1 The EIC Accelerator Project
The EIC Accelerator program is a key component of the European Innovation Council (EIC), designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups with innovative solutions that can drive economic growth and enhance competitiveness in Europe. The program focuses particularly on deep-tech innovations and aims to facilitate the transition of groundbreaking ideas from conception to market readiness.Funding Structure of the EIC Accelerator
The EIC Accelerator offers a blended finance model, which includes grants and equity investments. The grant component can provide up to €2.5 million, aimed at covering the initial costs associated with research and development, prototyping, and market entry. This funding is crucial for startups and SMEs as it allows them to develop their products and validate their business models without the immediate pressure of achieving profitability.
In addition to the grant, the EIC Accelerator also offers equity funding, which includes investments of up to €15 million until 2024 and up to €10 million since 2025. This equity investment is intended to support companies in scaling their operations and reaching broader markets. The strategic combination of grant funding and equity investment is designed to attract additional private sector financing, providing a comprehensive financial support system that facilitates growth and innovation.
Purpose of the EIC Accelerator
The primary objective of the EIC Accelerator is to foster innovation within the European ecosystem, focusing on deep-tech sectors that address societal challenges and contribute to sustainable development. By providing financial assistance and mentorship, the EIC Accelerator aims to assist companies in scaling their operations, enhancing their market presence, and ultimately contributing to Europe's economic landscape. This program serves as a bridge between innovative startups and private investors, helping to reduce the perceived risk associated with investing in early-stage technologies.
Role in Scaling and Funding
The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in helping companies obtain sufficient funding from private sectors. By providing initial funding and demonstrating confidence in the innovative potential of selected projects, the EIC Accelerator enhances the credibility of these startups in the eyes of private investors. This dual funding model encourages private sector investment, as it reduces the financial burden on startups and mitigates risks for investors, thus facilitating a more robust funding environment for innovative technologies.
Case Study: Regeneration BVBA and Resortecs
One notable winner of the EIC Accelerator is Regeneration BVBA, which presented their project, Resortecs, at the Step 2 proposal stage on March 23, 2022. Resortecs has emerged as a pioneering solution aimed at addressing the challenges of multi-material garment recycling through thermal disassembly technology.
Project Overview: Resortecs
Resortecs focuses on revolutionizing the garment recycling industry, which is traditionally hindered by the complexity of multi-material fabrics. Current recycling processes often fail to efficiently separate different materials used in clothing, leading to significant amounts of textile waste. The innovative approach of Resortecs lies in its thermal disassembly technology, which allows for the effective separation of various components of garments, thereby facilitating their recycling.
Technology Basics and Background
The technology behind Resortecs is based on the principle of thermal disassembly, which employs controlled heat to break down the bonds between different materials in multi-material garments. This method enables the separation of fibers such as cotton, polyester, and elastane, which are commonly blended in clothing production. By utilizing this technology, Resortecs aims to transform the textile waste management landscape, making it feasible to recycle garments that would otherwise be disposed of due to their complex material composition.
The background of this technology is rooted in the need for more sustainable practices within the fashion industry, which has long been criticized for its environmental impact. By providing a viable solution for garment recycling, Resortecs not only addresses waste management issues but also contributes to the circular economy, promoting the reuse of materials in new clothing production.
Through the support of the EIC Accelerator, Regeneration BVBA aims to scale Resortecs, enhancing its market implementation and ensuring broader adoption of its innovative recycling solution. This initiative aligns with the EIC Accelerator's goals of fostering innovation and sustainability, ultimately contributing to a more eco-friendly fashion industry.
In summary, the EIC Accelerator represents a significant advancement in European funding initiatives, providing essential support for innovative companies like Regeneration BVBA and their project Resortecs, which seeks to transform the future of garment recycling through cutting-edge technology.
2 The Funding Rounds
Resortecs (regeneration bvba, Belgium): Funding History and Investor Information Since EIC Accelerator Award
Overview
Resortecs, operating under the legal entity regeneration bvba and headquartered in Belgium, has been recognized for its innovation in textile recycling technology. After submitting a successful Step 2 proposal to the EIC Accelerator on March 23, 2022—and subsequently winning through the Step 3 interview—Resortecs secured significant European Innovation Council (EIC) funding. The following details summarize all available information regarding Resortecs’ financing activities since that pivotal award.
Financing Raised & Funding Rounds
Timing and Amount of Funding Rounds
| Date | Type | Amount | Notable Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| March/April '22 | EIC Grant | €2.5 million | European Innovation Council |
| April '23 | Seed Round | €2.2 million | ScaleFund (lead), finance&invest.brussels (lead), makesense_invest, AFI Ventures (impact arm of Ventech), Trividend, PDS Limited |
</em>The exact public announcement date for the EIC grant is not specified but is directly referenced as received prior to or around early-to-mid-2023.
Combined with its grant funding from EIC Accelerator and this seed round investment, Resortecs reported having access to approximately €4.7 million in total growth capital as of April 2023.
Investor Information
Main investors participating in recent rounds include: - ScaleFund: Lead investor for seed round.
