogel is a biodegradable gel designed to improve water retention in soil, thereby enhancing the efficiency of water use in agriculture. This technology addresses significant challenges faced by farmers, particularly in regions susceptible to drought, by reducing the need for frequent irrigation and promoting healthier crop growth.

Technology Background

The underlying technology of AgroBiogel is based on natural biopolymers derived from renewable resources. These biopolymers have the capability to absorb and retain substantial amounts of water while releasing it gradually to plants. This slow-release mechanism not only conserves water but also enhances soil structure and fertility by promoting microbial activity.

AgroBiogel's innovative approach aligns with the growing demand for sustainable agricultural solutions that minimize environmental impact. By offering an effective means to combat water scarcity and improve crop yields, AgroBiogel positions itself as a key player in the agricultural sector, reinforcing the importance of adopting eco-friendly practices.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program serves as a crucial catalyst in the European innovation landscape, particularly for startups like AgroBiogel GmbH. By providing a flexible funding structure that includes both grants and equity, the program empowers companies to scale their innovative solutions effectively. The success of AgroBiogel and its Agrobiogel project exemplifies the significant impact that targeted funding and support can have on fostering sustainable practices within the agricultural industry, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and environmentally-friendly future.

2 The Funding Rounds

AgroBiogel GmbH: Financing and Funding Overview

AgroBiogel GmbH, based in Austria, has been recognized for its innovative approach to sustainable agriculture through the development of lignin-based hydrogels. These products enhance irrigation water use efficiency and protect plants from droughts. The company emerged as a spin-off from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna.

Financing Raised

• Total Funding: AgroBiogel has raised a total of approximately €2.4 million, primarily from an October 2021 funding round with the European Innovation Council (EIC).
• Funding Rounds: The primary funding round was the EIC grant in October 2021, but there is no detailed information on multiple funding rounds.
• Timing and Amount of Funding Rounds:
• October 2021: The company received funding from the European Innovation Council, amounting to €2.4 million.

Investor Information

Investors: The main investor is the European Innovation Council, which provided the company with significant funding through its accelerator program.

Information Related to Funding Rounds

EIC Accelerator Funding: AgroBiogel was selected for the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021. This program supports innovative startups and SMEs in Europe, focusing on deep-tech and high-impact ventures. The funding is part of the Horizon Europe initiative.

Company Valuations

There is no publicly available information on AgroBiogel's company valuation.

Funding or Exit Events

• Funding Event: The key funding event was the EIC Accelerator grant received in October 2021.
• Exit Events: There are no reported exit events for AgroBiogel.

AgroBiogel GmbH continues to focus on developing environmentally friendly solutions for agriculture, leveraging its lignin-based hydrogel technology to improve soil water retention and reduce drought stress on plants.

---

Source URLs: 1. https://startupportugal.dealroom.co/companies/agrobiogel

3 The Press Releases

Overview of AgroBiogel GmbH

AgroBiogel GmbH, an Austrian company and a spin-off from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), specializes in developing novel lignin-based superabsorbent hydrogels for agricultural applications. These hydrogels improve soil water holding capacity, organic matter, and fertility, enabling plants to survive drought conditions by acting as small water reservoirs around their roots.

Key Developments and Partnerships

Technology Advancements

• Product Differentiation: AgroBiogel's hydrogels are unique because they are 100% wood-based and biodegradable, unlike many existing hydrogels that contain synthetic materials. This characteristic makes them suitable for both conventional and organic farming.
• Retentis: AgroBiogel offers Retentis, a product designed to enhance water retention and transform unproductive soils while increasing irrigation efficiency.

Press Releases and Updates

The company's website, agrobiogel.com, provides updates on the latest developments and news about AgroBiogel. However, specific press releases, especially those detailing partnerships or technology advancements post-EIC Accelerator funding, are not readily available on their website or in the provided search results.

EIC Accelerator Funding

AgroBiogel GmbH received EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021. The funding likely supported their ongoing research and development efforts, including partnerships like the one with SUSFERT, aimed at enhancing agricultural sustainability and efficiency.

Conclusion

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, AgroBiogel has continued to innovate and collaborate in the agricultural sector, focusing on sustainable solutions for drought mitigation and soil improvement. Their lignin-based hydrogels offer a promising alternative to traditional superabsorbents, with potential benefits for water conservation and nutrient delivery in agriculture.

