1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator is a funding initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC) designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups aiming to develop and scale innovative technologies with high growth potential. The program focuses particularly on deep tech and breakthrough innovations that have the potential to significantly impact society and the economy. The EIC Accelerator provides both grant funding and equity investments to help companies move from prototype to market-ready products.

Funding Structure

• Companies can receive a grant of up to €2.5 million. This grant is primarily aimed at supporting high-risk innovation projects, particularly in the early stages of development.
• The grant can be used for various costs, including R&D, prototyping, and scaling up operations.

• In addition to the grant, the EIC Accelerator offers equity funding up to €15 million until 2024 and up to €10 million from 2025 onwards. This equity investment is designed to help companies secure the necessary capital for scaling their operations and bringing their products to market.
• The equity can help startups attract additional private investments, as participation from the EIC can validate the project’s viability.

Purpose of the EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator aims to strengthen the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by:

• Fostering Innovation: The program encourages groundbreaking ideas and technology solutions that contribute to the EU's goals, including sustainability and digital transformation.
• Reducing Market Barriers: By providing financial support and resources, the EIC Accelerator helps innovative companies overcome barriers to market entry and scale their operations.
• Supporting High-Growth Companies: The EIC Accelerator identifies and supports companies with high growth potential, ensuring they have the necessary resources to thrive in competitive markets.

Role in Scaling Companies

The EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in helping companies scale by:

• Providing Catalytic Funding: The combination of grants and equity investments allows companies to secure sufficient funding not only from public sources but also from private investors.
• Facilitating Networking: The program connects entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, and other stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem, fostering collaboration and partnership opportunities.
• Offering Business Development Support: The EIC Accelerator provides access to advisory services, helping companies refine their business models and market strategies.

Summary of Blue Heart Energy B.V. and Project BHE

Company: Blue Heart Energy B.V.
Project Acronym: BHE
Description: A new high-performance and environmentally clean engine for heat pumps, utilizing thermo-acoustics technology.
Funding Type: Grant
Website: blueheartenergy.com
Country: Netherlands
Submission Date: June 16, 2021

Project Overview:
Blue Heart Energy B.V. is focused on developing a revolutionary engine that leverages thermo-acoustics technology to create highly efficient heat pumps. This innovative solution aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in heating applications, thereby contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.

Technology Basics and Background

Thermo-Acoustics Technology:

• Principle: Thermo-acoustic technology operates based on the interaction between temperature gradients and sound waves. When heat is applied to a gas, it creates pressure fluctuations that can be harnessed to drive mechanical processes, such as heating or cooling.
• Advantages:
• High Efficiency: Thermo-acoustic engines can achieve higher efficiencies than traditional heat pump systems by minimizing energy losses.
• Environmentally Friendly: These systems typically use environmentally benign working fluids, reducing the environmental impact associated with conventional refrigeration technologies.
• Compact Design: The technology allows for smaller, lighter systems, making it easier to integrate into existing infrastructure.
• Application: The BHE project aims to harness these principles to create a heat pump engine that can be used in residential and commercial heating applications, providing a cleaner alternative to fossil fuel-based heating systems.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator is a crucial initiative in Europe's innovation landscape, providing the necessary support for startups like Blue Heart Energy B.V. to scale their transformative technologies. By offering a combination of grants and equity funding, the program not only facilitates innovation but also enhances the startup's ability to attract further investment and effectively bring their products to market.

2 The Funding Rounds

Blue Heart Energy B.V., a Netherlands-based company specializing in sustainable heat pump technology, received EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021. Since then, the company has secured additional funding through a grant from the European Innovation Council Fund (EIC Fund) on October 18, 2021, amounting to $1.34 million. (pitchbook.com)

As of April 2025, there are no publicly available records of further funding rounds or investments in Blue Heart Energy B.V. The company's latest known valuation is not disclosed in the available sources. For the most current information on funding and company valuation, it is recommended to contact Blue Heart Energy B.V. directly through their official website. (blueheartenergy.com)

3 The Press Releases

Blue Heart Energy B.V., a Netherlands-based company specializing in sustainable heating and cooling solutions, received EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021. Since then, the company has not publicly released any press statements or updates regarding partnerships, technological advancements, team changes, or patents. Their official website, blueheartenergy.com, does not feature any press releases or news updates. Similarly, their social media channels do not display recent press releases or announcements.

