1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program Overview
The EIC Accelerator is an initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC) aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups that are developing breakthrough technologies and innovations. This program is tailored specifically for high-potential companies engaged in deep tech, which includes fields such as biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy, among others.
The EIC Accelerator is designed to provide comprehensive support to these companies, enabling them to scale their innovations and penetrate international markets. It does so through a combination of grants and equity investments, focusing on technologies that have the potential to significantly impact the European economy and society.
Funding Structure
The funding from the EIC Accelerator consists of two main components:
Purpose in the European Deep Tech and Startup Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator aims to strengthen the European startup and deep tech ecosystem by:
- Fostering Innovation: By supporting groundbreaking technologies, the EIC Accelerator encourages innovation that can solve pressing societal challenges, such as climate change, health crises, and sustainable food production.
- Encouraging Growth: The program helps startups and SMEs scale their operations, allowing them to compete on a global level. This is crucial in fostering an environment where European companies can thrive against international competitors.
- Attracting Investment: The EIC Accelerator serves as a signal to private investors that a company has been rigorously vetted and deemed worthy of investment. This enhances the company's credibility and can help in attracting further funding from private sectors.
Role in Helping Companies Scale
The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in helping companies scale by:
- Providing Financial Support: The combination of grants and equity investments provides a robust financial foundation for startups to develop their products and enter new markets.
- Facilitating Networking: The program offers access to a wide network of investors, mentors, and industry experts who can provide valuable insights and connections.
- Guidance and Mentoring: Companies benefit from tailored coaching and advisory services, which help them navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses effectively.
Case Study: Arboreabiofoods LDA and the Biosolar Leaf Project
Company Overview
- Name: Arboreabiofoods LDA
- Location: Portugal
- Website: arborea.io
- EIC Accelerator Project Acronym: Biosolar Leaf
- Project Description: Disrupting the food ingredient and protein markets through a breakthrough technology for large-scale microalgae cultivation.
- Funding Type: Grant first
- Submission Date: June 16, 2021
Project Summary: Biosolar Leaf
The Biosolar Leaf project by Arboreabiofoods LDA focuses on revolutionizing the food ingredient and protein markets through a novel approach to cultivating microalgae. This innovative technology aims to address several critical issues faced by the current food production systems, including sustainability, resource efficiency, and the need for alternative protein sources.
Technology Basics and Background
Microalgae are a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms that can produce high levels of protein, lipids, and carbohydrates. They are recognized for their potential as sustainable food sources due to their ability to convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and nutrients into biomass efficiently.
The Biosolar Leaf technology leverages the following principles:
- Photobioreactor Design: The technology utilizes a unique design of photobioreactors that maximizes light exposure and carbon dioxide absorption, facilitating optimal growth conditions for microalgae.
- Nutrient Efficiency: By optimizing nutrient delivery and recycling processes, the technology minimizes waste and enhances the overall yield of microalgae biomass.
- Sustainability: The cultivation process is designed to be environmentally friendly, reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional agriculture and food production methods.
- Market Disruption: By providing an alternative source of protein, the Biosolar Leaf project aims to disrupt existing food ingredient markets, offering a sustainable solution to meet the growing global demand for protein.
In summary, the EIC Accelerator program plays a crucial role in fostering innovation within the European deep tech ecosystem, providing essential funding and support for companies like Arboreabiofoods LDA. Their project, Biosolar Leaf, represents a significant step toward sustainable food production and highlights the potential of microalgae in addressing global food security challenges.
2 The Funding Rounds
Arborea, an Anglo-Portuguese startup specializing in sustainable protein production through its innovative Biosolar Leaf™ technology, has secured several funding rounds since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021. Here's a detailed overview:1. Seed Funding Round (January 2021):
- Amount Raised: $4.1 million
- Lead Investor: Business Growth Fund
- Purpose: To support the development of Arborea's Biosolar Leaf™ technology, which cultivates microalgae to produce nutrient-rich proteins sustainably. (seedtable.com)
2. EIC Accelerator Funding (June 16, 2021):
- Amount Raised: €4.5 million in grants
- Purpose: To advance Arborea's research and development efforts in sustainable food production. (greenqueen.com.hk)
3. Series A Funding Round (December 2024):
- Amount Raised: €5 million
- Lead Investor: Indico Capital Partners
- Supporting Investor: Banco Português de Fomento (BPF)
- Purpose: To fund the preparation of Arborea’s first facility for commercial-scale protein production using the Biosolar Leaf™ technology. (eu-startups.com)
Investor Information:
- Indico Capital Partners: A venture capital firm based in Portugal, focusing on early-stage technology companies.