- finance&invest.brussels: Co-lead investor.
- makesense_invest
- AFI Ventures (the impact arm of Ventech)
- Trividend
- PDS Limited
This investor syndicate reflects both regional Belgian backing and international impact-focused venture capital support.
Additional Funding Details & Milestones
This combined funding is being used by Resortecs to: - Expand production capabilities.
The company’s mission addresses a major sustainability challenge: less than one percent of fashion industry production is currently recycled—a market failure representing hundreds of billions in lost materials annually.
Company Valuations & Exits
There are no publicly disclosed figures or reports on company valuations resulting from these rounds up until April/May 2025 based on available data.
Similarly: - No Initial Public Offering (IPO).
All evidence points toward continued independent operation focused on scaling technology deployment rather than preparing for an exit event as yet.
Sources
- Resortecs Raises €2.2M in Seed Funding
- Circularity as a Lucrative Investment Opportunity - Resortecs
3 The Press Releases
Resortecs: Innovations and Developments
Resortecs, a Belgian company known as Regeneration BVBA, has been at the forefront of textile recycling technology since winning the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022. The company specializes in pre- and post-consumer textile waste management for various industries, including fashion, workwear, bedding, and automotive.
Technology Advancements
Resortecs has developed innovative solutions to tackle the challenges of textile recycling: - Smart Stitch: This technology involves using heat-dissolvable stitching threads that allow for easy disassembly of textile products at the end of their life cycle. These threads can melt at temperatures between 150°C and 200°C, facilitating the separation of recyclable fabrics from non-recyclable components like zippers and buttons.
- Smart Disassembly: This is an industrial-scale thermal disassembly and sorting system that automates the process of dismantling garments, significantly reducing the time required compared to traditional manual methods. It can recover up to 90% of a product’s textile content, far exceeding the average of 50% achieved through manual or mechanical disassembly.
- Smart Rivet: Alongside Smart Stitch, Resortecs also offers heat-dismountable rivets, making it easier to dismantle garments like jeans.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Resortecs has announced several partnerships to enhance its impact in the textile recycling sector: - European Consortium for Workwear: The company has established a European consortium for workwear textile waste management, partnering with Sioen. This collaboration aims to improve the circularity of workwear textiles across Europe.
Financial and Impact Highlights
By leveraging its technology, Resortecs enables companies to reduce their products' carbon footprint by up to 50% when combined with recycling processes. Additionally, businesses can earn a net profit of up to €29.72 per textile product by recycling just 9% of their initial production.
Recognition and Funding
Resortecs gained significant recognition as part of the "Impact 100" featured on the Nasdaq Times Square, highlighting its innovative approach to solving environmental challenges. The company's participation in the Horizon Europe program further underscores its commitment to sustainability and circular economy practices.
Sources
- Resortecs — Recycling made Easy
- Contact — Resortecs
- Regeneration BV (Resortecs) - Development Aid
- Resortecs (Regeneration BV) - LobbyFacts
- Solving the challenge of multi-material garment recycling ... - CORDIS
4 The Technology Advancements
Regeneration BVBA (Resortecs)
Regeneration BVBA, operating under the brand name Resortecs, is a Belgian company specializing in innovative textile recycling solutions. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022, the company has demonstrated significant advancements in technology and market presence.
Current Capabilities
Resortecs is renowned for its Smart Disassembly line, which uses heat-dissolvable stitching threads and thermal disassembly systems. This technology facilitates the efficient recycling of textiles by automatically eliminating trims that block recycling processes, thereby reclaiming a higher amount of textile content. This approach enables circularity on an industrial scale, making it possible to effectively disassemble and recycle high-performance workwear, mattress covers, and fashion garments.
Advancements Since EIC Funding
Following the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022, Resortecs has made notable strides in expanding its capabilities:
- Seed Funding and Grants: In April 2023, Resortecs raised €2.2 million in seed funding, complemented by an EIC grant. This combined funding of €4.7 million is being used to boost production in 2023 and increase disassembly capacity tenfold by 2024.
- European Consortium: Resortecs has formed a European consortium with partners like Sioen for workwear recycling. At the heart of this collaboration is the development of a Smart Disassembly line with an annual capacity of 3000 tons, planned to be operational in Belgium by the end of 2025.
Technology Improvements
The company's technology has been refined to enhance the efficiency of textile recycling. By integrating with existing sorting and collection infrastructure, Resortecs' solutions are designed to work in tandem with current and emerging recycling technologies, ensuring a holistic approach to waste management.
Market Demonstration and Trials
While specific details about clinical trials are not applicable to Resortecs' technology, the company has engaged in market demonstrations through its partnerships and consortiums. For instance, the establishment of a Smart Disassembly line in Belgium indicates the company's commitment to demonstrating its technology in practical settings.
New Patents and Publications
There is no publicly available information on new patents filed or scientific studies published specifically by Resortecs since receiving the EIC funding. However, the company's advancements in textile recycling technology continue to contribute to the broader field of sustainability and circular economy practices.
