1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator is a flagship funding program under the European Innovation Council (EIC) designed to support high-risk, high-potential startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. Its primary goal is to bridge the funding gap that many innovative companies face when transitioning from early-stage development to scaling their business and bringing innovative products and services to market.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers two main types of funding:

• Startups can receive grants of up to €2.5 million.
• These funds are intended for research and innovation activities, particularly to cover the costs associated with product development, prototyping, and testing, as well as other project-related expenses.

• The program also provides equity investments, which can reach up to €15 million until 2024 and €10 million from 2025 onwards.
• This funding is designed to help companies scale up and achieve commercial viability, offering a significant boost for firms that require substantial capital for scaling operations, market entry, or international expansion.

Purpose in the European DeepTech and Startup Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator aims to foster innovation within the DeepTech sector, which includes advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. By supporting startups in this domain, the EIC seeks to:

• Promote Cutting-Edge Innovations: Encourage the development of groundbreaking technologies that can address societal challenges and improve quality of life.
• Stimulate Economic Growth: By nurturing high-potential startups, the program aims to create jobs and stimulate economic development across Europe.
• Enhance Competitiveness: Strengthen the European innovation ecosystem by helping local companies compete on a global scale.

Role in Helping Companies Scale and Obtain Funding

The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in:

• Facilitating Access to Capital: By providing substantial funding, the program reduces financial barriers, enabling startups to attract additional private investments. EIC funding often serves as a catalyst, making companies more appealing to private investors.
• Offering Mentorship and Networking Opportunities: Winners of the EIC Accelerator gain access to a wide network of mentors, industry experts, and potential partners, which can significantly aid in scaling operations.
• Promoting Market Entry Strategies: The program helps companies understand market dynamics and navigate the complexities of entering new markets, thereby increasing their chances of success.

Summary of DELMIC CRYO BV and the MIMAS Workflow Project

Company Name: DELMIC CRYO BV
Project Acronym: MIMAS Workflow
Project Description: Unlocking the potential of cryo-electron tomography by simplification of the sample preparation workflow
Funding Type: Equity only
Website: delmic.com
Country: Netherlands
Date of Submission: June 16, 2021

Project Overview

The MIMAS Workflow project by DELMIC CRYO BV focuses on enhancing the capabilities of cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), a powerful imaging technique used in structural biology. Cryo-ET allows researchers to visualize complex biological structures at near-atomic resolution, but its widespread adoption has been hampered by the complexity and time-intensive nature of sample preparation.

Objective: The primary goal of the MIMAS Workflow is to simplify and streamline the sample preparation process, making it more accessible to researchers and laboratories. By doing so, DELMIC aims to unlock the full potential of cryo-ET, enabling more researchers to utilize this powerful technique for various applications, including drug discovery and understanding cellular mechanisms.

Technology Basics and Background

Cryo-Electron Tomography:

MIMAS Workflow Innovations:

• Streamlining Processes: DELMIC’s MIMAS Workflow focuses on automating and simplifying the sample preparation steps, reducing the expertise required to conduct cryo-ET experiments.
• User-Friendly Solutions: The developed workflow aims to make cryo-ET more user-friendly, thereby expanding its accessibility to a broader range of researchers and institutions.

In summary, DELMIC CRYO BV, through its MIMAS Workflow project, seeks to revolutionize the field of cryo-electron tomography by addressing the technical barriers associated with sample preparation, thus paving the way for more extensive research and applications in structural biology.

2 The Funding Rounds

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Delmic Cryo BV has secured additional funding to further develop its electron microscopy solutions. On April 3, 2023, Delmic announced a €4 million investment from Value Creation Capital (VCC) and the European Investment Council (EIC) Fund. This funding aims to accelerate product development and expand international sales of their light and electron microscopy products. (blog.delmic.com)

The €4 million investment comprises both grants and equity contributions. VCC brings over 20 years of experience in the deep tech sector, while the EIC Fund offers a broad network to support Delmic's growth. This partnership enables Delmic to scale its service, sales, and application activities, thereby reaching a wider audience with its unique products. (blog.delmic.com)

Regarding company valuations, specific post-money valuations for Delmic following this funding round are not publicly disclosed. However, as of January 2025, Delmic's annual revenue is estimated to be around $10 million. (leadiq.com)

In summary, since the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2021, Delmic has raised an additional €4 million in April 2023 from VCC and the EIC Fund to support the development and commercialization of its electron microscopy solutions.

