1 The EIC Accelerator Project
The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in developing high-impact innovations with the potential for significant market growth. This initiative particularly focuses on deep tech innovations that address pressing challenges across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, and the environment. The program aims to provide substantial financial backing, facilitating the scaling of innovative companies and enhancing their competitiveness in the global market.Funding Structure of the EIC Accelerator
The EIC Accelerator offers two forms of funding: grants and equity investments.
Purpose and Impact of the EIC Accelerator
The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in the European deep tech and startup ecosystem by addressing the funding gap that many innovative companies face during their growth phases. By providing both grants and equity, the program not only mitigates financial risks for startups but also incentivizes private investors to participate in funding rounds. This dual-layered approach helps to ensure that groundbreaking innovations can reach the market more swiftly and effectively.
Moreover, the EIC Accelerator fosters collaboration between startups, established enterprises, and research institutions, thereby enhancing knowledge transfer and innovation diffusion within the ecosystem. It serves as a catalyst for transformative technologies that have the potential to address societal challenges, thereby reinforcing Europe’s position as a leader in innovation.
EIC Accelerator Winner: Dermagnostix GmbH
Dermagnostix GmbH, a German company, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator program with its project acronymed DERMAGNOSTIX. The company focuses on pioneering diagnostics in dermatology and cancer, addressing significant healthcare challenges through innovative technology.
Project Overview: DERMAGNOSTIX
The DERMAGNOSTIX project aims to revolutionize the field of dermatological diagnostics by developing advanced diagnostic tools that enhance the accuracy and speed of skin cancer detection. This initiative is particularly timely given the rising incidence of skin cancers globally, necessitating effective screening and diagnostic solutions.
Technology Background
The technology underpinning the DERMAGNOSTIX project involves the use of advanced imaging techniques and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze skin lesions. Traditional diagnostic methods often rely on visual inspection and biopsy, which can be time-consuming and may lead to misdiagnosis. In contrast, the DERMAGNOSTIX solution leverages cutting-edge algorithms to assess skin lesions with high precision.
The system is designed to integrate seamlessly with clinical workflows, providing dermatologists with real-time, actionable insights based on comprehensive data analysis. By utilizing machine learning, the technology can continuously improve its diagnostic accuracy as it processes more data, thereby enhancing its predictive capabilities.
Additionally, the project is committed to ensuring that the developed technology adheres to the highest standards of safety and efficacy, positioning itself as a trusted tool in clinical settings.
Conclusion
The EIC Accelerator program exemplifies a strategic initiative to prop up the European innovation landscape, particularly for deep tech companies like Dermagnostix GmbH. By offering substantial financial support and fostering private sector engagement, the program enhances the potential for groundbreaking innovations to thrive and ultimately transform industries. The DERMAGNOSTIX project stands as a testament to the promise of technology in improving healthcare outcomes, particularly in the realm of dermatology and cancer diagnostics.
2 The Funding Rounds
Dermagnostix GmbH: Financing and Funding History Since EIC Accelerator Award
Overview
Dermagnostix GmbH, based in Germany, develops innovative molecular diagnostic solutions for dermatology. Since submitting its successful Step 2 proposal to the EIC Accelerator on March 23, 2022, the company has raised significant funding through multiple rounds and attracted notable investors.
Financing Raised & Funding Rounds
- Seed Round (2021)
- Dermagnostix completed its initial seed round in late 2021.
- The amount raised was a "seven-digit" figure (i.e., between €1 million and €9.9 million), with sources confirming it as a substantial investment to advance their PsorEx-LabDisk system.
- This round included investors from both the medical sector and financial industries.
- Seed Plus Round (July/August 2022)
- In July/August of 2022, shortly after winning the EIC Accelerator award, Dermagnostix closed a Seed Plus funding round.
- Amount Raised: €4.6 million
- This capital was intended to support market launch activities for their first products and further development of diagnostic tests.
- The focus was on rolling out the PsorX-LabDisk test and expanding into additional skin disease diagnostics.
Timing & Amounts of Funding Rounds
Date | Round | Amount Raised |
---|---|---|
Late 2021 | Seed | Seven-digit sum (€1–9M)+ |
July/August '22 | Seed Plus | €4.6 million |
Aug/Dec '22 | Grant | €2.5 million (EIC grant) |
- Exact amount not disclosed; described as “seven-digit”. Non-dilutive EU grant via EIC Accelerator.
Investor Information
- Seed Round Investors: Included private individuals from healthcare/medical backgrounds such as Dr. Helmut Laaff (dermatopathologist), along with select financial industry backers.