The company's profile indicates that they are developing a residential heat pump based on a Thermo Acoustic (TA) heat engine, aiming to provide a toxic-free, flexible, and highly efficient solution. This technology is designed for easy integration by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and system integrators into existing heating and cooling systems, facilitating smooth market adoption. Their mission is to make sustainable heating and cooling accessible to everyone, contributing to a better world. (euroquity.com)

As of 2024, Blue Heart Energy has 33 employees and is privately held. Their latest funding round was a grant of $1.34 million, completed in October 2021. The company is led by General Manager Michiel Hartman and CFO/CCO Haico Halbesma. (pitchbook.com)

Despite the absence of recent public communications, Blue Heart Energy continues to focus on developing innovative heat pump technologies to advance sustainable heating and cooling solutions.

4 The Technology Advancements

Blue Heart Energy B.V., established in 2016 in Alkmaar, Netherlands, specializes in sustainable heating and cooling solutions for residential buildings. The company has developed a thermo-acoustic engine that generates heat and cold without the use of refrigerants, aiming to replace the core component of traditional heat pumps. This technology is designed to be easily integrated by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), enhancing the performance of heat pumps to be more affordable, silent, and flexible, suitable for both new and existing homes. By eliminating refrigerants, Blue Heart Energy's solution contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions, aligning with global efforts to decarbonize the heating and cooling sector.

In June 2021, Blue Heart Energy was selected to receive funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program, which supports innovative startups and SMEs in developing and scaling up breakthrough technologies. (eic.ec.europa.eu)

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, Blue Heart Energy has made significant advancements in its technology. The company completed the design of its first market product, the BlueHeart engine, and built the first prototype unit. This prototype was optimized in 2023, and the 0-series of BlueHeart engines became available in 2024, with a thermal capacity of 6kW. These developments mark a substantial improvement in the scalability and applicability of their thermo-acoustic technology for residential heating and cooling solutions.

Blue Heart Energy has demonstrated its technology in the market by collaborating with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and system integrators to integrate the BlueHeart engine into existing heating and cooling systems. This approach facilitates the adoption of their sustainable technology in residential buildings, contributing to the broader goal of decarbonizing the heating and cooling sector.

Regarding intellectual property, there is no publicly available information indicating that Blue Heart Energy has filed new patents or published scientific studies, clinical trials, or whitepapers since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding. The company's focus appears to be on product development and market integration of their thermo-acoustic technology.

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Blue Heart Energy B.V. has made significant strides in the development and commercialization of its innovative heat pump technology. While specific details about new partnerships and customers post-funding are not extensively documented, several key developments highlight the company's progress:

1. Collaboration with TNO: Blue Heart Energy has been collaborating with TNO, a leading Dutch research organization, to develop a new type of heat pump. This partnership focuses on creating a sustainable solution that replaces HFC refrigerants with environmentally friendly helium, enhancing performance and simplifying installation processes. The technology is designed to be easily integrated by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), facilitating widespread adoption. (tno.nl)

2. Participation in Horizon Europe Project: The company is involved in a Horizon Europe project titled "A new high-performance and environmentally clean engine for heat pumps, using thermo-acoustics technology." This initiative aims to develop a disruptive, patented technology based on thermoacoustics, significantly improving heat pump performance. The project is scheduled to run from January 2022 to December 2023, indicating ongoing development efforts. (gotriple.eu)

3. Membership in the Solar Impulse World Alliance: Blue Heart Energy has been recognized as a member of the Solar Impulse World Alliance, which acknowledges innovative solutions contributing to environmental sustainability. This membership underscores the company's commitment to advancing clean energy technologies and positions it within a network of like-minded innovators. (alliance.solarimpulse.com)

Impact on Market Position and Technological Advancement:

• Market Positioning: The collaboration with TNO and participation in the Horizon Europe project enhance Blue Heart Energy's credibility and visibility in the renewable energy sector. These partnerships enable the company to leverage established networks and resources, facilitating market entry and expansion.
• Technological Advancement and Scaling: The focus on thermoacoustic technology and the development of a sustainable heat pump engine position Blue Heart Energy at the forefront of innovation in heating and cooling solutions. The integration of this technology into existing heat pump systems allows for scalable deployment, catering to both new constructions and existing buildings. The emphasis on environmental sustainability and ease of installation addresses key market demands, potentially accelerating adoption rates.