3 The Press Releases

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Delmic Cryo B.V. has published several press releases detailing their advancements and collaborations. Below is a summary of these releases:

1. Delmic Releases New ODEMIS Software Version 3.3

Delmic introduced version 3.3 of its open-source ODEMIS viewer software, enhancing features and improving user experience. (blog.delmic.com)

2. Delmic Raises €4 Million to Make Electron Microscopy Accessible

Delmic secured €4 million in funding to further develop and promote accessible electron microscopy solutions, aiming to simplify complex processes for researchers. (blog.delmic.com)

3. Delmic Showcases Cryo-ET Solutions at Rockefeller University

Delmic demonstrated its cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) solutions, METEOR and CERES Ice Shield, at a workshop attended by leading cryogenic electron microscopy labs. (blog.delmic.com)

4. FAST-EM System Receives 2022 Microscopy Today Innovation Award

Delmic's FAST-EM system was honored with the 2022 Microscopy Today Innovation Award, recognizing its contributions to advancing electron microscopy techniques. (blog.delmic.com)

5. Delmic Licenses Cryo Workflow Tools Developed with Max Planck Scientists

Delmic entered a licensing agreement with Max-Planck-Innovation GmbH to produce and distribute Cryo Workflow Tools developed in collaboration with Max Planck scientists. (blog.delmic.com)

6. Delmic Becomes Part of the eBEAM Consortium

Delmic joined the Electron Beams Enhancing Analytical Microscopy (eBEAM) consortium, collaborating with seven other European institutions to advance electron beam applications in microscopy. (blog.delmic.com)

7. Delmic Receives Funding from European Innovation Council

Delmic was selected by the European Commission’s European Innovation Council to receive funding for breakthrough innovations in electron microscopy. (blog.delmic.com)

8. Delmic Launches CERES Ice Defence System

Delmic introduced the CERES Ice Defence System, a series of tools designed to minimize ice contamination at every step of the cryo-electron microscopy workflow. (blog.delmic.com)

9. Delmic Opens Support Centre in Asia

Delmic established Delmic Asia, a support centre aimed at providing assistance to customers in Asian time zones. (blog.delmic.com)

10. Delmic Releases New Website

Delmic launched a new website featuring an updated brand identity and enhanced content to better serve its audience. (blog.delmic.com)

These press releases highlight Delmic's ongoing efforts in technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and global expansion in the field of electron microscopy.

4 The Technology Advancements

Delmic Cryo B.V., based in Delft, Netherlands, specializes in developing advanced electron microscopy solutions for life and materials sciences. Their product portfolio includes systems like METEOR, FAST-EM, CERES Ice Shield, CERES Sample Preparation, and SECOM, all designed to enhance research capabilities by providing high-resolution imaging and streamlined workflows. (delmic.com)

In June 2021, Delmic received funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, aimed at supporting breakthrough innovations. (blog.delmic.com) This funding has facilitated several advancements:

• Product Development: Delmic launched the CERES Ice Defence System in March 2021, a suite of tools developed in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology. This system addresses ice contamination in cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) workflows, enhancing sample integrity and data quality. (blog.delmic.com)
• Technological Enhancements: The company introduced a unique micro cooler within their integrated cryo-CLEM system, ensuring active cooling of cryo samples during imaging processes. This innovation maintains sample vitrification, crucial for accurate electron microscopy analyses. (blog.delmic.com)
• Market Demonstrations: Delmic's CERES Ice Defence System has been adopted by several research groups, indicating successful market integration and validation of their technology. (blog.delmic.com)
• Scientific Contributions: Delmic has been involved in various research projects and collaborations, contributing to advancements in electron microscopy techniques. For instance, they are part of the eBEAM consortium, focusing on enhancing analytical microscopy through electron beam technologies. (blog.delmic.com)

These developments underscore Delmic's commitment to advancing electron microscopy, improving research workflows, and expanding their technological offerings in the scientific community.

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Delmic Cryo B.V. has established several strategic partnerships to enhance its technological capabilities and market presence.

New Partnerships:

Nature and Purpose of Relationships:

• Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology: The partnership enabled Delmic Cryo B.V. to commercialize innovative cryo-electron tomography tools developed by the Max Planck Institute. The primary goal was to simplify the sample preparation process by reducing ice contamination, thereby enhancing the quality and efficiency of cryo-electron tomography studies.
• AXT Limited: This exclusive distribution agreement allowed Delmic Cryo B.V. to expand its market reach in Australia by leveraging AXT Limited's established presence and expertise in scientific equipment distribution. The collaboration focused on promoting Delmic's advanced microscopy solutions to a broader customer base in the region.

Market Positioning:

These partnerships have strategically positioned Delmic Cryo B.V. as a key player in the field of electron microscopy. By collaborating with renowned institutions like the Max Planck Institute and expanding its distribution network through AXT Limited, Delmic has enhanced its credibility and visibility in the global market. The ability to offer cutting-edge solutions, such as the CERES Ice Defence System and the SECOM system, has strengthened its competitive edge and appeal to a diverse range of researchers and institutions.

