1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in the EU that are engaged in groundbreaking innovations. The program specifically targets companies operating in the DeepTech sector, which focuses on advanced technologies that require significant research and development. The EIC Accelerator provides both grant and equity funding to assist these companies in scaling their innovations and bringing them to market.

Funding Structure of the EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator offers a unique funding structure that combines grants and equity investments.

Purpose and Role in the Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in fostering innovation within the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem. By providing substantial funding, the program aims to bridge the funding gap that often exists for innovative companies in their early stages. The EIC Accelerator not only supports the development of technology but also encourages collaboration and partnerships with private investors. This dual funding approach helps increase the attractiveness of startups to private investors who may be more willing to invest once they see the backing of a reputable program like the EIC Accelerator.

Case Study: DAC Sp.z.o.o. and the DAC Project

One notable winner of the EIC Accelerator is DAC Sp.z.o.o., a Polish company that focuses on innovative cooling technologies. The project acronym, DAC, stands for Dynamic Air Cooling, which represents a breakthrough in cold generation technology. DAC Sp.z.o.o. submitted its Step 2 proposal on October 6, 2021, and subsequently succeeded in the Step 3 interview process.

Project Overview: Dynamic Air Cooling (DAC)

The DAC project aims to develop an efficient and environmentally-friendly cooling technology. Traditional cooling systems often rely on refrigerants that can have detrimental effects on the environment. In contrast, the DAC technology is designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing energy efficiency.

Technology Basics and Background

The Dynamic Air Cooling technology involves advanced thermodynamic processes that enhance the efficiency of cooling systems. By optimizing the way air is cooled and circulated, DAC can significantly reduce energy consumption compared to conventional cooling methods. This innovation is particularly relevant in the context of rising global temperatures and increasing energy demands.

The technology works by utilizing a unique combination of materials and engineering principles that allow for rapid heat exchange and lower operational costs. This not only addresses energy efficiency but also aligns with global sustainability goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional cooling solutions.

Furthermore, the DAC technology holds potential applications in various sectors, including commercial buildings, industrial processes, and even electric vehicles, where efficient thermal management is critical.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator represents a significant opportunity for innovative companies like DAC Sp.z.o.o. to secure essential funding for their groundbreaking projects. By offering a combination of grants and equity, the program supports the scaling of technologies that can have a lasting impact on the environment and economy. The DAC project exemplifies how the EIC Accelerator can empower startups to develop innovative solutions that address pressing global challenges in energy efficiency and sustainability. For more information, DAC Sp.z.o.o. can be explored further at their official website, airenergy.inf.ua.

2 The Funding Rounds

Financing Raised by DAC Sp.z.o.o. (Poland) Since EIC Accelerator Funding

EIC Accelerator Funding Overview

DAC Sp.z.o.o., a Polish company specializing in innovative cooling technology that uses air instead of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 50%, was awarded funding under the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator scheme in the largest-ever funding round announced on December 16, 2021. This program selected 99 companies, including DAC Sp.z.o.o., for a total allocation of EUR 627 million in grants and/or equity investments, with individual amounts potentially reaching up to EUR 17.5 million depending on the company's needs.

Funding Rounds and Timing

• EIC Accelerator Award:
• Announcement Date: December 16, 2021
• Program: Horizon Europe EIC Accelerator
• Project Supported: Dynamic Air Cooling (“Air Energy”)
• The funding process included an initial screening stage, full application assessment by external experts, and a final interview with an expert jury before selection.
• Pre-EIC Support:
• Prior to the EIC award, DAC Sp.z.o.o. implemented their "Air Energy" project based on a support agreement dated July 17, 2020 with Tech-Impact Fund Sp. z o.o., as part of NCBR BridgeAlfa—a Polish venture capital initiative focused on early-stage tech startups.
• This agreement likely provided seed or pre-seed capital for R&D activities leading up to their successful bid for EIC support.