- Banco Português de Fomento (BPF): A Portuguese development bank supporting innovative and sustainable projects.
Company Valuations: Specific valuation figures for Arborea during these funding rounds are not publicly disclosed. However, the €5 million raised in December 2024 indicates a significant valuation, reflecting investor confidence in Arborea's innovative approach to sustainable protein production.
Additional Information: Arborea's Biosolar Leaf™ system offers several advantages:
- Land Efficiency: It can cultivate microalgae on non-arable land, including urban surfaces, reducing pressure on agricultural land.
- Carbon-Negative Production: The system captures CO₂ and uses sunlight as an unlimited feedstock, contributing to climate change mitigation.
- Scalability: The technology can meet global protein demand using minimal land area, showcasing its scalability. (greenqueen.com.hk)
As of April 16, 2025, there are no publicly available records of additional funding rounds or exit events for Arborea beyond the Series A funding in December 2024.
3 The Press Releases
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Arborea has made several significant advancements, as detailed in their press releases and public communications:Funding and Investment:
Partnerships and Collaborations:
- August 2024: Arborea partnered with multinational drinks company AB InBev to develop a Biosolar Leaf™ pilot in Mexico, focusing on its ability to sequester CO₂ from the brewing process. (arborea.io)
- August 2024: In collaboration with Imperial College London, Arborea developed a Biosolar Leaf™ pilot in central London, aiming to purify urban air environments. (arborea.io)
- August 2024: Arborea collaborated with The V&A museum to create the world's first microscopic plant chandelier, which purifies indoor air by producing oxygen and absorbing CO₂ through photosynthesis. This installation is now part of The V&A’s permanent collection in London. (arborea.io)
Technology Advancements:
Team Updates:
Arborea's team comprises scientists and engineers from leading institutions, including:
- Julian Melchiorri, Founder & CEO
- Joana da Silva, Head of Biotechnology
- Kaly Chatakondu, Global Commercial Director
- David Brinkmann, Lead Process Strategist
- Ian Kegler, Lead Design Engineer
- Elson Gomes, Senior Engineer – Product Development
- Miguel Rodrigues, R&D Site Manager
- Ulliana Sampaio, Senior Scientist – Application
- Ana Santos, Laboratory Technician
- Akashdeep Singh, Plant Technician
- Pruthvi Sridhara, Materials Engineer
These professionals bring expertise from world-leading institutions and major players in the global biotech industry. (arborea.io)
Sustainability Initiatives:
Arborea's Biosolar Leaf™ system offers a sustainable solution to global food challenges by:
- Carbon Sequestration: The system sequesters CO₂ and uses sunlight as an unlimited feedstock, producing carbon-neutral plant biomass. (arborea.io)
- Land Efficiency: It requires only a small area of non-fertile land, equivalent to the size of the New York Metropolitan Area, to meet the projected global protein demand by 2050. (arborea.io)
- Water Efficiency: The system uses five times less water than soy cultivation and 40 times less than traditional livestock farming, aiding water security. (arborea.io)
These initiatives align with Arborea's mission to provide nutrition to a growing world population without increasing climate change and biodiversity loss. (arborea.io)
For more detailed information, you can visit Arborea's official website at arborea.io.
4 The Technology Advancements
Arborea Biofoods LDA, based in Portugal, specializes in sustainable food production through its innovative Biosolar Leaf™ cultivation system. This technology harnesses sunlight to mimic photosynthesis, facilitating the growth of microscopic plants to produce healthy food ingredients. The system sequesters CO₂ and uses sunlight as an unlimited feedstock, ensuring the production of carbon-neutral plant biomass. Notably, it doesn't require fertile land or agricultural feedstocks, allowing it to be sited on any surface, including barren land and rooftops.Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Arborea has made significant advancements. In October 2021, the European Innovation Council announced that Arborea was among the 65 deep-tech companies selected for funding, with a project titled "Biosolar Leaf" in the food sector, focusing on microalgae cultivation. (strata.team)
While specific details about new features or technological improvements post-funding are not readily available, Arborea's participation in the EIT Food Venture Summit in 2021 highlights its ongoing commitment to innovation. At the summit, Arborea was recognized for its breakthrough cultivation system, the BioSolar Leaf, which mimics photosynthesis to facilitate the growth of microscopic plants for healthy food production. (eit.europa.eu)
Regarding market demonstrations, customer engagements, or pilot projects, specific information is not publicly disclosed. Similarly, there are no publicly available records of new patents, scientific studies, clinical trials, or whitepapers filed by Arborea since the funding.
