1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program Overview
The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Europe, particularly those engaged in deep technology sectors. The program aims to foster groundbreaking innovations that can significantly impact society and the economy. By providing funding and resources, the EIC Accelerator helps companies develop their technologies, scale operations, and attract additional private investments.
Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator offers a unique blended finance model that combines grants and equity investments. As of the latest guidelines:
- Grant Funding: Companies can receive up to €2.5 million in grant funding, which is non-repayable and intended to cover costs related to R&D, prototyping, and other preparatory activities necessary for market entry.
- Equity Investments: The program can also provide equity funding of up to €15 million until 2024, and this amount will decrease to €10 million starting in 2025. This equity investment is designed to help companies scale their operations and enhance their market readiness by providing significant capital that can be used for further development and commercialization of innovative solutions.
Purpose and Impact
The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by:
Case Study: CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA and the HYCAP v2.0 Project
Company Overview: CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA, based in Portugal, is an innovative firm focused on developing advanced energy storage technologies. The company aims to contribute to sustainable mobility solutions through its cutting-edge research and development activities.
Project Acronym: HYCAP v2.0
Project Description: The HYCAP v2.0 project revolves around hybrid supercapacitor technology, which is poised to revolutionize energy storage for various applications, particularly in the mobility sector. This technology seeks to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional energy storage solutions by enhancing performance, efficiency, and lifespan.
Technology Basics and Background
Hybrid supercapacitors represent an evolution in energy storage technologies, combining the characteristics of traditional capacitors and batteries. They offer:
The HYCAP v2.0 project aims to enhance the performance metrics of these devices further, targeting improvements in energy density, efficiency, and sustainability. This is particularly important as the world moves towards greener technologies in transportation and energy generation.
Conclusion
The EIC Accelerator program serves as a vital catalyst for innovation within the European startup ecosystem, providing essential funding and support for projects like HYCAP v2.0 by CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA. By focusing on breakthrough technologies in sustainable mobility, the EIC Accelerator not only facilitates individual company growth but also contributes to the broader goals of sustainability and technological advancement across Europe. The strategic combination of grant and equity funding empowers companies to take significant steps toward market entry and scalability, ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of technological innovation.
2 The Funding Rounds
Financing Raised and Funding Rounds
Since its inception, CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA (C2C-NewCap), based in Portugal, has attracted several notable rounds of financing from a mix of private investors and European funding instruments.
- In May 2017, C2C-NewCap raised €144,000 from the REPSOL Foundation.
- In June 2019, the company secured €1.4 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC).
- Another round in November 2019 brought an additional €1.4 million (investor details not specified).
- In June 2020, C2C-NewCap participated in MassChallenge but no specific funding amount is disclosed for this event.
- Total early-stage venture capital financing is listed at approximately €2.9 million.
These facts demonstrate a consistent pattern of support from both institutional and public sector sources.
Timing and Amounts
The company's major funding events occurred as follows:
Date | Investor | Amount | Round |
---|---|---|---|
May 2017 | REPSOL Foundation | €144k | - |
Jun 2019 | EIC | €1.4m | - |
Nov 2019 | N/A | €1.4m | - |
Jun 2020 | MassChallenge | N/A | - |
Additionally, an early VC round totaling approximately €2.9 million has been documented.
Investor Information
Key investors include: - REPSOL Foundation
- European Innovation Council
- Caixa Capital
- EIT InnoEnergy (noted as participating via seed/early-stage capital)
Company Valuations
In June 2022, Dealroom.co estimated C2C-NewCap's enterprise valuation to be between $13–19 million USD. This reflects the company's growing traction within energy storage technologies for mobility and industrial markets.
Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions
There are no publicly reported exit events such as IPOs or buyouts for CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA as of April 2025. The company remains privately held with ongoing operations focused on supercapacitor technology development and commercialization.
Sources
- Dealroom – C2C NewCap: Funding & Valuation
- Ukraine Dealroom – C2C NewCap Company Info & Investors
- HyFlow H2020 – Project Participants
3 The Press Releases
CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA: Advancements and Updates
CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA, a Portuguese company specializing in supercapacitor technology, received the EIC Accelerator funding on June 15, 2022. The company focuses on developing innovative energy storage solutions, particularly in the automotive and electronics industries.