Sources: - Resortecs Raises €2.2M in Seed Funding
- Resortecs x Sioen: The start of a European consortium for workwear
- Resortecs / regeneration BV | EIC Summit 25 Networking Platform
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Regeneration BVBA (operating via Resortecs.com) Based on the provided information and search results, Regeneration BVBA's website (Resortecs.com) explicitly states they are "not a recycling company" but focus on design-for-disassembly innovations to enable industrial-scale recycling. While specific customer or partner names for Regeneration BVBA are not disclosed in available materials, their technology addresses textile waste challenges through:- Industry positioning: Enabling efficient recycling processes through patented heat-dissolvable stitching threads and disassembly-friendly design services.
- Technology advancement: Their solutions likely appeal to fashion brands seeking circular production methods, though no direct partnerships are named in accessible documents.
Key observations from relevant industry developments:
While not directly linked to Regeneration BVBA, recent textile regeneration partnerships include:
Strategic implications for Regeneration BVBA:
Their technology could align with emerging EU regulations on extended producer responsibility by providing essential pre-recycling processing tools. Partnerships with collection agencies like Rematrix or recyclers like Reju would logically complement their disassembly innovations, though no such collaborations are currently reported.
Sources
- Resortecs FAQ
- Reju partners with textile collection firm Rematrix | Fashion Dive
- Reju Partners with Cibutex to Establish a Circular Textile Ecosystem
Note: No direct references to Regeneration BVBA's customers or post-EIC Accelerator partnerships were found in the provided search results.
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Regeneration BVBA and Resortecs: A Detailed Overview
Company Overview Regeneration BVBA, associated with Resortecs, is a Belgian company that won the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022. However, specific details about their hiring, team growth, and current headcount are not readily available in the public domain.
Current Status and Growth
- Hiring and Team Growth: While there is no specific information on the current hiring status or team size of Regeneration BVBA, the EIC Accelerator funding typically supports companies in scaling their operations. This funding often leads to an expansion in personnel to support increased product development and market reach.
- Current Headcount and Team Size: The exact number of employees or team size is not publicly disclosed.
- Whether They Are Currently Hiring: There is no explicit information available on whether they are currently hiring new team members.
- Growth: The EIC Accelerator funding is a significant indicator of growth potential, as it supports innovative projects with high scalability. However, specific growth figures are not available.
- Key Positions Recently Hired: Details about recent hires, including key positions, are not available in the public domain.
- New Team Members and Future Impact: Generally, new team members in companies like Regeneration BVBA would contribute to the development of innovative technologies and help scale the business by enhancing capabilities in product development, marketing, and sales. However, specific impacts are not detailed.
- Major Changes in Management or Founding Team: There is no information available on recent changes in the management or founding team of Regeneration BVBA.
In summary, while Regeneration BVBA has received significant funding for growth, specific details about their hiring processes and team dynamics are not publicly disclosed.
Sources
- No specific sources were found for Regeneration BVBA. General information about EIC Accelerator funding and its impact on companies can be explored through the European Innovation Council's official resources.
- European Innovation Council
- Resortecs
7 The Media Features and Publications
Regeneration BVBA: Insights and Developments
Regeneration BVBA, a company from Belgium, was recognized as an EIC Accelerator winner in March 2022. The company is closely associated with Resortecs, a firm involved in textile waste management. Here is an overview of the media features, publications, and events related to Regeneration BVBA and its associated entity, Resortecs.
Media Features and Publications
While there are no specific publications directly naming "Regeneration BVBA," the company's activities are closely linked to Resortecs, which has been featured in media related to textile waste management. For instance, Resortecs is collaborating with Sioen to form a European consortium for managing end-of-life textile waste in workwear, indicating a strong focus on sustainability and regenerative practices in the textile industry.
Podcasts and Interviews
There are no specific podcasts or interviews directly associated with the team of Regeneration BVBA available in the public domain. However, the broader context of regenerative practices and sustainability is discussed in various podcasts and interviews, such as those related to regenerative leadership and design.
Conference and Fair Visits, Presentations
While there is no direct information on Regeneration BVBA's participation in conferences or fairs, companies involved in regenerative and sustainable practices often participate in events focused on circular economy, sustainable development, and innovation. These events provide platforms for networking and showcasing innovative solutions in waste management and regenerative technologies.
Involvement in Events
Regeneration BVBA's involvement in events would likely align with sustainability and regenerative development themes. However, specific details about their participation are not available. Companies like Resortecs, associated with Regeneration BVBA, are likely to engage in events promoting circular economy practices and sustainable waste management.
Conclusion
Regeneration BVBA, as an EIC Accelerator winner, likely focuses on innovative solutions that align with regenerative principles. While specific media coverage and event participation details are not available, its association with Resortecs suggests a commitment to sustainable practices and regenerative technologies.
Sources
- Resortecs x Sioen: The start of a European consortium for workwear
- ReGeneration Rising: Daniel Christian Wahl & Laura Storm - YouTube
- EP28: Solo episode with me: My Personal journey in Regeneration
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