1 The EIC Accelerator Project
The EIC Accelerator program is a cornerstone initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC) aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly startups and scale-ups, in developing breakthrough innovations. The program is designed to foster the growth of high-impact companies within the European DeepTech ecosystem, which focuses on advanced technologies that address significant societal challenges.Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator offers a unique funding structure, combining grants and equity investments, known as blended finance. This innovative approach is particularly beneficial for companies that require substantial capital to scale their operations.
Purpose and Role in the Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in strengthening the European startup ecosystem by addressing funding gaps that many innovative companies face, particularly in the deep technology sector. By providing both grants and equity investments, the program helps reduce the financial risk for innovative SMEs and encourages them to undertake ambitious projects that might otherwise be deemed too risky by traditional investors.
Moreover, the EIC Accelerator assists companies in attracting additional private funding by validating their business models and technologies through rigorous evaluation processes. This validation serves as a signal to investors, enhancing the credibility of the companies and facilitating access to further capital.
Case Study: CENTRE DE RECHERCHE ET DE DEVELOPPEMENT DES ANATIDES DU COURTALET (Aviwell SAS)
Project Overview: Aviwell
One notable winner of the EIC Accelerator is the CENTRE DE RECHERCHE ET DE DEVELOPPEMENT DES ANATIDES DU COURTALET, operating under the name Aviwell SAS. The company’s project, known by the acronym Aviwell, focuses on the development and validation of Direct-Fed Microbials (DFMs) tailored for farm animals. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance animal growth and improve nutritional outcomes, thereby contributing to more sustainable farming practices and addressing global food security challenges.
Technology Background
Direct-Fed Microbials are a category of feed additives that consist of live microorganisms designed to improve the gut health and overall performance of livestock. The use of DFMs in animal husbandry is grounded in the understanding that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in the health and productivity of farm animals. By balancing the gut flora, DFMs can enhance nutrient absorption, improve growth rates, and reduce the reliance on antibiotics, which is crucial in the context of rising antibiotic resistance.
The technology underpinning Aviwell involves a comprehensive research and development approach to identify specific strains of microorganisms that can optimally confer health benefits to various livestock species. This includes extensive validation processes to ensure efficacy and safety, as well as compliance with regulatory standards for animal feed.
The project aims to not only improve the health and growth rates of farm animals but also to reduce the environmental impact of livestock farming, aligning with broader sustainability goals. By enhancing the nutritional status of animals, Aviwell contributes to the efficient use of resources and supports global efforts to nourish a growing population.
Conclusion
The EIC Accelerator program serves as a vital support mechanism for innovative companies like Aviwell SAS, enabling them to develop transformative technologies that address pressing challenges in the agricultural sector. By combining grant funding with equity investment, the EIC Accelerator empowers startups to scale effectively and secure additional funding, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation within Europe’s deep technology landscape.
2 The Funding Rounds
# Aviwell SAS: From EIC Accelerator Winner to Innovation Leader in Sustainable Animal NutritionAviwell SAS, a deep tech startup based in Toulouse, France, has emerged as a significant player in the agrifood sector since receiving the prestigious EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022. The company operates at the intersection of data and life sciences, developing revolutionary solutions for animal health and nutrition.
Company Overview
Aviwell SAS (formerly known as Centre de Recherche et de Developpement des Anatides du Courtalet) is focused on developing natural and sustainable solutions to improve animal health and growth for the global agrifood industry. Founded by Mouli Ramani and Rémy Burcelin, the company is headquartered in Toulouse, France, with additional offices in Boston, USA.
The company's core technology is a revolutionary hybrid AI-based Discovery Platform called Aneto™, which identifies unique insights into animal health, growth, and performance. This platform leverages 30 years of pioneering university research in glycemic control in the gut-brain axis, intestinal microbiota, and deep insights into relational databases and hybrid AI/ML techniques.
Funding History
EIC Accelerator Funding
Aviwell was awarded €2.5 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding under Horizon Europe in 2022. The company was one of only 75 winners selected from over 1,000 applications, highlighting the innovative nature of their technology and business model.Seed Funding Round
On July 18, 2023, approximately one year after receiving the EIC Accelerator grant, Aviwell announced a successful €9 million seed funding round. This round included both venture capital and non-dilutive funding, co-led by Elaia Partners and MFS Impact Investment Development of Boston, MA.Additional Non-Dilutive Funding
Beyond the EIC Accelerator grant, Aviwell also secured significant grants from BPIFrance to accelerate their innovative research and development activities.Total Funding
According to available data, Aviwell has raised a total of approximately $12.73 million since its founding in 2016.Funding Rounds Timeline
| Date | Round Type | Amount | Lead Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 14, 2022 | Grant (EIC Accelerator) | $2.6M (€2.5M) | European Innovation Council |
| July 18, 2023 | Seed | $10.13M (€9M) | Elaia Partners and MFS Impact Investment Development |
Investor Information
The seed round was co-led by two prominent investors:
Business Focus and Growth Strategy
Following the funding rounds, Aviwell has focused its commercial efforts on sizable international agri-food markets, particularly broiler chickens and aquaculture. The company aims to develop innovative feed solutions and platform services that significantly improve animal growth and health for the agri-food industry worldwide in a natural and sustainable manner.
