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 startups and SMEs in scaling their groundbreaking technologies and business models. This program aims to bridge the gap between early-stage innovations and market-ready products, particularly in the DeepTech sector, which encompasses advanced technologies and scientific breakthroughs.

The EIC Accelerator offers a comprehensive funding scheme that combines grants and equity investments, enabling companies to access substantial financial resources for their development and growth. The grant component can provide up to €2.5 million, which is aimed at covering costs related to research and development, product testing, and other essential activities necessary for advancing a new technology.

In addition to the grant, equity investments are available, allowing startups to secure up to €15 million until 2024 and up to €10 million from 2025 onwards. This blended finance model is particularly beneficial for companies looking to scale, as it reduces financial risk while promoting investment from private sectors. Notably, the EIC Accelerator also facilitates access to a network of investors, mentors, and partners, further enhancing the potential for growth.

Purpose of the EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator serves a pivotal role in the European startup ecosystem by fostering innovation and supporting the commercialization of advanced technologies. By providing funding and strategic support, the program aims to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and enhance Europe’s competitiveness in the global market. The focus on DeepTech is particularly significant, as it encompasses areas such as quantum computing, biotechnology, and advanced materials, which have the potential to revolutionize industries and improve quality of life.

Scaling Support and Private Sector Engagement

One of the primary goals of the EIC Accelerator is to help companies scale their operations effectively. The funding provided through the program not only supports product development but also enables startups to attract additional private investment. By leveraging EIC funding as a signal of quality and innovation, companies can enhance their credibility and appeal to private investors. The program also offers access to a wide range of resources, including coaching, networking opportunities, and strategic guidance, which are crucial for navigating the complexities of scaling a business.

KIUTRA GMBH and the CRYOFAST Project

KIUTRA GmbH, a German startup, was awarded funding under the EIC Accelerator for their project CRYOFAST, which aims to democratize cryogenic measurements for the quantum ecosystem. The submission of the Step 2 proposal occurred on March 13, 2024, leading to a successful interview in Step 3.

Project Overview: CRYOFAST

The CRYOFAST project is focused on developing innovative solutions for cryogenic measurement technologies, which are critical in the burgeoning field of quantum computing. As quantum technologies advance, the demand for precise and accessible measurement tools at cryogenic temperatures becomes increasingly important. CRYOFAST aims to make these technologies more widely available, thus accelerating the adoption of quantum computing and other cryogenic applications.

Technology Basics and Background

Cryogenic measurements involve the study and application of extremely low temperatures, typically below -150°C, where quantum effects become prominent. These measurements are essential for the functioning of various quantum devices, including qubits used in quantum computers. Traditional cryogenic measurement techniques can be complex, expensive, and often require specialized knowledge, making them less accessible to smaller enterprises and research institutions.

The technology underlying CRYOFAST focuses on streamlining and simplifying these measurement techniques. By developing user-friendly and cost-effective tools, KIUTRA GmbH aims to democratize access to cryogenic measurements, empowering a broader range of researchers and engineers to experiment with and implement quantum technologies.

The CRYOFAST project not only addresses the technical challenges associated with cryogenic measurements but also aims to contribute to the overall growth of the quantum ecosystem. By facilitating easier access to these measurements, KIUTRA GmbH is positioning itself as a key player in the advancement of quantum technologies, fostering innovation and collaboration across the industry.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program plays a crucial role in supporting startups like KIUTRA GmbH, enabling them to transform innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Through its blended finance model and strategic support, the program enhances the potential for scaling and attracting private investment, ultimately contributing to the growth of the European DeepTech ecosystem. The CRYOFAST project exemplifies the transformative impact that accessible cryogenic measurement technologies can have on the quantum landscape, paving the way for broader adoption and development of quantum innovations.

2 The Funding Rounds

# Kiutra GmbH: Funding Journey and Investment Profile

Kiutra GmbH, a German deep-tech startup specializing in cryogenic technology for quantum applications, has secured significant funding to advance its innovative cooling solutions that operate near absolute zero temperatures without requiring expensive liquefied gases.

EIC Accelerator Funding

Kiutra was selected as one of 68 deep-tech startups in the first European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator round of 2024, receiving the funding decision on July 15, 2024. The company was awarded blended financing for its project "Democratizing Cryogenic Measurements for the Quantum Ecosystem."

