1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is a key funding initiative designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups focusing on innovative technologies and groundbreaking solutions. The program aims to bolster the European DeepTech ecosystem by providing financial assistance and strategic support that enables companies to scale their operations, develop their innovations, and attract additional investment from private sectors.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a unique funding structure that combines grants and equity investments. Under the current framework, companies can receive up to €2.5 million in grant funding to cover research and development costs, as well as market entry activities. In addition to this grant, the program allows for equity investments that can reach up to €15 million until 2024, and subsequently up to €10 million starting in 2025. This dual-funding model is designed to alleviate the financial burdens of startups, particularly in the early stages of technology development and commercialization.

Purpose and Impact

The EIC Accelerator serves a crucial role in the European startup ecosystem by providing targeted support to innovative companies that may struggle to secure funding through traditional avenues. By offering substantial financial resources, the program facilitates the scaling of technologies that have the potential to address pressing societal challenges. The EIC Accelerator not only helps bridge the funding gap but also connects companies with mentors, industry experts, and a network of investors, enhancing their chances of success in competitive markets.

Case Study: Cattle Eye Ltd and the DAIRYSCORE Project

Cattle Eye Ltd, a UK-based company, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator with its project titled DAIRYSCORE. This initiative focuses on scalable, autonomous, and continuous AI-based video monitoring systems designed to improve animal welfare, enhance performance, and reduce the carbon footprint of dairy farming.

Project Overview

DAIRYSCORE leverages advanced artificial intelligence and video analysis technologies to monitor livestock health and behavior in real-time. The system utilizes a network of cameras and sensors to collect data on various parameters such as animal movement, feeding habits, and overall well-being. This continuous monitoring allows farmers to make informed decisions, leading to improved animal welfare and operational efficiency.

Technology Background

The technology behind DAIRYSCORE is rooted in machine learning algorithms that analyze video footage to identify anomalies in animal behavior. By employing deep learning techniques, the system can detect health issues early, optimizing veterinary interventions and reducing the need for antibiotics. Furthermore, the continuous data collection enables farmers to track performance metrics, ensuring that dairy operations are both productive and sustainable.

The environmental impact of DAIRYSCORE is significant, as it contributes to reducing the carbon footprint associated with dairy farming. By improving animal health and performance, the system can lead to more efficient feed conversion and lower greenhouse gas emissions. This aligns with the broader goals of sustainable agriculture and animal welfare, making DAIRYSCORE a noteworthy innovation within the agricultural technology sector.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program plays an essential role in nurturing innovative companies like Cattle Eye Ltd, providing them with the necessary funding and support to scale their groundbreaking technologies. Through initiatives like DAIRYSCORE, the program not only enhances the efficiency and sustainability of the agricultural sector but also contributes to the overarching goal of fostering a vibrant and resilient European DeepTech ecosystem.

2 The Funding Rounds

# CattleEye: Funding History and Acquisition

CattleEye Ltd, a Belfast-based livestock monitoring technology company founded in 2019, has gone through several funding stages before ultimately being acquired in early 2024. The company developed AI-powered video analytics technology for monitoring livestock health and welfare without requiring hardware attachments to animals.

Funding Rounds

Pre-Seed Round (2020)

CattleEye raised $1 million in pre-seed funding from Belfast-based Techstart Ventures in its early stages. The company also received grant money from Invest Northern Ireland to support its initial development. This funding helped the company develop its proof-of-concept demonstrator and build its initial business model.

Seed Round (September 2021)

In September 2021, CattleEye announced the closing of a $2.5 million seed investment round. This round was led by:

• Techstart Ventures (lead investor)
• Seventure Partners (Paris-based venture capital firm)
• Turntide Technologies (Silicon Valley venture backed by Amazon)

The seed funding was intended to bring CattleEye's autonomous livestock welfare and performance monitoring product to market. At the time of this funding, the company was planning for commercial launch later in 2021.

Investor Information

CattleEye's cap table following the seed round included:

• Terence Canning: 48.18% (Co-founder and CEO)
• Techstart Ventures II Limited Partnership: 19.05%
• Adam Askew: 9.19% (Co-founder and CTO)
• Turntide: 5.37%
• ABS Global: percentage not specified

Other investors in the company included: - Seventure Partners

• DFA CoLab Accelerator
• Several unspecified investors

Acquisition

In March 2024, CattleEye was acquired by GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft, a major global supplier of systems and components to the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. This acquisition marked a significant exit event for the company and its investors.

