1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Europe. Its primary objective is to foster the development of breakthrough technologies and innovative solutions, particularly in the deep tech sector. The EIC Accelerator provides funding through a blended finance model, combining grants and equity investments aimed at helping companies scale and attract additional private sector financing.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers funding in two distinct forms: grants and equity investments.

Purpose and Impact

The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in the European deep tech and startup ecosystem. By providing substantial funding and resources, it addresses the common challenges faced by innovative companies, such as high development costs, market entry barriers, and the difficulty in securing private investment. The program not only helps companies bring their innovations to market but also enhances their attractiveness to private investors, thereby facilitating further funding rounds and growth opportunities.

Through its support, the EIC Accelerator promotes technological advancements and competitiveness within the European market, ensuring that innovative solutions can address societal challenges and contribute to sustainable development goals.

ECOP Technologies GmbH and the RHPK7 Project

Company Overview: ECOP Technologies GmbH, based in Austria, is an innovative enterprise focused on sustainable energy solutions. The company specializes in technologies aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and promoting the circular economy.

Project Overview: The project, titled RΕΗΕΑΤ (REcycled industrial HEAT), was submitted under the EIC Accelerator program, with the proposal step completed on March 13, 2024. This initiative is centered around the development of a novel technology for recycling industrial heat, which is often wasted in manufacturing processes.

Technology Basics and Background

The RΕΗΕΑΤ project addresses a significant issue in industrial operations: the inefficiency of heat usage. In many sectors, a substantial amount of energy consumed is lost as waste heat during production. The technology developed by ECOP Technologies focuses on capturing and repurposing this waste heat, converting it into usable energy for industrial processes.

The process involves innovative heat recovery systems that can be integrated into existing manufacturing setups. By utilizing advanced materials and engineering techniques, the RΕΗΕΑΤ project aims to increase the efficiency of energy use in industries such as manufacturing, food processing, and chemical production. The technology not only reduces energy costs for businesses but also contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with broader environmental sustainability goals.

The potential impact of the RΕΗΕΑΤ project is substantial, as it not only enhances energy efficiency but also supports the European Union's commitment to reducing carbon footprints and promoting the circular economy. By effectively recycling industrial heat, the project positions itself as a key player in the transition towards a more sustainable industrial landscape.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program represents a pivotal initiative in fostering innovation and sustainability within Europe. Through its dual funding model, it empowers companies like ECOP Technologies GmbH to develop groundbreaking solutions that not only enhance competitiveness but also contribute to addressing critical environmental challenges. The RΕΗΕΑΤ project exemplifies the type of transformative technology that the EIC Accelerator seeks to promote, highlighting its importance in the European deep tech ecosystem.

2 The Funding Rounds

ECOP TECHNOLOGIES GMBH: Funding and Investment Overview Since EIC Accelerator Award

Financing Raised

Since applying for and winning the EIC Accelerator funding following the March 13, 2024 cut-off, ECOP Technologies GmbH, based in Austria, has secured significant financial backing. The most notable recent round is the €8.5 million awarded through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program. This package consists of a €2.5 million grant and up to €6 million in equity investment.

Funding Rounds: Types, Timing & Amounts

• July 2024 – EIC Accelerator Blended Finance
• Type: Blended (Grant + Equity)
• Amount: Total €8.5 million (€2.5M grant + up to €6M equity)
• Purpose: Scale production of its Rotation Heat Pump technology; finalize new rotor design; accelerate commercialization.
• Previous rounds are less well-documented in terms of exact timing and amounts since July 2024 but available data from financial trackers suggests multiple earlier rounds:
• By November 21, 2024: A minor Incubator/Accelerator round ($0.01M).
• Prior seed/angel rounds dating back to at least August 2019.
• Across all seven tracked rounds (as per CB Insights), ECOP had raised $7.45M total by late November 2024—this figure may partially overlap with the reported EIC funding due to currency conversion or rounding differences.

Investor Information

• The primary investor in this latest major round is the European Innovation Council Fund—the investment arm of the EU’s innovation body—responsible for managing both grant disbursements and equity participation under its blended finance model.
• Additional support comes from existing investors such as EIT InnoEnergy—a key early-stage investor focusing on cleantech innovation across Europe—which has publicly endorsed ECOP’s progress after this win.
• A minor accelerator investment was made by “Good Food Makers” during an incubator round on November 21, 2024.

Company Valuations

The latest public valuation data dates from August 2019 when ECOP was valued at approximately $13.83 million following an angel round. No updated valuation figures have been disclosed post-EIC award; however, given significant non-dilutive capital infusion and growth prospects tied to EU endorsement, an increase can be reasonably inferred.

Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions

As of May 2025:

• There are no reports or filings indicating that ECOP Technologies GmbH has undergone any exit event such as an initial public offering (IPO), acquisition or buyout.
• The company remains independent with strong institutional backing through EU funding mechanisms.