Technology Advancements
CHARGE2C-NEWCAP is at the forefront of developing next-generation supercapacitors, aiming to replace traditional lead-acid batteries in vehicles. Their product, GO-START, is designed for EU trucks and offers an efficient alternative to conventional batteries. Additionally, they are involved in projects like P.CAP, which focuses on creating planar electric double layer capacitors capable of operating at high temperatures and offering longer lifetimes. These capacitors are intended to be conflict-mineral-free, targeting applications in extreme environments such as mining and electric vehicles.
Partnerships and Projects
The company collaborates with various universities, R&D institutes, and companies across Europe. They are engaged in multiple EU-funded projects, including the Horizon Europe-funded KNOWSKITE-X project. This project aims to enhance material development for energy applications using AI and advanced technologies. Another significant collaboration is the HyFlow project, where C2C-NewCap develops high-voltage modules for hybrid storage systems combining vanadium redox flow batteries and supercapacitors.
Team Updates and Funding
While specific team updates following the EIC Accelerator funding are not detailed, the company's involvement in several national and EU-funded projects underscores their commitment to innovation and collaboration. The funding supports their mission to scale up cutting-edge supercapacitor technology for the European automotive market, focusing on reducing toxic and critical raw materials.
Patents and Press Releases
There is no specific information available about recent patents filed by CHARGE2C-NEWCAP. However, their website and social media do not appear to host press releases or blog posts detailing these aspects directly. The company emphasizes collaboration and innovation in energy storage, often highlighted through project participation and technological advancements.
Sources
- C2C NewCap: Home Newcap
- Privacy Policy - C2C NewCap
- C2C-NewCap lda - HyFlow-h2020.eu
- A pioneering alternative to century-old lead-acid battery technology
- Planar CAPacitors for high temperature and mid-frequency ...
- The best of EU-funded innovations: three HaDEA beneficiaries ...
- Projects - C2C NewCap
4 The Technology Advancements
CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA: Post-EIC Accelerator Progress and Capabilities Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in mid-2022, CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA has expanded its technological footprint in sustainable energy storage, focusing on supercapacitor solutions. Below is a synthesis of their advancements, collaborations, and market activities:Current Capabilities
The company specializes in next-generation supercapacitors, primarily targeting automotive (e.g., heavy-duty trucks) and stationary energy storage. Their flagship product GO-START, designed to replace lead-acid batteries in EU trucks, emphasizes rapid charging/discharging and environmental sustainability. Recent projects highlight expertise in hybrid energy systems, material innovation (e.g., graphene synthesis), and integration with renewable microgrids.Technological Advancements Post-2022 Funding
- Award-Winning Innovation: In November 2022, C2C-NewCap received the Transportation Hub Award from OceanExchange for its eco-friendly hybrid supercapacitors aimed at decarbonizing land transportation.
- R&D Collaborations: Active participation in EU-funded projects like:
- KNOWSKITE-X (2023–2027): Developing AI-driven materials for fuel cells/supercapacitors using advanced characterization methods.
- SMHYLES (2024–2028): Creating salt/water-based hybrid energy storage systems for improved safety and sustainability.
Market Demonstrations
The company’s technology has been integrated into multiple pilot projects:- Baterias 2030 Demonstrator: Deployed a supercapacitor module within an urban microgrid to support renewable energy communities (project ended June 2023).
- HYFLOW Project: Collaborated with European partners to develop a vanadium redox flow battery-supercapacitor hybrid system (ended 2024).
IP and Publications
No explicit mention of new patents or peer-reviewed studies since mid-2022 is available publicly. However:- Their role in R&D consortia suggests contributions to proprietary material formulations or system designs.
- Earlier work includes plasma-based graphene synthesis under the PEGASUS project (2018–2022), potentially informing current IP strategies.
Sources Cited Here & Additional References Used During Research:
C2C NewCap Homepage | EIC Announcement | KNOWSKITE-X Project | SMHYLES Project | Baterias 2030 Overview | HyFlow Collaboration5 The Partnerships and Customers
Overview of CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA
CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA, a Portuguese company based in Lisbon, specializes in the development of next-generation supercapacitor solutions. The company has been particularly active in the automotive and energy sectors, focusing on environmentally-friendly electrochemical solutions. Their flagship product, GO-START, is designed to replace traditional lead-acid batteries in vehicles, offering improved efficiency and reliability, especially in low-temperature conditions.
Partnerships and Collaborations
CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA collaborates with several universities, R&D institutes, and companies across Europe. They have been involved in over 20 partnerships and are currently engaged in five+ national and EU-funded projects. These collaborations reflect their commitment to advancing supercapacitor technology and contributing to sustainable energy solutions.
