1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program is a key initiative of the European Innovation Council (EIC) designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups that aim to develop breakthrough technologies and scale their operations. It provides a combination of grant funding and equity investments, facilitating the growth of deep-tech companies that are often unable to secure sufficient financing through traditional means.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers blended finance, which includes both grants and equity investments. The grant component can provide up to €2.5 million to support various aspects of project development, including research and development, prototyping, and market entry strategies. This funding is particularly crucial for high-risk projects that require substantial upfront investment.

In addition to the grant funding, the EIC Accelerator also offers equity investments, which can reach up to €15 million until 2024 and are capped at €10 million from 2025 onwards. This equity component allows companies to access larger pools of capital while maintaining a degree of control over their operations. The blended finance model encourages startups to leverage public funding to attract private sector investments, thereby enabling them to scale effectively.

Purpose and Impact

The EIC Accelerator plays a significant role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by providing tailored financial support to innovative companies. Its primary objective is to enhance the competitiveness of European industries through the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies. By offering financial resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the EIC Accelerator helps startups overcome barriers to scaling, such as access to capital, technical expertise, and market entry challenges.

Role in Scaling and Attracting Private Investment

The EIC Accelerator serves as a catalyst for innovation by enabling companies to demonstrate the viability of their technologies. The funding provided helps de-risk projects, making them more appealing to private investors. As companies progress through the program, they gain credibility and visibility, facilitating access to further investment and commercial partnerships. This symbiotic relationship between public funding and private investment is essential for fostering a robust innovation ecosystem in Europe.

Case Study: AkknaTek GmbH

Company Overview AkknaTek GmbH, based in Germany, is a pioneering company that focuses on advancing the field of cataract surgery. The company’s project, titled "Next level cataract surgery," seeks to revolutionize the existing surgical practices through innovative technologies and methodologies.

Project Description The "Next level cataract surgery" project aims to enhance the precision and outcomes of cataract procedures. The EIC Accelerator funding, which AkknaTek secured through a successful proposal submission and subsequent Step 3 interview, will be utilized for the development and commercialization of advanced surgical tools and techniques that promise to improve patient safety and recovery times.

Technology Background

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide, yet traditional methods can be limited by factors such as imprecise measurements and variations in patient anatomy. AkknaTek’s technology leverages cutting-edge innovations in imaging and surgical instruments to provide enhanced visualization and accuracy during procedures.

The project focuses on integrating advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mapping and real-time feedback systems, to assist surgeons in making more informed decisions during operations. This approach not only aims to optimize surgical outcomes but also seeks to reduce complications, thereby improving the overall patient experience.

The development of this technology represents a significant advancement in ophthalmic surgery, addressing the limitations of conventional techniques and aligning with global health trends toward minimally invasive procedures.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program stands as a vital force in the European startup landscape, particularly within the DeepTech sector. Through its financial support and strategic guidance, it empowers companies like AkknaTek GmbH to push the boundaries of innovation. By facilitating access to necessary funding and fostering collaboration with private investors, the EIC Accelerator contributes to the growth of transformative technologies that have the potential to reshape industries and improve lives.

2 The Funding Rounds

AkknaTek GmbH: Financing and Funding Overview Since EIC Accelerator Award

AkknaTek GmbH, a German medtech company specializing in ophthalmologic devices for cataract surgery, was awarded funding through the prestigious EIC Accelerator program following its successful Step 2 submission on October 5, 2022. Below is an overview of all available information regarding the company's financing activities since receiving this recognition.

Financing Raised and Funding Rounds

• EIT Health Grant (December 2021): Prior to its EIC Accelerator award, AkknaTek secured €40,000 from EIT Health.
• EIC Accelerator Grant (October 2022): The company was selected as a winner in the highly competitive cut-off round for the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator. AkknaTek received €2.3 million in funding from the European Innovation Council as part of this initiative. This figure aligns with standard grant amounts awarded by the EIC; companies may also be eligible for additional equity investments via the associated EIC Fund depending on their specific proposal and business needs.
• Other Recognitions: There are mentions of engagements with IHK Berlin and participation in Luminate Accelerator programs around January 2023, but no public data specifies additional raised amounts or investor commitments from these associations.

Timing and Amounts

Date	Source/Fund	Amount
Dec 2021	EIT Health	€40,000
Oct 2022	European Innovation Council (Accelerator)	€2.3 million
Jan 2023	IHK Berlin / Luminate Accel.	N/A

</em>No confirmed amount disclosed.

Investor Information

The principal funders listed since late 2021 have been:

• EIT Health
• European Innovation Council

There are currently no public records indicating investment by private venture capitalists or angel investors linked explicitly to post-EIC financing rounds for AkknaTek GmbH during this period.