Summary Table

Date	Round Type	Amount	Main Investors	Notable Outcomes
Jul/Aug '24	Grant + Equity	€8.5M	EIC Fund	Major scale-up phase
Nov '24	Incubator	$0.01M	Good Food Makers	Minor accelerator support
Aug '19	Angel	Undisclosed	Undisclosed	Valuation at $13.83M

No exits have occurred as of this date.

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Sources

• ecop awarded €8.5 million in EIC Accelerator funding for innovative technologies
• Ecop receives €8.5M EIC Accelerator funding for heat pump tech
• ecop Secures €8.5 Million EIC Accelerator Funding for Decarbonization Technologies
• Investment Archive – ecop.at
• ecop Technologies Stock Price, Funding, Valuation, Revenue ... — CB Insights

3 The Press Releases

ECOP Technologies GmbH: Innovation in High-Temperature Heat Pumps Secures €8.5M EIC Accelerator Funding Austrian cleantech firm ECOP Technologies GmbH has made significant strides in industrial heat pump technology, culminating in a landmark €8.5 million award from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in July 2024[^1^]. The funding includes €2.5 million in grants and up to €6 million in equity to scale production of its proprietary Rotation Heat Pump, which delivers output temperatures up to 200–250°C—a critical range for decarbonizing industries like manufacturing and district heating[^2^][^3^].

Core Technology Advancements

The Rotation Heat Pump employs a novel rotating mechanism paired with diffusion bonding, eliminating lubrication needs while using a non-toxic, non-flammable working fluid[^4^]. Key innovations include:

• Temperature flexibility: Adjustable rotor speed accommodates varying heat sources (15–40°C input differentials), achieving lifts up to 120K[^5^].
• Dual-functionality: Simultaneously generates heat and cold; acts as a flywheel energy storage unit[^6^].
• CO2 savings: Each unit reduces emissions by ~2,500 tons annually compared to gas boilers[^7>][>8>].

Strategic Milestones and Partnerships

• Market expansion: Targeting entry into major European markets by 2025, supported by investor InnoEnergy for scaling production infrastructure[9>][10>].
• Policy influence: CTO Bernhard Adler participated in the EU’s Clean Transition Dialogue on Clean Tech alongside EC leadership[11>][12>].

Recognition and Impact

ECOP was honored with Austria’s TRIGOS Award for Climate Protection (2023) and the EIT Innovation Award for its transformative industrial applications. Recent projects include collaborations with Bioenergie Bucklige Welt to integrate heat pumps into biomass-based district heating systems[13>][14>].

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Sources

• Ecop receives €8.5M EIC Accelerator funding for heat pump tech (Tech.eu)
• Ecop Technologies launches 700 kW industrial heat pump (PV Magazine)

+ High Temperature Heat Pump - InnoEnergy Portfolio Entry (InnoEnergy) + News - ecop.at ([ecop.at Official Newsroom]()) Note: URL truncated due to source formatting; full path unavailable + Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative Case Study

Note: While ecop.at/news lists additional updates (e.g., TRIGOS Award), specific URLs per article are not provided in search results.

4 The Technology Advancements

ECOP Technologies GmbH: Current Capabilities and Advancements

ECOP Technologies GmbH, an Austrian company founded by Bernhard Adler in 2011, specializes in developing innovative heat pumps for industrial applications. Following their receipt of €8.5 million in funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in March 2024, ECOP has made significant strides in advancing their technology.

Current Capabilities

ECOP's Rotation Heat Pump is designed to achieve high temperatures without using fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) or flammable refrigerants, making it an environmentally friendly solution. It can supply heat up to 250°C, with a temperature lift of up to 120K, and is highly efficient in processes requiring significant temperature differences. This technology is particularly beneficial for industrial processes and district heating systems, allowing factories and municipalities to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and minimize CO2 emissions.

Advancements Since EIC Funding

The EIC Accelerator funding has enabled ECOP to enhance its technological capabilities and scale up production. They have introduced a new rotor design, which combines with diffusion bonding technology to increase efficiency and expand application possibilities. This advancement is part of their strategy to implement projects in emission-intensive sectors and enter major European markets by 2025.

Technology Demonstrations

ECOP has successfully demonstrated its technology in various pilot projects. For instance, at Bioenergie Bucklige Welt in Austria, a Rotation Heat Pump K7 was integrated into a biomass cogeneration plant to utilize unused waste heat efficiently. Additionally, ECOP's heat pumps are part of Germany’s first underground storage facility project in Meldorf, highlighting their potential for integrating industrial waste heat in innovative energy storage solutions.

New Features and Patents

While specific details about new patents filed since the EIC funding are not available, ECOP continues to innovate with its unique rotating system, which allows flexibility in operation by adapting to different heat source temperatures. Their focus on decarbonization and high-temperature industrial processes positions them as a leader in heat pump technology.

Scientific Studies and Publications

There are no recent publications or scientific studies specifically attributed to ECOP Technologies since receiving the EIC funding. However, their technology has been recognized for its environmental benefits and potential to transform industrial processes towards a more sustainable future.