The EIC Accelerator funding package for Kiutra consists of: - A grant component (likely around €2.46 million, based on the average grant amount in this funding round)

• An equity investment through the EIC Fund (likely around €3.71 million, based on the average equity component)
• Total potential funding of approximately €6.04 million (the average ticket size across all funded companies)

This funding will enable Kiutra to expand its services to companies in the quantum technology field, providing integrated solutions for sub-Kelvin temperature generation.

Previous Funding Rounds

Prior to the EIC Accelerator funding, Kiutra had already secured significant investment:

Seed Round (November 2021)

• Amount: Mid-seven digit figure (likely between €5-9 million)
• Lead Investors: TRUMPF Venture and Verve Ventures (Swiss deep-tech VC)
• Participating Investors: High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), APEX Ventures, and the Initiative for Industrial Innovators

Earlier Funding

• The company had raised almost €2 million prior to applying for EIC funding
• Received support through the "EXIST Transfer of Research" program in Germany

Investor Information

Kiutra has attracted a diverse group of investors:

The company has a total of 9 investors according to available data.

Company Background and Trajectory

Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from the Technical University of Munich, Kiutra has developed an innovative magnetic cooling process that eliminates the need for expensive and rare liquefied gases in generating ultra-low temperatures. Their compact and automated coolers are crucial for quantum technology applications.

The company's technology serves as an essential part of the technological backbone for research and development in quantum technologies, which promise to solve complex problems faster than current supercomputers, enable secure information exchange, and measure physical quantities with unprecedented accuracy.

The recent EIC Accelerator funding will help Kiutra further develop its products for the rapidly growing quantum technology market, expand its team, and increase production capacities.

Valuation and Exit Information

No specific information is available regarding Kiutra's current valuation or any planned exit events such as IPOs or acquisitions. As a relatively early-stage deep-tech company operating in the specialized field of quantum-enabling cryogenic technology, Kiutra appears to be focused on growth and development rather than immediate exit strategies.

Sources: - CRYOFAST: Democratizing access to sub-Kelvin temperatures - Kiutra

• EIC Accelerator 2024: Quantum Technology Start-Ups Secure Grants and Equity Funding for Innovative Solutions
• HTGF Financing kiutra
• kiutra Stock Price, Funding, Valuation, Revenue & Financial Analysis
• EIC Accelerator March 2024 Results: A Detailed Analysis of Funding Distribution and Success Rates

3 The Press Releases

Overview of Kiutra GmbH

Kiutra GmbH, a German company, received funding through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in March 2024. This funding marks a significant milestone in the company's journey, particularly in the development of cutting-edge quantum technologies.

Technology Advancements

Kiutra specializes in low-temperature characterization for quantum hardware, a critical aspect of quantum computing. The company has been working on a novel cryogen-free, automatic cooling system based on the L-Type Rapid magnetic refrigeration platform. This technology aims to accelerate the characterization of quantum devices by providing rapid and precise testing services, known as Cryogenics-as-a-Service. This innovative approach reduces the time required for test results from weeks or months to just days, making it more accessible and affordable for startups, SMEs, and researchers without the capital or expertise to manage specialized low-temperature hardware.

Funding and Partnerships

Kiutra received a grant of 1.5 million euros from the EIC Accelerator Pilot program. This funding supports the development of a unique characterization tool for qubits and related low-temperature electronics in collaboration with leading industry partners. The grant underscores the European Innovation Council's commitment to strengthening the European quantum ecosystem and accelerating the adoption of quantum technologies.

Press Releases and Updates

Kiutra's news and updates can be found on their website, where they have announced their selection as one of the EIC Accelerator winners. This announcement highlights their innovative role in the quantum technology sector and the impact of EIC funding on their growth.

Conclusion

Kiutra GmbH's success in securing EIC funding in March 2024 reflects the company's potential in advancing quantum technology. Their focus on low-temperature characterization and innovative cooling systems positions them as a leader in the European quantum ecosystem.

Sources

• EIC Accelerator Pilot - Kiutra
• Democratizing Cryogenic Measurements for the Quantum Ecosystem
• Catch up on our coolest news

4 The Technology Advancements

KIUTRA GMBH: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Advancements and Market Activities KIUTRA GmbH, a Munich-based cryogenics company specializing in sub-kelvin cooling solutions for quantum technologies, has made significant strides since securing EIC Accelerator funding in March 2024. The €1.5 million grant supports their development of a cryogen-free, automated cooling system for low-temperature characterization of quantum hardware.