- Seed Plus Investors: A mix of previous seed investors, new private investors, family offices, Ascenion GmbH, and public funds via the European Innovation Council Fund [EIC Fund] participated in this round.
- Public Support: The company also received almost €3M in competitive public funding pre-founding phase for prototype development before these rounds.
Company Valuation
No specific valuation figures have been publicly disclosed for either funding round or post-money valuations following recent investments by private or public entities.
Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions
As of April 24th, 2025:
- There is no record or announcement indicating that Dermagnostix has gone public via an IPO.
- No acquisitions or buyouts involving Dermagnostix have been reported since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding.
Summary Table: Key Financial Events
Date | Event | Amount | Notable Investors |
---|---|---|---|
Late Jan/Dec '21 | Seed Round | Seven digits (€1–9M) | Private medical & finance sector participants; Dr. Helmut Laaff |
Jul/Aug '22 | Seed Plus Round | €4.6M | Previous + new private/family office investors; Ascenion; EIC Fund |
Aug/Dec '22 | EU Grant | €2.5M | European Innovation Council (non-dilutive grant) |
Additional Notes
Dermagnostix continues to develop its product pipeline leveraging both venture capital investment and significant non-dilutive grants from European innovation programs but remains privately held without any exit event recorded since winning the EIC Accelerator award.Sources: - Dermagnostix completes seven-figure seed funding round
- Dermagnostix closes Seed Plus funding (€4.6 M)
- Bio-M news on seven-digit seed round
- Life Sciences Europe index term—seed financing
- Ascenion portfolio news—€4.6m raise
3 The Press Releases
Dermagnostix GmbH: Advancements in Dermatological Diagnostics Post-EIC Accelerator FundingSince securing a €2.5 million EIC Accelerator grant in December 2022, Dermagnostix has advanced its mission to revolutionize dermatological diagnostics through molecular testing. The company, headquartered in Friedberg and Freiburg, Germany, focuses on bridging the gap between modern therapeutics and outdated diagnostic methods for skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema.
Key Developments:
- Product Launches: The PsorX®-LabDisk, a CE-IVD-certified molecular test for differentiating psoriasis from eczema, officially launched in June 2024 after successful pilot phases with institutions like the Institut für Dermatohistologie Pathologie Molekularpathologie. This system combines automated microfluidics (LabDisk-Analyzer) with connectivity solutions to reduce diagnosis time to under two hours while improving accuracy.
- Funding & Growth: A €4.6 million seed-plus round closed post-EIC funding supported market entry for PsorX® and development of future tests targeting skin cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases.
- Technology Partnerships: Collaborates with Hahn-Schickard for LabDisk microfluidics manufacturing and leverages IP from Helmholtz Munich and Technical University of Munich.
- Upcoming Innovations: PsorX 2.0, slated for release, will enable point-of-care differential diagnosis of psoriasis, eczema, and tinea using minimally invasive sampling.
The team, led by co-founder Dr. Katharina Dormanns (formerly of Hahn-Schickard), has grown to 20 members and emphasizes automated workflows to standardize error-prone manual processes. Their work has been recognized through awards like the BayStartUP network inclusion and partnerships with dermatopathology laboratories across Europe.
Sources
Dermagnostix GmbH announces product launch of PsorX®-LabDisk Dermagnostix: new capital for better diagnosis EIC Accelerator funds Dermagnostix Hahn-Schickard partnership (Note: Correct URL may be this) Dermatologists’ diagnostic advancements Dormanns’ leadership & LabDisk technology (Note: Correct URL may be this or similar) (Unclear – see source details)Clarification on sources: For direct references to press releases or updates specifically from dermangnostiz.com (e.g., partnership announcements), only limited material was available; additional collaborations are inferred from third-party reports about their technology partners (e.g., Hahn-Schickard). Social media accounts were not identified in the provided data.*
4 The Technology Advancements
Current Capabilities of Dermagnostix GmbH
Dermagnostix GmbH, a German medical technology company, specializes in developing innovative molecular diagnostic solutions for dermatology. The company is particularly known for its PsorX-LabDisk test, which is designed to differentiate between psoriasis and eczema, two inflammatory skin diseases often misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms. This test is part of a fully automated, portable laboratory system that includes the LabDisk-Analyzer, allowing for rapid and accurate differential diagnoses.
Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding
After receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022, Dermagnostix GmbH has made significant advancements in its technology and market presence:
- Product Launch and Commercialization: The company has officially launched the PsorX-LabDisk (CE-IVD) after a successful pilot phase, marking a milestone in bringing its technology to the market.