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Sources

• Applications - ecop
• News - ecop
• Ecop Technologies launches 700 kW industrial heat pump with ...
• High Temperature Heat Pump - EIT InnoEnergy
• ecop Technologies GmbH - tech2b
• Stories: Ecop-Technologies is building a greener future
• Ecop receives €8.5M EIC Accelerator funding for heat pump tech
• Investment Archive - ecop.at

5 The Partnerships and Customers

ecop Technologies GmbH: Partnerships, Customers, and Market Positioning

Overview of ecop Technologies GmbH

ecop Technologies GmbH, an Austrian company founded in 2011 by Bernhard Adler, specializes in developing innovative heat pumps, primarily for industrial applications. Their technology overcomes traditional heat pump limitations, achieving high temperatures necessary for various industrial processes. The company has established strong partnerships to drive decarbonization and has received significant funding for further development.

Partnerships and Customers

ecop Technologies GmbH has formed strategic partnerships with notable entities:

• EIT InnoEnergy: A key investor and partner, supporting ecop's growth and innovation in sustainable energy solutions.
• SPIE: A global player in the energy transition, partnering with ecop to enhance decarbonization efforts in industrial heat production.

New Partners and Customers

While specific names of new customers are not detailed in the available information, ecop's partnerships continue to expand its reach in industrial decarbonization. The partnership with SPIE is a significant recent development, aiming to integrate ecop's heat pump solutions into SPIE's operations for more sustainable energy practices.

Nature of New Relationships and Market Positioning

The new relationships, such as the partnership with SPIE, position ecop Technologies GmbH as a leader in innovative heat pump technologies. These collaborations are crucial for ecop's market expansion and technological advancements. By integrating its high-temperature heat pumps into larger energy systems, ecop can help industrial companies reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and lower CO2 emissions significantly.

Impact on Technology Advancements and Scaling

The partnerships and funding, including the €8.5 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, will significantly enhance ecop's ability to scale up its operations. This funding supports the finalization of new rotor designs and the broader availability of ecop's heat pump solutions, enabling more efficient industrial processes and contributing to sustainable energy systems across Europe.

Conclusion

ecop Technologies GmbH's strategic partnerships and funding position it for substantial growth in the European industrial heat pump market. By advancing its technology and expanding its partnerships, ecop is poised to play a critical role in decarbonization efforts across various industries.

Sources

• ecop.at
• getbaito.com
• pv-magazine.com
• tech2b.at
• ecop.at
• ecop.at
• tech.eu

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

ECOP Technologies GmbH: Team Growth and Strategic Scaling Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Based on publicly available information, ECOP Technologies GmbH—an Austrian cleantech innovator specializing in high-temperature industrial heat pumps—has demonstrated strategic team growth and leadership stability following its 2024 EIC Accelerator success. While specific headcount figures are not disclosed, the company’s structure includes a core leadership team with technical expertise and partnerships to support scaling efforts.

Key Team Dynamics

• Leadership: The management team remains stable, led by CEO Fabian Sacharowitz, CTO/Founder Bernhard Adler, and Head of Engineering Christian Rakusch.
• Advisory Board: Includes industry veterans like Johannes Krahwinkler (FSP Ventures), Rainer Gehrung (interims management), and Lucienne Krosse (heat pump expert from EIT InnoEnergy).
• Recent Hires: No specific new hires are detailed, but roles such as mechanical engineers or sales specialists can be inferred from their focus on commercializing rotational heat pumps.

Growth Indicators

• Investment Activity: Secured convertible loan financing from FinAdvice in 2023–2024 to advance R&D, alongside earlier backing from EIT InnoEnergy for market entry.
• Awards: Won the EIT Innovators Award pre-EIC Accelerator, signaling validation of their technology’s scalability.

Future Trajectory

New hires would likely focus on expanding production capacity, international sales, and project implementation teams to meet demand for decarbonized industrial heating solutions. The advisory board’s composition emphasizes investor relations and technical credibility, aligning with post-funding growth phases.

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Sources

• About us - ecop.at
• Investment InnoEnergy - ecop
• News | Finadvice Group

7 The Media Features and Publications

Media Features and Publications ECOP Technologies GmbH has been prominently featured in specialized industry outlets following its €8.5 million EIC Accelerator win. Coverage highlights its Rotation Heat Pump, which delivers output temperatures up to 200°C for industrial processes and district heating, enabling CO₂-free heat generation. Reports emphasize the technology’s potential to save up to 2,500 tons of CO₂ annually per unit and its use of a non-toxic, non-flammable working medium.

Podcasts and Interviews
While CEO Fabian Sacharowitz and CTO Bernhard Adler have been quoted extensively in press releases (e.g., discussing scaling plans post-funding), no direct podcasts or interviews featuring the team were identified in available sources.

Conferences and Events
ECOP presented its technology at the 24th World Climate Conference in Katowice, Poland, after being shortlisted for the European Business Awards for the Environment. The company was also invited by award jurors to showcase its decarbonization solutions at this event.

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Sources

• Ecop awarded €8.5 million in EIC Accelerator funding
• Ecop receives €8.5M EIC Accelerator funding for heat pump tech
• News - ecop