1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC (European Innovation Council) Accelerator program is a flagship initiative under the Horizon Europe framework, designed to support innovative startups and SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) across Europe. The program is particularly focused on deep-tech and high-impact startups, enabling them to scale their operations, foster innovation, and contribute to a sustainable and resilient economy. By providing financial support and mentoring, the EIC Accelerator aims to bridge the gap between early-stage funding and market readiness, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness of European firms on a global scale.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a unique blended finance model that combines grants and equity investments:

1. Grant Funding: Up to €2.5 million is available as a non-repayable grant. This funding can be utilized for various purposes, including research and development, product validation, and market entry activities. The grant component is designed to provide financial support to cover costs associated with innovation and technological advancement.

2. Equity Investment: The program also allows for equity financing, with amounts reaching up to €15 million until 2024. This funding can be crucial for companies looking to scale their operations, expand their market presence, or develop new products. Since 2025, the equity investment cap has been adjusted to €10 million. The equity component is designed to attract private sector investment by demonstrating confidence in the venture's potential.

Purpose and Impact

The EIC Accelerator serves several key purposes within the European deep-tech and startup ecosystem:

Innovation Support: By providing financial resources, the program enables startups to develop cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions.
Market Readiness: The funding helps companies transition from concept to market-ready products, facilitating a smoother path to commercialization.
Private Sector Leverage: The program encourages private investment by reducing the perceived risk associated with funding innovative startups. The EIC’s backing can act as a stamp of approval, making it easier for companies to secure additional funding from venture capitalists and other private investors.
Sustainability Focus: Many of the projects supported by the EIC Accelerator align with broader sustainability and environmental goals, contributing to the European Green Deal and other initiatives aimed at ecological preservation.

Case Study: BEEODIVERSITY and BeeOimpact Project

Company Overview: BEEODIVERSITY is a Belgian startup focusing on enhancing biodiversity and reducing pollution through innovative solutions. The company's mission revolves around the critical role of bees in ecosystems and the need to protect them in the face of environmental challenges.

Project Acronym: BeeOimpact

Project Description: The BeeOimpact project represents a transformative approach, transitioning from a "Bees as a Service" (BaaS) model to a "Software as a Service" (SaaS) framework. This innovative project seeks to leverage technology to enhance biodiversity monitoring and management while simultaneously addressing pollution concerns.

Technology Basics and Background

The BeeOimpact initiative is built on the premise that bees are not only vital pollinators but also indicators of environmental health. The project utilizes advanced data analytics and software solutions to monitor bee populations and their habitats. By employing IoT (Internet of Things) devices and AI (Artificial Intelligence) algorithms, the platform provides real-time insights into biodiversity levels and environmental conditions.

Key Components:

1. Data Collection: The platform integrates data from various sources, including sensors placed in natural habitats, to gather information on bee activity, environmental quality, and biodiversity metrics.

2. Analytics and Reporting: The software analyzes the collected data and generates actionable reports, enabling stakeholders—such as farmers, policymakers, and conservationists—to make informed decisions aimed at improving ecosystem health.

3. Community Engagement: The project also emphasizes community involvement, allowing users to participate in biodiversity monitoring and contribute to local conservation efforts. This participatory approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards environmental stewardship.

4. Pollution Reduction: By providing insights into environmental conditions, the BeeOimpact project aims to identify pollution sources and trends, facilitating targeted interventions to mitigate their impact on biodiversity.

In June 2022, BEEODIVERSITY submitted its Step 2 proposal for the EIC Accelerator and subsequently won the Step 3 interview, securing funding to propel the BeeOimpact project forward. The support from the EIC Accelerator is expected to significantly enhance the company’s capabilities, enabling it to scale its operations and positively impact biodiversity and pollution reduction efforts across Europe.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and sustainability within the European startup ecosystem. By providing critical funding and support, it empowers companies like BEEODIVERSITY to develop transformative solutions that address pressing environmental challenges. The integration of technology in biodiversity management represents a significant step towards achieving a more sustainable future, underscoring the importance of innovative approaches in tackling global issues.

2 The Funding Rounds

BeeOdiversity: Financing and Funding Overview Since EIC Accelerator Award

BeeOdiversity, a Belgian company specializing in biodiversity preservation and environmental monitoring solutions, has seen notable funding activity since it received the EIC Accelerator award following its successful Step 2 proposal submission on June 15, 2022.

Financing Raised and Funding Rounds

In October 2022, BeeOdiversity secured a combination of grant and equity funding through the prestigious EIC Accelerator program. This round specifically financed their "BeeOimpact" project—an innovative solution leveraging bee ecosystems to gather biodiversity data.
The EIC Accelerator provides substantial support to promising European startups; for example, grants can reach up to €2.5 million with potential additional equity investments.
Prior to this, there is no public record of significant venture rounds (e.g., Series A/B/C), indicating the company relied primarily on grants or smaller-scale investment prior to its EIC win.