---

Used Sources: - agrobiogel.com

• deutsche-bodenhilfsstoffe.de
• susfert.eu
• agrobiogel.com
• boku.ac.at
• project-merlin.eu

4 The Technology Advancements

AgroBiogel GmbH, an Austrian spin-off from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), specializes in producing lignin-based hydrogels designed to improve irrigation water use efficiency and protect plants from drought stress in agriculture. Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on October 6, 2021, AgroBiogel has made several significant advancements and milestones across technology development, market readiness, certification, and demonstration phases.

Current Capabilities

• AgroBiogel produces a unique bio-based hydrogel called Retentis®, made entirely from lignin (wood-based), which acts as a superabsorbent polymer that can absorb large amounts of water and slowly release it to plants over extended periods.
• This hydrogel is biodegradable within approximately 10 years and maintains about 80% effectiveness after five years in soil.
• The product improves soil water holding capacity, organic matter content, fertility, reduces irrigation frequency needs, protects plants during droughts or heat waves, minimizes fertilizer runoff by improving nutrient retention at root zones.
• AgroBiogel hydrogels are approved as soil additives with organic certification for EU markets (registration ongoing for the US) and are suitable for conventional and organic farming systems.

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Industrial Production & Product Certification

• Following their establishment in early 2021 post-EIC funding award timeline:
• Construction of an industrial pilot production facility was completed by early 2023.
• Achieved registration as a soil additive under Austrian regulations starting early 2022.
• Obtained organic certification allowing full marketing throughout the EU since then.

Technology Improvements & New Features

• The company has developed Retentis® into a long-lasting (>5 years) hydrogel superior to synthetic or cellulose/starch-based alternatives due to its full biodegradability combined with stable pH tolerance (4–9) and salt resistance.
• Integration efforts have been undertaken linking their lignin hydrogels with microbial ecosystems to support plant health beyond just moisture retention.
• Participation in projects like SUSFERT helped demonstrate formulations combining their Nutrigel technology with fertilizers enhancing slow-release nutrient efficacy alongside improved water supply attributes.

Market Demonstrations & Pilots

• AgroBiogel’s products have been demonstrated successfully through field trials across multiple sectors including agriculture (e.g., tomato greenhouses), forestry reforestation applications, home gardening markets (Austria-wide distribution via partners), landscape gardening/public green spaces in Germany/Switzerland via distributors like Deutsche Bodenhilfsstoff Gesellschaft mbH.
• Their products have shown yield improvements on crops such as kiwi fruit, oranges, tomatoes through meta-analysis of multi-year trials conducted between Austria’s orchards up until at least 2023 within SUSFERT collaboration contexts.

Intellectual Property & Publications

• A patent related to enzymatically polymerized lignin hydrogels has been filed based on inventions led by CEO Gibson S. Nyanhongo’s team at BOKU; this IP protects their unique industrial production process for agriculture use.
• While specific recent scientific papers or clinical studies solely authored by AgroBiogel were not listed explicitly in available sources post-funding date,
• Their involvement with academic institutions BOKU/acib suggests ongoing research collaborations advancing scientific understanding of lignin hydrogels' impact on soil properties,
• And participation in projects such as SUSFERT indicate contributions towards innovative fertiliser coatings integrating their gels which may be documented elsewhere academically .

Summary Table

Aspect	Status/Details
Core Technology	Lignin-based biodegradable superabsorbent hydrogel improving water retention & nutrient delivery
Production	Industrial pilot plant operational since ~2023
Certification	Registered as soil additive + Organic certified EU-wide; US registration underway
Market Presence	Products sold across Austria & parts of Central Europe via partners; forestry/agriculture/home garden
Demonstrations/Pilots	Multi-year field trials showing yield benefits on various crops; commercial-scale applications
Patents	Filed patent covering enzymatic polymerization process
Research/Publications	Active cooperation with BOKU/acib; involved in Horizon/SUSFERT projects demonstrating advanced formulations

AgroBiogel GmbH has leveraged its EIC Accelerator funding effectively since late 2021. It transitioned from startup phase into industrial production while achieving regulatory certifications essential for broad market access. Technological improvements include establishing long-lasting performance combined with environmental sustainability unmatched by synthetic competitors. The product's real-world effectiveness is validated through multiple field demonstrations involving diverse crop systems primarily within Europe. Patent protection secures its proprietary innovations ensuring competitive advantage going forward.

This positions AgroBiogel strongly both commercially—already meeting growing demand exceeding current production capacity—and scientifically—as it continues refining formulations alongside established biotech research centers.

