1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), aims to support high-potential small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in scaling their innovative solutions and technologies. It focuses particularly on DeepTech sectors, which encompass advanced technology fields such as AI, robotics, and biotechnology. The program provides a comprehensive funding structure, combining grants and equity investments, to help innovators develop and commercialize their products and services effectively.

Funding Structure

Under the EIC Accelerator, funding is provided in two forms: grants and equity investments. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, aimed primarily at financing the development of prototypes and conducting feasibility studies. This non-repayable funding is crucial for startups that require capital to validate their innovative ideas and technologies without the burden of immediate financial returns.

In addition to grants, the EIC Accelerator offers equity investments, which can be as high as €15 million until 2024 and will be adjusted to a maximum of €10 million from 2025 onwards. This equity funding is intended to support companies in scaling operations and entering new markets, providing essential resources that private investors may be hesitant to contribute at an early stage.

Purpose and Impact on the Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator serves as a pivotal tool in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by bridging the funding gap often faced by innovative companies. It not only helps entrepreneurs refine their business models but also enhances their readiness to attract private investments. The program emphasizes collaboration with private investors, thereby facilitating a more robust funding landscape that is essential for sustainable growth.

By providing the necessary capital and mentorship, the EIC Accelerator enables startups to overcome initial challenges, scale their operations, and effectively compete in global markets. Furthermore, the program fosters innovation-driven entrepreneurship, contributing to economic growth and job creation within the EU.

Case Study: Autonomous Clean Water Appliance Robotics

Company Overview

Autonomous Clean Water Appliance Robotics (ACWA Robotics), based in France, is a pioneering company focused on enhancing water management systems through advanced robotics and digital technologies. The company recently won the EIC Accelerator funding for its project, CleanWaterPathfinder.

Project Description: CleanWaterPathfinder

The CleanWaterPathfinder project aims to develop autonomous robotics equipped with digital twin technology to optimize water network performance. This innovative approach seeks to address critical challenges in water management, including leakage detection, network monitoring, and maintenance scheduling.

Technology Basics and Background

The technology behind CleanWaterPathfinder combines robotics with digital twin simulations. Digital twin technology creates a virtual representation of physical assets, allowing for real-time monitoring and predictive analytics. In the context of water networks, this means that the digital twin can simulate various scenarios, enabling operators to optimize the performance of their systems.

The autonomous robots developed under this project are designed to navigate complex water networks, equipped with sensors to detect leaks and assess the condition of pipelines. This capability is crucial in reducing water loss and improving the efficiency of water distribution systems, especially in urban areas where infrastructure is often aging and under stress.

The integration of these technologies not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to sustainability goals by minimizing water waste and ensuring better resource management. The insights gained from the digital twin simulations can also inform maintenance decisions, leading to cost savings and extended asset life.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program plays a vital role in nurturing innovation within the European startup ecosystem, particularly in the DeepTech sector. By offering a combination of grants and equity investments, it empowers companies like ACWA Robotics to develop groundbreaking solutions that address pressing global challenges, such as water management. The CleanWaterPathfinder project exemplifies how advanced technologies can be leveraged to optimize infrastructure and promote sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and efficient future.

2 The Funding Rounds

Autonomous Clean Water Appliance Robotics

Autonomous Clean Water Appliance Robotics, commonly referred to as Acwa Robotics, is a French company specializing in robotic solutions for water supply networks. Their innovative approach focuses on optimizing renewal budgets, reducing maintenance work, and minimizing Non-Revenue Water (NRW) for municipalities and water utilities. This is achieved through autonomous, smart, and flexible robots capable of collecting extensive data from within water pipes without disrupting service.

Financing and Funding Rounds

In January 2024, Acwa Robotics raised €4.8 million in a capital increase supported by investors such as Banque des Territoires, FMG Circular Invest, UI Investment, CAAP Creation, Calao Finance, and Région Sud Investissement. This funding was dedicated to further developing and launching their Pathfinder robot, designed for water supply and transport networks.