Key Technological Advancements

• LEMON Project: Focused on scalable, helium-3-free cooling systems reaching millikelvin temperatures. Recent updates (February 2025) highlight progress in refrigerant package upscaling and heat switch optimization using a dedicated testing cryostat for prototyping.
• CryoFAST Initiative: Part of the CRYOFAST project to establish centralized cryogenic measurement services, reducing test cycles from weeks/months to days while lowering costs for startups and SMEs.
• MUNIQC-SC Consortium: Development of cryo-electronic characterization tools for superconducting quantum computers, including helium-3-free systems with rapid cooldown capabilities (<1 K) to accelerate qubit testing.

Market Demonstrations and Pilots

Kiutra’s EIC-funded prototype focuses on rapid sample exchange mechanisms integrated into their L-Type Rapid platform. These prototypes are now available to select pilot testers, though specific customer deployments remain undisclosed. Their Cryogenics-as-a-Service model actively provides rental infrastructure and fully serviced measurements to clients globally.

Intellectual Property and Publications

While no new patents or peer-reviewed studies are explicitly cited post-March 2024, Kiutra emphasizes its role in collaborative R&D projects like MATQu (Materials for Quantum Computing), focusing on industrial-scale fabrication processes for superconducting qubits. Public disclosures include detailed project updates via blog posts and consortium announcements rather than traditional academic publications.

Sustainability Efforts: Kiutra transitioned to 100% hydropower-sourced electricity in 2022 and continues optimizing energy efficiency across its product lifecycle through modular design and 3D printing adoption.

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Sources
Cryogenic Solutions - Kiutra | EIC Accelerator Pilot - Kiutra | CRYOFAST CORDIS Listing | LEMON Project Update | MUNIQC-SC Consortium

5 The Partnerships and Customers

KIUTRA GMBH's Strategic Collaborations and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in 2024, KIUTRA GMBH has expanded its partnerships and customer engagements to advance cryogenic solutions for quantum technologies. Below is a detailed breakdown of their ecosystem:

Key Partnerships

• ASK Corporation: Appointed as KIUTRA’s distribution partner for South Korea, facilitating market access in a rapidly growing quantum tech region.
• NIKI GLASS Ltd: Serving as the Japanese distribution partner, enhancing regional sales infrastructure.
• Delft Circuits: Collaborated on the SPROUT project to integrate high-density superconducting cabling with KIUTRA’s cryostats, achieving 20 mK cooling milestones.
• MATQu Consortium: Partnered with Fraunhofer IAF and other European entities to industrialize superconducting qubit fabrication, focusing on Josephson junction validation.

Customer-Centric Initiatives

KIUTRA’s Cryogenics-as-a-Service (CaaS) model targets startups and SMEs lacking in-house cryogenic infrastructure. For example:

• Quantum Startups: Users leverage KIUTRA’s Munich-based "Cryl" facility for rapid qubit prototyping and testing via remote or on-site access.
• CRYOFAST Project Partners: Early adopters gain priority access to automated sub-Kelvin testing services under the EU-funded initiative aimed at reducing R&D timelines from weeks to days.

Strategic Impact of New Relationships

These partnerships solidify KIUTRA’s role as an enabler of accessible cryogenics, critical for next-gen quantum computing scalability across academic and industrial sectors.

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Sources

• ASK Corporation - Kiutra
• who we are - kiutra
• 20 mK milestone reached as SPROUT project concludes
• Cryogen-free sub-Kelvin cooling R&D - Kiutra

-Democratizing Cryogenics – kiutra - YouTube -CRYOFAST: Democratizing access to sub-Kelvin temperatures - Kiutra -Kiutra Secures $165M in Funding to Revolutionize Cryogenic ...

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Kiutra GmbH: Growth and Development Post EIC Accelerator Funding

Kiutra GmbH, a German company specializing in innovative cryogenic solutions, received EIC Accelerator funding in March 2024. This funding has likely boosted their efforts to expand their team and enhance their cooling technologies, particularly in the realm of quantum technologies.

