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Company Profile

Akara Robotics Limited

Akara Robotics Limited Secures EIC Accelerator Funding for Innovative AVRICS Healthcare Project

IrelandEIC Accelerator2021

Table of Contents

  1. The EIC Accelerator Project
  2. The Funding Rounds
  3. The Press Releases
  4. The Technology Advancements
  5. The Partnerships and Customers
  6. The Hiring and Company Growth
  7. The Media Features and Publications

1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator is a key component of the European Innovation Council (EIC), designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially startups and deep-tech companies, in their quest for innovation and market entry. The program focuses on fostering disruptive technologies and innovative solutions that have the potential to scale and create significant impacts in various sectors, including healthcare, energy, and digital technologies.

Funding Structure

1. Grant Funding:
  • The EIC Accelerator provides non-repayable grants of up to €2.5 million. This grant is intended to support the development and commercialization of innovative products or services. It can cover various stages of the project, including research, development, testing, and scaling.
    • 2. Equity Investment:
  • In addition to grant funding, the EIC Accelerator offers equity investments. Until 2024, companies can secure up to €15 million in equity, while from 2025 onwards, this ceiling is reduced to €10 million. The equity investment is designed to complement the grant, providing additional capital to help startups scale their businesses and attract further private sector investment.

    • Purpose of the EIC Accelerator

    The EIC Accelerator aims to: - Foster Innovation: By funding groundbreaking ideas, the program helps in bridging the gap between research and commercialization, thereby accelerating the time it takes for innovative products to reach the market.

    • Support Deep-tech Startups: It specifically targets deep-tech businesses that are often characterized by longer development cycles and higher risks. These companies typically focus on substantial technological advancements and solutions that can address societal challenges.
    • Enhance Competitiveness: By investing in high-potential SMEs, the EIC Accelerator contributes to strengthening the European innovation ecosystem, enhancing the global competitiveness of European firms.

    Role in Scaling and Funding

    The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in assisting companies to: - Scale Operations: The funding allows startups to refine their products, expand their operations, and reach broader markets more effectively.

  • Attract Private Investment: By providing both grants and equity investment, the EIC Accelerator signals to private investors that a startup is validated and has the potential for growth, thereby attracting additional funding.

    • Akara Robotics Limited and the AVRICS Project

    Overview of Akara Robotics Limited

    Company Name: Akara Robotics Limited
    Project Acronym: AVRICS (Akara Violet Robotic Infection Control System)
    Country: Ireland
    Website: akara.ai
    Funding Type: Grant First
    Submission Date: June 16, 2021

    Project Description

    Akara Robotics is focused on creating advanced robotic solutions for healthcare environments. Their project, AVRICS, specifically addresses infection control in healthcare settings by employing robotic technology.

    Technology Basics and Background

    Infection Control Challenges

    Infection control is a critical concern in healthcare settings, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) pose significant risks to patient safety and increase healthcare costs. Traditional cleaning and disinfection methods are often insufficient, leading to the necessity for more advanced solutions.

    AVRICS Technology

    The Akara Violet Robotic Infection Control System (AVRICS) leverages cutting-edge technology, combining robotics with ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection. The technology operates as follows:

    1. Autonomous Navigation: AVRICS is equipped with advanced sensors and navigation systems that allow it to autonomously move throughout healthcare facilities, identifying and accessing areas that require disinfection.
    2. UV-C Light Technology: The robot utilizes UV-C light, which is proven to be effective in killing bacteria and viruses, including pathogens responsible for HAIs. The robot emits UV-C light to disinfect surfaces and air, significantly reducing the risk of infection transmission.
    3. Data and Reporting: AVRICS can collect data on the areas it has disinfected and provide reports to healthcare providers, ensuring compliance with cleaning protocols and enhancing accountability.
    4. User-friendly Interface: The system is designed to be easily operated by healthcare personnel, allowing for seamless integration into existing workflows without disrupting hospital operations.

    Conclusion

    The EIC Accelerator program represents a significant initiative to bolster the European innovation landscape, particularly in the deep-tech sector. By providing financial support in the form of grants and equity, the program empowers companies like Akara Robotics Limited to develop and scale innovative solutions such as AVRICS, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare outcomes and patient safety.

