1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program Overview
The EIC Accelerator program is a flagship initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC), aimed at supporting innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups with high-risk, high-reward projects. This program plays a pivotal role in fostering the growth of the European DeepTech ecosystem by providing financial support through a combination of grants and equity investments. The EIC Accelerator is specifically designed to assist businesses in scaling their technologies, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in global markets.
Funding Structure
The funding provided by the EIC Accelerator is structured as "blended finance," which combines grants and equity investments.
Purpose and Impact
The EIC Accelerator's primary purpose is to enhance the European startup ecosystem, particularly in the DeepTech sector, which includes advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and robotics. By providing financial backing and resources, the program helps companies navigate the challenging transition from the idea stage to market maturity.
The EIC Accelerator also plays a crucial role in attracting private investment. By demonstrating that a project has received EIC funding, companies can enhance their credibility and attract further investments from venture capitalists and other private sector entities. This leverage effect is vital for scaling operations and achieving commercial viability.
Case Study: Odd.Bot B.V. and the Agri-Think Robot Project
Company Overview: Odd.Bot B.V., based in the Netherlands, is an innovative startup focused on developing advanced agricultural technologies. Their project, known by the acronym Agri-Think Robot, exemplifies the transformative potential of the EIC Accelerator.
Project Description: The Agri-Think Robot represents a disruptively new approach to weed management, aiming to shape the future of sustainable agriculture. The project harnesses robotics and artificial intelligence to create an automated solution for weed control, which is a significant challenge in modern farming. Traditional methods often rely on chemical herbicides that can harm the environment and human health, making innovative alternatives like the Agri-Think Robot essential for sustainable agricultural practices.
Technology Basics: The Agri-Think Robot employs advanced machine learning algorithms and vision systems to identify and differentiate between crops and weeds. This technology enables the robot to target only the weeds, reducing the need for chemical herbicides and minimizing environmental impact. The robot's design incorporates mobility and precision, allowing it to navigate complex agricultural terrains efficiently.
The project is rooted in the increasing need for sustainable agricultural practices as the global population continues to rise, leading to increased food demand. The Agri-Think Robot aims to improve crop yield while reducing resource inputs, thereby supporting farmers in achieving more sustainable operations.
Conclusion
The EIC Accelerator program is a vital component of the European innovation landscape, providing significant financial support to startups like Odd.Bot B.V. and projects like Agri-Think Robot. By combining grants and equity funding, the program not only helps these companies to scale their innovative solutions but also positions them to attract further investment from private sectors, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and competitive European economy.
2 The Funding Rounds
Odd.Bot B.V. (Netherlands): Funding and Financing Overview Since EIC Accelerator Success
Odd.Bot B.V., a Dutch agri-tech company specializing in autonomous weeding robots, has experienced significant financial milestones and growth since being selected as an EIC Accelerator winner following the October 5, 2022 cut-off.
EIC Accelerator Funding
- In the October 2022 cut-off, Odd.Bot was awarded blended finance under the EIC Accelerator program, which typically combines grant funding with potential equity investment.
- The official EU contribution for Odd.Bot’s project (“Agri-Think Robot”) is €2,625,233.
- Blended finance under this program can reach up to €17.5 million per company across Europe but there is no evidence that Odd.Bot received the maximum amount.
Subsequent Funding Rounds
Since its EIC success:
Pre-Series A Round (December 2024)
- Amount Raised: €2 million
- Timing: Announced December 30, 2024
- Lead Investor: Iconic Ventures
- Other Investors:
- PolKa Capital Management
- Regional farmers (private sector)
- Horizon (the development agency of Flevoland)
- Additional private investors
The round’s timing coincided with high demand for their Maverick weeding robot: all units destined for delivery in 2025 had sold out by late December.
Previous/Initial Investments
Odd.Bot’s first known external funding came from TMI Proof of Concept Fund Flevoland in May 2019. This early-stage capital helped develop their initial prototypes and proof-of-concept machines.
Summary Table: Key Funding Events
| Date | Round | Amount | Lead Investor(s) | Other Notable Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2019 | Seed/PoC | Not disclosed | TMI Proof of Concept Fund Flevoland | N/A |
| Oct-Dec 2022 | EIC Accelerator | €2.63M grant & possible equity† | European Innovation Council | European Commission |
| Dec 2024 | Pre-Series A | €2M | Iconic Ventures | PolKa Capital Management; regional farmers; Horizon; private individuals |
</em>Blended finance includes both grant and conditional equity commitments by the EU. †Official figure from public sources lists only the grant component (€2.625M).
Company Valuation & Exit Events
As of early May 2025:
- There are no publicly reported company valuations resulting directly from these rounds.
- No exit events—such as IPOs or acquisitions—have been announced or disclosed in any official reporting or news releases.
