1 The EIC Accelerator Project
The EIC Accelerator program forms a crucial part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and innovative companies within the European Union. This initiative aims to foster the development of groundbreaking technologies and innovations, particularly within the DeepTech sector. By providing financial support and resources, the EIC Accelerator enables companies to scale their operations efficiently and effectively, enhancing their potential for success in competitive markets.Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator offers a blended finance model, comprising both grant and equity components. The grant amount can reach up to €2.5 million, which is intended to cover specific costs related to research and development, prototyping, and testing. This funding is particularly beneficial for companies seeking to validate their innovative solutions before moving into full-scale production.
In addition to grants, the program also provides equity funding to support scaling efforts. Initially, the equity component could reach up to €15 million until 2024; however, from 2025 onwards, this ceiling will adjust to a maximum of €10 million. This financial structure allows companies to leverage public funding while attracting private investments, significantly enhancing their growth potential.
Purpose and Impact on the Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator’s primary purpose is to facilitate the transition from innovative ideas to market-ready products. By focusing on the DeepTech landscape, which encompasses advanced technologies such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, the program plays a pivotal role in nurturing startups that have the potential to reshape industries and improve societal challenges.
Through this initiative, the EIC Accelerator helps companies overcome the hurdles often faced in securing funding from private sectors. The blend of grant and equity funding serves as a substantial risk mitigator, encouraging private investors to commit resources to projects they may otherwise consider too risky. Ultimately, the EIC Accelerator not only aids individual companies but also strengthens the overall European innovation ecosystem by fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Case Study: GENOME BIOLOGICS UG and Project GenBio
GENOME BIOLOGICS UG, a German company, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator in October 2021 with its project, GenBio. This project focuses on developing a pioneering drug discovery and preclinical platform designed to expedite the creation of novel cardioprotective therapeutics. The significance of this initiative lies in its potential to address the rising global incidence of cardiovascular diseases, which remain among the leading causes of mortality worldwide.
Technology Basics and Background
The GenBio project leverages advanced computational biology and systems biology approaches to identify new therapeutic candidates for cardiovascular protection. The platform integrates high-throughput screening and machine learning algorithms, enabling researchers to analyze large datasets and predict the efficacy and safety of potential drug candidates. By utilizing sophisticated data analytics, GenBio can streamline the drug discovery process, significantly reducing the time and resources traditionally required for preclinical testing.
The underlying technology draws upon extensive genomic and proteomic data, allowing for the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This approach not only enhances the precision of drug development but also aligns with the growing trend towards personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to individual genetic profiles.
GenBio’s innovative platform is poised to transform the traditional drug discovery landscape, offering a more efficient pathway to developing effective therapies for cardiovascular conditions. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and methodologies, GENOME BIOLOGICS UG is positioned to make a substantial impact on global health, bolstered by the financial support and strategic guidance provided by the EIC Accelerator program.
In conclusion, the EIC Accelerator program acts as a catalyst for innovation within the European DeepTech ecosystem, providing essential funding and resources to startups and SMEs. Through initiatives like GENOME BIOLOGICS UG’s GenBio, the program not only supports the advancement of promising technologies but also contributes to addressing significant health challenges facing society today.
2 The Funding Rounds
Genome Biologics UG: Financing and Funding Rounds
Genome Biologics UG, a German-based biotechnology company, secured significant funding in 2021, marking a pivotal moment in its growth trajectory. The company received up to €9.8 million in equity funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator to accelerate the development of its clinical programs, particularly in the prevention of cardiotoxicity and heart damage.
Financing Raised and Funding Rounds
- EIC Accelerator Funding: Genome Biologics received its funding in October 2021, with the primary goal of advancing clinical programs focused on cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases.
- Amount and Timing: The company secured up to €9.8 million, which was announced after its successful proposal and interview process with the EIC Accelerator in October 2021.
Investor Information
While specific investor details for Genome Biologics' EIC funding are not detailed, the EIC Accelerator itself is a key investor in this context. For other funding or collaborations, Genome Biologics has also engaged with major pharmaceutical companies like AstraZeneca through research collaborations.
Information Related to Funding Rounds
The EIC funding is crucial for Genome Biologics' research and development efforts, particularly in identifying drivers of cardiac regeneration and recovery. This aligns with its broader mission to innovate in cardiovascular and cardiometabolic therapies.
Company Valuations and Exit Events
There is no publicly available information on Genome Biologics' company valuation or exit events such as an IPO or acquisitions following its EIC funding.