    2 The Funding Rounds

    Since receiving the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Akara Robotics Limited has secured additional funding and achieved significant milestones:

    Additional Funding:

    • April 2022: Akara participated in an angel funding round, securing further investment to support its growth and development. (businesspost.ie)
    • 2023: The company received a generous donation from the Friends of the Friarage, enabling the deployment of two decontamination robots at Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, UK. (tcd.ie)

    Investor Information:

    Specific details about individual investors in Akara Robotics are not publicly disclosed. However, the company has engaged with various funding sources, including angel investors and institutional partners, to support its initiatives. (businesspost.ie)

    Company Valuations:

    As of the latest available information, Akara Robotics has raised a total of approximately €3 million in grants and equity funding. However, specific valuations for these funding rounds are not publicly disclosed. (businesspost.ie)

    Additional Information:

    Akara Robotics has achieved several notable milestones:

    • December 2024: The company deployed two decontamination robots at Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, UK, enhancing the efficiency of hospital cleaning processes. (tcd.ie)
    • September 2024: Akara was recognized as the "Best Newcomer" at the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) Annual Conference, highlighting the impact of its technology in the healthcare sector. (tcd.ie)

    These developments underscore Akara Robotics' commitment to advancing healthcare through innovative robotic solutions.

    3 The Press Releases

    Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Akara Robotics Limited has published several press releases detailing their advancements and collaborations. Below is a summary of these releases, highlighting key developments, partnerships, technology advancements, team updates, and other pertinent information.

    1. Akara Awarded Prestigious EIC Funding as part of Seed Funding Round

    • Date: October 14, 2021
    • Details: Akara Robotics secured €2.45 million in non-dilutive funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC), marking a significant milestone in their growth and innovation efforts. (akara.ai)

    2. Akara Partners with Estonian Hospital for Infection Control Software Pilot

    • Date: November 17, 2022
    • Details: Akara signed a memorandum of understanding with Tartu University Hospital in Estonia to pilot their infection control software. This collaboration aims to enhance hospital cleaning and disinfection processes, leveraging Akara's technology to improve efficiency and safety in healthcare settings. (irishtimes.com)

    3. Akara Wins Top Award for Best Application of AI in Healthcare

    • Date: November 23, 2022
    • Details: Akara received the Best Application of AI in Healthcare award at the 2022 AI Awards in Dublin. This recognition underscores the positive impact of Akara's AI-driven disinfection robots in enhancing healthcare standards and operational efficiency. (akara.ai)

    4. Akara Co-Founder Niamh Donnelly Wins Prestigious European Innovator Award

    • Date: December 7, 2022
    • Details: Niamh Donnelly, Akara's Chief Robotics Officer, was honored with the Rising Innovator Award at the 2022 EU Prize for Women Innovators. This accolade highlights her significant contributions to advancing healthcare technology in Europe through innovative robotics solutions. (akara.ai)

    5. Akara Robot Boosts Service Capacity of NHS Trust by Reducing Wait Times Between Procedures

    • Date: October 19, 2022
    • Details: Akara's disinfection robot was trialed at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, demonstrating a reduction in room downtime by over 60%. This improvement enables the hospital to perform more medical procedures daily, effectively addressing patient wait times and enhancing operational efficiency. (akara.ai)

    6. Akara Co-Founder Niamh Donnelly Honored as Rising Star at Women of the Year Awards 2023

    • Date: October 2, 2023
    • Details: Niamh Donnelly was recognized as a Rising Star at the Women of the Year Awards 2023, acknowledging her leadership and innovative contributions to the field of healthcare robotics. (akara.ai)

    7. Akara Listed Among "Ten of Ireland’s Brightest Startups"

    • Date: April 23, 2023
    • Details: Akara was featured as one of Ireland's most promising startups, reflecting its rapid growth and impact in the healthcare technology sector. (akara.ai)

    8. Akara Wins Innovation Award at 20th Annual Future Health Summit Hosted by UPMC

    • Date: May 25, 2023
    • Details: Akara received the Innovation Award at the Future Health Summit, recognizing its groundbreaking work in healthcare robotics and its potential to transform healthcare delivery. (akara.ai)

    9. Akara Shortlisted for Europas Tech Startup Awards

    • Date: October 26, 2023
    • Details: Akara was nominated for the 'Hottest HealthTech Startup' category at the Europas Tech Startup Awards, highlighting its significant impact and innovation in the healthtech industry. (adaptcentre.ie)

    These press releases collectively showcase Akara Robotics Limited's continuous advancements in healthcare robotics, strategic partnerships, and recognition within the industry.