The acquisition aimed to integrate CattleEye's AI-based software into GEA's DairyNet portfolio for modern herd management. At the time of acquisition, CattleEye's system was being used to monitor over 100,000 cows worldwide.

Company Information

CattleEye Ltd was incorporated on January 30, 2019, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The company developed an AI-powered livestock monitoring system that uses camera technology and deep learning to:

The company operated without requiring hardware attachments to animals, instead using standard security cameras and advanced AI algorithms to analyze video footage of livestock.

EIC Accelerator Connection

While the search results don't explicitly mention CattleEye receiving EIC Accelerator funding on March 23, 2022, the company's innovative technology in agricultural sustainability aligns with the types of projects the EIC Accelerator typically supports. The company continued to develop between its 2021 seed round and its 2024 acquisition, which would align with the timeline of potential EIC Accelerator support.

Sources: - https://cattleeye.com/news/cattleeye-announce-2-5m-seed-investment/

• https://app.dealroom.co/companies/cattleeye
• https://cattleeye.com/news/cattleeye-seed-round/
• https://www.siliconrepublic.com/start-ups/cattleeye-funding-belfast-startup-farm-tech-cows
• https://www.cbinsights.com/company/cattle-eye
• https://www.gea.com/en/news/corporate/2024/gea-adds-proven-ai-solution-to-portfolio/
• https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/NI658639
• https://agfundernews.com/cattleeye-comes-out-of-stealth-with-computer-vision-based-livestock-management-platform
• https://cattleeye.com/about/

3 The Press Releases

CattleEye's Post-EIC Accelerator Growth: AI Innovations and Strategic Partnerships Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022, CattleEye Ltd (UK) has achieved significant milestones in AI-driven livestock monitoring, focusing on lameness detection and body condition scoring. Below is a synthesis of their advancements based on publicly available press releases and updates:

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Key Developments

• GEA Acquisition: In March 2024, German engineering giant GEA acquired CattleEye to integrate its AI systems into GEA’s DairyNet portfolio. This partnership aims to enhance herd management through automated health monitoring for dairy farms globally.
• Technology Expansion:
• Lameness Detection: CattleEye’s AI system analyzes cow movement via 2D cameras to predict lameness, a major contributor to reduced fertility and milk yield. A January 2025 study demonstrated a four-fold reduction in lameness using their solution.
• Body Condition Scoring (BCS): Launched in July 2024, the BCS tool uses image analytics to assess nutritional status and fertility risks. By March 2025, it identified production shortfalls linked to poor feeding practices.
• Operational Milestones: The system monitored over 150,000 cows by November 2024, with plans for global scalability across an estimated addressable market of ~100 million dairy cows.

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Collaborations & Recognition

• University of Liverpool Partnership: A November 2024 Knowledge Transfer Project (KTP) focuses on foot health protocols using CattleEye’s platform alongside academic expertise in dairy science. Prof. George Oikonomou emphasized its potential for "real impact" on farm management.
• Industry Awards: CattleEye won the Dairy Dragons Innovation Award (November 2022) and earlier accolades like the Royal Dairy Innovation Award (March 2023), underscoring its disruptive role in AgriTech.

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Leadership & Vision

Co-founded by Terry Canning (CEO) and Adam Askew (CTO), the team combines agricultural expertise with deep learning experience from cancer diagnostics. Their post-acquisition focus remains on improving animal welfare while maintaining profitability through data-driven insights.

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Sources

• GEA adds proven AI solution to portfolio with CattleEye acquisition [March 13, 2024] cattleeye.com | dairynews.today | businesscloud.co.uk
• Study: CattleEye’s Revolutionary AI Solution Reduces Lameness Four-Fold [January 30, 2025]
• CattleEye Announce Body Condition Scoring [July 17, 2024]

• 4 The Technology Advancements

  CattleEye Ltd.: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Advancements (2022–2024" class="inline-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CattleEye’s AI BCS tool highlights fertility shortfalls

  Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022, CattleEye has expanded its AI-driven livestock monitoring capabilities, commercial reach, and technological innovations. Below is a synthesis of their advancements based on publicly available data:

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  Core Capabilities

  CattleEye provides autonomous health monitoring for dairy cows using 2D cameras and AI algorithms to detect lameness and body condition scores (BCS). The system requires no physical wearables, relying instead on video analysis of cow gait and physique. Key features include:
  • Lameness detection: Identifies mobility issues up to 23 days before clinical symptoms.
  • Body Condition Scoring: Launched in July 2024, this module uses the same camera setup to assess nutritional health.
  • Cost efficiency: Cameras cost ~£100–£150 per installation, with claimed savings of £175/cow annually through early intervention.