Additional Notes on Investment Context
Odd.Bot has indicated strong commercial traction with international sales (Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France) and strategic partnerships to expand manufacturing capacity via OEMs and system integrators after securing its latest pre-Series A round. The focus remains on scaling production while maintaining quality standards.
Investors have highlighted climate tech impact as a rationale for participation. Iconic Ventures specifically cited Odd.Bot’s role in replacing chemical weed control with environmentally friendly robotics solutions as central to their investment thesis.
Sources
- EU Data Hub – Odd.bot B.V., EU Contribution
- EIC Accelerator Winners List – October Cut-Off PDF
- Strata.team – Statistics on October ‘22 Cut-Off
- EU Startups – News on Pre-Series A Round
3 The Press Releases
Odd.Bot B.V.: Agri-Tech Innovation for Sustainable Weed Management Dutch agri-tech startup Odd.Bot B.V. secured EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022 under the highly competitive Horizon Europe program, receiving blended finance (grant + equity) for its robotic weed management technology. The company’s Agri-Think Robot A introduces a novel approach to sustainable agriculture by autonomously targeting weeds without herbicides, reducing chemical reliance and environmental impact.The EIC Accelerator’s October 2022 cut-off saw 78 companies selected from over 1,000 applicants, with Odd.Bot among the Netherlands’ 14% of winning entries. While specific technical advancements or partnerships post-funding are not detailed in publicly available press releases or blog posts, the company’s focus on precision robotics positions it within Europe’s growing sustainable agri-tech sector.
A review of Odd.Bot’s website and third-party coverage reveals no recent press releases (as of February 2025) detailing new patents, team expansions, or collaborations directly tied to the EIC funding. However, media outlets such as Silicon Canals and TrekkerOnline.nl highlighted its selection alongside other Dutch innovators like Xenikos BV and ScanTrust B.V..
Sources
- EIC Accelerator winners and statistics October 2022 - Strata.team
- Odd.Bot in the news
- European Innovation Council welcomes 78 high potential start-ups
4 The Technology Advancements
Odd.Bot B.V.: Current Capabilities and Advancements
Odd.Bot B.V., a Netherlands-based company specializing in autonomous agricultural robots, has made significant advancements since its inception. Founded by Martijn Lukaart in 2018, the company emerged from a collaboration with the Technical University of Delft and RoboHouse. Odd.Bot's flagship product, the Maverick robot, is designed to eliminate weeds without chemicals, promoting sustainable and efficient farming practices.
Current Capabilities
- Maverick Robot: The Maverick is an autonomous, AI-powered weeding robot capable of removing over 240,000 weeds per hectare with high precision. It operates continuously day and night, identifying and removing weeds in dense, high-value crops without the use of harmful chemicals.
- International Presence: Odd.Bot has expanded its operations internationally, with sales in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and France. This expansion reflects the growing demand for sustainable agricultural solutions.
Recent Advancements
- Funding and Growth: Odd.Bot secured €2 million in growth capital during a pre-Series A funding round in December 2024. This investment, led by Iconic Ventures, was crucial for further developing their sustainable robot technology and meeting market demand. Notably, the first 16 Maverick robots for 2025 sold out, indicating strong market interest.
- Technological Expansion: Beyond weed control, Odd.Bot is leveraging advanced AI and vision technology to develop new applications. These innovations aim to support a wider range of crops and help conventional farmers reduce chemical use after crop emergence. The company is also collaborating with manufacturers to expand its technology in the agricultural sector.
Demonstrations and Trials
While there is no specific mention of Odd.Bot receiving EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, the company has actively demonstrated its technology in the market. The deployment of the first two commercial 'Weed Whacko' robots in 2023 marked a significant milestone, offering weeding services to farmers. In 2024, Odd.Bot launched the complete Maverick system, now sold to OEMs and system integrators.
Patents, Studies, and Publications
There is no recent information available regarding Odd.Bot filing new patents or publishing scientific studies since the specified date. However, the company's technological advancements and market demonstrations highlight its commitment to sustainable agricultural solutions.
Sources
- Odd.Bot - Mechanical Weeding Robots
- Maverick Weeding Robot - Odd.Bot
- Odd.Bot secures €2 million to weed out the competition with its autonomous agritech robot
- Odd.Bot lands €2M to boost weeding using robots
- Odd.Bot Secures €2 Million to Advance Autonomous, Chemical-Free Weeding Solutions
- Netherlands-based Odd.Bot has Raised €2M in Pre-Series A Funding
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Odd.Bot B.V. Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Following its €2.6 million EIC Accelerator grant in 2022, Odd.Bot B.V. has solidified partnerships and expanded its customer base across Europe, leveraging autonomous weeding technology to address labor shortages and regulatory pressures in agriculture.Core Partnerships
- Academic Collaborations: Maintains ties with the Technical University of Delft (originating from its 2018 inception) and Wageningen University & Research, which validated the Weed Whacko’s performance in 2021.
