1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program: A Comprehensive Overview

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program serves as a cornerstone in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the European Union. Aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, the program provides financial assistance for high-risk, high-potential innovations across various sectors, particularly in DeepTech. The EIC Accelerator combines grant funding with equity investments, thus facilitating a blended finance approach that caters to the diverse needs of innovative companies.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a grant of up to €2.5 million, which is intended to cover costs related to the development and scaling of innovative projects. This funding can be utilized for various purposes, such as product development, market entry, and scaling operations.

In addition to the grant, the program offers equity investment, which has evolved in its structure over the years. Up until 2024, companies can receive equity funding of up to €15 million, with this amount decreasing to €10 million starting in 2025. This equity investment is crucial for companies seeking substantial financial backing to propel their innovations into the market. Importantly, the EIC Accelerator aims to reduce the funding gap that many startups face, especially in the early stages of growth.

Purpose and Impact on the European DeepTech Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by providing essential support to companies that possess groundbreaking technologies. The program not only focuses on financial backing but also emphasizes mentorship, networking, and access to expertise that can help companies scale effectively. By providing a combination of grants and equity, the EIC Accelerator ensures that innovative companies are not only financially supported but are also equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of scaling their operations.

Additionally, the program acts as a bridge between innovative startups and private sector investments. By validating and supporting high-potential projects, the EIC Accelerator enhances the credibility of these companies, making them more attractive to private investors. This, in turn, facilitates further financial support and accelerates the commercialization of innovative solutions.

Case Study: CH-BIOFORCE OY and the CHBPLANT Project

Company Overview

CH-Bioforce OY, based in Finland, is a pioneering company that has developed a novel approach to bioprocessing. The company specializes in creating sustainable solutions for the agricultural and food industries, focusing on minimizing environmental impact while maximizing productivity.

Project Overview: CHBPLANT

The CHBPLANT project represents a groundbreaking initiative by CH-Bioforce to establish a first-of-its-kind production plant aimed at revolutionizing the way agricultural products are processed. The project was submitted as a Step 2 proposal on March 23, 2022, and subsequently won the Step 3 interview, securing funding through the EIC Accelerator program.

Technology Basics and Background

CH-Bioforce's technology focuses on the innovative processing of biomass into high-value products. The CHBPLANT project is designed to utilize advanced bioprocessing techniques that convert organic materials into functional ingredients for food and feed applications. This process not only optimizes resource utilization but also contributes to waste reduction by repurposing by-products from existing agricultural practices.

The core technology involves a sophisticated bioreactor system that employs microbial fermentation and enzymatic treatments. These methods allow for the extraction of valuable compounds from biomass, which can be utilized in various sectors, including food production, animal feed, and even bioplastics. The technology is rooted in scientific research and development, drawing from the latest advancements in biotechnology and sustainability practices.

The CHBPLANT project aims to scale this technology for commercial viability, creating a production plant that can significantly enhance the supply chain in the agricultural sector. The project's impact extends beyond just production; it seeks to establish a model for sustainable practices that can be replicated across the industry.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator program serves as a crucial catalyst for innovation in Europe, providing necessary funding and support for high-potential startups like CH-Bioforce OY. The CHBPLANT project exemplifies the transformative potential of innovative bioprocessing technologies and reaffirms the EIC Accelerator's commitment to fostering sustainable solutions in the DeepTech landscape.

2 The Funding Rounds

Financing Raised

Since submitting its successful EIC Accelerator application in March 2022, CH-Bioforce Oy has secured significant funding rounds, primarily from European public innovation sources:

• In June 2022, CH-Bioforce received a major decision for up to €15 million in total funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) as part of the EIC Accelerator programme. The amount includes both grant and potential equity components, with the final form and division determined as the project advances.
• Prior to this, CH-Bioforce was awarded a grant of over €2 million through the EU’s Horizon 2020 SME Instrument in late 2018. This project had an allocated budget exceeding €3 million over two years.