Investor Information

• For the EIC grant/equity component:
• The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), under powers delegated from the European Commission, acts as both granting authority and potential equity investor via its blended finance mechanism.
• Details about additional private co-investors or syndicate partners have not been disclosed in public sources.
• For pre-EIC financing:
• Tech-Impact Fund Sp. z o.o., operating within NCBR BridgeAlfa framework, invested in DAC’s early-stage development through Poland’s national innovation ecosystem.

Company Valuations

No publicly available information has been found regarding specific company valuations assigned during or after these rounds.

Exit Events (IPO/Buyout/Acquisition)

There is no evidence that DAC Sp.z.o.o. has undergone an exit event such as an IPO or acquisition since receiving its EIC Accelerator funding; it remains privately held as of April 2025.

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Summary Table

Event/Fund	Date	Amount	Investor(s)/Source	Notes
Pre-seed / Seed	Jul.17,2020	Not disclosed	Tech-Impact Fund / NCBR BridgeAlfa	Support Agreement for “Air Energy” project
EU Grant/Equity	Dec.16,2021	Up to €17.5M	European Innovation Council/EISMEA	Largest-ever round; blended finance model

</em>Exact amount received by DAC was not published publicly—companies could receive grants/equity up to this ceiling per project needs.

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Exit Status

As of April 23rd, 2025:

• No IPO reported.
• No mergers/buyouts/acquisition activity reported.

DAC continues operations focused on commercializing its environmentally friendly cooling solution across markets.

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Sources

• Largest-ever funding round from the European Innovation Council – official announcement
• DAC R&D Support Agreement – Dynamic Air Cooling

3 The Press Releases

DAC Sp.z.o.o. Overview

While the specific details about DAC Sp.z.o.o. from Poland receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021 are not directly available, there is information on a similar company named DAC (Dynamic Air Cooling), which has been involved in innovative cooling technologies. However, the company DAC Sp.z.o.o. itself does not appear in the search results provided.

Technology and Innovations

DAC (Dynamic Air Cooling), a related company, is recognized for its breakthrough cold generation technology, which is aimed at providing efficient and sustainable air conditioning/refrigeration solutions. This technology has been developed through extensive research and development efforts, starting from 2015, and has achieved significant milestones such as receiving initial financing and winning several startup competitions.

Partnerships and Collaborations

There is no specific information available about DAC Sp.z.o.o.'s partnerships or collaborations following the EIC Accelerator funding. However, companies like DAC (Dynamic Air Cooling) have participated in various accelerators and programs, such as the Venture for ClimateTech Accelerator in New York and the MassChallenge Switzerland acceleration program.

Patents and Intellectual Property

The DAC technology has led to the receipt of patents, with the first patents being received in 2017. This indicates significant intellectual property developments in the cooling technology space.

Team Updates

The team behind DAC (Dynamic Air Cooling) is led by experts in gas and thermodynamics with a strong background in research and technology development. However, specific updates about DAC Sp.z.o.o.'s team are not available.

Press Releases and Social Media

There are no press releases or social media updates specifically highlighting DAC Sp.z.o.o.'s achievements or announcements related to the EIC Accelerator funding. For updates on similar companies, one might need to visit their respective websites or social media platforms.

Conclusion

Given the lack of specific information about DAC Sp.z.o.o., it seems there might be confusion with other companies like DAC (Dynamic Air Cooling). For precise details about DAC Sp.z.o.o., direct contact with the company or checking their official website or social media channels would be necessary.

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Sources: - EIC Accelerator Winners and Success Rate (October 2021 call)

• DAC (Dynamic Air Cooling) Team
• DACPOL SERVICE
• Technology & Business Cooperation Days 2025

4 The Technology Advancements

DAC Sp.z.o.o., based in Poland, specializes in an innovative air conditioning and refrigeration technology known as Dynamic Air Cooling (DAC). This technology is environmentally friendly, using no synthetic hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) coolants or freons, and generates cold by reducing the thermal energy of air. It achieves a temperature drop of up to -60°C and operates with 30% higher energy efficiency compared to traditional vapor compression systems. The system also recovers thermal energy from the cooled air, converting it into electricity for powering the unit itself.

Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on October 6, 2021, DAC has made notable advancements:

• Technology improvements: The company completed testing of its first 18 kW cold generator prototype by November 2021, achieving a temperature delta of -90°C. They have also successfully modeled cooling processes targeting a temperature delta of -170°C. Their technology development has continued with support from various accelerators and competitions through 2023.
• Demonstrations and market validation: DAC conducted initial tests of their cold generator in refrigerated trailers as early as August 2021. By late 2023, they were actively collecting marketing information for application scenarios and preparing to develop B2B solutions including field prototype production infrastructure. This indicates steps toward piloting with B2B customers and licensing production to OEM manufacturers.
• Intellectual property and scientific contributions: The team behind DAC comprises experts who have collectively published over 98 scientific papers and submitted more than 25 patent applications related to their technology since its inception around 2015-2017. This strong IP portfolio continues evolving alongside ongoing R&D efforts supported by EIT Raw Materials (EU) since mid-2023.
• Recognition & support: Post-EIC funding period highlights include being finalists or winners in international startup competitions such as ImpactArena Incredibles Startup competition (May 2023), UNIDO Global Call Energy Efficiency category second prize winner (October 2023), selection for Plug-and-Play & EIC Silicon Valley Program (October 2023).

In summary, DAC Sp.z.o.o. has leveraged its EIC Accelerator funding effectively to advance its patented sustainable cooling technology both technically—by improving prototype performance—and commercially—by moving towards pilot implementations with customers. Their continued publication activity along with patent filings reflects ongoing innovation efforts aligned with global climate goals.

Sources

• Dynamic Air Cooling Technology Overview
• DAC Sp.z.o.o Company Profile on EuroQuity
• DAC Team & Company Journey Details

5 The Partnerships and Customers

DAC Sp.z.o.o., a Polish company specializing in Dynamic Air Cooling (DAC) technology, has established several significant partnerships and customer relationships since winning the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021. These relationships are key to its market positioning, technological advancement, and scaling efforts.

Partnerships and Customers

• DAC Sp.z.o.o. is actively engaging with multiple pilot customers across industries as part of its strategy to validate and showcase its innovative cooling technology. The company has secured pilot projects with well-known industrial players such as Toda, Sudzucker, Daikin, Piast, Wielton, Sescom, General Mills, Buhler, and Trane. These collaborations aim to demonstrate DAC's reliability and economic benefits compared to traditional air conditioning or refrigeration solutions.
• The nature of these customer relationships is primarily pilot testing where DAC’s cold generation technology will be validated in real-world operational environments. This approach helps overcome market reluctance toward adopting new technologies from startups by providing tangible proof of performance.
• DAC Sp.z.o.o. also highlights a strategic partnership with MIT Solve’s network that supports access to investors, funding opportunities (grants/investments), legal advice on IP protection through NDAs/non-compete agreements, media exposure at conferences, distribution channels for products/services including logistics expansion as well as software/hardware development support.

Market Positioning Through Relationships

• By collaborating with large industrial customers for pilots—many of whom are established companies—DAC positions itself as an eco-friendly alternative that is more efficient (up to 50% cheaper) than conventional cooling systems without synthetic coolants or CO2 emissions.
• These early adopters serve not only as validation points but also references that can help accelerate wider market penetration once the technology proves successful under real conditions.

Technology Advancements and Scaling Benefits

• Partnering with experienced entities like Daikin enhances the potential for knowledge exchange which can accelerate technological refinement.
• Access through MIT Solve’s network provides critical resources for protecting intellectual property aggressively while gaining strategic guidance on commercialization pathways.
• Pilot projects allow iterative feedback loops that improve product design tailored specifically for diverse applications such as food industry refrigeration or residential cooling systems.

In summary:

Aspect	Details
Key Customers/Partners	Toda; Sudzucker; Daikin; Piast; Wielton; Sescom; General Mills; Buhler; Trane
Partnership Network	Collaboration via MIT Solve providing funding access & legal/IP support
Nature of Relationships	Pilot projects validating tech performance & economics
Market Positioning Impact	Demonstrates innovation & cost-efficiency backed by reputable early adopters
Technology Advancement	Knowledge exchange via partners + iterative product improvement
Scaling Support	Investment/funding channels + IP protection + expanded distribution/logistics

These partnerships bolster DAC Sp.z.o.o.’s credibility within industrial sectors reliant on sustainable refrigeration/cooling solutions while underpinning their growth trajectory from prototype development toward commercial production licensing models.