---

Sources:

AgroBiogel About Us
Retentis® Product Info
SUSFERT Project Overview
Austrian Centre Industrial Biotechnology acib article
MIA Finalists Booklet MERLIN project PDF
Austrian Centre Industrial Biotechnology Startup Folder PDF
Deutsche Bodenhilfsstoff Soil Supplement info page

5 The Partnerships and Customers

AgroBiogel GmbH, an Austrian company producing innovative lignin-based hydrogels for agriculture, has developed several significant partnerships and customer relationships since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021. These collaborations are strategically important for scaling their technology and market positioning.

Existing and New Partnerships

• AustroCel GmbH: In July 2024, AgroBiogel concluded trade and license agreements with AustroCel, a leading Austrian biorefinery. AustroCel plans to begin industrial production of AgroBiogel's hydrogel granulate under the brand name Retentis® starting in early 2025. This partnership is crucial for scaling up production capacity from a pilot to an industrial level (initially 1,000 tonnes/year with potential expansion to 10,000 tonnes/year). The collaboration leverages AustroCel’s existing infrastructure to produce this innovative lignin-based biodegradable hydrogel that maximizes soil water retention and supports agriculture under drought conditions.
• International Distribution Partners: AgroBiogel works with several established distribution partners across different agricultural sectors:
• Deutsche Bodehilfsstoff Gesellschaft mbH (forest sector)
• GEFA Produkte® Fabritz GmbH (landscape gardening/public green spaces)
• Hauert HBG Dünger AG (fertilizer sector)
• Florissa GmbH (horticulture)

These partners help bring AgroBiogel’s products to various markets within Austria and potentially other EU countries following product registration.

Nature of Relationships and Market Positioning

• The partnership with AustroCel enables AgroBiogel to transition from pilot-scale production toward large-scale commercial manufacturing. This will significantly enhance their ability to meet growing global demand driven by increasing needs for sustainable agricultural inputs that improve water efficiency during droughts.
• Distribution partnerships position AgroBiogel effectively across multiple agricultural sub-sectors—horticulture, forestry, landscaping—and ensure regulatory compliance through product registration as a soil additive certified in Austria with ongoing efforts toward US market approval.
• By collaborating with established industry players for production scale-up and distribution network access, AgroBiogel strengthens its competitive advantage as the first producer of a fully bio-based lignin hydrogel approved for both conventional and organic farming—a unique solution aligned with EU Green Deal policies on sustainability in agriculture.

Impact on Technology Advancements and Scaling

• Licensing production rights to AustroCel accelerates technology commercialization by utilizing an experienced biorefinery equipped for industrial output. This will enable continuous improvements in manufacturing processes while reducing costs through economies of scale.
• Partnering with specialized distributors ensures targeted market penetration supported by local technical expertise essential for adoption among farmers dealing with irrigation challenges due to climate change.

Summary Table of Key Partners

Partner	Role	Purpose/Nature	Impact on Market Position & Tech
AustroCel GmbH	Production & licensing partner	Industrial-scale manufacturing	Scaling up capacity; speeding commercialization
Deutsche Bodehilfsstoff Gesellschaft mbH	Distributor (forest sector)	Product sales/distribution	Market access; regulatory compliance
GEFA Produkte® Fabritz GmbH	Distributor (landscaping)	Product sales/distribution	Market access; technical support
Hauert HBG Dünger AG	Distributor	Product sales/distribution	Market access; fertilizer integration
Florissa GmbH	Distributor (horticulture)	Product sales/distribution	Specialized horticulture channel

These relationships collectively position AgroBiogel as a pioneering agro-tech company capable of addressing urgent global challenges related to drought resilience through sustainable innovation in soil conditioning products.

---

Sources

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

AgroBiogel GmbH: Team Growth and Developments Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Introduction

AgroBiogel GmbH, an Austrian company, specializes in producing lignin-based hydrogels that enhance water efficiency and protect plants from droughts. Established in October 2021 as a spin-off from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna, the company received EIC Accelerator funding on October 6, 2021. This section will explore their hiring practices, team size, and growth since then.

Current Team Size and Headcount

While specific details on the exact current headcount are not readily available, the company lists several key team members, including Gibson S. Nyanhongo (CEO/CTO), Tobias Keplinger (COO/CFO), and others in technical and production roles. This suggests a diverse team with expertise in various areas necessary for their innovative products.

Hiring and Team Growth

There is no explicit information on whether AgroBiogel GmbH is currently hiring. However, the company's establishment and rapid development indicate a likely need for further talent acquisition to support its expansion and product rollout. Since its inception, the company has achieved significant milestones, including product registration and certification, which implies a growing team capable of handling these processes.