Funding Rounds: Timing and Amount

Date	Source	Funding Type	Amount
June 2022	EIC Accelerator	Grant + Equity	Up to €15M
March 2019	EU (Horizon 2020 SME)	Grant	$2.4M (€~2M)

The exact split between grant and equity for the EIC Accelerator round is negotiated post-award; maximum equity component can reach €15 million.

Investor Information

The principal investors/funding agencies since March 2022 are:

• European Innovation Council Fund: Main source via EIC Accelerator programme (grant plus possible equity investment).
• European Union’s Horizon 2020 Programme: Provided earlier non-dilutive grant support under SME Instrument strand.
• Other supporters include Business Finland and foundations such as Runar Bäckström Foundation for previous technology development phases.

No evidence is available of private venture capital or corporate investors participating in these rounds.

Company Valuations

No public information on company valuations related to these funding rounds has been disclosed in official announcements or news sources.

Exit Events: IPOs, Buyouts, Acquisitions

There are no reported exit events—CH-Bioforce Oy has not undergone an IPO nor been subject to a buyout or acquisition since receiving its major EIC funding award. The company remains privately held within Chemec Group as it advances towards commercializing its biomass fractionation technology at scale.

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Sources

• CH-Bioforce to receive up to €15 million in funding from European Innovation Council
• News – CH Bioforce
• Circular economy company CH-Bioforce receives rare EU funding of up to €15 million
• Find an intro to CH-Bioforce Oy – Village Capital
• CH-BIOFORCE OY Official Website

3 The Press Releases

CH-Bioforce's Post-EIC Accelerator Milestones: Partnerships, Technology Advancements, and Strategic Growth

Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in 2022, CH-Bioforce has accelerated its mission to transform biomass into high-value materials using its proprietary BIOFORSENSE® technology. The company’s patented fractionation process extracts cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin from agricultural and industrial waste streams at unprecedented efficiency (over 90% material utilization), positioning it as a leader in sustainable biorefining.

Key Developments

• Production Plant Expansion: Construction of a commercial-scale plant is underway (target capacity: 20,000 t/y by 2025), supported by partnerships such as TM Systems, which delivered its first SuperDryer for biomass processing in Raisio.
• Industry Collaborations:
• Textiles: Collaboration with Spinnova to supply sustainable fibers for brands like Marimekko.
• Cosmetics: Joint development with HETKINEN on eco-friendly lotions using BIOFORSENSE® biopolymers.
• Patents: Two granted patents (US11377790B2 and US11046790B2) protect methods for extracting hemicelluloses and optimizing biomass processing.

Technology Advancements

The BIOFORSENSE® process is sulfur-free and operates with a closed-loop water system, enabling the use of non-wood biomass like straw or bagasse while maintaining high purity outputs. Recent trials confirm scalability across diverse feedstocks, with applications ranging from medical-grade polymers to emulsifiers for cosmetics.

Market Traction

CH-Bioforce showcased its technology at major industry events like in-cosmetics Global (2023–2024) and The Greener Manufacturing Show (2023), emphasizing solutions for replacing fossil-based materials. Letters of intent from global partners indicate strong demand ahead of full plant commissioning.

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Sources

• Study: Hemicelluloses Enhance Drug Dissolution Stability
• TM Systems SuperDryer Installation
• Interview on BIOFORSENSE Environmental Benefits
• Biomass Fractionation Breakthrough
• CORDIS Project Scaling Update

+ Patents Assigned to CH-Bioforce Oy + CHEManager Bioforsense Feature + Bioeconomy.fi Case Study

4 The Technology Advancements

Current Capabilities and Advancements of CH-Bioforce Oy

CH-Bioforce Oy, a Finnish technology startup founded in 2016, specializes in biomass fractionation technology known as Bioforsense. This innovative technology enables the nearly chemical-free processing of biomass into exceptionally pure biomaterials, such as cellulose (Cellense), hemicellulose (Xylense), and lignin (Lignense), which serve as sustainable alternatives to traditional oil-based raw materials. The company's focus is on reducing environmental impact by decreasing CO2 emissions, minimizing water usage, and reducing microplastic emissions in manufacturing processes.