New Relationships and Partners
While specific new partners or customers were not detailed in the available information, CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA's participation in EU-funded projects indicates ongoing efforts to expand their network and enhance their technology. Their involvement in projects like SimCardioTest, BRAINTEASER, In Silico World, and METASTRA demonstrates their ability to collaborate across various sectors, leveraging EU support to scale their innovations.
Market Positioning
The company's focus on supercapacitors positions them as a key player in the energy storage market. Their technology offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional batteries, which is crucial for reducing environmental impact. By replacing lead-acid batteries, CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA's solutions can significantly lower operational costs for vehicle owners, enhancing their appeal in the automotive sector.
Technology Advancements and Scaling
CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA's technology advancements are driven by their proprietary nickel-carbon supercapacitors and the use of a highly conductive water-based electrolyte. These innovations enable more efficient energy storage and faster charging, which are essential for scaling their products. The EU funding and partnerships facilitate access to resources and expertise, helping the company to refine its technology and expand its market reach.
In summary, CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA's partnerships and collaborations are integral to their growth strategy. By leveraging EU funding and collaborative networks, they are well-positioned to advance supercapacitor technology and scale their operations in the European market.
Sources
- C2C NewCap: Home Newcap
- C2C-NewCap lda
- Privacy Policy - C2C NewCap
- New electrical energy storage device towards sustainable
- The best of EU-funded innovations
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Charge2C-NewCap's Team Dynamics Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022, Charge2C-NewCap LDA has maintained a focus on collaborative innovation while expanding its project portfolio. The company develops advanced supercapacitors for automotive and industrial applications, with flagship products like GO-START targeting EU truck manufacturers.While specific headcount figures are not publicly disclosed, the company’s growth is evident through its participation in 5+ EU-funded projects and collaborations with 20+ academic and industry partners, including universities, R&D institutes, and nanotechnology organizations like INL (International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory). Their involvement in initiatives such as the BRIDGE program—which reported an 18% average growth rate among energy storage projects from 2023–2024—suggests alignment with broader sector expansion.
No explicit hiring announcements or management changes are documented post-2022. However, their project pipeline implies reliance on specialized roles in supercapacitor R&D, energy systems modeling, and cross-sector partnerships. New team members would likely accelerate product scalability for markets requiring rapid energy storage solutions.
The absence of direct staffing data underscores Charge2C-NewCap’s emphasis on technical milestones over public workforce disclosures. Future scaling efforts may prioritize engineering talent to advance their next-generation storage technologies.
Sources
C2C NewCap: Home
INL National Funding - Portugal
BRIDGE Brochure 2024.pdf)
7 The Media Features and Publications
Overview of CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA
CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA is a Portuguese company specializing in the development of advanced supercapacitor solutions, especially for the automotive, stationary, and electronics industries. Their innovative products, such as the GO-START, are designed to replace traditional lead-acid batteries in vehicles, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Media Features and Publications
While specific media features or publications directly naming CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA are not detailed in the available search results, the company's participation in EU-funded projects and its involvement in cutting-edge technology development suggest a growing presence in industry publications and reports focused on sustainable energy solutions.
Podcasts and Interviews
There is no readily available information on podcasts or interviews featuring the team from CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA. However, their involvement in significant projects and conferences suggests potential participation in industry discussions and interviews.
Conference and Fair Visits
CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA is involved in various projects and collaborations, which likely involves participation in relevant conferences and fairs related to energy storage and sustainable technologies. For instance, their involvement in Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects suggests active engagement in European research and innovation events.
Event Involvement
The company's participation in EU-funded projects indicates its active role in events focused on energy innovation and sustainability. Specific events or details about their participation in conferences are not detailed in the available search results, but their focus on sustainable energy solutions positions them as contributors to related forums and discussions.
EIC Accelerator Funding
CHARGE2C-NEWCAP LDA received the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022, marking a significant milestone in their development and recognition of their innovative approach to energy storage solutions.
Sources:
- C2C NewCap: Home Newcap
- Towards a safe, reliable and cost competitive transport sector in Europe
- Charge2C-NewCap lda
- Privacy Policy - C2C NewCap
- Charge2C - Newcap, Lda
- 2024 Brochure - The BRIDGE initiative and project fact sheets.pdf)
- A pioneering alternative to century-old lead-acid battery technology
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