In summary, Arborea Biofoods LDA continues to advance its sustainable food production technologies, leveraging its Biosolar Leaf™ system to produce carbon-neutral plant biomass. While detailed updates on technological enhancements and market activities post-funding are limited, the company's recognition in industry events underscores its ongoing innovation efforts.
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Arborea has established several strategic partnerships and collaborations to advance its mission of sustainable and nutritious food production.New Partnerships and Collaborations:
Nature and Purpose of Relationships:
- Barvecue: The partnership aims to innovate plant-based meat products by improving their sensory attributes and nutritional content, thereby enhancing consumer acceptance of plant-based foods.
- AB InBev: The collaboration seeks to integrate Arborea's technology into the brewing process to capture and sequester CO₂ emissions, promoting sustainable and carbon-negative production practices.
- Imperial College London: This partnership focuses on urban air purification by deploying Arborea's technology to sequester CO₂ and produce oxygen in city environments, contributing to improved air quality.
- The V&A: The collaboration resulted in an art installation that showcases Arborea's technology's potential for indoor air purification, blending art and sustainability to raise public awareness.
Market Positioning:
These collaborations position Arborea as a leader in sustainable food production and environmental innovation. By partnering with established industry players and academic institutions, Arborea enhances its credibility and visibility in the market, demonstrating the versatility and applicability of its Biosolar Leaf™ technology across various sectors.
Technology Advancements and Scaling:
The partnerships facilitate the scaling of Arborea's technology by integrating it into diverse applications, from food production to environmental sustainability projects. Collaborations with companies like Barvecue and AB InBev provide real-world testing grounds for Arborea's technology, leading to product refinement and optimization. Academic partnerships with institutions like Imperial College London contribute to research and development efforts, fostering continuous innovation and technological advancement.
Through these strategic partnerships, Arborea is advancing its mission to revolutionize food production and environmental sustainability, leveraging its innovative technology to address global challenges.
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Arborea, a Portuguese startup specializing in sustainable protein production through its Biosolar Leaf™ technology, has demonstrated significant growth and strategic developments since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2021.Current Team Size and Hiring Status:
Specific details regarding Arborea's current headcount and whether they are actively hiring are not publicly disclosed. The company has not provided recent updates on team expansion or recruitment efforts.
Growth and Recent Hires:
While exact figures on team growth are unavailable, Arborea has made notable strides in scaling its operations. In December 2024, the company secured €5 million in funding led by Indico Capital Partners and supported by Banco Português de Fomento (BPF). This investment is earmarked for establishing Arborea's first commercial-scale protein production facility, utilizing its innovative Biosolar Leaf™ technology. (eu-startups.com)
Implications of New Team Members:
Although specific information about new team members is not available, the recent funding and planned facility expansion suggest that Arborea is positioning itself for significant growth. The establishment of a commercial-scale production facility indicates a strategic move to meet increasing demand for sustainable protein solutions, potentially leading to job creation and the need for specialized talent in areas such as operations, research and development, and business development.
Management and Founding Team Changes:
There are no publicly available reports indicating major changes in Arborea's management or founding team since the EIC Accelerator funding in 2021. The company's leadership, including founder and CEO Julian Melchiorri, remains consistent, focusing on advancing the company's mission to revolutionize food production through sustainable practices.
In summary, while specific details about Arborea's team size and recent hires are not publicly disclosed, the company's recent funding achievements and strategic initiatives reflect a trajectory of growth and scaling in the sustainable food production sector.
7 The Media Features and Publications
Arborea, a Portuguese startup specializing in sustainable protein production through its Biosolar Leaf™ technology, has garnered significant attention since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021. Below is a summary of their media features, publications, interviews, conference participations, and event involvements since that date:Media Features:
Publications:
Interviews and Podcasts:
Conference and Fair Participations:
Event Involvements:
For more information about Arborea's initiatives and updates, you can visit their official website at arborea.io.