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

After receiving up to €15 million in funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) in June 2022, CH-Bioforce Oy has made significant advancements:

Market Demonstration and Technology Improvement

CH-Bioforce has successfully integrated its technology into real-world applications, such as replacing traditional emulsifiers in cosmetics with its sustainable hemicellulose-based alternatives. This demonstrates the feasibility and market readiness of its technology. Additionally, the company continues to refine its processes, emphasizing high material efficiency, ultra-low water consumption, and carbon-neutral operations.

New Patents and Scientific Studies

While specific new patents or scientific studies published after the EIC funding in March 2022 are not detailed, CH-Bioforce's ongoing innovation is evident through its continued patent filings and advancements in biomass processing technology.

Sources

• CH-Bioforce to Present Bioforsense Technology at The Greener Manufacturing Show 2023
• Pure and ecological clean beauty from Finland | CH Bioforce
• From Waste to Value: Sustainable Polymers to Replace Fossil Raw Materials
• Game-changing technology creates new raw materials for consumer goods
• Conceptual design of a bio- and circular economy based business ecosystem in Naantali
• Patents Assigned to CH-Bioforce Oy
• CH-Bioforce to receive up to €15 million in funding from European Innovation Council
• Woodly To Join In Collaboration With CH-Bioforce For Future Projects
• Patents Assigned to BioForce
• Finnish firms give food and agricultural industries a lot to chew on

5 The Partnerships and Customers

CH-BIOFORCE OY, a Finnish innovator in biomass fractionation technology, has established several notable partnerships and customer relationships that support its market positioning, technology advancement, and scaling efforts since winning the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022.

Partnerships and Customers

• Spinnova: CH-BIOFORCE collaborates with Spinnova, a company producing sustainable textile materials. This partnership enables CH-BIOFORCE to supply cellulose fibers as sustainable alternatives to cotton for textile production. Spinnova’s products are used by clothing brands such as Marimekko, highlighting an important commercial linkage for CH-BIOFORCE’s biopolymers in the fashion industry.
• HETKINEN lifestyle brand: The company has engaged with HETKINEN in the cosmetics industry through projects that have yielded promising results using CH-BIOFORCE’s biopolymers.
• Woodly Oy: A significant recent collaboration is with Woodly Oy, a Finnish materials technology company developing Woodly® plastics based on wood cellulose. This partnership explores utilizing waste and residue streams as feedstock for producing bio-based raw materials for Woodly plastics production. The goal is to combine their technologies—CH-BIOFORCE’s feedstock-flexible biomass conversion process and Woodly®’s carbon-neutral plastic material—to enhance carbon neutrality and sustainability across value chains. Both CEOs emphasize mutual benefits: advancing bio-based raw materials development while improving environmental impact.

Nature of New Relationships

These partnerships typically involve shared R&D efforts aimed at:

• Developing bio-based raw materials (cellulose fibers, biopolymers) from industrial/agricultural side streams.
• Scaling up processing capabilities via the upcoming biomass plant planned by CH-BIOFORCE in Raisio (targeted commissioning in 2024), which will enable larger-scale projects with global partners.
• Demonstrating proof-of-concept trials across multiple sectors including textiles and cosmetics to attract commercial buyers interested in purchasing high-quality biopolymers once available at scale.

The collaboration with Woodly focuses on circular economy principles by converting waste streams into valuable inputs for environmentally friendly plastics production—a key step toward replacing fossil-based raw materials.

Market Positioning Impact

These relationships firmly position CH-BIOFORCE OY within the advanced bioeconomy sector focused on circularity:

• Partnering with companies like Spinnova aligns CH-BIOFORCE with cutting-edge sustainable textile innovations serving well-known brands.
• Collaboration with Woodly situates them within emerging markets of bio-plastics leveraging waste feedstocks.
• Successful engagements also boost credibility among investors and industrial players worldwide seeking greener alternatives to oil-based chemicals.

