1 The EIC Accelerator Project
The EIC Accelerator program is a key funding initiative established by the European Innovation Council (EIC) to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Europe, particularly those engaged in deep technology and innovative solutions. This program aims to enhance the competitiveness of European companies by facilitating the development and scaling of breakthrough innovations.Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator offers a unique funding structure that includes both grants and equity investments. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, aimed at financing the development of innovative products, processes, or services. This grant is designed to cover costs associated with various stages of development, including prototyping, testing, and market entry.
In addition to grants, the program provides equity funding, which can be as much as €15 million until 2024 and subsequently capped at €10 million from 2025 onwards. This equity investment is intended to help businesses scale operations, expand market reach, and leverage additional private sector funding. The combination of grant and equity funding allows companies to secure vital resources that can significantly enhance their growth potential.
Purpose of the EIC Accelerator
The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in the European deep tech and startup ecosystem by addressing the critical funding gap faced by innovative companies. Many startups struggle to attract private investment during the early stages of development due to high risk and uncertainty. The EIC Accelerator mitigates this challenge by providing substantial financial support, thus enabling companies to advance their innovations and attract further investments from private sectors.
Support for Scaling and Funding
The EIC Accelerator not only provides financial assistance but also offers additional support mechanisms, including coaching, mentoring, and access to networks of investors and industry experts. This holistic approach helps companies refine their business models, develop robust go-to-market strategies, and ultimately scale more effectively. By receiving EIC Accelerator funding, companies can enhance their credibility, making them more attractive to private investors.
Case Study: KLEARIA and Project PANDa
KLEARIA, a French company, is one of the notable winners of the EIC Accelerator, recognized for its innovative project, PANDa (Portable Multi-ANalyzer for the Detection of Metals in Water). The company submitted its Step 2 proposal on March 23, 2022, and subsequently won during the Step 3 interview, securing critical funding to advance its project.
Project Overview: PANDa
The PANDa project aims to develop a portable multi-analyzer capable of detecting various metals in water. This technology addresses pressing environmental concerns, particularly the contamination of water sources by heavy metals, which pose significant health risks to humans and ecosystems.
Technological Background
The PANDa device employs advanced sensor technology and innovative analytical techniques to provide real-time monitoring of water quality. The core technology is based on electrochemical sensing, which allows for the highly sensitive detection of multiple metal ions in aqueous samples. This method is not only efficient but also cost-effective, making it suitable for widespread use in various settings, including industrial sites, municipal water supplies, and environmental monitoring.
The portable nature of the PANDa device ensures that it can be deployed in diverse environments, offering users the ability to conduct on-site analyses without the need for extensive laboratory infrastructure. This mobility, coupled with the rapid response times of the device, positions PANDa as a valuable tool for regulatory compliance, pollution control, and public health assessments.
Conclusion
The EIC Accelerator program serves as a vital catalyst for innovation in Europe, providing essential funding and support for startups and SMEs like KLEARIA. The successful implementation of projects such as PANDa not only advances technological frontiers but also contributes to addressing critical environmental challenges. Through initiatives like these, the EIC Accelerator reinforces its commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem for deep tech innovation in Europe.
2 The Funding Rounds
KLEARIA: Financing and Funding Events Since EIC Accelerator Success
Background
Klearia, based in Nice, France, develops microfluidic solutions for real-time detection of ultra-low concentrations of metal micropollutants in water. The company’s focus includes industrial process optimization and environmental monitoring technologies.
Financing Raised
Funding Rounds: Timing & Amounts
Date | Investor/Source | Amount | Round Type |
---|---|---|---|
Jan 2011 | Undisclosed | $0 | Early round |
Jun 2019 | Undisclosed | $0 | Early round |
Jul 2021 | N/A | $0 | Early VC |
Mar–Jun/Jul(?)22 (est.) | EIC Accelerator | Not Published† | Grant |
</em> No financial amount publicly disclosed. † Typical EIC grants range from €500k–€2.5m but Klearia’s exact award has not been published.