Key Positions and Recent Hires

Recent hires or specific details about new team members are not publicly disclosed. However, the company's technical and production roles suggest that any new additions would likely be in areas supporting product development, marketing, and sales.

Impact of New Team Members on Company Growth

New team members, particularly in technical and production capacities, would be crucial for scaling AgroBiogel's operations. They would help expand production, improve product development, and enhance the company's ability to meet growing market demands. This growth supports AgroBiogel's mission to provide sustainable agricultural solutions, aligning with global environmental goals.

Major Changes in Management

There are no reported changes in the founding management team since the company's establishment. The leadership remains consistent with Gibson S. Nyanhongo as CEO/CTO and Tobias Keplinger as COO/CFO.

Growth Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, AgroBiogel GmbH has made substantial progress. The company established a production plant, achieved product registration and certification, and began market expansion across the EU and beyond. These developments demonstrate significant growth and a strong foundation for future expansion.

Conclusion

AgroBiogel GmbH's progress since obtaining EIC Accelerator funding indicates a successful trajectory in team development and operational expansion. While specific hiring details are not available, the company's achievements suggest ongoing growth and investment in talent to support its innovative approach to sustainable agriculture.

Source URLs:

• agrobiogel.com
• project-merlin.eu
• f6s.com
• giffordconsulting.co.nz
• indeed.com
• gallup.com
• deel.com

7 The Media Features and Publications

AgroBiogel GmbH, an Austrian spin-off from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), has gained notable media attention, participated in various events, and engaged in collaborative projects since winning EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021.

Media Features and Publications

• AgroBiogel has been recognized as an innovative startup developing lignin-based hydrogels that improve soil water retention and protect plants from drought. The company was highlighted by Trending Topics as a successful university spin-off supported by the EIC Accelerator program, noting its development of a wood-based gel that slowly releases water to plants during dry periods while improving soil structure over time.
• Renewable Carbon News covered AgroBiogel’s collaboration with AustroCel GmbH to produce a hydrogel granulate called Retentis®, made from lignin sourced as a by-product of wood processing. This product aims to enhance agricultural resilience against heat-induced soil dehydration. The article detailed the planned industrial production plant launching in early 2025 in Austria, marking a major milestone for scaling their innovation globally.
• AgroBiogel is also featured on its own website describing Retentis® as an approved soil additive across various sectors including horticulture, forestry, landscape gardening/public green spaces within Austria and EU markets. The company is actively registering products for further international market entries such as the US.

Podcasts or Interviews

While no direct podcasts or interviews solely focused on AgroBiogel were found, related agroecology discussions featuring modern sustainable agriculture pioneers are available on platforms like No-Till Growers Podcast. These highlight similar themes relevant to AgroBiogel’s mission around sustainable farming practices.

Conference and Fair Participation

Specific conference presentations or fair participations by AgroBiogel are not explicitly documented online; however, involvement with European research consortia such as SUSFERT suggests active engagement with scientific communities through project dissemination activities.

Involvement in Collaborative Projects and Events

• AgroBiogel contributed significantly to the Horizon 2020/CBE-JU funded SUSFERT project which ended in December 2023. This project developed bio-based fertilisers incorporating biodegradable coatings including lignosulfonate Nutrigels developed by AgroBiogel aimed at enhancing nutrient delivery combined with improved water retention properties for sustainable agriculture.
• SUSFERT recognized Agrobiogel’s innovation through field trials demonstrating increased crop yields (kiwi, orange, tomato) using their organic fertiliser components. Their participation included cooperation between industry partners and academic research resulting in published scientific papers highlighting enzymatic polymerization of lignosulfonates—a core technology behind their hydrogels.
• Video content such as YouTube demonstrations show practical application examples like Agrobiogel’s use of Retentis® hydrogel granulate applied during new grape plantings illustrating real-world agricultural integration efforts.

Overall, since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021 Agrobiogel GmbH has established itself through media acknowledgment emphasizing its innovative drought mitigation technology; secured partnerships enabling scale-up production; participated actively within European biofertiliser research initiatives; achieved regulatory approvals facilitating market access; and showcased applications via digital media outreach.

Sources:

Agrobiogel YouTube Demo AustroCel partnership news Agrobiogel Website - Retentis® SUSFERT Project Summary & Video SUSFERT Press Release PDF Trending Topics Article about Agobiogol