1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program Overview
The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program is a key initiative designed to support innovative startups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. It aims to foster the growth of deep-tech solutions and groundbreaking innovations that have the potential to significantly impact various industries. The program provides financial assistance through a combination of grants and equity investments, ensuring that companies not only receive immediate funding but also gain access to long-term support to scale their innovations.
Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator funding comes in two main components: a grant and an equity investment. The grant can reach up to €2.5 million, aimed at covering the costs associated with the prototyping, testing, and validation of innovative products or services. This grant is particularly useful for early-stage companies that require funding to develop their technology without the immediate pressure of repayment.
In addition to the grant, the EIC Accelerator offers equity investments up to €15 million until 2024. From 2025 onward, this equity investment cap will be reduced to €10 million. This blended finance approach allows companies to access significant capital while also ensuring that they retain a substantial portion of their ownership. The equity investment is designed to help companies scale their operations, enhance their market presence, and attract further funding from private investors.
Purpose of the EIC Accelerator
The EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in the European deep-tech and startup ecosystem by bridging the funding gap that often exists for innovative companies. Many startups struggle to secure financing from traditional venture capitalists and institutional investors, particularly during the early stages of development. The EIC Accelerator provides a reliable funding source that enables these companies to bring their disruptive technologies to market.
Additionally, the EIC Accelerator fosters a collaborative environment by connecting startups with industry experts, potential partners, and investors. This network offers invaluable resources, mentorship, and guidance, allowing companies to refine their business models and enhance their growth strategies.
Scaling Companies and Attracting Private Investment
The EIC Accelerator not only provides financial support but also equips startups with the necessary tools and resources to scale effectively. By offering access to a broad network of investors and industry stakeholders, the program helps companies build credibility and attract additional funding. This is particularly important in the deep-tech domain, where the initial capital requirements can be substantial, and the path to commercialization can be lengthy.
Through rigorous selection processes, including Step 2 proposal submissions and Step 3 interviews, the EIC Accelerator ensures that only the most promising and innovative projects receive funding. This stringent evaluation process helps identify startups that are poised for success, thereby increasing the likelihood of attracting further investment from the private sector.
Case Study: METAFORA BIOSYSTEMS and the METAflow Project
Company Overview
METAFORA BIOSYSTEMS, a French startup, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator program with its groundbreaking project, METAflow. Founded with the vision of revolutionizing clinical diagnostics, METAFORA BIOSYSTEMS specializes in developing advanced biosystems aimed at improving healthcare outcomes.
Project Description
The METAflow project focuses on the development and validation of the first digital, clinical-grade flow cytometry platform. This innovative technology is designed to enhance diagnostic accuracy and promote sustainability in the fields of immunology and hemato-oncology. Flow cytometry is a technique used to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of cells, allowing for detailed insights into cellular functions and abnormalities.
Technology Basics and Background
Flow cytometry traditionally relies on complex equipment and intricate processes, making it a challenge for widespread adoption in clinical settings. METAflow aims to simplify this process through digitalization and automation, enabling faster and more accurate diagnostic results. By utilizing advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques, the METAflow platform enhances the precision of cellular analysis, thereby facilitating earlier and more accurate disease detection.
The platform also emphasizes sustainability by reducing the reliance on consumables and minimizing waste, addressing a critical concern in modern healthcare practices. As healthcare systems globally strive for more eco-friendly solutions, METAflow positions itself as a pioneering player in the intersection of technology and sustainability.
Through its participation in the EIC Accelerator, METAFORA BIOSYSTEMS has secured vital funding and resources to advance its METAflow project, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and contribute positively to the healthcare ecosystem. The successful funding from the EIC Accelerator underscores the potential impact of innovative startups in transforming healthcare diagnostics and treatment modalities.
2 The Funding Rounds
Financing Raised and Funding Rounds
Metafora Biosystems, headquartered in Paris, France, has participated in several funding rounds since its founding in 2011. The company has raised a total of approximately $4.9 million through two major grants before securing significant EU support:
- In June 2018, Metafora Biosystems received a grant totaling $3.8 million.
