1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), plays a pivotal role in supporting innovative startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the European Union. Designed to foster high-risk, high-potential innovations, the program provides substantial financial backing through a combination of grants and equity investments. The EIC Accelerator aims to address the funding gap faced by early-stage companies, particularly in the deep tech sector, enabling them to scale their operations, enhance their market reach, and ultimately contribute to economic growth and technological advancement in Europe.

Funding Structure

The funding under the EIC Accelerator comprises two key components: grants and equity investments. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, intended to support the development phase of innovative projects. This grant is particularly beneficial for companies looking to validate their technology and bring it closer to market readiness.

In addition to grants, the EIC Accelerator offers equity investments, which can be substantial. Until 2024, companies can secure up to €15 million in equity funding, while from 2025 onwards, this amount will decrease to a maximum of €10 million. This equity investment is crucial, as it allows companies to leverage additional private sector funding and encourages further investment from venture capitalists and other investors.

Purpose in the European DeepTech Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator's mission is to bolster the European deep tech ecosystem, which includes sectors such as biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. By providing financial support, the EIC Accelerator not only helps companies to innovate but also fosters collaboration among startups, established firms, and research institutions. This ecosystem approach is vital for facilitating knowledge transfer, accelerating technological advancements, and promoting competitiveness on a global scale.

Role in Scaling Companies

The EIC Accelerator serves as a catalyst for startups and SMEs, enabling them to scale their businesses effectively. By offering a combination of financial resources and strategic business support, the program helps companies to reduce time-to-market and navigate the complexities of scaling operations. Additionally, the EIC Accelerator connects entrepreneurs with a network of experienced mentors and industry experts, which can be instrumental in refining business strategies and achieving market traction.

Case Study: NC Biomatrix BV and the VitaDisc Project

Company Overview: NC Biomatrix BV

NC Biomatrix BV is a pioneering company based in the Netherlands that focuses on developing innovative solutions in the healthcare sector. The company recently emerged as a winner in the EIC Accelerator program, securing funding for its groundbreaking project, VitaDisc.

Project Overview: VitaDisc

VitaDisc is a novel, non-invasive therapy designed to restore the natural biomechanics of the spine. This innovative approach utilizes an injectable viscous gel that aims to relieve patients from pain associated with spinal disorders. The project underscores NC Biomatrix's commitment to advancing healthcare solutions that improve patient outcomes through minimally invasive technologies.

Technology Basics and Background

The technology underpinning VitaDisc is rooted in advanced biomaterials science. The viscous gel developed by NC Biomatrix is engineered to mimic the natural properties of intervertebral discs, which play a critical role in maintaining spinal health and mobility. By injecting this gel into the affected areas of the spine, the therapy aims to restore the disc's biomechanics, which can alleviate pressure on nerves and reduce pain.

This innovative treatment addresses a significant gap in existing spinal therapies, many of which involve invasive surgical procedures that carry risks and longer recovery times. By offering a non-invasive alternative, VitaDisc has the potential to transform the management of spinal disorders, providing relief to millions of patients worldwide.

The project was submitted for funding on October 5, 2022, as part of the EIC Accelerator's Step 2 proposal phase. Following a successful Step 3 interview, NC Biomatrix BV secured funding, which will be instrumental in advancing the development and commercialization of VitaDisc.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator program not only provides critical financial support to innovative companies like NC Biomatrix BV but also plays a vital role in enhancing the European deep tech landscape. With projects like VitaDisc, the program facilitates the development of groundbreaking technologies that have the potential to significantly improve healthcare outcomes.

2 The Funding Rounds

NC Biomatrix BV: Financing and Funding Overview Since EIC Accelerator Award (Netherlands)

Company: NC Biomatrix BV
Website: ncbiomatrix.com
Country: Netherlands
EIC Accelerator Cut-off Submission Date: 2022-10-05

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Financing Raised

NC Biomatrix BV has raised a total of approximately $3.81 million since its founding in 2019, combining both grant and equity-based funding sources. The most significant recent financing event was a €2.5 million grant (~$2.68 million) awarded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) in early 2023 to support pre-clinical studies and the first-in-human trial of the company’s lead product, VitaDisc®.