Company Valuation Data

No verified information concerning AkknaTek’s valuation has been published since their receipt of EIC funds. Given that much of their support thus far has come via grants rather than equity-based investment rounds, formal valuations may not be publicly available at this stage.

Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions

As of May 1, 2025:

• There is no evidence that AkknaTek GmbH has undergone an initial public offering (IPO), been acquired by another entity, or participated in any buyout events.
• The company remains active as an independent innovator within Germany’s deep tech health ecosystem.

Additional Notes Related to Funding Activities

The company’s journey post-EIC grant has included participation at major innovation summits—such as presenting at Research & Innovation Week Brussels—and engagement with IP management strategies advised by Eurice GmbH. These activities indicate ongoing commercialization efforts likely intended to attract future investors but do not constitute direct fundraising events themselves.

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Summary Table: Key Post-EIC Financing Facts

Event	Date	Funding Source	Amount
Non-dilutive grant	Dec 2021	EIT Health	€40k
Non-dilutive/EU blended finance potential	Oct-Dec 2022	European Innovation Council	€2.3m

No further institutional equity rounds or exit events have been documented publicly up to May 1st, 2025.

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Sources

• EIC Accelerator - October 5 Cut-Off Winners PDF
• AkknaTek — Helsinki Dealroom Company Profile
• EURICE — European Innovation Council Summit Workshop Highlights
• AkknaTek — New York InvestNY Company Profile
• AkknaTek — EIT Health Startup Directory

3 The Press Releases

AkknaTek GmbH: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments

AkknaTek GmbH, a German innovator in ophthalmology solutions, secured EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022 through a highly competitive process. The company specializes in improving cataract surgery outcomes using its Lens Reviewer system, which ensures precise intraocular lens (IOL) positioning to reduce post-operative complications.

Key Developments

• Funding Utilization: AkknaTek received blended finance support (grant + equity) via the EIC Accelerator, enabling scaling of its technology. While exact grant amounts remain undisclosed, the October 2022 cohort shared €470 million across 78 companies.
• Geographic Expansion: AkknaTek established a Luxembourg subsidiary post-funding, leveraging Luxinnovation’s coaching for proposal refinement and interview preparation.
• Technology Focus: The Lens Reviewer addresses misalignment risks in premium IOLs, directly targeting improved patient satisfaction and reduced surgical revisions.

Partnerships & Support

Luxinnovation emphasized AkknaTek’s role as a success story for Luxembourg’s innovation ecosystem, highlighting cross-border collaboration between Germany and Luxembourg subsidiaries. No recent patents or specific team updates have been publicly disclosed since the award.

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Sources

• EIC Accelerator winners and statistics October 2022 - Strata.team
• The European Innovation Council welcomes 78 high potential start-ups

No press releases or blog posts from akknatek.com were accessible via provided sources.

4 The Technology Advancements

AkknaTek GmbH: Post-EIC Accelerator Advancements in Cataract Surgery Technology

AkknaTek GmbH, a German innovator in ophthalmic solutions, has focused on improving refractive outcomes in cataract surgery through its proprietary Lens Reviewer technology. Since securing EIC Accelerator funding (reported as part of the 2022 cohort with €6.3 million awarded via its Luxembourg subsidiary), the company has advanced its mission to address intraocular lens (IOL) misalignment—a key challenge in premium IOL implantation.

Technological Improvements and Market Demonstration

The Lens Reviewer system, designed to detect and correct IOL positioning errors post-implantation, remains central to AkknaTek’s portfolio. While recent updates lack direct technical specifications from published materials, the company’s participation in programs like Luminate NY (2020) underscored its focus on U.S. market expansion and FDA approval pathways. Post-EIC funding activities likely include scaling production and enhancing device usability, though explicit details are unavailable.

Clinical adoption is implied through partnerships with healthcare providers, particularly given the emphasis on reducing postoperative complications like refractive surprises. However, no recent clinical trial results or pilot programs have been publicly disclosed since 2023.

Intellectual Property and Publications

Public records do not indicate new patent filings or peer-reviewed studies directly attributed to AkknaTek after 2022. The company’s earlier work emphasized real-time IOL alignment monitoring, but subsequent scientific publications or whitepapers remain unconfirmed.

Strategic Growth Post-Funding

Following EIC support, AkknaTek expanded operations via its Luxembourg subsidiary to leverage EU networks for commercialization. The funding facilitated technical validation and scalability efforts aligned with broader goals of improving surgical precision in cataract procedures globally.