- Market Expansion: Dermagnostix has been actively expanding its business in the U.S., participating in conferences and trade shows to increase visibility and interest in its products.
- Technology Development: The funding has been used to further develop and commercialize the Analyzer device and PsorX-LabDisk, enhancing the company's diagnostic capabilities.
Technology Improvements and Demonstrations
Dermagnostix has demonstrated its technology through successful pilot projects and customer implementations. The PsorX-LabDisk has been praised for its ease of use and ability to improve diagnostic precision in differentiating between psoriasis and eczema. The company's automated method delivers objective and accurate results within less than two hours, compared to traditional manual methods prone to errors.
Patents, Studies, and Clinical Trials
While there is no recent information on new patents filed or specific clinical trials conducted since the funding, Dermagnostix continues to advance its research in molecular diagnostics for dermatology. The company's focus is on integrating AI-based biomarkers into its diagnostic solutions to support personalized medicine.
Conclusion
Dermagnostix GmbH has made significant strides in advancing its molecular diagnostic capabilities for dermatology since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding. The company's focus on precision diagnostics and innovative technology has positioned it as a leader in the field of dermatological molecular diagnostics.
Sources
- Dermagnostix | Leading Molecular Diagnostics for Dermatology
- Executive Summary Dermagnostix
- Research Publications - Dermagnostix
- Dermagnostix develops molecular diagnostic tests for skin diseases
- European Innovation Council funds Dermagnostix with 2.5 million euros
- European Innovation Council funds Dermagnostix with 2.5 million euros
- PsorX-LabDisk test Dermagnostix GmbH
- Dermagnostix receives EIC funding of 2.5 million euros
- News & Press - Dermagnostix
- Investors - Dermagnostix
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Overview of Dermagnostix GmbH
Dermagnostix GmbH, a German medtech company founded in 2021, has made significant strides in molecular diagnostics for dermatology. The company received 2.5 million euros in funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in 2022, marking a pivotal moment in its growth journey.
Partnerships and Customers
- Institute for Dermatohistology Pathology Molecular Pathology in Freiburg: One of the first pilot customers for Dermagnostix's PsorX-LabDisk, indicating early adoption of their technology in key dermatological research institutions.
- Hahn-Schickard: The company from which Dermagnostix originated, now manufacturing analysis cartridges for Dermagnostix.
- University Hospital Augsburg - Dermatohistopathology Laboratory: A customer that has integrated Dermagnostix's system into its lab routine, enhancing diagnostic precision for psoriasis and eczema.
New Partners and Customers
Recent developments indicate an expansion into the U.S. market, with participation in conferences like the ISDP meeting in San Diego, showcasing high interest and positive feedback for PsorX. However, specific new partners or customers in the U.S. have not been detailed.
Nature of New Relationships
The new relationships, particularly through funding initiatives like Eureka Innowwide and the German Accelerator Program, focus on expanding business development in the USA. These partnerships provide resources for feasibility studies and market entry strategies, positioning Dermagnostix for broader market penetration.
Positioning in the Market
Dermagnostix is positioning itself as a leader in molecular diagnostics for dermatology, especially in the differential diagnosis of psoriasis and eczema. The company's innovative LabDisk technology and PsorX-LabDisk product are key to this positioning, offering rapid and accurate diagnoses that can be performed by minimally trained users at the point-of-need.
Technology Advancements and Scaling
The EIC funding and other partnerships are crucial for technology advancements, particularly in developing and commercializing the Analyzer device and PsorX-LabDisk. These investments enable Dermagnostix to refine its products and expand its market reach, both in Europe and internationally. The company is currently on a Series A funding round, aiming to raise €10 million, further supporting its scaling efforts.
Conclusion
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022, Dermagnostix GmbH has progressed significantly, launching its PsorX-LabDisk product and expanding into the U.S. market. The company's relationships with key institutions and participation in accelerator programs are pivotal to its technology advancements and market scaling.
Sources: - News & Press - Dermagnostix
- European Innovation Council funds Dermagnostix with 2.5 million euros
- Dermagnostix GmbH announces product launch of PsorX®-LabDisk
- EIC & German Entrepreneurship Healthcare Investor Day: Meet the future
- Dermagnostix expands US business development by Eureka Innowwide funding and acceptance into German Accelerator
- Startup revolutionizes diagnostics in dermatology
- Investors - Dermagnostix
- European Innovation Council funds Dermagnostix with 2.5 million euros
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Dermagnostix GmbH Overview
Dermagnostix GmbH, a German-based company, has been at the forefront of molecular diagnostics in dermatology since its founding in 2021. The company is known for its innovative, automated diagnostic solutions, particularly in differentiating between psoriasis and eczema using its PsorX-LabDisk system.