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Funding Rounds: Timing, Amounts & Types

Early Rounds (2019)

• April 2019
• Brabant Startup Fonds provided €350,000 as seed funding.
• Investments/support from Eindhoven University of Technology and NLC Health Ventures are also registered at this stage but amounts are not specified.
• NLC – The European Healthtech Venture Builder played a key role in spinning out the company alongside TU Eindhoven.

Bridge Equity Round

• Date Not Precisely Stated (Post-foundation)
• A first equity bridge round was completed for €800,000 to support technology transfer to commercial manufacturing and preclinical validation; investors were not explicitly named but likely included existing stakeholders such as BSF and NLC Health Ventures.

Grant – IV / EIC Accelerator

• February 2023
• Received a €2.5M grant from the European Innovation Council Accelerator Program aimed at completing pre-clinical research and enabling first-in-human trials for VitaDisc®. This is classified as Grant-IV on CB Insights records with "last raised" about one year ago from May 2025 (~Q1/Q2 2024).

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Investor Information

The identified investors/partners across rounds include:

• European Innovation Council / EIC Accelerator Fund – Main backer behind recent large grant.
• DSM Venturing – Listed among investors.
• Netherlands Enterprise Agency
• Academic Startup Competition
• NLC Health Ventures – Early-stage venture builder involvement.
• Brabant Startup Fonds
• Momentum Fund, likely involved via loans or convertible instruments.

Additional partners include Eindhoven University of Technology (as academic co-founder) and possibly EIT Health for early non-dilutive support.

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Company Valuations

No publicly disclosed valuation figures are available for any round or post-funding event. As is common with private EU medtech startups still in clinical/preclinical stages relying primarily on grants rather than major institutional VC equity investment, valuation data remains undisclosed.

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Exit Events: IPOs, Buyouts & Acquisitions

As of May 2025:

There have been no reported exit events—no Initial Public Offering (IPO), no buyout/acquisition activity involving NC Biomatrix BV has been announced or recorded in accessible public databases or news reports since their EIC win.

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Summary Table: Key Funding Events Since Inception

Date	Type	Amount	Investors/Backers
Apr 2019	Seed/Equity	€350k	Brabant Startup Fonds
Apr–Sep 2019	Seed/Support	n/a	Eindhoven Univ., NLC Health Ventures
Post–2019	Bridge Equity	€800k	Undisclosed; likely BSF/NLC/Momentum
Feb 2023	Grant–IV	€2.5M (~$2.68M)	European Innovation Council/EIC Accelerator

Total known financing exceeds $3.8 million including both grants and equity investments.

There have been no exits nor publicly disclosed valuations associated with these rounds.

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Sources

• NC Biomatrix - CB Insights
• NC BIOMATRIX WINS EIC GRANT - NLC
• BioMatrix — Braventure
• NC Biomatrix company information — InvestNY
• Startup Luxembourg Directory — NC Biomatrix

3 The Press Releases

NC Biomatrix BV: EIC Accelerator Funding and Recent Developments

NC Biomatrix BV, a medical device company based in the Netherlands, received significant recognition and funding in October 2022 through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator. The company was awarded a €2.5 million grant to support its innovative biomatrix technology for treating chronic back pain.

Technology and Mission

NC Biomatrix is at the forefront of developing next-generation natural biomatrix technology, particularly through its product VitaDisc. This innovative device is designed to restore the natural biomechanics of the spine by injecting a gel-like biomaterial directly into degenerated intervertebral discs, aiming to alleviate chronic back pain caused by disc degeneration. The company's mission is to become a world leader in providing early-stage, non-surgical, curative solutions for major orthopedic medical needs based on its proprietary biomatrix technology.