Sources

• DAC sp.z.o.o. Company Profile - EuroQuity
• R&D Support Agreement - Dynamic Air Cooling
• MIT Solve – DAC Dynamic Air Cooling

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

DAC Sp.z.o.o., a Polish company specializing in Dynamic Air Cooling (DAC) technology, has demonstrated notable team growth and development since winning the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021. The company is headquartered in Elbląg, Poland, and focuses on an innovative ecological cooling technology that uses air instead of synthetic refrigerants, offering up to 30% greater energy efficiency compared to traditional systems.

Current Team Size and Growth: While exact current headcount figures for DAC Sp.z.o.o. are not publicly detailed in available sources, it is noted that DAC has assembled a team of highly qualified experts with extensive experience in gas dynamics and thermodynamics. This team has collectively published more than 98 scientific works and submitted over 25 patents, indicating a solid research-oriented workforce. Given that the company moved from prototype development toward field testing with B2B customers post-2021 funding suggests ongoing expansion of technical and commercial teams.

Hiring Status and Recent Key Positions: There is no explicit public information confirming if DAC is actively hiring at this moment; however, as they progress from prototype validation toward piloting solutions with customers and preparing for licensing agreements with OEM manufacturers, it can be inferred that recruitment might focus on engineers specialized in thermodynamics, product development specialists, business development personnel for B2B customer engagement, and possibly manufacturing setup experts.

Team Growth Impact on Company Future: The addition of new team members with expertise across research commercialization will be critical for scaling DAC’s operations beyond R&D into industrial production phases. Expanding the team supports establishing production infrastructure for field prototypes as well as executing pilot projects—key steps towards market entry. The strong scientific background helps maintain innovation leadership while new hires likely aim to enhance operational capacity to meet future demand growth.

Management or Founding Team Changes: No publicly available information points to major management or founding team changes after receiving the EIC Accelerator funding.

In summary:

• DAC Sp.z.o.o.’s expert technical core remains focused on advancing their patented air-based cooling tech.
• The company's transition phase toward commercial piloting implies incremental hiring aligned with product scale-up needs.
• New hires will enable them to validate product performance commercially while building manufacturing readiness.
• No known significant shifts have occurred within their management or founding group since their successful EIC Accelerator award.

This trajectory aligns with typical post-EIC-funded deep-tech startups moving from lab-scale innovation into market readiness through strategic scaling of talent resources.

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Sources

• Dynamic Air Cooling (DAC) - Homepage
• EuroQuity Profile - DAC sp.z.o.o.
• EMIS Company Profile - Dac Sp z o.o., Poland

7 The Media Features and Publications

Overview of DAC Sp.z.o.o.

DAC Sp.z.o.o., a Polish company, received funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in October 2021. The company is noted for developing innovative cooling technology that uses air instead of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), aligning with environmental sustainability goals.

Media Features and Publications

Currently, there are limited specific media features or publications directly mentioning DAC Sp.z.o.o. However, the company's participation in the EIC Accelerator program highlights its innovative approach to sustainable cooling solutions, which could be of interest to media outlets focused on environmental technology.

Podcasts and Interviews

There is no available information on podcasts or interviews featuring the team of DAC Sp.z.o.o.

Conference and Fair Visits, Presentations

The company's involvement in conferences or fairs is not well-documented, but their participation in the EIC Accelerator program suggests potential engagement in European innovation forums.

Events Involvement

DAC Sp.z.o.o.'s involvement in specific events is not detailed, but the EIC Accelerator funding indicates a presence in European innovation circles.

Conclusion

While specific media coverage and event participation details for DAC Sp.z.o.o. are limited, the company's recognition through the EIC Accelerator underscores its potential for impactful environmental innovations.

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Sources:

• R&D SUPPORT | DAC 2021 - Dynamic Air Cooling
• Largest-ever funding round from the European Innovation Council