Additionally, Acwa Robotics received funding through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in June 2023. The EIC Accelerator provides conditional equity commitments, typically up to €15 million, alongside grants to support innovative startups like Acwa Robotics in scaling their technologies.

Investor Information

Key investors in Acwa Robotics include Banque des Territoires, FMG Circular Invest (a fund of the Feralco group and Mellby Gård), UI Investment, CAAP Creation, Calao Finance, and Région Sud Investissement.

Timing and Amount of Funding Rounds

• Series A Funding (January 2024): €4.8 million raised from a group of investors to support the development and launch of their robotic solutions.
• EIC Accelerator Funding (June 2023): Specific funding details for Acwa Robotics through the EIC Accelerator are not disclosed, but the company received a conditional equity commitment as part of the program.

Company Valuations and Exit Events

There is no publicly available information on the company's valuation or any exit events like IPOs, buyouts, or acquisitions.

Conclusion

Acwa Robotics is at the forefront of water management innovation, leveraging robotics to improve the efficiency of water supply networks. With significant funding support from both private investors and the EIC Accelerator, the company is well-positioned to expand its impact in the water industry.

Sources: - Acwa Robotics company information, funding & investors

• Acwa Robotics company information, funding & investors
• Acwa Robotics company information, funding & investors
• Acwa Robotics raises 4.8 M € to roll out its water network mapping and condition assessment robot
• EIC Accelerator - (conditional) equity commitment list

3 The Press Releases

Autonomous Clean Water Appliance Robotics (ACWA Robotics): Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments ACWA Robotics, a French deep-tech startup specializing in autonomous robotic solutions for water network assessment, secured €2.5 million through the EIC Accelerator in 2023. The company has since advanced its mission to reduce non-revenue water losses using AI-driven robotics.

Key Developments Since June 2023 Cut-Off

• Funding Milestones: In January 2024, ACWA raised €4.8 million in a capital increase led by Banque des Territoires, FMG Circular Invest, and UI Investment to accelerate technical and commercial deployment of its robotic systems.
• Technology Recognition: Its flagship product, Clean Water Pathfinder, won CES 2023’s “Best of Innovation” award in Smart Cities for autonomously mapping drinking water pipes without service interruption. The robot uses AI to assess pipe conditions (e.g., calcification, corrosion) and geolocate defects.
• Strategic Partnerships: Investors such as Banque des Territoires emphasized ACWA’s role in preserving water resources for local authorities, while FMG Circular highlighted the startup’s potential to address global drinking water loss challenges.

Innovation Focus

ACWA aims to embed robots permanently within pipelines for real-time monitoring and eventually equip them with repair capabilities, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable water infrastructure management.

---

Sources

• EIC Accelerator winners and statistics June 2023: 47 European deeptech startups awarded 349€ million
• Press Release Acwa Robotics - Feralco Group
• Acwa Robotics Names 3 Times as CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree & Winner of the Smart Cities Best of Innovation

4 The Technology Advancements

Autonomous Clean Water Appliance Robotics: Capabilities and Advancements

Autonomous Clean Water Appliance (ACWA) Robotics, a French startup, is at the forefront of developing innovative robotic solutions for managing and maintaining drinking water networks. Their technology focuses on navigating through pipe systems to detect leaks, assess pipe conditions, and optimize repairs, thereby enhancing water resilience.

Current Capabilities

ACWA Robotics' autonomous robots are designed to operate within the complex infrastructure of water distribution systems. These robots capture detailed metrics such as pipe diameter, residual thickness, and areas of corrosion using high-definition images and non-destructive testing technologies. Additionally, they can monitor water temperature, pH, flow speed, and turbidity in areas inaccessible to fixed sensors, contributing significantly to improving water quality and system performance.