Patents and Intellectual Property

NC Biomatrix has been awarded several patents, including U.S. Patent No. 11,607,473B2, titled “Notochordal Cell Matrix as a Stimulant for Intervertebral Disc Regeneration.” This patent, developed in collaboration with Prof. Keita Ito, strengthens the company's intellectual property portfolio and supports its goal of developing restorative treatments for chronic orthopedic conditions.

Partnerships and Collaborations

NC Biomatrix operates in partnership with leading corporations to advance its biomatrix technologies. The company was founded in collaboration with the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU Eindhoven) and is supported by NLC, a European venture builder. Additionally, NC Biomatrix has agreements with spine centers in the Netherlands and Germany for pilot clinical studies.

Clinical Trials and Future Plans

Following the EIC funding, NC Biomatrix plans to use the grant to complete preclinical studies and conduct its first-in-human trial for VitaDisc. A first-in-human trial of twenty patients is scheduled to commence in collaboration with the Maastricht UMC+, followed by a large pivotal clinical trial at sites in Europe and the United States.

Press Releases and Updates

NC Biomatrix shares updates and press releases on its website, highlighting achievements such as the EIC grant and new patent awards. These updates are crucial for keeping stakeholders informed about the company's progress in developing innovative treatments for chronic back pain.

Key Points:

• EIC Funding: Received a €2.5 million grant in October 2022.
• Technology: Developing VitaDisc, a natural injectable biomatrix for treating degenerative disc disease.
• Patents: Awarded U.S. Patent No. 11,607,473B2 for notochordal cell matrix technology.
• Partnerships: Collaborates with TU Eindhoven and NLC; agreements with spine centers for clinical studies.
• Future Plans: Preclinical studies and first-in-human trials for VitaDisc.

Sources:

• News - NC Biomatrix
• NC BIOMATRIX WINS EIC GRANT
• BioMatrix
• How NC Biomatrix plans to (finally) break the cycle of chronic back pain

4 The Technology Advancements

NC Biomatrix BV: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Advancements

Since securing a €2.5 million EIC Accelerator grant in February 2023 (announced after the October 2022 cut-off), NC Biomatrix BV has achieved significant milestones in advancing its proprietary biomatrix technology for chronic orthopedic conditions. Below are key developments:

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Technology and Intellectual Property

• US Patent Awarded: In March 2023, the company obtained U.S. patent No. 11,607,473B2 for its notochordal cell-derived matrix technology, which stimulates intervertebral disc regeneration. This builds on their earlier European patent (EP3402542B1) granted in March 2022.
• Focus on Restorative Biomaterials: The injectable biomatrix gel (VitaDisc®) is designed to restore disc volume and shape while reactivating cellular repair mechanisms in degenerated spinal discs. Preclinical studies in large animals have demonstrated promising regenerative results.

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Clinical and Regulatory Progress

• First-in-Human Trials: A trial involving 20 patients is planned for collaboration with Maastricht UMC+ as part of the EIC-funded preclinical roadmap. While timelines remain fluid, preparatory work includes additional animal studies to meet regulatory standards before human testing begins.
• Regulatory Strategy: The company is prioritizing compliance with EU and FDA requirements to enable future pivotal trials across Europe and the U.S..

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Market Positioning and Future Outlook

• Pipeline Expansion: NC Biomatrix’s platform technology supports a pipeline of products targeting unmet needs in orthopedics beyond spinal discs. Partnerships with industry leaders are underway to broaden applications9.
• Leadership Transition: Dr. Ileana Lindeman assumed the CEO role in July 2022, steering the company toward clinical validation and commercialization phases7.

No new scientific publications or whitepapers were identified post-EIC funding beyond patent disclosures, though preclinical data from animal studies remains foundational to their regulatory submissions. Public demonstrations or pilot programs have yet to be reported ahead of human trials.

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Sources

• NC Biomatrix awarded US patent
• EIC Accelerator funding announcement
• Clinical strategy update
• TU/e spin-off profile

5 The Partnerships and Customers

NC Biomatrix BV: Partnerships and Developments Since EIC Accelerator Funding

NC Biomatrix BV, based in the Netherlands, received the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022. Since then, the company has been actively engaged in developing its injectable biomatrix technology for treating chronic orthopedic conditions, particularly focusing on solutions for degenerative disc disease.

Partnerships

NC Biomatrix has established a strong network of partnerships that are crucial for its growth and technological advancements: - TU/e (Eindhoven University of Technology): This partnership provides access to cutting-edge research and technology, particularly through the Department of Biomedical Engineering, where Prof. Keita Ito is the Chair of the Orthopaedic Biomechanics Group.

• DSM Biomedical: NC Biomatrix collaborates with DSM Biomedical on R&D to enhance manufacturing capabilities and develop similar technologies for unmet clinical needs.
• Bruder Consulting and Venture Group (BCVG): This partnership aids in navigating regulatory pathways and strategic advisory services.
• NLC Health: As a venture builder, NLC continues to support NC Biomatrix in fundraising and networking efforts.
• HCM Medical: This collaboration helps in achieving critical manufacturing validation milestones.

New Relationships

While specific new partners or customers have not been announced since the EIC funding, NC Biomatrix's ongoing partnerships continue to play a significant role in its development. The company's focus remains on leveraging these relationships to scale its technology and enter the market effectively.

Nature and Purpose of Relationships

The partnerships are designed to support NC Biomatrix in several key areas: - Technology Advancements: Collaborations with TU/e and DSM Biomedical drive innovation in biomatrix technology, enabling the development of novel treatments like VitaDisc® for degenerative disc disease.

• Scaling and Manufacturing: Partnerships with DSM Biomedical and HCM Medical facilitate the scaling of manufacturing to meet market demands, ensuring that NC Biomatrix can commercialize its products effectively.
• Regulatory and Market Navigation: BCVG assists in navigating complex regulatory pathways and strategic planning.

Market Positioning

These partnerships position NC Biomatrix BV as a leader in innovative biomaterials for orthopedic conditions. By leveraging its network, the company can accelerate its product development, enhance its manufacturing capabilities, and prepare for successful market entry. The EIC Accelerator funding further solidifies its position by supporting preclinical studies and first-in-human trials for VitaDisc®, its flagship treatment for degenerative disc disease.

Technology Advancements

NC Biomatrix's technology advancements are driven by its partnerships, particularly through research collaborations with TU/e and manufacturing support from DSM Biomedical. This helps in refining its injectable biomatrix technology to stimulate native regenerative mechanisms in cartilage tissues, offering a promising solution for chronic back pain.

Scaling

The partnerships facilitate scaling by providing access to expertise and resources needed to expand manufacturing capabilities. This is crucial as NC Biomatrix prepares for larger-scale production and distribution of its innovative treatments.

Conclusion

NC Biomatrix BV's strategic partnerships and the EIC Accelerator funding have positioned the company for significant growth in the orthopedic biomaterials sector. By leveraging these relationships, NC Biomatrix is poised to advance its technology and scale its operations, offering new hope for treating chronic orthopedic conditions.

Sources

• NC Biomatrix News
• NC Biomatrix - CB Insights
• Partners - NC Biomatrix
• NC Biomatrix Wins EIC Grant

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

NC Biomatrix BV: Team Growth and Scaling Post-EIC Accelerator Funding NC Biomatrix BV, a Dutch medical technology startup founded in 2019, has focused on developing injectable biomatrix solutions for chronic back pain caused by intervertebral disc degeneration. While specific details about current headcount or team size are not publicly disclosed, the company’s growth trajectory can be inferred from its funding milestones and leadership changes.