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Sources

• Akknatek: Home
• AkknaTek finds safer methods for using high-end intraocular lenses
• Spotlight on AkknaTek: Reducing Postoperative Surprises After Cataract Surgery
• Arspectra, Circu Li-ion and AkknaTek selected by innovation council

5 The Partnerships and Customers

AkknaTek GmbH's Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

AkknaTek GmbH, a German medical technology startup specializing in cataract surgery innovations, has strategically aligned with key partners to advance its technology and scale operations. The company’s focus on precision intraocular lens (IOL) implantation has driven collaborations aimed at enhancing surgical outcomes and digitizing quality management processes.

Key Partnerships and Customers

• DHC Business Solutions: AkknaTek partnered with DHC under its VENTURES startup program, implementing the cloud-based DHC VISION software for digital quality management (ISO 13485 compliance). This pre-configured system streamlined validation, reduced paperwork, and supported future certifications.
• Luminate Accelerator: Listed on Luminate’s portfolio, AkknaTek gained visibility for its Lens Reviewer system, which improves IOL positioning accuracy during cataract surgery.

Nature of Relationships

The partnership with DHC emphasizes digital transformation, enabling AkknaTek to automate SOP processes, integrate compliance workflows, and prepare for scalable growth in regulated markets. The collaboration provides access to validation templates ("Validation Accelerators") and lean implementation methodologies.

Market Positioning and Technological Advancements

By adopting DHC VISION early in its lifecycle, AkknaTek positions itself as a digitally native medtech innovator, differentiating from legacy competitors relying on manual systems. This agility supports faster regulatory approvals (e.g., CE marking) and adaptability to evolving standards like EU MDR.

The partnerships enhance AkknaTek’s ability to:

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Sources

• Digitization in Quality Management: Medtech startup AkknaTek ventures into the next stage
• AkknaTech - Luminate Accelerator
• DHC Business Solutions - Customers

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

AkknaTek GmbH: Post-EIC Accelerator Team Dynamics and Growth AkknaTek GmbH, a German medical technology company focused on cataract surgery innovations, has not publicly disclosed specific details about its current headcount or team size. However, insights into its operations suggest strategic hiring in specialized roles to advance its mission of improving intraocular lens (IOL) implantation accuracy and visual outcomes.

• Hiring and Team Growth: While explicit hiring campaigns are not detailed on AkknaTek’s website or in available records, the company’s focus on software engineering for medical imaging aligns with job roles such as image analysis algorithm developers and medical device software engineers. A 2018 employment record (pre-dating EIC funding) indicates prior recruitment for such technical roles, but post-2022 growth specifics remain undisclosed.
• Recent Key Positions: The company likely prioritizes roles in AI-driven surgical innovations, given its emphasis on precision IOL technology. However, no recent job listings or hires are explicitly documented in the provided sources.
• Future Scaling: New team members would presumably bolster R&D efforts for next-generation IOL solutions, aligning with Akknatek’s goal of enhancing refractive outcomes in cataract surgery. Expertise in AI-based image processing (as demonstrated by adjacent research collaborations) could accelerate product development cycles.
• Management Changes: No information is available regarding leadership transitions since the 2022 EIC Accelerator win.

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Sources

• Akknatek: Home
• Development of Automated Approaches to High-Throughput Plant Image Analysis (Note: Mentions an AkknaTek software engineer role unrelated to current hiring)

7 The Media Features and Publications

AkknaTek GmbH: Media Presence and Industry Engagement Post-EIC Accelerator Funding AkknaTek GmbH, a German medical technology company specializing in cataract surgery innovations, has gained visibility through strategic collaborations and participation in key industry events since securing EIC Accelerator funding. While detailed media features or podcasts specifically naming the company are not publicly documented in the provided sources, several highlights illustrate its public engagements:

• Soft Landing New York Program (2024): AkknaTek was listed as part of a record-breaking cohort in this international business accelerator program aimed at expanding global market access. The company was recognized for its device improving intraocular lens (IOL) placement accuracy during cataract surgery[^softlanding].
• EIC Summit 2024: The founder of AkknaTek is listed among speakers at this European Innovation Council event, though the specific presentation details or content remain unspecified[^eicsummit].
• Collaboration with DHC Business Solutions: AkknaTek partnered with DHC to implement digital quality management systems, emphasizing streamlined workflows and compliance for medical device standards. A testimonial from Lorenz Nicolay of AkknaTek highlights their focus on integrating validation expertise and software solutions[^dhcvision].

While peer-reviewed publications directly naming AkknaTek are not evident from the available data, the company’s periodic report to CORDIS (EU’s research framework) outlines its mission to address IOL implantation challenges using optical guidance technology[^cordis].

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Sources

• Soft Landing New York Program Welcomes Its Record-Breaking Cohort
• Speakers - European Commission
• DHC Business Solutions - Customers
• New era of guided lens implantation in cataract surgery - CORDIS