Sources:
- Press - Genome Biologics
- Genome Biologics | EU-Startups
- Genome Biologics company information, funding & investors
3 The Press Releases
Genome Biologics UG: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments As a recipient of up to €9.8M in equity funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, Genome Biologics UG has accelerated its preclinical and clinical programs targeting cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases. Below are key updates since securing EIC funding:Core Focus Areas
The company specializes in developing therapies for cardiotoxicity, heart failure, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, leveraging strategies like metabolic modulation and cardiac regeneration reactivation. Its pipeline integrates AI-driven target discovery with advanced organoid models for therapeutic validation.Technology Platforms
- GENIMAPS®: Combines AI-driven multiomics analysis (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) to identify disease-specific therapeutic targets and drug candidates.
- GENISYST®: Enables rapid transgenic expression of up to 50 genes in preclinical models without genomic integration, reducing development timelines by an order of magnitude.
- TrueCardium™: Proprietary 3D human cardiac organoids used to validate drug efficacy and safety in vitro.
Strategic Partnerships & Commercialization
Funding & Infrastructure
- The EIC Accelerator funds support clinical program acceleration, including IND-enabling studies. The company remains resident at Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JLABS@Beerse, benefiting from its life sciences ecosystem.
- Earlier EU Horizon 2020 SME Instrument grants funded GENIMAPS®/GENISYST® integration, enhancing AI-driven target identification and preclinical validation workflows.
Key Sources:
4 The Technology Advancements
Genome Biologics UG: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Advancements Since securing up to €9.8 million in EIC Accelerator funding (announced post-October 2021), Genome Biologics UG has significantly advanced its cardiovascular-focused biotechnology platform through strategic collaborations, technological enhancements, and intellectual property expansion.Core Capabilities
The company specializes in cardiac organoid technology for drug discovery and regenerative medicine, supported by two proprietary tools:- GENISYST: A transgenic methodology enabling tissue-specific gene expression without genomic alteration, reducing preclinical model development time.
- GENIMAPS: An AI-driven multiomics platform for rapid drug target identification and compound repurposing.
Technological & Commercial Developments
Intellectual Property & Scientific Outputs
- Patents Filed: Published three patent applications since 2021 covering cardiac organoid systems (e.g., self-organized organoids , integrated blood-organoid models ), and therapies targeting MTHFD1L for hypertrophic heart disease . These filings emphasize advancements in disease modeling precision and therapeutic targeting.
- No peer-reviewed scientific studies directly linked to post-2021 work were identified in the provided results; however, patent activity suggests ongoing R&D breakthroughs.
Market Demonstration & Clinical Progress
While clinical trial data remain undisclosed publicly:Sources
Press - Genome Biologics |
InSphero Partnership Announcement |
JLABS Residency |
HORIZON 2020 Funding |
Patent US 20240110155 |
AstraZeneca Collaboration
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Genome Biologics UG: Partnerships and Developments
Genome Biologics UG, based in Frankfurt, Germany, has made significant strides in the biopharmaceutical sector, particularly after receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021. This funding has been instrumental in accelerating the company's clinical programs focused on preventing cardiotoxicity and heart damage, which are major unmetassistant
Genome Biologics UG: Partnerships and Developments
Genome Biologics UG, based in Frankfurt, Germany, has made significant strides in the biopharmaceutical sector, particularly after receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021. This funding has been instrumental in accelerating the company's clinical programs focused on preventing cardiotoxicity and heart damage, which are major unmet medical needs globally.
Partnerships and Collaborations
- AstraZeneca Collaboration: Genome Biologics has entered into a research collaboration and exclusive license option agreement with AstraZeneca. This partnership aims to identify proteins in the human secretome that can drive cardiac regeneration and recovery in conditions such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cardiotoxicity.
- Johnson & Johnson Innovation–JLABS: Genome Biologics is a resident company of Johnson & Johnson Innovation-JLABS, a premier life science incubator program. This affiliation provides access to a global network of open innovation ecosystems, supporting entrepreneurs in developing healthcare solutions.
- Blue Knight Initiative: Genome Biologics is part of the Blue Knight initiative, a joint program between JLABS and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), aimed at enhancing global health security.
- InSphero Partnership: In May 2024, Genome Biologics announced an exclusive commercialization partnership with InSphero. This arrangement grants InSphero global rights to commercialize Genome Biologics' 3D Cardiac Organoid Platform, which is pivotal in cardiac disease research and therapeutic development.
Customers and New Partners
While specific customer names are not detailed, Genome Biologics' partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies like AstraZeneca indicate its involvement with significant industry players. The collaboration with InSphero is a recent and notable addition to its network, enhancing its position in the cardiac disease research market.