CEO Mouli Ramani stated that the funds would help accelerate the development of their revolutionary hybrid AI-based Discovery Platform to identify and commercialize unique insights into animal health, growth, and performance.
Current Status and Future Outlook
As of the most recent data, Aviwell remains active and continues to develop its technology platform. The company employs between 1-10 people and is positioned as a deep tech startup with significant potential in the sustainable animal nutrition sector.
There is no public information available regarding company valuations, exit events like IPOs, buyouts, or acquisitions as of now. The company appears to be in its growth and development phase, focusing on expanding its technology platform and market reach following the substantial funding received in 2022-2023.
Sources: - Aviwell Announces €9M in Seed Funding
- The SaaS News: Aviwell Raises €9 Million in Seed Round
- Aviwell Press Release
- Tech.eu: Aviwell raises 9 million
- Parsers VC: Aviwell Funding Information
- Aviwell Official Website
3 The Press Releases
Aviwell SAS: EIC Accelerator Funding and Post-Award Developments Centre de Recherche et de Développement des Anatides du Courtalet (operating as Aviwell SAS), a French deep-tech startup, secured €2.5 million in non-dilutive funding through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator under the June 15, 2022, cutoff. The company specializes in AI-driven microbiome solutions for livestock growth optimization and sustainable animal nutrition.Key Developments Post-Funding
- Technology Focus: Aviwell’s platform develops Direct-Fed Microbials (DFMs) to enhance farm animal growth while reducing reliance on antibiotics and resource-intensive feed. Their approach integrates AI to analyze microbial ecosystems, aiming to improve food security and sustainability.
- Funding Milestones: In July 2023, Aviwell announced a combined €9 million seed round co-led by Elaia Partners and MFS Impact Investment Development. This included the EIC grant alongside grants from BPIFrance.
- Strategic Positioning: The EIC Accelerator funding positioned Aviwell among Europe’s most innovative agri-tech startups, emphasizing its role in addressing global food challenges through biotechnology.
Press Releases and Public Updates
Aviwell’s July 2023 press release highlighted its dual-track financing strategy (venture capital + non-dilutive grants) and outlined plans to expand R&D for microbiome-based livestock solutions. While specific social media activity is not detailed in available sources, standard practices suggest announcements via LinkedIn or industry-specific platforms given their focus on investor communications.Sources
- EIC Accelerator winners June 2022
- EIC Accelerator June 15 cutoff document
- Aviwell's €9M Seed Funding Announcement
4 The Technology Advancements
Aviwell SAS: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Advancements Aviwell SAS, a French deep-tech agrifood startup operating at the intersection of AI and life sciences, has focused on scaling its hybrid AI-driven Discovery Platform (Aneto™) and commercializing sustainable feed additives (Nectar™) since securing EIC Accelerator funding. While the exact timeline of their EIC award is unclear from available data—public records reference a 2023 grant announcement—the company’s progress post-funding includes significant technological and commercial milestones.Core Capabilities
- Hybrid AI/ML Platform: Combines multi-omics analyses, functional metagenomics, and microbial isolation to identify natural bacterial consortia that enhance animal growth[^1^][^2^].
- Direct-Fed Microbials: Develops Nectar™, a suite of microbial feed additives targeting livestock health and performance[^2^].
Post-Funding Advancements
Technology Demonstrations & Commercialization
- EIC ePitching Recognition: Voted "best pitch" at a December 2024 EIC event for its platform’s ability to deliver cost-effective feed solutions.
- Industry Validation: Actively engaged in pilot projects with livestock producers globally, though specific customer names remain undisclosed.
Intellectual Property & Publications
No explicit mention of new patents or peer-reviewed studies post-EIC funding exists in public records. However, the company emphasizes proprietary methodologies for microbial consortium identification through its Aneto™ platform[ˆ2].Sources
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Aviwell SAS: Recent Partnerships and Developments
Company Overview
Aviwell SAS is a deep tech agrifood startup based in Toulouse, France, with additional offices in Boston, USA. The company focuses on developing sustainable nutritional solutions by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance animal health and growth. Aviwell's vision is to provide natural and sustainable feed solutions that improve animal growth and health, thereby contributing to global food security at a reduced cost.
