1 The EIC Accelerator Project
The EIC Accelerator program is a key initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC), aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, particularly those focused on deep technology innovations. This program provides funding and services to help high-potential companies bridge the gap between research and market entry, thereby fostering innovation and economic growth within the European Union.Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator offers a blended financing model that combines grants and equity investments. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, which is intended to cover specific project costs, such as research and development, prototype creation, and market validation.
In addition to grants, the EIC Accelerator also provides equity funding, which has undergone a slight adjustment over the years. Until 2024, the equity component can reach up to €15 million, while from 2025 onward, the maximum equity investment is set at €10 million. This funding structure not only alleviates financial pressures for innovative companies but also incentivizes private sector investment by offering a substantial co-funding opportunity.
Purpose within the Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by providing necessary financial support and resources for scaling innovative companies. It is designed to empower entrepreneurs to develop groundbreaking technologies and solutions that address pressing societal challenges, such as sustainability, health, and digital transformation. By offering both grant and equity funding, the EIC Accelerator encourages startups to attract additional private-sector investment, thereby catalyzing growth and reducing reliance on public funding in the long term.
Support for Scaling
The EIC Accelerator not only focuses on financial assistance but also on providing a suite of services that enhance the scalability of recipient companies. This includes personalized coaching, access to a broad network of investors, and opportunities for partnerships with industry leaders. By improving market visibility and fostering connections, the EIC Accelerator helps companies navigate the complexities of scaling their operations and reaching their target markets.
Case Study: Mu-G Knowledge Management BV
Mu-G Knowledge Management BV is a notable winner of the EIC Accelerator, securing funding for their innovative project titled PATS (Pesticide Alternative Technology Solutions). The company, based in the Netherlands, submitted their Step 2 proposal on March 22, 2023, and successfully advanced through the application process to win in the Step 3 interview.
Project Overview: PATS
PATS aims to eliminate the reliance on chemical pesticides in agricultural practices, addressing a critical environmental and health concern. The project leverages advanced drone technology to enhance precision agriculture, enabling farmers to monitor crop health and apply necessary treatments in a targeted manner.
Technology Background
The PATS project utilizes state-of-the-art drone technology equipped with high-resolution sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms. This technology allows for real-time monitoring of crop conditions, detecting pest infestations and plant diseases early on. By analyzing the data collected, farmers can make informed decisions about crop management, significantly reducing the need for chemical interventions.
The drones employed in the PATS project are designed for autonomous operation, capable of covering large agricultural areas efficiently. The integration of machine learning further enhances their capabilities, enabling predictive analytics that assists in anticipating pest outbreaks before they occur. This proactive approach not only leads to healthier crops but also minimizes environmental impact, aligning with sustainable agricultural practices.
In summary, the EIC Accelerator program serves as a vital catalyst for innovation in Europe, providing essential funding and support for startups like Mu-G Knowledge Management BV. Through their PATS project, the company is positioned to revolutionize agricultural practices, making strides toward a pesticide-free future while setting a benchmark for sustainable solutions in the industry.
2 The Funding Rounds
# Mu-G Knowledge Management BV: EIC Accelerator Funding and Financial ProfileMu-G Knowledge Management BV, a Dutch startup based in Delft, Netherlands, successfully secured funding through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in 2023. The company impressed the EIC jury with its "PATS" project, an automated insect control platform designed for pest eradication in greenhouse farming.
EIC Accelerator Funding Details
Mu-G Knowledge Management was one of 51 companies selected in the second 2023 call of the EIC Accelerator program. These companies were chosen from a highly competitive process where 139 companies were interviewed by juries of experienced investors and entrepreneurs, out of 551 full proposals submitted.
The company received "Blended Finance" as its recommended finance type from the EIC Accelerator program. This funding structure typically combines:
- Grant funding of up to €2.5 million
- Equity investment through the EIC Fund ranging from €0.5 million to €15 million
As part of the Dutch contingent, Mu-G Knowledge Management was among eight companies from the Netherlands that were selected for the accelerator program. According to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), these eight Dutch startups collectively raised €37 million, consisting of €19 million in subsidies and €18 million in investments. This success made the Netherlands the country with the largest number of winners in this EIC Accelerator round.
PATS Project
The company's funded project, PATS, "enables greenhouse farmers to significantly reduce and" manage pest control issues. This automated insect control platform represents an innovative approach to pest eradication in agricultural settings, particularly for greenhouse operations.