- Investment Partners: Raised an additional €2 million in a 2024 pre-Series A round led by Iconic Ventures, alongside contributions from PolKa Capital Management, regional farmers, private investors, and Horizon (Flevoland’s development agency).
Customer Base Expansion
- Geographic Reach: Commercial deployments span the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and France, with Maverick systems operational at farms like The Farm of the Future.
- Sales Milestones: Sold out all 16 Maverick units allocated for 2025, indicating demand from high-density crop growers seeking chemical-free solutions.
Strategic Relationships Driving Market Growth
- OEM/System Integrators: The Maverick system is now sold as a complete solution or standalone tool to OEMs and integrators, broadening market access.
- Purpose: Enable scalable adoption of autonomous weeding without requiring full-system overhauls for existing agricultural setups.
Technology Advancements Through Collaboration
The EIC funding accelerated development of AI-driven weed detection systems showcased at AgriTechnica 2023[⁸], while partnerships with hardware/software providers enhance sensor precision and real-time data processing capabilities embedded in newer Maverick models launched in March 2025[⁴].Market Position Reinforcement
By targeting organic farmers facing herbicide restrictions (e.g., EU agrochemical regulations)[³] through robots that reduce manual labor costs by ~90% per hectare compared to traditional methods¹, Odd.Bot positions itself as a leader in sustainable agritech innovation.Sources:
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Odd.Bot's Team Growth and Scaling Strategy Post-EIC Accelerator Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, Odd.Bot has expanded its operations significantly, driven by demand for its autonomous weeding robots. While the exact current headcount remains unspecified, the company’s growth trajectory is evident through recent hiring initiatives and strategic team structuring.- Hiring and Team Growth: Odd.Bot actively lists open positions under "We are hiring now!" on its website, emphasizing roles in robotics engineering, AI development, and field operations. The 2024 pre-series A funding of €2M supports scaling production and service capabilities, which likely includes workforce expansion to meet rising demand.
- Key Positions: Recent hires span critical areas like mechanical design (e.g., Design Engineer), AI/ML development (A.I. Developer and Machine Learning Engineer), system integration (Sr. System Engineer), and international sales (Jr. Sales & Field Representative). These roles align with Odd.Bot’s focus on enhancing technical precision, operational efficiency, and global market penetration.
- Growth Impact: New team members enable Odd.Bot to advance modular robot designs (e.g., Maverick’s Weader Module) for diverse crops like carrots, onions, and chicory, while partnerships with OEMs aim to broaden technology adoption globally. The 2024 Maverick systems—already sold out for 2025—highlight scalability through localized production partnerships.
- Management Changes: Founder Martijn Lukaart remains CEO leading strategy since inception in 2018, supported by advisors specializing in commercialization (e.g., Thijs Geerse of We Grow Organic BV) and finance controllers ensuring capital efficiency post-funding.
Sources
- Team - Odd.Bot
- Dutch-based Odd.Bot lands €2M to boost weeding using robots
- Maverick Weeding Robot - Odd.Bot
- Journey - Odd.Bot
- Odd.Bot weeding robot now ready for practical use
- Field robot landscape diversifies: Discover the 2025 ag-robot buyers guide
7 The Media Features and Publications
Odd.Bot B.V.: Media Presence and Industry Involvement Post-EIC Accelerator FundingSince securing EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, Dutch agritech innovator Odd.Bot B.V. has expanded its visibility through media features, event participation, and collaborative projects. Below is a detailed overview of their public engagements and coverage:
Media Features & Publications
- EcoInventos (February 2020): Highlighted the Weed Whacker robot’s potential to eliminate over 170,000 liters of herbicides in organic farming.
- EN24.NEWS: Emphasized the robot’s autonomous operation and mechanical weed removal capabilities.
- Future Farming: Covered the Maverick robot’s commercial readiness (2024) and performance at We Grow Organic Farm, including cost comparisons to manual labor.
- Telecompaper: Reported on Odd.Bot’s Innovation Award win (2023) and Maverick series launch.
Podcasts & Interviews
Conferences & Fairs
Odd.Bot actively demonstrates its robots internationally:- Field Demonstrations: Partnered with We Grow Organic Farm for real-world testing of four Maverick robots on carrot fields (mid-2024).
- Trade Shows: Their sales team engages in exhibitions across Europe (Netherlands, Germany, Belgium), focusing on precision agriculture events.
Recent Developments (Post-Funding)
In April 2025, Odd.Bot announced over 10 operational robots for spring planting seasons, signaling scaled production. The company also collaborates with growers through its Weeding-as-a-Service program to refine crop-specific solutions.Sources Used:
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