- In March 2019, the company secured an additional grant of $1.1 million from Bpifrance.
Beyond these early rounds, Metafora Biosystems was awarded €2.5 million in grant funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program following the June 2022 cut-off. This EIC Accelerator award reflects both financial support and validation for their technology platform.
Additional financial backing has come via grants from Bpifrance as well as funding under the Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement No 806038).
Summary Table: Key Funding Rounds
| Date | Round/Program | Amount | Investor(s)/Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2018 | Grant | $3.8M | Unspecified |
| Mar 2019 | Grant | $1.1M | Bpifrance |
| Jun 2022 | EIC Accelerator | €2.5M (~$2.6M) | European Innovation Council |
Note: The total reported by some databases ($4.89M) appears to be exclusive of the EIC Accelerator grant.
Timing and Details of Funding Rounds
- June 15, 2022: Metafora submitted its Step 2 proposal for EIC Accelerator; later that year it succeeded at Step 3 interview round.
- November 19th, 2022: Official announcement that Metafora had been awarded EIC Accelerator funding.
- Previous notable grants were received in March 2019 and June 2018.
Investors
The primary investors have been: - Bpifrance (French public investment bank)
- European Union’s Horizon programs
- Concours mondial d'innovation
No private venture capital or equity investor rounds have been publicly disclosed beyond these institutional/grant backers.
Company Valuations
There is no publicly available information indicating recent or historical valuations for Metafora Biosystems across any of its published financing rounds as per accessible data sources.
Exit Events (IPO/Buyout/Acquisition)
As of May 2025:
Sources
- EIC Accelerator funding granted to METAFORA
- EIC Accelerator Funding awarded to drive innovation
- Metafora biosystems company information — Dealroom
- Metafora biosystems — Startup Estonia Ecosystem
- Metafora Biosystems Funding - Owler
- METAFORA's Test for De Vivo Disease - BioSpace
-Metafora biosystems – CB Insights
3 The Press Releases
METAFORA BIOSYSTEMS: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments METAFORA BIOSYSTEMS, a French healthtech company specializing in single-cell metabolism analysis, secured EIC Accelerator funding in late 2022 to advance its METAflow platform—a clinical-grade software for multidimensional cytometry data analysis. The funding supports transitioning METAflow from research to clinical applications, particularly for diagnostic tests in immunology and hemato-oncology.Key Updates Since EIC Funding
- Technology Advancement: METAflow is being developed into a regulatory-compliant platform for standardized diagnostics, with early validation at major conferences like CYTO and ESCCA. The company aims to reduce diagnostic errors and improve patient outcomes through AI-driven metabolic profiling.
- Diagnostic Milestone: In March 2024, METAFORA secured French national reimbursement for METAglut1™, the first IVD test diagnosing Glut1 Deficiency Syndrome (Glut1DS), a rare neurometabolic disorder affecting ~30,000 individuals in Europe and the U.S. This test uses single-cell metabolic fitness assessments to reduce diagnostic delays.
- Patents: METAFORA holds patents covering transcription factors, GPCRs, and experimental cancer drug methodologies, supporting its pipeline of oncology-focused assays.
Partnerships & Collaborations
A longstanding partnership with Cerba HealthCare (since 2016) focuses on metabolomics-based diagnostics development, leveraging Cerba’s lab network to commercialize metabolic tests.Sources
- EIC Accelerator winners June 2022 - Strata.team
- EIC Accelerator Funding awarded - METAFORA
- EIC Accelerator funding granted - METAFORA
- CB Insights - Metafora Patents
- METAglut1 Reimbursement Announcement (same CB Insights link)
4 The Technology Advancements
Overview of METAFORA BIOSYSTEMS
METAFORA BIOSYSTEMS is a French health-tech company dedicated to cell biology, leveraging AI-powered data analysis and innovative cell metabolism platforms to enhance human health. The company specializes in single-cell analysis and metabolism, aiming to improve diagnostics and cell therapy outcomes.
Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding
METAFORA BIOSYSTEMS received funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in June 2022. This funding has been pivotal in driving innovation and transitioning their METAflow platform from a research-focused tool to a clinical-grade solution. METAflow is designed for multidimensional cytometry data analysis, aiming to become the new standard in flow cytometry by replacing manual analyses with AI-based automated solutions.
Technological Improvements
- METAflow Platform: This AI-powered platform is being developed to analyze flow cytometry data more efficiently and accurately. It combines cloud-based software with proprietary biomarkers to characterize cell metabolism, enhancing diagnostic capabilities in fields like immunology and hemato-oncology.
- Quality Management: METAFORA has maintained its commitment to quality by renewing its ISO 13485:2016 certification, ensuring compliance with rigorous medical device standards and enhancing operational efficiency.
Market Demonstration and Clinical Trials
- METAglut1 Test: METAFORA's diagnostic test for Glut1 Deficiency Syndrome has received recommendations for insurance coverage from the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), facilitating broader adoption in France and paving the way for European and U.S. markets.
- METAflow Clinical Grade Version: The company is working towards making METAflow a clinical-grade platform, which will support diagnostic tests in immunology and hemato-oncology.
Patents and Scientific Publications
METAFORA holds six patent families related to their technology, including the use of Receptor Binding Domains (RBDs) to detect abnormalities in cellular energetics. While specific new patents or scientific publications since the EIC funding are not detailed, the company's advancements in AI-based cytometry solutions and cell metabolism analysis suggest ongoing research and development efforts.
Conclusion
METAFORA BIOSYSTEMS has made significant strides since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, focusing on enhancing their METAflow platform and expanding the availability of their diagnostic tools. Their commitment to quality and innovation positions them well in the healthcare technology sector.
Sources
- Metafora Biosystems
- Quality Management System Certification ISO 13485:2016 Renewed
- EIC Accelerator Funding Awarded
- Metafora Biosystems - Select Science
- Development and Validation of the First Digital, Clinical Grade Flow Cytometry Platform
- METAFORA's Test for the Early Diagnosis of De Vivo Disease
5 The Partnerships and Customers
METAFORA BIOSYSTEMS: Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022, Metafora Biosystems has advanced its diagnostic and analytical platforms through strategic collaborations, positioning itself as a leader in single-cell metabolism analysis. Below are key partnerships and their market impact:Key Partnerships
- Sebia: A long-term collaboration focused on developing in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) for hematology-oncology. The partnership aims to create novel tests for early detection of blood cancers and improve cell therapy manufacturing efficiency.
- Wugen: Metafora’s technology supports Wugen’s clinical development of WU-NK-101, an immunotherapy for relapsed/refractory AML, by enhancing metabolic fitness assessments during therapy optimization.
- AP-HP (Greater Paris University Hospitals) & Cerba Laboratories: Clinical validation partners for METAglut1™, ensuring nationwide diagnostic coverage in France.
Market Positioning Through New Relationships
The Sebia partnership accelerates entry into the oncology IVD market, leveraging Sebia’s global distribution network to scale adoption of Metafora’s metabolic profiling tools. Collaborations with academic centers like AP-HP enhance clinical credibility, while work with cell therapy developers (e.g., Wugen) establishes Metafora as a critical enabler of next-generation therapies.Technology Advancements & Scaling
- METAflow™: AI-powered cytometry analysis software nearing research-market launch, with plans for clinical-grade adaptation to manage large datasets from advanced single-cell technologies.
- Glut1 Deficiency Diagnostics: METAglut1™ achieved national reimbursement in France (2024), validating the platform’s ability to replace invasive tests like lumbar punctures with rapid blood-based assays.
Sources Used
-HAS Coverage Recommendation -Collaboration Details with AP-HP/Cerba (Note: Incorrect link provided; corrected source is included below) Corrected Link: Clinical Trial Collaboration PDFClarification on Sources:* The Texas Business Organizations Code link ( in search results) was erroneously cited above; it does not relate to Metafora's operations but was included here due to a formatting error. All operational details derive from press releases (, , ) and company announcements (, ).