Timing and Amount of Funding Rounds

October 14, 2022: Grant & equity round under the EU's EIC Accelerator program for BeeOimpact. While exact amounts specific to BeeOdiversity’s award are not disclosed in sources provided here, standard EIC Accelerator awards at that time typically ranged up to €2.5 million in grant funding plus potential equity top-ups.
March 2024: Additional EU support was secured via the "EIC Transition" scheme for their new project "BeeOmetrics," building upon earlier research projects but as part of a separate collaborative framework rather than direct startup financing.

Investor Information

The main investor since June 2022 has been the European Innovation Council (EIC), which operates both as a grant-giving body and an equity investor under Horizon Europe programs.
No evidence was found of major private venture capital firms or institutional investors participating directly alongside or after this period based on available public records.

Company Valuations

No specific valuation figures have been published publicly for BeeOdiversity since receiving its most recent rounds. As is typical with early-stage deep-tech companies funded by public innovation grants rather than private VC rounds, formal third-party valuations may not be disclosed until larger private investment occurs.

Exit Events (IPO/Buyouts/Acquisitions)

There are no records indicating an initial public offering (IPO), acquisition, or buyout event involving BeeOdiversity from mid-2022 through May 2025.

In summary:

Date	Round Type	Investor(s)	Amount	Notes
Oct 14, 2022	Grant + Equity	EU – EIC Accelerator	Up to €2.5M+equity	For “BeeOimpact” project
Mar 6, 2024	Grant	EU – EIC Transition	Not specified	For “BeeOmetrics”—different collaborative project

The March 2024 support relates more broadly to technology validation/collaboration than core startup financing.

There is no evidence of subsequent major fundraising rounds led by private investors nor any exit event as of May 1st, 2025.

Sources: - Beeodiversity Stock Price, Funding

3 The Press Releases

BEEODIVERSITY: Post-EIC Accelerator Developments and Operational Insights Belgian greentech company BeeOdiversity, a 2022 EIC Accelerator winner, specializes in biodiversity monitoring and nature-based solutions using bees as bioindicators. While specific details about their EIC-related press releases or funding outcomes are not publicly disclosed on their website, recent operational developments highlight their focus on technological innovation and strategic partnerships.

Key Post-2022 Developments

BeeOimpact App Optimization: In 2024, BeeOdiversity collaborated with Thoughtbot to enhance the user experience of its BeeOimpact application, a tool for corporations to monitor environmental impacts. The redesign prioritized improving conversion rates for consulting services through UX audits and heat-mapping exercises.
UPSURGE Project Partnership: BeeOdiversity contributes to the EU-funded UPSURGE initiative by deploying its BeeOmonitoring technology, which uses bees to collect data on pollutants (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides) and plant diversity across urban areas. This solution aims to improve air/soil quality while fostering stakeholder engagement.
Global Expansion: The company operates in multiple European countries, Switzerland, and the U.S., offering biodiversity strategies tailored to industrial clients and municipalities.

Technology Advancements

Their proprietary BeeOmonitoring system analyzes pollen collected by bees from ~700 hectares annually, detecting over 516 pesticides/pollutants alongside plant diversity metrics. This data-driven approach informs ecological audits and sustainability strategies for clients like agricultural firms.

While no patents or team updates are explicitly mentioned post-EIC award, co-founder Dr. Bach Kim Nguyen remains central to scientific advisory roles internationally. Publicly available materials emphasize scaling their "bees as natural drones" model rather than formal press releases or blog posts announcing milestones directly tied to EIC funding.

Sources
BeeOdiversity: Biodiversity as a solution · Our story - BeeOdiversity · Beeodiversity - Dealroom.co · UPSURGE Project Partner · Thoughtbot Case Study

4 The Technology Advancements

BEEODIVERSITY: Advancements Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022 for its BeeOimpact project, Brussels-based BeeOdiversity has expanded its technological capabilities and market presence. The company uses bees as bioindicators to monitor biodiversity and pollutants, combining this data with AI-driven analytics for environmental insights.

Technological Advancements

AI Integration: Partnered with Microsoft Azure to enhance data processing, enabling predictive analytics for biodiversity management and pollutant tracking.
BeeOmetrics Platform: Developed an AI-powered predictive platform under the EIC Transition scheme (awarded March 2024) to optimize environmental management for industries like agrifood and smart cities.

Market Demonstrations

Knokke-Heist Pilot: Achieved a 300% reduction in pesticide levels and quadrupled plant diversity in the Belgian coastal city through targeted interventions informed by bee-collected data.
Cross-Sector Clients: Serves agrifood producers, financial institutions, and governments globally, leveraging bees to monitor over ha monitored annually (exact figures unspecified).

Intellectual Property & Research Outputs

While no new patents or peer-reviewed studies are explicitly mentioned post-2022, the company has:

Built a decade-long proprietary dataset now utilized for AI-driven sustainability decisions.
Scaled its EVOLVE program, advising clients on nature-based solutions like sustainable agriculture and ecological site audits.

EU Funding Synergies

BeeOdiversity secured additional EU support through the EIC Transition scheme (March 2024) for BeeOmetrics, building on results from the UPSURGE Horizon 2020 project. This dual funding strategy highlights their focus on interoperability between projects.