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

As of the latest available information, ACWA Robotics has continued to innovate in the field of water management. However, specific advancements or new developments since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 21, 2023, are not detailed in the available sources. Generally, companies like ACWA Robotics that receive such funding are expected to accelerate their technological development and market presence.

Market Demonstrations and Technology Improvements

While there is no specific mention of new demonstrations, pilots, or clinical trials conducted by ACWA Robotics since the funding, the company's focus on autonomous water management solutions suggests ongoing efforts to refine and expand their technology. The use of advanced sensors and navigation systems allows their robots to operate efficiently within complex pipelines, which is a significant demonstration of their capability.

New Patents, Scientific Studies, or Whitepapers

There is no publicly available information about new patents, scientific studies, or whitepapers published by ACWA Robotics following their EIC Accelerator funding. Typically, such advancements would be announced through official channels or industry publications.

---

Sources: - ACWA Robotics: Home

• ACWA Robotics' autonomous robots chart a path to water resilience
• Autonomous Clean Water Appliance (ACWA) Robotics

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Autonomous Clean Water Appliance Robotics (ACWA Robotics)

ACWA Robotics, a French company based in Corsica and Aix-en-Provence, has been making significant strides in the field of water management technology since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in June 2023. The company is known for its innovative autonomous robots designed to optimize and assess water supply networks without disrupting service.

Partnerships and Investors

Following its EIC Accelerator win, ACWA Robotics has strengthened its partnerships and secured additional funding. In January 2024, the company announced a €4.8 million capital increase with investments from several key partners, including Banque des Territoires, FMG Circular Invest, UI Investment, CAAP Creation, Calao Finance, and Région Sud Investissement. This investment round is crucial for ACWA Robotics as it aims to further develop its technical and commercial capabilities on both national and international scales.

New Partners

• Banque des Territoires: A significant player in supporting territorial development in France.
• FMG Circular Invest: Focuses on investments related to circular economy principles.
• UI Investment: Supports innovative ventures.
• CAAP Creation: Contributes to the development of early-stage companies.
• Calao Finance: Provides financial backing for growth.
• Région Sud Investissement: Invests in regional development projects.

New Customers

Although specific new customer names are not detailed in the available data, ACWA Robotics' technology is targeted at water utilities and management entities. The company's solutions are designed to support these organizations in optimizing their water infrastructure maintenance and reducing water losses.

Nature of New Relationships

The partnerships and investments ACWA Robotics has secured are aimed at expanding its reach and enhancing its technological capabilities. These relationships are critical for scaling up the production and deployment of its autonomous robots, which play a vital role in assessing and maintaining water pipe conditions.

Positioning in the Market

ACWA Robotics is positioning itself as a leader in water network management technology. By leveraging its partnerships and funding, the company can further innovate and deploy its robots more widely. This strategic positioning helps ACWA Robotics in offering cost-effective and sustainable solutions for water supply systems globally.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

The partnerships and funding will enable ACWA Robotics to advance its technology by:

• Enhancing Robot Capabilities: Continuing to develop and refine its autonomous robots to better navigate complex water systems.
• Scaling Operations: Expanding its market reach and increasing the number of deployments across different regions.
• Improving Data Analysis: Enhancing the data collection and analysis capabilities of its robots to provide more detailed insights into water infrastructure conditions.

These advancements will help ACWA Robotics in achieving its mission to reduce water losses and optimize maintenance for water utilities, ultimately contributing to global water resilience.

Sources

• Acwa Robotics: Home
• Press Release Acwa Robotics - Feralco Group
• ACWA Robotics Drives Innovation with Ansys and AWS Startup Programs
• ACWA Robotics' autonomous robots chart a path to water resilience

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Autonomous Clean Water Appliance Robotics: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Update

Autonomous Clean Water Appliance (ACWA) Robotics, an EIC Accelerator winner from France, received funding on June 21, 2023. Since then, the company has been focused on optimizing water supply networks by collecting key data at the heart of water pipes, optimizing repairs, and preventing losses.