While specific details about new customers and additional partnerships post-funding are limited, the company's ongoing collaborations and technological developments suggest a strategic approach to scaling operations and enhancing market presence.

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, BlueHeart Energy B.V. has demonstrated significant growth and development.

Current Team Size and Growth:

As of April 2025, BlueHeart Energy employs approximately 45 individuals. This reflects a substantial increase from the 28 employees reported in 2021, indicating a growth of about 60% over the past four years. (apollo.io)

Hiring Status and Recent Additions:

The company is actively expanding its team, with several key positions recently advertised:

• Senior R&D Engineer / R&D Manager: This role involves leading the Research & Development team, providing technical support for mechanical and thermal systems, and mentoring junior engineers. (jobs.blueheartenergy.com)
• Electric Motor Project Manager: Focused on planning and executing development projects for electric motors and related components, this position requires expertise in electric motors and project management skills. (jobs.blueheartenergy.com)
• Manager Mechanical Engineering: This role entails leading a team of engineers, driving the design of thermoacoustic engines for heat pumps, and managing test setups. (jobs.blueheartenergy.com)
• Compliance Manager: Responsible for ensuring that BlueHeart Energy's heat pumps comply with laws, regulations, and quality requirements, this position involves conducting audits and liaising with stakeholders. (jobs.blueheartenergy.com)

Implications of New Hires:

The recruitment for these positions underscores BlueHeart Energy's commitment to scaling its operations and enhancing its technological capabilities. By expanding its team with specialized expertise, the company aims to accelerate the development and market adoption of its innovative thermoacoustic heat pump technology. These strategic hires are expected to bolster the company's R&D efforts, improve product quality, and strengthen compliance with industry standards, thereby positioning BlueHeart Energy for sustained growth and success in the renewable energy sector.

Management and Founding Team:

BlueHeart Energy was founded in 2016 by Michiel Hartman and Haico Halbesma. Michiel Hartman serves as the General Manager and is actively involved in the company's strategic direction. Haico Halbesma holds the position of Chief Financial Officer, overseeing financial operations. The leadership team also includes Lucas Evers as Engineering Manager and Bennett Sprague as Research and Development Manager, reflecting a strong foundation in engineering and R&D. (clodura.ai)

These developments highlight BlueHeart Energy's proactive approach to growth, emphasizing the importance of strategic hiring and leadership in driving the company's mission to revolutionize the heating and cooling industry through sustainable technology.

7 The Media Features and Publications

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Blue Heart Energy B.V. has been featured in various media outlets, participated in industry events, and engaged in public speaking opportunities. Below is a summary of their media features, publications, podcasts, conferences, and event involvements:

Media Features and Publications:

• TNO Collaboration Announcement (June 2021): Blue Heart Energy collaborated with TNO, a leading research organization in the EU, to develop a new sustainable heat pump technology. This partnership was highlighted on TNO's official website, emphasizing the innovative approach to replacing HFC refrigerants with environmentally friendly helium. (tno.nl)
• EuroQuity Company Profile (June 2021): Blue Heart Energy's profile was featured on EuroQuity, detailing their mission to make sustainable heating and cooling accessible through their unique thermo-acoustic heat engine technology. (euroquity.com)
• World Alliance Membership (February 2023): The company was recognized as a member of the World Alliance for Efficient Solutions, highlighting their commitment to sustainable energy solutions. (alliance.solarimpulse.com)

Podcasts and Interviews:

Power Pulse Podcast (December 2024): Blue Heart Energy was featured in an episode discussing the foundation of power quality, focusing on sustainable energy solutions. (blubrry.com)

Conferences and Events:

THE BLUE BEACH 2024 (June 2024): Blue Heart Energy participated in this European summer event for renewable energy professionals in Hamburg, Germany. The event focused on the transformation of energy systems and featured discussions with experts from business, politics, and technology. (thebluebeach.de)

Event Involvement:

THE BLUE BEACH 2024 (June 2024): The company was involved in this event, contributing to discussions on renewable energy and the transformation of energy systems. (thebluebeach.de)

These engagements reflect Blue Heart Energy's active role in advancing sustainable heating and cooling technologies and their commitment to the global energy transition.