    4 The Technology Advancements

    Akara Robotics Limited, based in Dublin, Ireland, specializes in developing autonomous ultraviolet (UV) disinfection robots designed to enhance cleanliness and safety in healthcare environments. Their flagship product, Violet, utilizes UV-C radiation to effectively eliminate pathogens, including COVID-19, MRSA, and influenza, thereby reducing hospital-acquired infections and improving operational efficiency. (engineersireland.ie)

    Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding (June 16, 2021):

    Since receiving the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding in June 2021, Akara Robotics has achieved several significant milestones:

    • Expansion of Production Capabilities: The EIC funding enabled Akara to establish a robot production facility in Dublin, significantly increasing their manufacturing capacity to approximately 100 robots per year. This expansion supports their global distribution efforts and addresses the growing demand for automated disinfection solutions. (engineersireland.ie)
    • Clinical Trials and Deployments: Akara has conducted multiple trials and deployments of their disinfection robots in various healthcare settings:
    • Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UK): In June 2022, Akara initiated a trial of their air decontamination robot in the endoscopy department. Early results indicated a reduction in room downtime by over 60%, facilitating more medical procedures and enhancing patient throughput. (akara.ai)
    • Tartu University Hospital (Estonia): In November 2022, Akara signed a memorandum of understanding with Tartu University Hospital to pilot their software application for digitally logging cleaning tasks in real-time. This marked the first live deployment of Akara's software outside of Ireland. (eithealth.eu)
    • Friarage Hospital (UK): In December 2024, Akara deployed two UV decontamination robots at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, UK. These robots assist in cleaning wards and operating theatres, improving decontamination efficiency and reducing room turnaround times. (irishtechnews.ie)
    • Recognition and Awards: In November 2022, Akara received the award for Best Application of AI in Healthcare at the 2022 AI Awards in Dublin. This accolade acknowledges the positive impact of Akara's AI-driven technology on the global healthcare system. (akara.ai)

    Technological Improvements and New Features:

    Akara has continually enhanced its technology by integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities into their robots. These improvements enable the robots to operate autonomously, navigate complex healthcare environments, and perform disinfection tasks efficiently. The development of Violet, a versatile UV disinfection robot, exemplifies Akara's commitment to innovation, offering a CE-marked solution that is safe for use around people and effective in various clinical settings. (dih-hero.eu)

    Demonstrations and Market Adoption:

    Akara's robots have been demonstrated and adopted in multiple healthcare facilities:

    • Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore (Ireland): Akara's robots have been deployed to expedite the cleaning process, making it up to ten times faster and maximizing the availability of facilities after decontamination. (engineersireland.ie)
    • Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UK): The trial of Akara's air decontamination robot in the endoscopy department has shown promising results, with the potential to enable as many as 2,400 additional procedures annually by reducing room downtime. (akara.ai)

    Research Publications and Patents:

    Akara has contributed to several research publications and patents, reflecting their commitment to advancing healthcare robotics:

    • IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA): Akara presented a paper titled "Ethical Assessment of a Hospital Disinfection Robot," discussing the ethical considerations in deploying autonomous disinfection robots in healthcare settings. (akara.ai)
    • Sensors Journal: Akara co-authored a study on the development and demonstration of a wireless ultraviolet sensing network for dose monitoring and operator safety in room disinfection, highlighting advancements in ensuring safe and effective disinfection processes. (akara.ai)

    These publications and ongoing research underscore Akara's dedication to advancing the field of healthcare robotics and improving patient safety through innovative technology.

    5 The Partnerships and Customers

    Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Akara Robotics Limited has established several significant partnerships and expanded its customer base, enhancing its market position and technological capabilities.

    New Partnerships:

    1. Tartu University Hospital (Estonia): In November 2022, Akara signed a memorandum of understanding with Tartu University Hospital, Estonia's largest healthcare provider, to pilot its autonomous disinfection robots. This collaboration marked the first live deployment of Akara's technology outside Ireland, aiming to improve cleaning efficiency and reduce hospital-acquired infections. (irishtimes.com)
    2. Friarage Hospital (UK): Akara deployed two UV decontamination robots at Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, UK, to assist in cleaning wards and operating theatres. This initiative followed a successful trial at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and is part of Akara's strategy to expand its presence in the UK healthcare market. (idaireland.cn)

    New Customers:

  • Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UK): Akara's cleaning robots were trialed in the endoscopy unit of this trust, demonstrating the company's growing footprint in the UK healthcare sector. (idaireland.cn)

    • Nature and Purpose of Relationships:

    • Tartu University Hospital: The partnership focuses on piloting Akara's autonomous disinfection robots to enhance cleaning procedures, aiming to reduce hospital-acquired infections and improve patient safety.
    • Friarage Hospital: The deployment of Akara's UV decontamination robots is intended to streamline cleaning processes, reduce turnaround times for patient rooms, and support infection control measures.

    Market Positioning:

    These collaborations position Akara Robotics as a key player in the healthcare robotics sector, particularly in infection control and hospital hygiene. By partnering with established healthcare institutions in Europe, Akara demonstrates the scalability and effectiveness of its solutions, enhancing its reputation and appeal to potential customers.