Funding Timeline
Mu-G Knowledge Management submitted its Step 2 proposal for the EIC Accelerator on March 22, 2023, and was subsequently successful in the Step 3 interview. The funding announcement was made in June 2023, with the EIC stating that most companies would receive their funds within the next two to three months, while investment decisions would be made within two months.
Additional Financial Information
While specific details about Mu-G Knowledge Management's previous funding rounds, company valuations, or exit events are not explicitly mentioned in the search results, the company's selection for the EIC Accelerator program indicates its potential for growth and innovation in the agricultural technology sector.
The EIC Accelerator program, with its total budget of €1.13 billion, provides significant support not just through funding but also through business acceleration services that give access to leading expertise, corporates, investors, and ecosystem actors.
3 The Press Releases
Mu-G Knowledge Management BV, a Dutch company, was one of the winners of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding in 2023. The company is known for its innovative project called PATS, which focuses on automated insect control platforms for pest eradication.Overview of Mu-G Knowledge Management BV
Mu-G Knowledge Management BV has been recognized for its cutting-edge technology in the field of pest control. The PATS project is an automated system that aims to eliminate pests efficiently, potentially disrupting traditional pest management methods.EIC Accelerator Funding
The EIC Accelerator is a program under Horizon Europe that provides funding to start-ups and SMEs to develop and scale up high-impact innovations. Mu-G Knowledge Management BV submitted its proposal on March 22, 2023, and was successful in securing funding in the subsequent evaluation process. This funding is part of a broader initiative where 51 companies across 17 countries received a total of €260 million in grants and equity investments.Technology Advancements
The company's involvement in the EIC Accelerator highlights its commitment to technological innovation. While specific details about their technology advancements beyond the PATS project are not readily available, their participation indicates a focus on using advanced technologies to solve real-world problems.Partnerships and Updates
There is no specific information available on new partnerships or recent team updates for Mu-G Knowledge Management BV. However, their success in the EIC Accelerator suggests potential future collaborations and growth opportunities.Website and Social Media Presence
Mu-G Knowledge Management BV does not appear to have a website at pats-drones.com, as this link is not associated with them. The correct website or social media presence for the company could not be verified.Press Releases
There are no specific press releases or blog posts directly from Mu-G Knowledge Management BV available on their website or via social media. However, news about their EIC Accelerator win is featured in various external publications.Patents
No information is available on any patents held by Mu-G Knowledge Management BV.Sources: - EIC Accelerator: New Group of Deep Tech Start-Ups Selected
- These are the winners of EIC Accelerator's second 2023 call
- European Innovation Council Accelerator: 51 deep tech start-ups selected
4 The Technology Advancements
Mu-G Knowledge Management BV is a Dutch start-up that gained significant attention for its innovative project, PATS, an automated insect control platform using drones. The company successfully secured funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in the second call of 2023, which closed on March 22, 2023. Despite this recognition, specific advancements or updates regarding Mu-G Knowledge Management's technology, new features, market demonstrations, or intellectual property filings since receiving the EIC funding are not detailed in the available sources.Mu-G Knowledge Management BV's project, PATS, focuses on pest eradication, showcasing the company's engagement in innovative technologies. However, detailed information on recent improvements to their technology, demonstrations with customers, or new scientific publications is not available from public sources.
Given the competitive nature of the EIC Accelerator, Mu-G Knowledge Management's success highlights their potential for innovation in automated solutions. Further details on the company's progress and achievements since the funding would require additional, specific information from the company itself or future publications.
Sources:
- These are the winners of EIC Accelerator's second 2023 call
- EIC Accelerator winners and statistics March 2023
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Mu-G Knowledge Management BV: Post EIC Accelerator Funding
Mu-G Knowledge Management BV, a Dutch company based in Delft, was selected for the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in June 2023. The company is known for its innovative technology, PATS, which helps greenhouse farmers significantly reduce and manage certain aspects of their operations.
Partnerships and Customers
Currently, specific details about new partnerships or customers of Mu-G Knowledge Management BV are not readily available. However, the EIC Accelerator funding is likely to enhance its ability to form strategic partnerships and attract new customers by leveraging its cutting-edge technology. The funding typically supports deep-tech startups in expanding their networks and market presence.