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
METAFORA BIOSYSTEMS: Team Growth and Strategic Hiring Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Since winning the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program to advance its METAflow™ platform for clinical applications, METAFORA BIOSYSTEMS has emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration to scale its cell metabolism diagnostics and AI-driven analysis tools. While exact headcount figures are not publicly disclosed, the company describes itself as a multidisciplinary team of entrepreneurs, biologists, data scientists, and mathematicians from 12 nationalities, with offices in Paris and Chicago[^1^].Key Growth Drivers
- Partnerships: Collaboration with Sebia for hemato-oncology IVD development[^1^] and engagements with patient associations to align solutions with clinical needs[^1^].
- Product Milestones: CE-marked METAglut1™ for GLUT1 deficiency diagnosis achieved universal coverage in France[^1^], while METAflow™ is transitioning from research to clinical use via EIC funding[^1^].
- Hiring Strategy: Focus on expanding expertise in AI-powered data analysis, single-cell metabolism profiling, and diagnostic tool commercialization—critical areas for scaling its IVD and cell therapy optimization platforms[^1>].
Recent Developments
- Leadership Stability: Co-founders Marc Sitbon (linked to foundational GLUT1 research), Luc d'Auriol, and Vincent Petit remain core to operations since the company’s 2011 founding[>3>][>3>]. No major management changes reported post-EIC award.
- Clinical Research Collaborations: Cited in Friedreich ataxia studies involving metabolic biomarkers (e.g., Minoryx trials), though direct hiring links are unspecified.
Future Scaling Implications
New hires likely support METAFORA’s dual focus: enhancing diagnostic accuracy through proprietary metabolic profiling tools (e.g., RBD-based markers) while accelerating regulatory-compliant product development. The EIC-backed expansion into clinical METAflow™ applications suggests increased demand for roles bridging computational biology and translational medicine.Sources
7 The Media Features and Publications
Metafora Biosystems Overview
Metafora Biosystems, a Paris-based healthtech company, has been making significant strides in the field of single-cell metabolism characterization since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022. The company is renowned for its innovative platform that leverages AI-powered data analysis to improve human health by monitoring cellular fitness and metabolism.
Media Features
Metafora Biosystems has been featured in several media outlets for its pioneering work in diagnosing rare diseases. Notably, its METAglut1 test has gained extensive coverage due to its role in early diagnosing Glut1 Deficiency Syndrome (Glut1DS), also known as De Vivo disease. This rare neurometabolic disorder affects an estimated 30,000 people in Europe and the U.S., with fewer than 2,000 diagnosed.
Publications
Publications have highlighted Metafora Biosystems' achievements in securing national coverage for its diagnostic test in France. The Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) recommended METAglut1 for insurance coverage, marking a significant milestone for the company.
Podcasts and Interviews
CEO Vincent Petit has been interviewed by BFM Business Radio, discussing Metafora's participation in the BigBooster program, which supported the company's international development. This program provided opportunities for engagement with stakeholders, including investors and industry leaders.
Conference and Fair Visits
Metafora Biosystems participated in the BioNJ BioPartnering Conference, presenting alongside other emerging life sciences organizations. This event fosters collaborations and partnerships within the industry.
Involvement in Events
The company has been involved in raising awareness about rare diseases like Glut1DS at events such as the annual meeting of the European Paediatric Neurology Society (EPNS) in 2023. Additionally, Metafora has been recognized with the Innovation Prize from Bpifrance and has received a H2020 Innovation Grant for its diagnostic solutions.
Sources
- Metafora Biosystems Secures French National Coverage for De Vivo Disease
- Press Releases - Metafora Biosystems
- Coverage recommandation for our innovative IVD test METAglut
- Metafora Biosystems secures reimbursement in France for first IVD
- METAFORA’s Test for the Early Diagnosis of De Vivo Disease Recommended for Coverage by HAS
- Metafora Biosystems
- BioNJ Announces Company Presenters for BioPartnering Conference
- Exclusive Interview with BFM Business Radio: our participation in the BigBooster program
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