Investors
Company Valuations
There are no publicly available company valuations for Klearia either before or after their receipt of the EIC funding. This lack of valuation information is typical when main financing comes through grants rather than priced equity rounds.
Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions
No exit events—such as an Initial Public Offering (IPO), merger, acquisition, or buyout—have been reported for Klearia up to April 24, 2025. The company continues operating independently with a focus on product development in microfluidic water analysis solutions.
Summary Table — Key Financial Facts Since March 23, 2022:
- Funding Source: European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator
- Type: Non-dilutive grant (+ potential equity option)
- Timing: Application submitted March 23, awarded later that year
- Amount Disclosed? No
- Private Investment Post-EIC? None documented publicly
- Company Valuation Disclosed? No
- Exit Event(s)? None
Notes on Information Gaps
Due to reliance on public databases and disclosures: - Exact amounts raised per round remain undisclosed.
- There are no indications of follow-on private investments post-EIC.
- Company remains privately held with no recorded moves toward IPO/acquisition as of current date.
Sources: - Klearia at Dealroom
- Klearia at CB Insights
- Klearia at New York State Innovation Summit
- CB Insights overview – Products & Financials
3 The Press Releases
Overview of Klearia
Klearia, a French company, has been at the forefront of innovation in microfluidics, particularly since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022. This support has enabled Klearia to advance its technological applications across various sectors, including water monitoring and cosmetics.
Key Developments
Press Releases and Blog Posts
Klearia regularly updates its blog with news about its technological explorations, participation in significant industry events, and strategic collaborations. Some key updates include:
- World Perfumery Congress 2024: Klearia's successful participation in the World Perfumery Congress highlighted its advancements in perfumery and microfluidics.
- Cosmetics 360 Event: The company will be present at Cosmetics 360 in October 2024, showcasing its innovations in cosmetic production.
- Microfluidic Innovations: Klearia emphasizes the role of microfluidics in revolutionizing cosmetics, particularly in vectorizing active ingredients and creating nano-emulsions.
Team and Organizational Updates
While specific team updates are not detailed in the available information, Klearia's growth and recognition in the industry suggest a strong leadership and research team dedicated to innovation and sustainability.
Patents and Intellectual Property
There is no specific information on recent patents filed by Klearia in the provided sources. However, the company's focus on innovation implies ongoing development of novel technologies that could be patentable.
Press Releases and Social Media
Klearia's press releases and updates are primarily available on its website, focusing on technological advancements and industry events rather than social media platforms.
Conclusion
Klearia's journey since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding has been marked by significant technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. The company continues to be a leader in microfluidics, impacting sectors such as cosmetics and water monitoring.
Sources
- Actualités | Klearia
- Cosmetic - Klearia
- Innovation des Processus avec la Microfluidique - Klearia
- Klearia 2023: Growth and Innovation in the Field of Microfluidics and Cosmetics
- Klearia: the power of microfluidics in reducing water pollution
4 The Technology Advancements
Klearia, a French deeptech company specializing in microfluidics, has demonstrated notable advancements and growth since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on March 23, 2022. Their core technological capabilities revolve around innovative microfluidic solutions with applications primarily in water monitoring and cosmetics, particularly nano-emulsions for alcohol-free perfumes.Current Capabilities
- Microfluidics Technology: Klearia develops autonomous and intelligent microfluidic systems that enable real-time detection of micropollutants in water, targeting businesses and resource management stakeholders. They also leverage their expertise to create advanced nano-emulsion formulations for cosmetics that emphasize sustainability.
- Low Thermal Glass Bonding Process: Originating from research at French CNRS laboratories, Klearia’s patented low thermal glass bonding process (below 300°C) is foundational to their product development. This process enhances the manufacture of compact and upgradeable glass-based microfluidic chips suitable for various industrial uses.
Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding
- Technological Progress: In 2023, Klearia expanded its technological footprint by advancing its microfluidic chip designs through partnerships—most notably with the Mediterranean Institute for Risk, Environment, and Sustainable Development (IMREDD). This collaboration facilitated new concepts enhancing their chip technology aimed at environmental applications.
- Market Expansion & Industry Integration: Beyond consolidating their position in traditional sectors like environmental monitoring, Klearia successfully made significant breakthroughs within the cosmetic industry by developing sustainable nano-emulsions that cater to modern ecological concerns.
- Sustainability Focus: The company’s innovations are recognized as having a positive societal impact. France Digitale’s 2023 Impact Startup Mapping highlighted Klearia's commitment to sustainability alongside technological innovation.
Demonstrations & Market Validation
Intellectual Property & Publications
- There is no direct public record found of new patents filed or scientific papers published specifically by Klearia since receiving EIC funding; however:
- The company's foundation includes patented technology related to their low-temperature glass bonding method developed prior to funding.
- Their continuous R&D collaborations imply ongoing innovation which could lead to future patent filings.
- Participation in academic-industry partnerships suggests potential forthcoming scientific publications or whitepapers though none are explicitly cited as released post-funding .
In summary, since securing EIC Accelerator support in early 2022,Klearia has enhanced its core microfluidics technology platform especially via collaborative innovation with research institutes like IMREDD; broadened application domains notably into sustainable cosmetics; maintained a strong emphasis on ecological impact; engaged with industrial partners suggesting market demonstrations underway; but without publicly announced new patents or formal clinical trial publications so far.
Sources:
- KLEARIA 2023 Growth and Innovation
- KLEARIA Official Website
- LabInGlass Microfluidics – Low Thermal Glass Bonding Process
- Invest In Côte d’Azur International Trade Fair Highlights Including KLEARIA
5 The Partnerships and Customers
KLEARIA, a French deeptech company specializing in microfluidics, has developed notable partnerships and customer relationships since receiving the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding in March 2022. These collaborations and new customers are pivotal for its technology advancement, market positioning, and scaling efforts.Partnerships and Customers
New Customers or Market Engagements
Nature of Relationships & Purpose
- The partnerships primarily focus on co-development of advanced microfluidic devices that can be applied environmentally (e.g., water pollution monitoring) as well as industrially (cosmetics manufacturing). These collaborations aim at technological innovation through shared expertise while accelerating commercialization processes enabled by EIC funding support.
- For example:
- IMREDD partnership pushes forward novel chip design leveraging academic research.
- Collaborations like those with Suez help implement practical monitoring solutions addressing environmental challenges.
- Industrial partnerships assist scaling production capabilities via advanced manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing.
Market Positioning Through Relationships
- These strategic alliances position KLEARIA strongly within both traditional environmental sectors (water quality monitoring) and emerging fields such as cosmetics microfluidics—a rapidly expanding market segment where miniaturization tech offers unique advantages.
- By integrating ecological sustainability into their innovations recognized by France Digitale’s Impact Startup Mapping for positive societal impact alongside technological excellence acknowledged by EIC awards reinforces their reputation as a responsible innovator committed to green tech advancement.
Contribution Toward Technology Advancement & Scaling
- Collaborative R&D accelerates product development cycles allowing faster prototyping using technologies like ground-breaking 3D printing methods from partner institutions.
- Working hand-in-hand with clients ensures customized turnkey solutions aligned tightly with end-user needs facilitating smoother transition from lab prototypes to commercial-scale devices.
- Partnerships enable knowledge exchange fostering continuous improvement while opening avenues for applying their patented or proprietary technology across diverse industries which supports business scalability beyond initial market niches.
In summary, since winning the EIC Accelerator funding on March 23rd, 2022:
- KLEARIA has formed key strategic partnerships notably with IMREDD (research cooperation), Suez (environmental applications), P&B Group (industrial instrumentation).
- It works closely on multi-sector projects delivering bespoke microfluidic systems primarily targeting sustainable water management but also expanding into cosmetics and other fields.
These relationships enhance its technological edge via collaborative innovation frameworks while supporting broader commercial scale deployment—strengthening both market presence and long-term growth prospects in eco-friendly smart fluidic solutions.
Sources:
KLEARIA: Growth & Innovation Highlights
KLEARIA Blog – Partnership announcements
KLEARIA Interview – Technology & Market Applications
P&B Group Collaboration Announcement
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Klearia: Growth and Innovation Since EIC Accelerator Funding
Klearia, a French company specializing in microfluidics, received the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding in March 2022. Since then, the company has experienced significant growth and innovation, particularly in the fields of microfluidics and cosmetics.
Team Growth and Current Headcount
While specific details about Klearia's current headcount are not available, the company's recent achievements and partnerships suggest a growing team. The EIC funding has likely enabled Klearia to expand its workforce by attracting talent in microfluidics and related fields.Hiring and Recent Positions
Klearia is actively involved in various projects across industries such as beverages, food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and fuels. This diversity suggests a need for a multidisciplinary team, including roles in engineering, research, and development. However, specific recent hires or open positions are not detailed in the available information.Growth and Impact
Since receiving the EIC funding, Klearia has made notable advancements in microfluidics, enhancing its presence in traditional sectors while also entering the cosmetic industry. The company's commitment to innovation and sustainability has been highlighted in several recognitions, including the 2023 Impact Startup Mapping by France Digitale, which acknowledges its positive societal and environmental impact.Future Implications
The addition of new team members and the continued focus on innovation are crucial for Klearia's future growth. These new team members will likely play a significant role in scaling and developing the company's microfluidic technologies, enabling Klearia to expand its market reach and deliver advanced solutions across various industries.Management and Founding Team Changes
There is no publicly available information regarding major changes in Klearia's management or founding team since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding.Sources
- Klearia 2023: Growth and Innovation in the Field of Microfluidics and Cosmetics
- Klearia: the power of microfluidics in reducing water pollution
7 The Media Features and Publications
KLEARIA's Post-EIC Accelerator Visibility and Industry EngagementSince securing EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022, KLEARIA has actively expanded its presence through technological showcases, industry events, and strategic collaborations. While specific media features directly naming KLEARIA are not detailed in public records, the company’s website and event participation highlight its focus on microfluidic innovations for water monitoring and cosmetics.
Key Highlights
- Conference Participation:
- 3rd Fluids and Complexity Conference (2023): Acted as principal sponsor, demonstrating leadership in microfluidics research.
- Cosmetic 360 (Paris): Showcased nano-emulsion technologies for alcohol-free perfumes.
- World Perfumery Congress (Geneva, 2024): Highlighted sustainable fragrance solutions.
- Partnerships: Collaboration with IMREDD to advance industrial microfluidics using 3D printing.
- Awards & Recognition: Listed in France Digitale’s 2023 Mapping of Impactful Startups.
Publications & Media Coverage
While no third-party publications explicitly naming KLEARIA are identified via available sources, the company regularly publishes updates on its blog about technological advancements (e.g., scalable cosmetic production methods). Notably, Klearia emphasizes compliance with Sustainable Development Goals in its water-monitoring solutions, though external academic or media citations remain undocumented here.Podcasts & Interviews
No publicly available interviews or podcasts featuring KLEaria’s team were identified from the provided data. The company primarily communicates updates through its website and event participation rather than audio/visual media channels.Sources
- Innovation des Processus avec la Microfluidique – Klearia's official site detailing applications in water monitoring and cosmetics.
- Actualités | Klearia – Company blog covering conferences, partnerships (IMREDD), and awards (France Digitale).
Do you need EIC Accelerator support?
Here is a list of the key service options for the EIC Accelerator:
Full Writing Service
All proposal sections are written by Stephan Segler, PhD.
Advisory Service
You write in-house but receive 1-on-1 support, templates, instructions, and reviews of all documents.
AI Writer & Training
A high-quality AI writer for EIC Accelerator Step 1 and a comprehensive Training program for Steps 1 and 2 including all templates and instructions.