Hiring and Team Expansion

The company raised $3.81 million in total funding, including a $2.68 million round approximately one year before mid-2023. This capital likely supported preclinical validation, technology transfer from academia to commercialization, and early clinical trial preparations. Leadership restructuring occurred in 2022 when former COO Lindeman became CEO[^1^], indicating strategic hires for scaling operations.

Key Positions and Management Changes

Lindeman’s transition to CEO in 2022 marked a shift toward advancing clinical research and commercial partnerships[^1^]. Earlier leadership included Bob Guilleaume as CEO during the seed phase (2019–early 2020s), emphasizing foundational development. Recent hires likely include roles in clinical development, regulatory affairs, and business strategy to support progression toward human trials.

Growth Trajectory Post-Funding

Post-EIC Accelerator funding (exact grant amount unspecified), NC Biomatrix prioritized validating its bio-inductive protein extract for spinal disc restoration. The company collaborates with TU Eindhoven for R&D and secured support from Brabant Startup Fonds (BSF) early on to bridge academic research with commercialization. While growth metrics like employee count remain undisclosed, the focus on non-invasive therapies positions it competitively within the $3 billion annual Dutch back pain market alone.

Future Outlook
New team members are critical for advancing clinical trials scheduled post-preclinical stages. Scaling manufacturing capabilities and securing additional partnerships will be pivotal as NC Biomatrix transitions from R&D to market-ready solutions aiming at global orthopedic markets.

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Sources

• NC Biomatrix - CB Insights
• How NC Biomatrix plans to break chronic back pain cycle (archived via search context)
• TU Eindhoven Spin-off Profile
• BioMatrix Treatment Overview
• NLC Health Ventures Portfolio Entry

7 The Media Features and Publications

NC Biomatrix BV: Post EIC Accelerator Funding

NC Biomatrix BV, a Netherlands-based company, has made significant strides since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022. The company specializes in developing injectable biomatrix technology for orthopedic applications, focusing on tissue restoration by triggering native regenerative mechanisms of cartilage tissues.

Media Features and Publications

NC Biomatrix BV has been featured in media outlets for its innovative approach to addressing chronic orthopedic conditions. A recent news update highlighted the company's efforts to break the cycle of chronic back pain, emphasizing the importance of gathering evidence to support the safety and efficacy of their technology. Additionally, NC Biomatrix has been mentioned in directories and platforms that specialize in life sciences and startup ecosystems, noting its patented injectable technology for intervertebral disc degeneration.

Content from Publications

Publications have noted that NC Biomatrix's technology is game-changing for orthopedics, as it triggers the native regenerative mechanisms of cartilage tissues—a capability not matched by any other technology. The company's mission is underscored by the overwhelming need for effective treatments for chronic orthopedic conditions, which affect over a billion people worldwide.

Podcasts or Interviews

While specific podcasts or interviews featuring NC Biomatrix's team could not be identified, the company's CEO, Dr. Ileana Lindeman, has an impressive background, including an MBA from Harvard Business School, which suggests her involvement in various professional discussions and presentations.

Conference and Fair Visits

NC Biomatrix has participated in significant industry events. For instance, Robert Guilleaume, representing NC Biomatrix, pitched at the Investors Forum during the Dutch Life Sciences Conference in 2019, highlighting opportunities for partnerships and investments.

Involvement in Events

The company's involvement in events like the Dutch Life Sciences Conference demonstrates its proactive approach to networking and collaboration within the healthcare and life sciences sectors. This engagement is crucial for companies like NC Biomatrix, which are at the forefront of innovation in orthopedic treatments.

Sources

• CB Insights - NC Biomatrix
• NC Biomatrix
• Ecosystem Brno Region - NC Biomatrix company information
• Directory Startup Luxembourg - NC Biomatrix company information
• NC Biomatrix News
• Dutch Life Sciences Conference 2019 Programme