Recent Partnerships
New Relationships and Their Purpose
- Microba Partnership: The collaboration with Microba is designed to revolutionize the livestock industry by accelerating the identification and commercialization of valuable DFMs. This partnership enhances Aviwell's ability to develop sustainable solutions that improve animal growth and health.
- Investment Partnerships: The seed funding from Elaia Partners and MFS Impact Investment Development will help Aviwell accelerate the development of its revolutionary hybrid AI-based Discovery Platform. This platform is crucial for identifying unique insights into animal health and performance, ultimately leading to more sustainable feed solutions.
Impact on Market Positioning and Technology Advancements
The new relationships, particularly the partnership with Microba, position Aviwell as a leader in sustainable agricultural solutions. By leveraging AI and microbiome science, Aviwell is poised to significantly advance animal health and growth technologies. The strategic partnerships and funding will enable Aviwell to scale its operations more effectively, enhancing its ability to provide innovative solutions for global food security challenges.
Scaling and Technology Advancements
Aviwell's partnerships and funding will facilitate the scaling of its AI-based Discovery Platform, enabling the company to commercialize its DFMs more rapidly. This will not only strengthen Aviwell's market presence but also contribute to the development of more sustainable practices in livestock production, benefiting global food systems.
Sources
- Aviwell - Sustainable nutritional solutions
- Microba - Aviwell Press Release
- Aviwell Announces €9M in Seed Funding
- Aviwell Raises €9 Million in Seed Round
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Team Growth and Hiring at Aviwell SAS Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Aviwell SAS, a French biotechnology company specializing in innovative production methods for animal-derived products, received EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022. While specific details about their current headcount, team size, or recent hires are not publicly disclosed through available sources, the EIC Accelerator’s typical funding scope suggests support for scaling operations—likely enabling workforce expansion to advance research, production, and commercialization efforts.Key Implications of Growth:
- Scaling Capabilities: EIC funding often facilitates hiring in R&D and operational roles to accelerate product development. For Aviwell, this could mean bolstering expertise in biotechnology, food science, or sustainable agriculture to refine their proprietary methods (potentially relevant to alternatives in animal-product industries).
- Market Expansion: New team members would likely focus on regulatory compliance (e.g., EU food safety standards) and partnerships with agricultural or culinary sectors—critical for bringing novel products to market.
- Management Structure: No major changes in leadership are reported publicly. However, post-funding phases frequently involve strengthening executive teams with specialists in IP management and global supply chains.
The absence of direct disclosures indicates that Aviwell may prioritize confidentiality around staffing strategies amid competitive biotech landscapes. The company’s growth trajectory would align with EIC objectives: advancing high-impact innovations while creating skilled jobs within the EU’s agri-tech sector.
Sources
No direct sources referencing Aviwell SAS's hiring practices were identified from the provided search results or additional public data as of October 2024. Below are related resources:
Foie gras - Wikipedia (context only)
EIC Accelerator Portfolio (general program reference; specific awardee details not cited)
7 The Media Features and Publications
Overview of Aviwell SAS
Aviwell SAS, also known as Centre de Recherche et de Développement des Anatides du Courtalet, is a deep tech startup based in France. The company received EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022. Aviwell focuses on developing sustainable and natural solutions to improve animal health and growth, utilizing AI and machine learning technologies for the agri-food industry.
Media Features and Publications
Aviwell has been featured in media outlets primarily due to its innovative approach and significant funding achievements. The company raised €9 million in seed funding in July 2023, which was co-led by Elaia Partners and MFS Impact Investment Development. This investment was highlighted in various press releases and publications, emphasizing Aviwell's commitment to sustainable solutions for the livestock industry.
Content from Publications
Publications highlight Aviwell's mission to create natural and sustainable feed solutions for livestock producers worldwide. The company leverages its hybrid AI-based Discovery Platform, Aneto, to identify unique insights into animal health and growth. Aviwell also develops direct-fed microbials, branded as Nectar, to enhance animal health sustainably.
Podcasts and Interviews
There are no specific podcasts or interviews readily available that feature the team of Aviwell SAS directly. However, the company's press releases and media coverage serve as primary sources of information regarding its developments and strategies.
Conference and Fair Visits
While there is no specific information available about Aviwell's participation in conferences or fairs, its involvement in the European Innovation Council (EIC) and funding from BPIFrance underscores its engagement with the broader European innovation ecosystem.
Involvement in Events
Aviwell's participation in events is primarily marked by its success in securing competitive funding grants, such as those from the EIC Accelerator program. This program supports startups with innovative, market-disrupting solutions, further highlighting Aviwell's role in driving sustainable practices in the agri-food sector.
Sources
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