Hiring and Team Growth

There is limited public information available on ACWA Robotics' current headcount, team size, or specific hiring processes. However, the EIC Accelerator funding typically supports innovative companies in scaling their operations, which often includes team expansion to meet growing demands.

Current Hiring Status

As of now, there is no explicit information on whether ACWA Robotics is currently hiring. Companies that receive significant funding often use this support to enhance their workforce and capabilities.

Growth Since Funding

The EIC Accelerator funding is designed to accelerate growth and innovation, particularly in areas like technology and sustainability. For ACWA Robotics, this funding likely supports their mission to enhance water management systems, potentially leading to significant growth in their operations and market presence.

Key Positions and Future Impact

While specific recent hires are not detailed, expanding the team would likely involve key positions in engineering, software development, and water management expertise. New team members would be crucial in helping ACWA Robotics scale its technology and expand its reach into more water utilities, enhancing the company's ability to manage and optimize water supply networks effectively.

Management and Founding Team Changes

There is no publicly available information on major changes in management or the founding team of ACWA Robotics since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding.

In summary, while specific details on hiring, team size, and management changes are not available, the EIC Accelerator funding is poised to support ACWA Robotics in enhancing its capabilities and expanding its presence in the water management sector.

---

Sources:

• Acwa Robotics: Home
• Autonomous Clean Water Appliance (acwa) Robotics - IPqwery

7 The Media Features and Publications

Overview of Autonomous Clean Water Appliance Robotics

Autonomous Clean Water Appliance Robotics, commonly referred to as ACWA Robotics, is a French startup that specializes in developing innovative robotics solutions for water utilities. The company's mission is to help manage water supply networks more efficiently by using autonomous robots that navigate through pipes to detect leaks and optimize repairs. ACWA Robotics received the EIC Accelerator funding on June 21, 2023.

Media Features

ACWA Robotics has been featured in various media outlets for its groundbreaking approach to addressing global water system challenges. The company's autonomous robots are designed to navigate through miles of pipes without disrupting the water supply, capturing critical data on pipe conditions such as diameter, residual thickness, and areas of corrosion. This data is essential for utilities to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.

Publications

Several publications have highlighted ACWA Robotics' innovative solutions. For instance, the company was noted for its role in navigating pipe systems to collect data for more efficient water management. This focus on optimizing water distribution networks has garnered attention in discussions about water resilience and infrastructure challenges.

Content from Publications

Publications have emphasized how ACWA Robotics is tackling the significant issue of water loss in distribution systems. Globally, between 20% to 40% of clean water is lost due to aging and damaged infrastructure. The company's robots are designed to pinpoint leaks and weak spots in the larger pipes, known as feeders or mains, which are critical for maintaining uninterrupted water supply to entire cities or neighborhoods.

Podcasts and Interviews

While specific podcast interviews featuring the ACWA Robotics team are not detailed in available sources, the company has been recognized for its innovative approach in various industry forums. ACWA Robotics has utilized platforms like Ansys to leverage simulation tools and enhance its robotic solutions, showcasing its engineering capabilities.

Conference and Fair Visits

ACWA Robotics has participated in significant events and exhibitions, including being nominated for honors in the Smart Cities category at CES, where it showcased its intelligent robots designed for pipe inspection. The company was recognized for its potential to improve urban infrastructure management.

Involvement in Events

The company's involvement in events highlights its commitment to showcasing its technology and contributing to discussions on water resilience and innovation. This includes leveraging partnerships with technology leaders to enhance its product development and performance.

Conclusion

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2023, ACWA Robotics has continued to push boundaries in water management technology. Its focus on autonomous robotics solutions addresses critical infrastructure challenges faced by water utilities worldwide.

Sources:

• ACWA Robotics
• ACWA Robotics' Autonomous Robots
• ACWA Robotics Powers Engineering Innovation with Ansys
• The robots of CES 2023