New Partnerships
Although there is no specific information on new partners, the EIC Accelerator program facilitates connections with other innovative companies and investors across Europe. This network can be instrumental in forging new partnerships that support technological advancements and market expansion.
New Customers
The EIC funding is expected to help Mu-G Knowledge Management BV reach a broader customer base, particularly in the agriculture sector. By improving its technology and services, the company can attract more greenhouse farmers seeking efficient management solutions.
Nature of New Relationships and Purpose
New relationships formed through the EIC Accelerator will likely focus on collaborative research and development, strategic investments, and market access. These partnerships aim to enhance Mu-G's technology, specifically PATS, and expand its market reach within the greenhouse farming industry.
Market Positioning
The EIC funding positions Mu-G Knowledge Management BV as a leading innovator in sustainable agriculture practices. By advancing its technology and expanding its network, the company can strengthen its market presence and become a key player in the European agriculture sector.
Advancements and Scaling
The EIC Accelerator funding will support Mu-G Knowledge Management BV in advancing its PATS technology, potentially integrating new features and improving efficiency. This investment will also help the company scale its operations, increase production capacity, and enhance its global competitiveness.
Sources
- EIC selects 51 European startups for Accelerator programme
- A new group of deep-tech start-ups selected to get funding and support
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Mu-G Knowledge Management BV (Operating via PATS Indoor Drone Solutions) While specific details about Mu-G Knowledge Management BV's hiring, team size, or growth trajectory are not publicly disclosed through available sources, the provided website pats-drones.com corresponds to PATS Indoor Drone Solutions, a Netherlands-based company specializing in AI-driven pest control for greenhouses. Below is the available information relevant to the query:Hiring & Team Growth
- Headcount: PATS does not disclose exact employee numbers, but its collaboration network includes "30+ Employees" indirectly involved in operations.
- Current Team Size: Unspecified for Mu-G Knowledge Management BV; PATS’s core team size is unclear beyond partnerships.
- Hiring Status: No public job postings or announcements were identified.
- Growth Indicators: PATS operates in 25+ countries and serves 25+ crop varieties, reflecting global scalability post-EIC Accelerator funding.
Key Positions & Future Scaling
PATS emphasizes AI and drone technology development, suggesting roles in machine learning, agritech engineering, and IoT integration would be critical. New hires likely focus on enhancing autonomous pest detection/elimination systems to expand market reach.Management Changes
No leadership changes were found for either Mu-G Knowledge Management BV or PATS Indoor Drone Solutions. The latter maintains a focus on sustainability and precision agriculture innovation.Sources
Note: The EIC Accelerator winner "Mu-G Knowledge Management BV" appears linked to PATS' domain (provided input). If this is incorrect or requires further distinction between entities, additional verified data would be needed.
7 The Media Features and Publications
Media Features and Public Recognition of Mu-G Knowledge Management BV (PATS Indoor Drone Solutions) Mu-G Knowledge Management BV, now operating as PATS Indoor Drone Solutions, gained significant visibility after being selected for funding under the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in June 2023. The company was recognized for its automated insect control platform designed to eradicate pests using drones and AI-driven monitoring systems. While specific media articles directly naming the company are not publicly listed in available records, its EIC Accelerator win underscores its prominence in deep-tech agritech innovation.Publications and Industry Coverage
The EIC’s official announcement highlights PATS’ inclusion among deep-tech startups addressing global challenges, specifically noting its drone-based pest-control technology. However, no dedicated third-party articles or whitepapers explicitly mentioning "Mu-G Knowledge Management BV" were identified beyond corporate profiles.
Podcasts and Interviews
No publicly available podcasts or interviews featuring PATS’ founders—Bram Tijmons (CEO), Sjoerd Tijmons (CPO), or Kevin van Hecke (CTO)—were found in the search results. The company’s YouTube channel may host promotional content, but external podcast appearances remain unrecorded here.
Conference Participation and Event Involvement
PATS has not been explicitly linked to conferences or fairs in the provided data. However:
- EIC Accelerator events: As a 2023 grant winner, it likely participated in related EU innovation forums.
- Agritech expos: Given its focus on agricultural pest control, involvement in sector-specific events is probable but unconfirmed here.
The company’s rebranding from Mu-G to PATS reflects a strategic shift toward drone-centric solutions, which may position it for future industry showcases.
Sources
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