Technology Advancements and Scaling:

• Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology: The commercialization of the CERES Ice Defence System has enabled Delmic Cryo B.V. to offer advanced tools that address common challenges in cryo-electron tomography, such as ice contamination. This advancement has streamlined workflows and improved data quality for users, facilitating more accurate and efficient research outcomes.
• AXT Limited: The distribution agreement has facilitated the scaling of Delmic Cryo B.V.'s operations by tapping into the Australian market. AXT Limited's local expertise and established customer relationships have accelerated the adoption of Delmic's products, leading to increased sales and market penetration.

These strategic partnerships have collectively contributed to Delmic Cryo B.V.'s growth, technological innovation, and enhanced market presence since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding.

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Delmic CRYO BV, a spin-off from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, specializes in automating electron microscopy workflows to enhance accessibility for a broader scientific community. (eic.ec.europa.eu)

Team Growth and Hiring Since EIC Accelerator Funding (June 16, 2021):

Following the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2021, Delmic has experienced significant growth. In March 2023, the company secured an additional €4 million in funding from Value Creation Capital and the European Investment Council (EIC) Fund. This investment aimed to accelerate product development and expand international sales, indicating a strategic focus on scaling operations. (blog.delmic.com)

In October 2022, Delmic was actively seeking to strengthen its team by hiring specialists, including positions for Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The company emphasized the importance of these roles in supporting its growth and scaling efforts. (siliconcanals.com)

Current Team Size and Hiring Status:

Specific details regarding Delmic's current headcount or team size are not publicly disclosed. However, the company's ongoing recruitment efforts and recent funding rounds suggest a commitment to expanding its workforce to support growth initiatives.

Recent Key Hires and Management Changes:

While exact details about recent hires are not specified, the active search for a COO and CFO in 2022 indicates a strategic move to bolster leadership and operational capabilities. These positions are crucial for managing increased operations and financial strategies as the company scales. (siliconcanals.com)

Implications for Future Growth:

The recruitment of a COO and CFO is expected to enhance Delmic's operational efficiency and financial management, facilitating smoother scaling and expansion. These leadership roles are vital for navigating the complexities associated with increased production and international market penetration.

Management and Founding Team Changes:

There are no publicly available reports of major changes in Delmic's management or founding team since the EIC Accelerator funding in 2021. The company's leadership appears to remain consistent, focusing on strategic growth and operational scaling.

In summary, Delmic CRYO BV has demonstrated significant growth and strategic hiring since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in 2021. The company's efforts to expand its team, particularly in leadership roles, underscore its commitment to scaling operations and enhancing its position in the electron microscopy market.

7 The Media Features and Publications

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Delmic Cryo B.V. has been featured in various media outlets and has participated in several events. Below is a summary of their media coverage, publications, podcasts, conferences, and event involvements:

Media Features:

• February 23, 2021: Delmic Cryo B.V. and Max-Planck-Innovation GmbH announced a licensing agreement for the production and distribution of Cryo Workflow Tools, aiming to reduce ice contamination in cryo-electron tomography. The new product, "Delmic CERES Ice Defence System," was launched in March 2021. (miragenews.com)
• February 24, 2021: The licensing agreement between Delmic Cryo B.V. and Max Planck Innovation was highlighted, emphasizing the collaboration to simplify cryo-electron tomography through the CERES Ice Defence System. (mpg.de)

Publications:

• February 24, 2021: An article detailed the licensing agreement between Delmic Cryo B.V. and Max Planck Innovation, focusing on the development and commercialization of the CERES Ice Defence System. (mpg.de)
• March 10, 2021: A publication discussed the collaboration between Delmic Cryo B.V. and Max Planck scientists, highlighting the licensing of Cryo Workflow Tools aimed at reducing ice contamination in cryo-electron tomography. (bioengineer.org)

Podcasts or Interviews:

Specific podcasts or interviews featuring Delmic Cryo B.V. since June 16, 2021, were not identified in the available sources.

Conferences and Fair Visits:

• July 31 – August 4, 2022: Delmic participated in the Microscopy & MicroAnalysis (M&M) Meeting 2022 in Portland, Oregon, presenting their METEOR, CERES Ice Defence System, FAST-EM, and cathodoluminescence solutions. (delmicasia.com)
• September 11–16, 2022: Delmic announced their participation in the summer school on nano-optics with free electrons (eBEAM2022) held on the French island of Porquerolles. (blog.delmic.com)

Event Involvements:

• February 2022: Delmic showcased user-friendly and contamination-minimizing cryo-electron tomography solutions at Rockefeller University. (blog.delmic.com)
• February 2022: Delmic participated in the Biophysical Society Annual Meeting, marking their return to live events after almost two years. (blog.delmic.com)
• October 2022: Delmic participated in the EMBL symposium "Seeing is Believing: Imaging the Molecular Processes of Life," held from October 4th to 8th. (blog.delmic.com)

Please note that while these events and publications are documented, specific details about podcasts or interviews featuring Delmic Cryo B.V. since June 16, 2021, were not found in the available sources.