    Technology Advancements and Scaling:

    The partnerships with Tartu University Hospital and Friarage Hospital provide Akara with valuable real-world data and feedback, facilitating the refinement of its autonomous disinfection technology. These collaborations also support Akara's expansion into new markets, including the UK and Estonia, contributing to the scaling of its operations and the adoption of its innovative solutions in diverse healthcare settings.

    6 The Hiring and Company Growth

    Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Akara Robotics Limited has demonstrated significant growth in both team expansion and technological advancements.

    Current Team Size and Hiring Status:

    As of April 2025, Akara Robotics employs between 11 and 50 individuals. The company is actively recruiting, with recent job postings for positions such as Robotics Software Engineer in Dublin, indicating ongoing expansion efforts. (simplyhired.ie)

    Growth and Recent Hires:

    The team has grown substantially since 2021, with key additions including:

    • Carl O'Connor: Lead Web-Ops, joined in January 2020. (theorg.com)
    • Ilter Savaş: Embedded Software Engineer.
    • Shanu D: Perception Engineer.
    • Tehsein Firoze Akhtar: Software Engineer.
    • Fatma Dogan: Junior Engineer.
    • Joe Wellwood: Robot Production Engineer.
    • Gaurav Sethia: Computer Vision Intern.
    • Michael O'Halloran: DevOps & Embedded Systems Engineer.

    These strategic hires have bolstered Akara's capabilities in software development, engineering, and operations, positioning the company for enhanced innovation and scalability.

    Impact of New Team Members:

    The recent additions are instrumental in advancing Akara's mission to modernize public health through robotics and AI. Their expertise supports the development and deployment of Akara's disinfection robots, contributing to safer and more efficient healthcare environments. (adaptcentre.ie)

    Management and Founding Team Updates:

    As of April 2025, there are no publicly available reports of major changes in Akara Robotics' management or founding team. The leadership remains consistent, with Dr. Conor McGinn serving as CEO, Dr. Michael Cullinan as CTO, and Niamh Donnelly as Chief Robotics Officer. (akara.ai)

    In summary, Akara Robotics Limited has experienced substantial growth since its EIC Accelerator funding in 2021, expanding its team and enhancing its technological capabilities to drive innovation in healthcare robotics.

    7 The Media Features and Publications

    Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Akara Robotics Limited has been featured in various media outlets, participated in multiple events, and received several awards. Below is a summary of their notable activities and recognitions:

    Media Features:

    • June 8, 2023: Akara was highlighted in Sifted Briefings as one of the early-stage startups to watch. (akara.ai)
    • April 23, 2023: The company was featured in an article titled "Ten of Ireland’s brightest startups," emphasizing its role in Ireland's ambitious startup growth. (akara.ai)
    • November 17, 2022: The Irish Times reported on Akara's partnership with Tartu University Hospital in Estonia for a pilot project using their disinfection technology. (irishtimes.com)
    • October 20, 2022: TechBuzz Ireland covered Akara's trial of its decontamination robot in the endoscopy department of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (techbuzzireland.com)
    • December 12, 2024: Irish Tech News featured Akara's deployment of two decontamination robots at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, UK. (irishtechnews.ie)

    Awards and Recognitions:

    • October 2, 2023: Co-founder Niamh Donnelly was honored as a Rising Star at the Women of the Year Awards 2023. (akara.ai)
    • May 25, 2023: Akara won the Innovation Award at the 20th Annual Future Health Summit hosted by UPMC. (akara.ai)
    • November 23, 2022: The company received the award for Best Application of AI in Healthcare at the 2022 AI Awards in Dublin. (akara.ai)
    • December 7, 2022: Niamh Donnelly won the Rising Innovator Award at the 2022 EU Prize for Women Innovators. (akara.ai)
    • March 29, 2022: Akara won the CIO & Leaders Award 2022. (akara.ai)

    Podcasts and Interviews:

  • November 3, 2023: Niamh Donnelly appeared on the "For Tech’s Sake" podcast to discuss the future of humanoid robots. (adaptcentre.ie)

    • Conferences and Events:

    • October 2023: Akara was shortlisted for the Europa Tech Startup Awards in the 'Hottest HealthTech Startup' category. (adaptcentre.ie)
    • October 2022: The company participated in the Infection Prevention Society Conference in Bournemouth, where their decontamination robot was showcased. (techbuzzireland.com)
    • May 2022: Akara entered the EIT Health Accelerator to expand into the EU market. (akara.ai)

    Involvement in Events:

    • October 2024: Akara's decontamination robots were deployed at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, UK, as part of a clinical evaluation. (irishtechnews.ie)
    • June 2022: The company conducted a trial of its disinfection robot in the endoscopy department of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (techbuzzireland.com)

    These highlights demonstrate Akara Robotics Limited's active engagement in advancing healthcare technology and its growing recognition in the industry.

    EIC Accelerator Winner - 2021