Current Headcount and Team Size

Kiutra GmbH has a dynamic team size. Different sources suggest anywhere from 29 employees to 52 employees, indicating a significant growth phase. The exact current headcount might vary as these figures reflect different reporting periods.

Hiring and Team Growth

Kiutra has been experiencing notable team growth. They have grown their employee count by around 7% to 24% in recent years, depending on the source. This growth suggests active hiring to support their expanding operations, especially in research and development.

Recent Key Positions and Hiring

While specific recent key positions are not detailed, Kiutra's focus on developing large-scale magnetic cooling solutions, such as the LEMON project, indicates a need for specialized talent in cryo-engineering and quantum technologies. Their growth likely involves hiring experts in these areas to drive innovation and scale up their operations.

Impact of New Team Members on Future Growth

New team members play a crucial role in Kiutra's ability to scale and grow. Their expertise will help accelerate product development, improve existing technologies, and expand into new markets. For instance, the LEMON project aims to develop helium-3-free cryogenic cooling solutions, which could significantly enhance Kiutra's competitiveness in the quantum technology sector.

Major Changes in Management or Founding Team

There are no reported major changes in Kiutra's management or founding team since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding. The company is led by its co-founders, including Dr. Alexander Regnat as CEO, Dr. Tomek Schulz as COO, and Jan Spallek as CTO.

Future Outlook

The EIC Accelerator funding is expected to bolster Kiutra's mission to enable the second quantum revolution with sustainable cryogenics. Their focus on user-friendly and efficient cooling solutions positions them well for expansion in the quantum technology market. As they continue to grow and innovate, Kiutra's contributions to cutting-edge research and industrial applications are likely to increase.

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Sources:

• Kiutra
• Kiutra - Company
• LEMON: Large-scale magnetic cooling - Kiutra
• Kiutra GmbH - Chemeurope
• Kiutra: Revenue, Competitors, Alternatives - Growjo
• Kiutra - Overview, News & Similar companies | ZoomInfo

7 The Media Features and Publications

Media Coverage and Public Engagement of KIUTRA GMBH Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

KIUTRA GmbH, a Munich-based cryogenics specialist and EIC Accelerator grant recipient, has actively engaged in media features, research collaborations, and industry events following its 2024 funding milestone. Below is a structured overview of their public presence:

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Media Features and Publications

• EIC Accelerator Announcements: KIUTRA was highlighted as one of 68 deep-tech startups selected for the European Innovation Council’s Accelerator grants in July 2024 for its CRYOFAST project, which aims to democratize sub-kelvin testing services. A subsequent EIC Pathfinder grant was awarded for the LEMON project to develop helium-3-free millikelvin cooling solutions.
• Verve Ventures Interview: In spring 2024, Managing Director Alexander Regnat discussed KIUTRA’s magnetic cooling technology, scalability challenges, and sustainability goals in an interview with Verve Ventures.
• TRUMPF Venture Partnership: The company’s Series-A funding round in 2021 included TRUMPF Venture as an investor. Their press release emphasized KIUTRA’s role in advancing quantum-ready cryogenics.

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Podcasts and Interviews

While no podcasts are explicitly listed in available sources, CEO Alexander Regnat provided insights into KIUTRA’s mission during the Verve Ventures interview, covering magnetic refrigeration principles and applications across quantum computing detectors.

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Conference Participation (2023–2025)

• APS Global Physics Summit (March 16–21, 2025): Presented advancements in superconducting qubit technologies and electromagnetic sample environments.
• Quantum Matter Conference Industrial Forum (May 8–9, 2024): Discussed commercialization strategies for quantum technologies alongside industry leaders. Earlier editions included showcases of optical cryostats like the S-Type Optical model launched at SPIE Optics + Optoelectronics (April 25–28, 2023).
• DPG Spring Meeting (March 23–27, 2023): Demonstrated rapid sample-loading capabilities of the L-Type Rapid cryostat.

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Recent Developments (Post-EIC Accelerator Win)

In March/April/May events post-dating their March 13 Step 2 submission:

• Collaborated with Munich-based firms to achieve record qubit relaxation times exceeding benchmarks (March 18, 15, and APS presentations) .
• Announced distribution partnerships with ASK Corporation (Korea) and NIKI GLASS Ltd. (Japan) to expand market reach (early to mid‑2024 »).

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Sources: