1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in developing and scaling groundbreaking innovations. It specifically targets high-risk, high-potential ventures in the DeepTech sector, which encompasses advanced and emerging technologies that can drive significant societal and economic impact. The EIC Accelerator provides funding through a combination of grants and equity investments, facilitating the transition from innovative ideas to market-ready products.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a substantial financial package, including a grant component of up to €2.5 million, which is provided to cover costs associated with research and development, prototyping, and other early-stage expenses. This grant is crucial for businesses seeking to mitigate financial risks associated with innovation.

Additionally, the program includes an equity investment component, which has evolved over time. Until 2024, the EIC Accelerator can provide equity investments of up to €15 million, aimed at helping companies scale their operations and reach a broader market. Since 2025, this equity investment cap has been adjusted to a maximum of €10 million. This dual funding approach not only helps businesses develop their innovations but also attracts private sector investment by demonstrating the viability and potential of the company’s technology.

Purpose in the Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in strengthening the European startup ecosystem, particularly in the DeepTech arena. By providing financial resources and support, it enables companies to overcome the "valley of death," a critical phase where many startups struggle to secure sufficient funding for growth. The program also fosters collaboration between startups and established corporations, research institutions, and investors, creating an environment conducive to innovation and commercial success.

Scaling and Funding Support

Through its comprehensive support framework, the EIC Accelerator assists companies in scaling their operations effectively. The program not only offers financial backing but also provides mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to a community of innovators. This multifaceted approach empowers companies to refine their business models, enhance their market strategies, and ultimately secure additional funding from private investors. By doing so, the EIC Accelerator enhances the likelihood of successful commercialization of innovative technologies.

EIC Accelerator Winner: Ligneasy Oy

Project Overview: LignEasy

Ligneasy Oy, a Finnish company, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator in March 2023, securing funding for its innovative project, LignEasy. This initiative is centered around the development of the world's first sulfuric acid-free kraft lignin recovery system. The project aims to revolutionize the way lignin is extracted from wood pulping processes, significantly reducing environmental impact while enhancing the economic viability of lignin as a sustainable material.

Technology Background

Kraft lignin is a byproduct of the kraft pulping process, which is widely used in the paper and pulp industry. Traditionally, lignin recovery has involved the use of sulfuric acid, which not only poses environmental hazards but also increases production costs. Ligneasy's innovative recovery system leverages alternative, eco-friendly methods to extract lignin without the use of harmful chemicals, thus aligning with the global push for sustainable industrial practices.

The LignEasy system uses advanced separation technologies to isolate lignin from the pulp, resulting in a high-quality product that can be utilized in various applications, including biofuels, bioplastics, and as a natural additive in various industries. This process not only enhances the economic value of kraft pulp production but also promotes circular economy principles by ensuring that waste materials are repurposed effectively.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program represents a vital component of the European innovation landscape, particularly for DeepTech ventures like Ligneasy Oy. By providing essential funding and support, it enables startups to overcome initial challenges and achieve market success. The LignEasy project exemplifies how innovative technologies can address pressing environmental issues while creating economic opportunities, thereby contributing to a sustainable future. The EIC Accelerator continues to foster such initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and economic growth within the European Union.

2 The Funding Rounds

Funding Overview for LignEasy Oy Since EIC Accelerator Award

LignEasy Oy, a Finland-based company specializing in breakthrough lignin recovery technology for kraft pulp mills, has secured significant financing and undergone multiple funding events since its successful application to the EIC Accelerator program in March 2023.

Financing Raised & Funding Rounds

• EIC Accelerator Grant (March 2023):
• LignEasy was awarded an EIC Accelerator grant of approximately €2 million, which enabled it to scale operations and develop its first pilot plant. This funding supported the company’s transition from pilot validation towards industrial demonstration and commercialization.
• EIT InnoEnergy Investment (September 2024):
• In September 2024, LignEasy raised €1 million in seed investment from EIT InnoEnergy. This round was aimed at further scaling up activities and supporting the full development of its pilot plant, expected to achieve a production capacity of one ton per day by late October 2024.

Timing and Amounts of Funding Rounds

Date	Round/Type	Amount	Lead Investor
Mar 2023	Grant	€2 million	European Innovation Council (EIC)
Sep 2024	Seed Investment	€1 million	EIT InnoEnergy

The initial non-dilutive grant from the EU's Horizon Europe program was followed about eighteen months later by a seed equity round led by a major cleantech investor.

Investor Information

• European Innovation Council (EIC) provided grant funding via the Accelerator Programme as part of Horizon Europe.
• EIT InnoEnergy—a leading energy innovation investor—led LignEasy’s seed investment round in September 2024. The involvement offers not only capital but also access to an extensive network within sustainable energy and materials.

Company Valuations

No specific post-money or pre-money valuation figures have been publicly disclosed for either funding event. However, receipt of grants followed by institutional equity investment typically indicates rising company value as milestones are achieved.

Exit Events: IPOs, Buyouts or Acquisitions

As of May 2025:

• No exit events—such as IPOs, acquisitions, or buyouts—for LignEasy Oy have been reported.
• The company remains independent and is focused on further commercial scale-up with ongoing discussions regarding new industrial plant locations.

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Summary Table: Key Post-EIC Funding Milestones for LignEasy Oy

Round/Date	Type	Amount	Lead Investor
Mar 22, 2023	Grant	€2 million	European Innovation Council
Sep 13, 2024	Seed Investment	€1 million	EIT InnoEnergy

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Additional Context on Recent Activities

Since securing these funds: - LignEasy has developed its first commercial-scale pilot plant.

• It is shipping samples to customers across five validated end uses.
• The company continues fundraising efforts alongside strategic discussions with pulp mills regarding future industrial sites.

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Sources:

• Ligneasy Oy profile & EuroQuity
• Ligneasy at EIT Health
• Innovation Manager Helped Ligneasy Raise Funding
• Packaging Europe: Biobased startup Ligneasy receives €1m investment from EIT Innoenergy
• Nordic9 report on Ligneasy raising capital from EIT Innoenergy

3 The Press Releases

Overview of Ligneasy Oy

Ligneasy Oy, a Finnish company, is a recipient of funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator. This prestigious funding program is part of Horizon Europe, the European Union's primary initiative for research and innovation. Ligneasy Oy received this recognition for its innovative sulfuric acid-free lignin recovery system, known as LignEasy.

Technology Advancements

Ligneasy Oy's technology represents a significant advancement in the pulp industry. It introduces the world's first sulfuric acid-free lignin recovery system, designed for integration into kraft pulp mills. This system uses advanced filtration techniques instead of traditional acid-based methods, reducing sulfur exposure and odor, while producing high-quality lignin suitable for various applications such as plastics, cardboard, and bitumen.

Partnerships

The company has established strategic partnerships with key players in research and development, notably collaborating with the Research Institute of Sweden (RISE). Their pilot operations are conducted at LignoCity, RISE's specialized testbed for lignin research in Bäckhammar, Sweden. This partnership enhances Ligneasy Oy's pursuit of sustainable innovation and aligns with the broader goals of Horizon Europe, focusing on addressing climate change and enhancing EU competitiveness.

Progress and Expected Outcomes

The project objectives include developing and demonstrating a pilot-scale lignin recovery process integrated into an active pulp mill, as well as exploring end-use cases for lignin in the chemical industry. Ligneasy Oy aims to scale up production rapidly to meet market demands for lignin products and obtain necessary certifications. The company's technology not only reduces environmental impacts by avoiding acid use but also enhances the efficiency of pulp mills by debottlenecking the pulping process.

Funding and Recognition

Ligneasy Oy was selected for EIC Accelerator funding during the March 2023 cutoff, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards commercializing its innovative technology. This funding is a testament to the company's commitment to sustainable innovation and its potential to contribute to the EU's sustainability goals.

Sources

• EIC Accelerator winners and statistics March 2023 - Strata.team
• Partnership - LignEasy
• EIC Accelerator-March 22 2023 Cut Off

4 The Technology Advancements

Overview of LignEasy Oy

LignEasy Oy, a Finnish company, has made significant advancements in lignin separation technology since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on March 22, 2023. The company specializes in developing innovative, patented methods for extracting lignin from Kraft pulp mills, converting this traditionally wasted resource into valuable products for various industries.

Current Capabilities

LignEasy's technology is the first sulfuric acid-free, low-impact lignin recovery system designed to integrate seamlessly into any Kraft pulp mill. This approach allows for the production of high-quality lignin without disrupting the chemical balance or productivity of the mill. The lignin produced can be chemically modified and is suitable for applications in plywood, construction materials, bio-components in plastics, packaging, and more.

Recent Advancements

Since receiving the EIC funding, LignEasy has achieved several milestones:

• Pilot Plant Development: LignEasy successfully commissioned a pilot plant with a capacity of 1 ton of lignin per day. This achievement demonstrates the scalability of their process and readiness for future expansions.
• Technology Validation: The company has validated its lignin as a promising raw material for bioplastic manufacturing, further expanding its application range.
• Partnerships and Funding: LignEasy received additional funding of €1 million from EIT InnoEnergy, which supports the scale-up of their sustainable lignin separation technology.

Market Demonstration

LignEasy has demonstrated its technology through pilot-scale testing and collaborations with industry partners. They have shown positive results in applying lignin to plastics, cardboard, and bitumen, among other applications. The company has also been working closely with stakeholders at LignoCity, a specialized lignin development facility in Sweden.

New Features and Patents

While the latest information does not specify new patents filed by LignEasy, the company continues to enhance its technology by improving energy efficiency and product quality. Their focus remains on developing high-performance, eco-friendly solutions that address global sustainability challenges.

Scientific Studies and Publications

There are no specific mentions of new scientific studies or whitepapers published by LignEasy since receiving the EIC funding. However, their ongoing research and development efforts are highlighted through various industry partnerships and funding initiatives.

Sources

• LignEasy
• Finally unlocking lignin - Bio Based Press
• Worlds first sulfuric acid-free kraft lignin recovery system - CORDIS
• EIT InnoEnergy Invests in Bio-based Materials Start-up LignEasy
• News - LignEasy
• Bio-based materials start-up LignEasy secures €1m investment from EIT InnoEnergy
• EIT InnoEnergy Invests in Bio-based Materials Start-up LignEasy
• Finnish LignEasy moves in to LignoCity
• Partnership - LignEasy

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Ligneasy Oy: Partnerships and Market Positioning

Ligneasy Oy, a Finnish startup specializing in lignin separation technology, has made significant strides since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2023. The company's strategic partnerships and recent investments have propelled it to the forefront of sustainable innovation in the pulp and paper industry.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Ligneasy Oy has established key partnerships that enhance its technological capabilities and market reach: - Research Institute of Sweden (RISE): Ligneasy conducts its pilot operations at RISE's LignoCity facility in Bäckhammar, Sweden. This collaboration is crucial for testing and refining its lignin separation technology.

• SciTech-Service Oy: As a spin-off from SciTech-Service Oy, Ligneasy benefits from over 40 years of experience in bio-refining technology development. This partnership helps harness extensive knowledge for sustainable solutions.
• EIT InnoEnergy: A significant investment of €1 million from EIT InnoEnergy supports Ligneasy's scale-up and integration into InnoEnergy's ecosystem, offering access to a network of sustainable energy innovators.

New Relationships and Customers

While specific new customer names are not detailed, Ligneasy's focus on validating lignin as a raw material for bioplastic manufacturing suggests ongoing collaborations with specialized companies in this sector. The company's technology aims to provide sustainable alternatives for various industries, including plywood, construction materials, and packaging.

Nature and Purpose of New Relationships

These relationships are designed to advance Ligneasy's technology and market presence:

• Technology Advancements: Partnerships facilitate the development of more efficient lignin separation processes, enhancing the scalability and energy efficiency of the technology.
• Scaling and Market Positioning: Investments and collaborations support the company's pilot plant operations and future scale-ups, positioning Ligneasy as a leader in sustainable lignin solutions.

Impact on Technology and Scaling

The relationships with key partners and investors enable Ligneasy to: - Scale Operations: Achieve higher production capacities, such as the 1 ton/day pilot plant, making its technology more viable for industrial applications.

Advance Technology: Continuously improve process efficiency and product quality, enhancing the appeal of lignin-based products in various markets.

By leveraging these partnerships, Ligneasy Oy is poised to transform the pulp industry by reducing carbon emissions and converting lignin from a waste product into a valuable resource.

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Sources: - Partnership - LignEasy

• Bio-based materials start-up LignEasy secures €1m investment from EIT InnoEnergy
• LignEasy
• Finnish LignEasy moves in to LignoCity
• EIT InnoEnergy Invests in Bio-based Materials Start-up LignEasy
• News - LignEasy
• Biobased startup LignEasy receives €1m investment from EIT InnoEnergy

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

LignEasy Oy: Team Growth and Strategic Development Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

LignEasy Oy, a Finnish bio-based materials innovator, secured EIC Accelerator funding in March 2023 to advance its sulfuric acid-free lignin recovery technology. While specific headcount figures remain undisclosed, the company emphasizes its reliance on a "highly skilled and dedicated team" focused on scaling its lignin separation process for Kraft pulp mills.

Team Structure and Leadership
Key leadership includes CEO Juho-Matti Karpale, CTO Topias Anttila, CPO Elsa Marques, and founder Ville Tarvo. These roles highlight expertise in biorefining, process design, and commercialization. No recent management changes are reported, indicating stability among founders and executives.

Growth Trajectory Post-Funding
The EIC Accelerator grant supports LignEasy’s mission to commercialize lignin as a sustainable alternative to fossil-based materials. While hiring details are not explicitly disclosed, the company’s focus on scaling suggests targeted recruitment in R&D or operational roles. The patented membrane filtration technology—capable of enriching lignin concentration to 82% of total dry matter—positions LignEasy for industrial partnerships requiring pilot-scale implementation.

Strategic Hiring Implications
Expanding technical talent would enable LignEasy to accelerate process optimization (e.g., reducing inorganic contaminants like sodium and sulfate) while meeting demand from pulp mills seeking carbon-neutral solutions. The team’s existing expertise in biorefinery scale-up likely drives further innovations in lignin valorization for adhesives, coatings, or bioplastics.

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Sources

• EIT InnoEnergy Invests in Bio-based Materials Start-up LignEasy
• Method for Lignin Purification - Patent Details
• LignEasy's Team Overview
• EIC Accelerator Winners (March 2023)

7 The Media Features and Publications

Ligneasy Oy: A Pioneering Bio-Based Materials Start-Up

Ligneasy Oy, a Finnish company, received funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in March 2023. The company is renowned for its groundbreaking sulfuric acid-free kraft lignin recovery system, which represents a significant leap towards sustainable industrial applications.

Media Features and Publications

Ligneasy Oy has been featured in various publications, primarily due to its innovative technology and participation in the EIC Accelerator program. However, specific media features directly naming Ligneasy Oy are limited, as it is often mentioned within broader contexts of EIC funding or sustainable innovation discussions.

Content from Publications

Publications highlighting Ligneasy Oy typically focus on its pioneering lignin separation technology, which offers a sustainable alternative to traditional methods by converting lignin into valuable bioproducts. This technology is particularly noted for its potential to reduce waste and enhance the efficiency of pulp mills.

Podcasts or Interviews

There is no publicly available information about specific podcasts or interviews featuring the team of Ligneasy Oy. However, the company's involvement in sustainable innovation and its receipt of the EIC Accelerator funding might be discussed in broader industry-focused podcasts or interviews.

Conference and Fair Visits

Ligneasy Oy's participation in conferences and fairs is not extensively documented. However, given its focus on sustainable innovation, it is likely that the company attends industry-specific events related to bio-based materials and pulp mill technologies.

Involvement in Events

The company's involvement in events often centers around its technology demonstrations and partnerships. For instance, Ligneasy Oy has collaborated with the Research Institute of Sweden (RISE) at LignoCity, a specialized testbed for lignin research. This partnership highlights the company's active engagement in advancing its technology through collaborative efforts.

Conclusion

Ligneasy Oy stands out for its commitment to sustainable innovation, particularly through its lignin recovery system. While specific media features and public appearances may be limited, the company's achievements and partnerships underscore its significant role in the bio-based materials sector.

Sources

• EIC Accelerator winners and statistics March 2023 - Strata.team
• Partnership
• News - LignEasy
• Worlds first sulfuric acid-free kraft lignin recovery system ... - CORDIS
• LignEasy