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  Technological Advancements

  1. Enhanced AI Models: Peer-reviewed studies validated CattleEye’s lameness detection as comparable to veterinary experts (Frontiers in Veterinary Science, June 2023). A follow-up study presented at a Lyon conference (August–September 2023) demonstrated superior lesion detection timelines compared to manual methods.
  2. BCS Module Launch: The July 2024 BCS release enables farmers to monitor nutritional status without additional hardware, using proprietary neural networks trained on thousands of cow images.

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  Market Demonstration & Adoption

  • Global Reach: By November 2024, CattleEye monitored over 150,000 cattle across the UK, US, Europe, and GCC regions, up from ~100k cows reported earlier in the year.
  • GEA Acquisition: In March 2024, industrial giant GEA acquired CattleEye to integrate its AI into DairyNet herd management systems globally. This provided access to GEA’s customer base spanning over 30 countries.

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  Scientific Output & IP Activity

  While no new patents are explicitly mentioned post-2022:
  • Two peer-reviewed studies were published/presented in mid-to-late 2023 focusing on lameness detection accuracy and BCS validation.
  • A Journal of Dairy Science study cited by CattleEye highlighted financial benefits from BCS adoption but lacks direct linkage or publication date clarity in sources reviewed here —this may represent third-party validation rather than company-led research.

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  Sources Used:

• CattleEye Official Website | Evidence & Studies | Announcements | Sustainability Post | BCS Announcement | 150k Milestone
(Additional third-party sources referenced as noted above.)

5 The Partnerships and Customers

CattleEye Ltd, a Northern Ireland-based agribusiness, received EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022. Since then, the company has made significant strides in partnerships and innovation, particularly with its acquisition by GEA, a global dairy equipment giant.

Partnerships and Acquisitions

• GEA Partnership and Acquisition: CattleEye partnered with GEA to offer a digital solution for detecting and treating lameness in cows using AI-powered technology. This system, which combines a 2D camera with specialized software, is available to GEA customers worldwide. In March 2024, GEA acquired CattleEye, integrating its AI technology into GEA's DairyNet portfolio to enhance herd management and improve animal welfare.
• Invest NI Grant: CattleEye received a grant from Invest NI for R&D support, focusing on mobility scoring and automated breeding verification. This project utilizes machine vision and AI to develop autonomous monitoring technology for livestock.
• University of Liverpool Collaboration: CattleEye is collaborating with the University of Liverpool on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project. This partnership aims to develop impactful on-farm protocols using machine vision for autonomous livestock monitoring, focusing on reducing lameness in dairy herds.
• Other Partnerships: CattleEye has also partnered with entities like ABS, Adisseo, AWS, CDCB, DairyOne, Hoofstrong, Nvidia, and Queens University Belfast.

New Partnerships and Customers

As of the latest information, CattleEye's acquisition by GEA has likely expanded its customer base globally. However, specific names of new customers are not detailed in the available information. The partnership with the University of Liverpool is a significant development, enhancing CattleEye's technological capabilities.

Nature of New Relationships and Market Positioning

The acquisition by GEA positions CattleEye as a key player in the global dairy industry, leveraging GEA's extensive network to reach a broader customer base. This relationship enhances CattleEye's ability to improve animal welfare and farm productivity through advanced AI technology.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

CattleEye's integration into GEA's portfolio allows for significant scaling opportunities, enhancing its AI-driven solutions for dairy farms worldwide. The collaboration with the University of Liverpool further supports technological advancements, particularly in developing on-farm protocols for reducing lameness.

Conclusion

CattleEye Ltd's partnerships and acquisition by GEA have significantly boosted its global presence and technological capabilities. These developments are expected to drive further growth and innovation in the dairy industry, focusing on animal health and welfare.