Sources

• How BeeOdiversity leverages 12 million bees and AI • Success story - Brussels company BEEODIVERSITY creates a buzz again • BeeOdiversity SPRL | Devex • Brussels company BEEODIVERSITY creates a buzz!

5 The Partnerships and Customers

BeeOdiversity: Partnerships and Growth Since EIC Accelerator Funding

BeeOdiversity, a Belgian company specializing in biodiversity preservation and environmental monitoring, received EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022. Since then, the company has expanded its partnerships and customer base, enhancing its position in the market.

Partnerships and Customers

Kersia Partnership: BeeOdiversity partnered with Kersia, a company focused on environmental health, to deploy biomonitoring beehives. This collaboration aims to enhance biodiversity and environmental quality around industrial sites in Belgium and France.
Interreg BUFFER+ Project: BeeOdiversity is part of this project, contributing its expertise in biodiversity preservation and environmental monitoring across five European countries.
Meridian Institute Partnership: A partnership with the Meridian Institute was featured by CBS News, highlighting BeeOdiversity's role in providing environmental data services.

New Partners and Customers

While specific new partners and customers are not detailed, BeeOdiversity's expansion into the U.S. market in 2021 and the establishment of multiple sites focusing on Superfund restorations and renewable energy facilities indicate growing relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Nature of New Relationships

The partnerships focus on biodiversity preservation, environmental monitoring, and sustainable development. BeeOdiversity's involvement in projects like the Interreg BUFFER+ and its work with Kersia and the Meridian Institute underscore its commitment to enhancing environmental quality through innovative solutions.

Market Positioning and Technology Advancements

These partnerships position BeeOdiversity as a leader in biodiversity monitoring and environmental management. The company's innovative solutions, such as BeeOmonitoring, aid in scaling up its operations and advancing its technology, particularly through AI-powered platforms like BeeOmetrics. The EIC funding supports further development of its AI-driven platforms, enhancing its capabilities in monitoring and managing environmental risks more effectively.

Scaling and Growth

BeeOdiversity's growth is facilitated by its expanding network and the integration of its services across various sectors, from agriculture to urban planning. The company's ability to secure multiple EU funding rounds demonstrates its potential for continued scaling and technological advancement.

Sources

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

BEEODIVERSITY: Team Growth and Operational Scaling Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022 for its BeeOimpact project, BEEODIVERSITY has demonstrated significant growth, marked by expanded EU support and strategic team development. Here’s an analysis of their hiring, team structure, and scaling efforts:

Current Headcount: The company employs a 25-member team comprising scientists, bio-engineers, data specialists, IT developers, and sales professionals.
Team Expansion: Their workforce supports projects across 20+ countries in Europe, North America, South America, and Africa, reflecting increased operational capacity post-funding.
Recent Hiring Focus: While specific roles are not detailed publicly, the team includes specialized positions such as BeeOscientists, biodiversity experts (e.g., Laetitia Boels), and commercial developers for regional expansion (e.g., Charles Vallet in France).
Growth Trajectory: BEEODIVERSITY secured additional EU funding in March 2024 under the EIC Transition scheme for its AI-driven BeeOmetrics project, which aims to monitor 200 sites by 2025. This expansion suggests growing demand for roles in AI development and environmental analytics.
Management Stability: Co-founders Dr. Bach Kim Nguyen and Michael van Cutsem remain actively involved, with no reported changes to the founding team since the EIC Accelerator win.

The integration of data scientists and AI specialists aligns with their focus on predictive environmental management tools like BeeOmetrics, positioning the company to scale solutions for sectors ranging from agriculture to smart cities.

Sources

– BeeOmetrics Project

7 The Media Features and Publications

Overview of BeeOdiversity

BeeOdiversity, a Belgian greentech company, was founded by Dr. Bach Kim Nguyen, Michaël van Cutsem, and Emmanuel Lion, driven by a shared desire to protect bees and their ecosystems. Since its inception in 2012, the company has developed innovative nature-based solutions to monitor and improve biodiversity and reduce pollution. These solutions include using bees as natural sensors to monitor environmental conditions.

Media Features and Publications

BeeOdiversity has been featured in various media and publications, primarily for its innovative approach to environmental monitoring and biodiversity preservation. However, specific media features or publications naming BeeOdiversity are not widely detailed in the available search results. Instead, the company's approach to using bees as bio-indicators for pollution and biodiversity is highlighted in general discussions about environmental monitoring.

Podcasts and Interviews

There is no specific information available on podcasts or interviews featuring the BeeOdiversity team in the provided search results.

Conference and Fair Visits

BeeOdiversity participates in environmental projects and initiatives, such as the UPSURGE project, where they contribute to improving air and soil quality through their BeeOmonitoring tool. However, specific details about their participation in conferences or fairs are not detailed in the available data.

Involvement in Events

BeeOdiversity is involved in projects like the UPSURGE initiative, which focuses on enhancing biodiversity and environmental quality in urban areas. Their involvement typically centers around providing nature-based solutions and expertise to improve ecological conditions.

EIC Accelerator Funding

BeeOdiversity received EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022, marking a significant milestone for the company. This funding supports their mission to develop and implement more effective biodiversity monitoring and preservation strategies.

Sources:

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