Purpose and Market Positioning
These partnerships and collaborations position Genome Biologics as a leader in cardiovascular and cardiometabolic disease research. The company's focus on developing novel cardiac-specific therapies using AI-driven big data analysis and its TrueCardium™ human heart organoids platform accelerates drug discovery and development. This positioning is expected to enhance Genome Biologics' market presence and contribute to its technological advancements by leveraging the expertise and resources of its partners.
Technology Advancements and Scaling
The partnership with InSphero will advance Genome Biologics' technology by integrating its organoid platform into InSphero's existing suite of 3D cell-based assays and organ-on-chip systems. This integration is crucial for more precise and scalable disease-specific organoid models, facilitating faster and more accurate cardiac therapeutic development. Additionally, being part of JLABS and participating in initiatives like the Blue Knight program provides Genome Biologics with access to a broader innovation ecosystem, facilitating its growth and scaling efforts.
Sources
- Press - Genome Biologics
- Genome Biologics
- Genome Biologics Enters Into a Research Collaboration and Exclusive License Option Agreement with AstraZeneca
- InSphero to Commercialize Genome Biologics 3D Cardiac Organoids
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Genome Biologics UG: Company Overview and Growth
Genome Biologics UG, a biotherapeutics company based in Germany, has been making significant strides in developing therapies for cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021. The company is a resident of Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JLABS, a renowned life science incubator program.
Background
Genome Biologics was founded in 2016 and has been at the forefront of using AI-driven big data analysis to create precision preclinical organoid and in vivo disease models for therapeutic validation. This approach accelerates drug discovery and development, particularly focusing on cardiotoxicity, heart failure, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Funding and Collaborations
In addition to the EIC Accelerator funding, Genome Biologics secured up to €9.8M from the EIC Accelerator to further develop its clinical programs. The company has also entered into a research collaboration with AstraZeneca to explore drivers of cardiac regeneration and recovery in conditions like myocardial infarction and heart failure.
Hiring and Team Growth
While specific headcount figures are not publicly available, Genome Biologics' growth trajectory suggests an increasing need for skilled professionals in AI, biotechnology, and clinical research. The company's involvement in complex therapeutic development likely necessitates hiring experts in areas such as cellular metabolic modulation and cardiac regeneration.
Current Hiring Status
There is no explicit information on current job openings, but given the company's focus on advancing its drug pipeline, it is plausible that they are actively seeking talent in key research and development positions.
Impact of New Team Members
New team members would play a crucial role in enhancing Genome Biologics' capabilities in AI-driven drug discovery and preclinical modeling. Their contributions would be pivotal in scaling the company's operations, particularly in advancing clinical trials for its lead assets, such as GEN-387 in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
Management Changes
There are no reported changes in the founding team or major management shifts since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding.
Future Outlook
Genome Biologics' future growth is heavily influenced by its ability to leverage AI and big data in cardiovascular and cardiometabolic therapies. The company's innovative approach positions it well to address significant unmet medical needs, potentially leading to increased scalability and impact in the healthcare sector.
Sources
7 The Media Features and Publications
Media Features and Publications Genome Biologics UG has been featured in industry-specific media for its innovations in cardiac therapeutics. The company was recognized for winning the 2021 European Awards in Medicine (Drug Development category) for advancing therapies targeting cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases. A 2020 announcement on BioSpace detailed their research collaboration with AstraZeneca, focusing on screening human secretome proteins to drive cardiac regeneration in myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cardiotoxicity. In May 2024, InSphero announced an exclusive partnership to commercialize Genome Biologics’ TrueCardium® Cardiac Organoid Platform, emphasizing its role in improving predictive accuracy for cardiac disease models.Podcasts and Interviews
No publicly available podcasts or interviews featuring Genome Biologics UG team members were identified from the provided sources. However, co-founder Prof. Dr. Jaya Krishnan provided commentary on their partnership with InSphero, highlighting shared goals of advancing preclinical modeling standards.
Conference Participation and Events
While specific conference presentations by Genome Biologics UG are not explicitly listed, the company’s work aligns with themes discussed at genomics-focused events such as the Precision Medicine Leaders’ Summit Series. As a resident company at Johnson & Johnson Innovation (JLABS@Beerse), they likely participate in industry networking forums connected to this ecosystem.
Sources
- Press - Genome Biologics
- Genome Biologics Collaboration with AstraZeneca
- InSphero-Genome Biologics Partnership
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