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Sources: - CattleEye Announces Partnership with Global Dairy Equipment Giant GEA https://cattleeye.com/news/cattleeye-announces-partnership-with-global-dairy-equipment-giant-gea/

• Partners - CattleEye https://cattleeye.com/partners/
• Knowledge Transfer Partnerships secured in Engineering, Cattle Health, and Circular Fashion https://news.liverpool.ac.uk/2024/11/07/knowledge-transfer-partnerships-secured-in-engineering-cattle-health-and-circular-fashion/
• GEA adds proven AI solution to portfolio with CattleEye acquisition https://www.gea.com/en/news/corporate/2024/gea-adds-proven-ai-solution-to-portfolio/
• CattleEye snapped up by German engineering giant https://businesscloud.co.uk/news/cattleeye-snapped-up-by-german-giant/

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

CattleEye Ltd: Team Growth and Development

Introduction

CattleEye Ltd, a UK-based company, won the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022. The company specializes in AI-powered livestock monitoring systems, aiming to enhance animal welfare and farm productivity. Founded in January 2019 by Terry Canning and Adam Askew, CattleEye has experienced significant growth since its inception.

Current Team Size and Growth

While specific details about CattleEye's current headcount are not available, the company has a dynamic team with deep sectoral knowledge in Agritech and deep learning image analytics. Since its founding, CattleEye has expanded its team to include experienced professionals such as Gillian Fullerton-Smith, Commercial Director, and Bethany Griffiths, Animal Welfare Advisor.

Hiring Status

Currently, CattleEye does not have any job openings listed on its website. However, the company is open to hearing from potential candidates, particularly those with backgrounds in farming, retail, processing, and dairy farm input provision.

Key Positions and Growth

Gillian Fullerton-Smith's appointment as Commercial Director has been pivotal in accelerating the commercial adoption of CattleEye's AI-powered monitoring systems. Her extensive experience in agri-tech and dairy automation supports the company's mission to improve animal welfare and farm profitability. Bethany Griffiths, with her expertise in veterinary science, contributes to CattleEye's focus on lameness detection and animal health.

Future Growth and Scaling

The addition of new team members with specialized skills helps CattleEye scale by enhancing its product offerings and expanding its market reach. This strategic growth supports the company's goal of transforming livestock management through AI technology.

Major Changes in Management

In March 2024, CattleEye was acquired by GEA, a leading supplier of systems and components to the food and beverage industries. This acquisition adds CattleEye's pioneering AI technology to GEA's DairyNet portfolio, further enhancing its capabilities in herd management. This move indicates a significant strategic change but does not suggest any changes in the founding team's roles within the company.

Sources

• CattleEye Team
• CattleEye
• CattleEye About
• CattleEye Careers
• GEA Adds Proven AI Solution to Portfolio

7 The Media Features and Publications

Media Features and Publications

CattleEye Ltd., a UK-based company and EIC Accelerator winner, has been featured in several media outlets and publications for its innovative AI solutions in the dairy industry.
• BBC News: Featured in a business news article highlighting how AI is used to improve animal welfare on dairy farms.
• Globalive Media: An interview with CattleEye's CEO, Terry Canning, discussing the company's low-cost, hands-free technology for monitoring cattle.
• DairyNews: Covered the acquisition of CattleEye by GEA, emphasizing the integration of AI for early lameness detection in dairy cows.

Podcasts and Interviews

While there are no specific podcasts or interviews mentioned directly involving the CattleEye team, the company has been part of significant industry discussions. The company's innovation and technology have been showcased through various events and press releases.

Conference and Fair Visits

CattleEye has participated in several prominent events in the dairy industry:
• World Dairy Expo 2024: Showcased its revolutionary AI-driven solutions, focusing on improving herd health and productivity.
• The Dairy Show 2024: Presented at the Royal Bath & West Showground, highlighting the benefits of its Body Condition Scoring system.
• DairyTech Event: Demonstrated its camera locomotion scoring system in partnership with GEA Farm Technologies.
• Royal Cornwall Show: GEA showcased CattleEye's machine vision solution.

Event Involvement

CattleEye's participation in these events underscores its commitment to innovation and its role in shaping the future of dairy farming. By attending these gatherings, the company has positioned itself as a leader in AI-driven solutions for dairy operations.

Sources

• News - CattleEye
• News & Press Archives - CattleEye
• CattleEye CEO Interviewed by Globalive Media
• CattleEye Featured in BBC News Article
• GEA adds AI solution to portfolio with Cattle Eye acquisition
• CattleEye Showcases Revolutionary AI-Driven Solutions at World Dairy Expo and The Dairy Show