Current Team Size and Headcount
As of the latest available information, Dermagnostix has a team size of 1 to 10 employees. This small but dynamic team reflects the company's focus on specialized, high-tech solutions in molecular diagnostics.
Hiring and Team Growth
Dermagnostix is actively expanding its team. Recent job postings include positions for an R&D IVD Senior Project Manager and a Senior Scientist for Molecular Diagnostics IVD, indicating ongoing growth and development efforts. Additionally, they are seeking a Business Development Manager to further enhance their market presence.
Recent Hires and Key Positions
While specific details about recent hires are not publicly available, the company's recruitment strategy indicates a focus on talent acquisition for key roles that support its mission to advance molecular diagnostics in dermatology.
Growth and Scaling
Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022, Dermagnostix has made significant strides in product development and market expansion. The company has successfully launched its PsorX-LabDisk, a CE-IVD certified molecular test for differentiating psoriasis and eczema. This achievement marks a crucial step in scaling its operations and expanding its reach into new markets, particularly in the US.
Future Prospects and Scaling
New team members are pivotal in helping Dermagnostix scale its operations. By hiring talent in strategic positions, the company aims to enhance its product offerings, improve market penetration, and support the adoption of its diagnostic solutions globally. These hires will be instrumental in driving business development, especially as Dermagnostix increases its focus on the US market.
Management Changes
There are no reported significant changes in the founding team or management. The current management includes Prof. Natalie Garzorz-Stark, MD, PhD, MHBA, Ludwig Gutzweiler, and Martin Meyer.
Conclusion
Dermagnostix is poised for continued growth and innovation in the field of molecular diagnostics. With its strong product offerings and strategic hiring, the company is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact in dermatology diagnostics worldwide.
Sources: - Dermagnostix | Leading Molecular Diagnostics for Dermatology
- Dermagnostix - Startbase
- Executive Summary Dermagnostix
- About us - Dermagnostix
- Careers - Dermagnostix
- News & Press - Dermagnostix
7 The Media Features and Publications
Dermagnostix GmbH: A Revolutionary in Dermatology Diagnostics
Dermagnostix GmbH, a leading startup in molecular diagnostics for dermatology, has made significant strides since its establishment. Notably, the company received EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022, marking a pivotal moment in its growth.
Media Features and Publications
Dermagnostix has garnered attention in various media and publications for its innovative approach to dermatology diagnostics. The company has been featured for its groundbreaking LabDisk technology, which enables the simultaneous measurement of multiple markers within a short time frame, even in solid tissues like skin. Natalie Garzorz-Stark, CEO and co-founder, was awarded the Innovation Award Dermatology by BVDD for her pioneering work.
Podcasts and Interviews
While specific podcasts featuring interviews with the Dermagnostix team are not widely documented, the company has been actively engaging with the scientific community through conferences and events. This includes participation in prominent dermatology conferences where they share insights into their technological advancements.
Conference and Fair Visits
Dermagnostix has been actively participating in various conferences, showcasing its innovative solutions. Key events include the Annual Meeting of the German Society of Pathology (DGP), where they received positive feedback for their fully automated diagnostics solutions. They also attended the IFPA conference in Stockholm, focusing on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, where dermatologists expressed interest in integrating their tests into clinical practice.
Involvement in Events
The company's involvement in events highlights their commitment to innovation in dermatology diagnostics. In June 2024, they officially launched the PsorX®-LabDisk at the ADH annual meeting in Göttingen, celebrating the successful pilot phase. Dermagnostix continues to expand its presence in the US market, participating in conferences like the ISDP meeting in San Diego.
The EIC Accelerator Impact
Receiving EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022 marked a significant milestone for Dermagnostix. This support has likely contributed to the company's ability to further develop and market its innovative diagnostics solutions, such as the PsorX®-LabDisk, which was officially launched in June 2024. The funding also underscores the European Union's recognition of Dermagnostix's potential to revolutionize molecular diagnostics in dermatology.
Sources
- News & Press - Dermagnostix
- Press - Dermagnostix
- Dermagnostix on tour in June 2024
- Next Generation Pathology - Dermagnostix at the DGP Annual Meeting in Munich
- Dermagnostix Closes Seven-figure Seed Round
- Startup revolutionizes diagnostics in dermatology
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