Technology Advancement & Scaling Support

The partnerships aid both technological progress and operational scaling:

• Access to diverse industrial partners provides real-use cases essential for refining product quality tailored towards different end applications (textiles, cosmetics, chemicals).
• Building their own production plant enhances capacity from pilot scale (~1 ton per batch) to commercial levels (~20,000 tons/year), enabling fulfillment of anticipated contracts arising from letters of intent received during trials.
• Integration into global networks fosters knowledge exchange accelerating innovation cycles while expanding supply chain robustness around circular economy resources like agricultural residues or industrial side streams.

In summary, since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022, CH-BIOFORCE OY has strategically partnered mainly with sustainable textile innovator Spinnova; lifestyle brand HETKINEN; and notably Finnish plastic developer Woodly Oy. These collaborations facilitate market entry into textiles, cosmetics, chemical intermediates, and eco-plastics sectors by leveraging unique Bioforsense fractionation technology converting diverse biomass into valuable high-purity components. The new relationships strengthen their position as leaders in green tech circular solutions while supporting technological maturation through large-scale plant commissioning slated for 2024.

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Sources: - CH Bioforce strives for a cleaner world

• Woodly To Join In Collaboration With CH Bioforce
• Bioforsense — From Waste to Value | CHEManager
• Circular economy company receives rare EU funding
• Game-changing technology creates new raw materials

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

CH-Bioforce Oy, a Finnish start-up specializing in innovative biomass fractionation technology, has seen measured team growth and strategic leadership developments since receiving EIC Accelerator funding following its Step 2 proposal submission on March 23, 2022.

Current Team Size and Growth
As of early 2024, CH-Bioforce employs approximately ten staff members. This size reflects a modest but focused team primarily engaged in research, development, and pilot plant operations located in Raisio, Finland. The company’s founding core remains intact with the original inventors—Sebastian von Schoultz (Co-founder/Chief Business Officer), Lari Vähäsalo (Co-founder/R&D Director), and Nicholas Lax (Co-founder/Chief Technology Officer)—still actively involved. Their combined expertise contributes over 190 years of experience in biorefinery technologies and related fields.

Leadership Changes
A significant management update was the appointment of Petri Tolonen as CEO starting January (presumably January 2023). Tolonen brings more than three decades of international business experience to lead CH-Bioforce into commercialization phases beyond R&D. His leadership aims at scaling up production capabilities while expanding market awareness for their bio-based raw materials across various industries including textiles, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.

Hiring Status and Key Positions
There is no explicit public record indicating recent new hires beyond the founding team or currently open positions from available sources. However, CH-Bioforce’s steady headcount around ten employees suggests selective recruitment aligned with their operational scale-up plans rather than rapid expansion. The key positions remain those held by founders managing R&D directions alongside senior executives guiding business development and operations.

Implications for Future Growth
The relatively small but expert team under Tolonen's leadership is poised to leverage EIC Accelerator funding toward building an industrial-scale biorefinery plant. This facility will enable larger production projects serving global partners interested in sustainable bio-based polymers that replace fossil- or agricultural-based raw materials notably used in textiles like cellulose fibers to substitute cotton. Their ongoing collaborations with sustainability-focused companies such as Spinnova demonstrate how their technology integrates into circular bioeconomy ecosystems supporting textile innovation.

This focus on scalable industrial deployment coupled with licensing opportunities reveals a future trajectory where the current team's specialized knowledge facilitates commercial breakthroughs without requiring massive workforce expansion immediately. Instead, growth appears driven by technological validation at scale enabling partnerships that will likely demand additional hiring over time.

No reports indicate major upheavals or changes within the founding group aside from the CEO transition; rather they maintain continuity while progressing from startup research phase toward commercial viability supported by EU grants including Horizon 2020 awards prior to EIC funding success.

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Summary

• Current headcount: Approximately 10 employees as of early 2024
• Team composition: Founders active in key technical/business roles plus selected staff mainly focused on R&D/pilot plant operation
• CEO: Petri Tolonen appointed Jan ~2023 bringing extensive international business expertise
• Hiring status: No clear public indication of active hiring campaigns; likely selective recruitment aligned with scaling plans
• Growth since EIC funding: Steady development toward industrial-scale production plant; leveraging partnerships for market penetration
• Future outlook: New team structure supports scaling technology commercialization through licensing & larger projects without immediate large-scale hiring increase

Sources:

• CH-Bioforce strives for a cleaner world
• About Us | CH Bioforce
• Petri Tolonen to lead CH-Bioforce
• Game-changing technology creates new raw materials

7 The Media Features and Publications

CH-Bioforce Oy, a Finnish company based in Raisio, has received significant recognition and media coverage since winning the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022. The company specializes in innovative biomass processing technology called Bioforsense®, which enables nearly chemical-free fractionation of various biomass types into high-purity biopolymers such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. These biopolymers serve as sustainable alternatives to fossil- and food-based raw materials across multiple industries including textiles, packaging, cosmetics, and medical applications.

Media Features and Publications

CH-Bioforce has been featured in several industry publications highlighting its unique bio-based technology:

• Open Access Government (January 2024) published an interview with CEO Petri Tolonen discussing how Bioforsense® technology offers environmental benefits by enabling sustainable alternatives to cotton textiles through partnerships with companies like Spinnova and Marimekko. The article also emphasized the company's upcoming production plant to scale up operations globally.
• Bioplastics Magazine (July 2019) detailed CH-Bioforce’s revolutionary approach to biomass fractionation that extracts all three main constituents—cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin—in one process economically profitably. It highlighted the company’s ability to utilize diverse biomass feedstocks such as birch or spruce for various industrial applications.
• CHEManager Online (November 2022) featured an extensive interview with CEO Petri Tolonen explaining the origin of CH-Bioforce’s technology by wood chemistry experts starting from 2011 research efforts. The piece underscored the uniqueness of their gentle extraction method preserving native polymer forms of biopolymers while replacing oil- and cotton-based materials sustainably.

Company Media Resources

CH-Bioforce maintains a dedicated media page on their website offering press releases, fact sheets, photo libraries for media professionals contacting them directly for information.

Conferences & Events Participation

While specific conference participations or fair visits are not extensively documented in public sources available here up until April 2025:

• The company is noted for its active role in advancing circular economy principles at regional innovation hubs such as Raisio's Smart Chemistry Park where it is developing a commercial-scale plant planned for operation around 2024.
• Partnership engagements with global players suggest ongoing participation or collaboration discussions likely involving industry events focused on biomaterials innovation. However no explicit podcast interviews or panel appearances by CH-Bioforce team members were found within these search results.

Involvement in Events

CH-Bioforce benefits from support by regional development organizations like Turku Science Park Ltd., which has accompanied their growth journey since early days around 2015 providing networking opportunities within bio-and circular economy sectors. This indicates involvement at least indirectly through these networks promoting green tech advancements.

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In summary:

• CH-BIOFORCE OY is recognized widely within bioeconomy-focused publications emphasizing its breakthrough Bioforsense® biomass fractionation technology.
• Key media content includes interviews mainly featuring CEO Petri Tolonen describing technological uniqueness and sustainability impacts.
• The company actively prepares scaling via new processing facilities supported by EU funding under EIC Accelerator granted mid-2022.
• While direct public references to podcasts or detailed event participations are limited from available data sets here; regional cluster involvement implies engagement with relevant fairs/conferences.

Sources: -Media | CH Bioforce
-Open Access Government Article
-Bioplastics Magazine: "CH-BIOFORCE revolutionizes biomaterials production"
-CHEManager Interview November 2022
-Business Turku News June 2022
-Company Interview March 25th Article