1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in bringing breakthrough technologies to market. With a focus on DeepTech and other high-risk innovations, the EIC Accelerator provides funding and resources to accelerate the development and scaling of cutting-edge projects.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a unique blend of financial support, which includes grants and equity investments. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, providing essential funding for research, development, and commercialization activities. This grant is typically awarded in the initial stages of the project, allowing companies to cover early-stage costs without the burden of repayment.

In addition to grants, the EIC Accelerator offers equity funding, which has evolved over time. Until 2024, startups can access equity investments of up to €15 million. This funding is crucial for companies looking to scale operations, develop products, and enter markets effectively. From 2025 onwards, this equity funding will be capped at €10 million. The dual funding approach aims to de-risk investments for private sector partners by providing initial grant support, followed by an equity opportunity that aligns the interests of investors and innovators.

Purpose in the European Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by fostering innovation and providing critical support to high-risk projects that traditional investors might overlook. By bridging the funding gap, the program enables startups to scale and innovate, contributing to economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement across Europe. The EIC Accelerator not only facilitates access to finance but also offers mentorship, networking opportunities, and visibility to enhance startups' prospects in the competitive market landscape.

Role in Scaling and Funding

Through its funding and support mechanisms, the EIC Accelerator helps companies scale their operations by ensuring they have the necessary resources to complete product development and market entry. This support is crucial for attracting additional funding from private investors. By demonstrating the viability of their technologies and business models through the backing of the EIC Accelerator, companies can leverage this credibility to secure further investments, thereby establishing a sustainable growth trajectory.

EIC Accelerator Winner: Reblade ApS

Reblade ApS, a Danish company, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator with its innovative project, the "Flying Factory." The project centers on the development of a Flying Repair Drone specifically designed for the maintenance and repair of wind turbine blades.

Project Overview: Flying Repair Drone

The Flying Repair Drone aims to address a significant challenge in the renewable energy sector: the maintenance of wind turbine blades, which are often difficult and costly to inspect and repair due to their height and location. The Flying Factory concept leverages advanced drone technology to simplify the inspection and repair process, thereby reducing downtime and maintenance costs for wind energy operators.

Technology Basics and Background

The technology behind the Flying Repair Drone integrates cutting-edge aerial robotics, advanced imaging systems, and automated repair mechanisms. The drone is equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors that enable detailed inspections of turbine blades for wear and damage. Upon identifying issues, the drone can perform real-time repairs using specialized tools and materials designed for blade maintenance.

The innovation stems from the growing need for efficient and cost-effective solutions in the wind energy sector, which is witnessing rapid growth in Europe and beyond. As wind energy becomes a cornerstone of sustainable energy production, the ability to maintain and repair turbine blades efficiently is paramount. The Flying Repair Drone not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to the overall reliability and sustainability of wind energy systems.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator program serves as a crucial catalyst for innovation in the European startup ecosystem. Through its grant and equity funding, it empowers companies like Reblade ApS to develop groundbreaking technologies, such as the Flying Repair Drone, that address pressing challenges in renewable energy. By supporting these innovations, the EIC Accelerator fosters a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.

2 The Funding Rounds

Financing Raised by Reblade ApS Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Overview of Funding Achievements

Reblade ApS, a Danish wind energy technology startup founded in 2020, has secured several rounds of public and private funding since submitting its successful EIC Accelerator application on October 5, 2022. The company specializes in automated drone-based repair solutions for wind turbine blades.

Public Funding

In 2022, Reblade secured a total of €4.65 million in public project funding through the Eurostars and Eureka programs as well as the EIC Accelerator award.
The EIC Accelerator blended finance scheme (grant plus potential equity) was pivotal for their development program from 2023 to 2025.
The EU contribution specifically reported for their "Flying Repair Drone for Wind Turbines Blades" project is €1,254,225, part of this broader package.

Seed Round and Private Investment

As of late 2023/early 2024, Reblade launched a seed round targeting €1.3 million to support commercialization efforts and product launches planned for 2024 and beyond.
Details on the closure date or specific investors involved in this seed round have not been publicly disclosed as of May 1, 2025.
There is no confirmation yet from credible sources regarding participation by notable venture capitalists or strategic corporate investors.

Funding Rounds: Timing and Amounts

Date	Type	Amount	Investors/Public Source
Q4–Q1 (’22–’23)	Public grants/EU funds	€4.65 million	Eurostars/Eureka/EIC Accelerator
Late ’23–’24	Seed (ongoing/offered)	€1.3 million	Not disclosed

</em>This figure includes multiple grants; the exact split between each program is not specified.

Investor Information

As per available data: - Majority of financing up to now has come from European public sector innovation funds.

No detailed list of private investors or VC firms has been published with respect to their ongoing seed round.

Company Valuations

No information regarding formal company valuations—either pre-money or post-money—has been publicly released at any stage since receiving EIC Accelerator funding.

Exit Events: IPOs/Buyouts/Acquisitions

As of May 1, 2025:

There are no reports indicating an exit event such as an initial public offering (IPO), acquisition, merger, or buyout involving Reblade ApS.
The company remains privately held with a focus on scaling commercialization following its initial product launch in early/mid-2024.

Summary Table: Key Financial Milestones Since October 5th Cut-off (EIC Submission)

Year	Event/Funding Round	Amount Raised
Late ’22/’23	Public Project Grants	€4.65 million
’23–’24	Seed Round (offering phase)	€1.3 million

Additional Notes on Financing Process & Strategy

The Danish Technological Institute played an advisory role by helping map out diverse funding strategies over six months prior to and after winning major EU grants. This structured approach maximized grant opportunities while freeing management bandwidth to focus on tech development.

Sources

3 The Press Releases

Reblade ApS: Innovations and Milestones Post-2022 EIC Accelerator Win Danish wind energy startup Reblade ApS, an EIC Accelerator winner in October 2022, has advanced its drone-based repair technology for wind turbine blades, securing €4.65M in public funding through Eurostars, Eureka, and the EIC Accelerator[^sources].

Technology Advancements

Reblade’s automated drone system reduces leading-edge erosion repair time from 4.5 days to 4.5 hours, cutting turbine downtime by 90% and CO₂ emissions by ~450 tons per repair[^sources]. Validated by OEMs and energy companies, the patented solution targets offshore wind farms and uses a Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) model with recurring revenue[^sources]. The company plans to launch its first product in 2024 and a second in 2025, focusing on scalability for the projected €11B global blade repair market by 2031[^sources].

Team Expansion

Founded in 2020 by a multi-patent CTO and serial entrepreneur CEO, Reblade added the former CEO of Magnomatics to strengthen IP strategy and sales. Their team of eight includes engineers averaging 9.4 years of experience, with operations spanning Denmark, the UK, and China via an ex-Goldwind agent[^sources].

Partnerships & Commercial Pipeline

Reblade is negotiating contracts with a European energy giant for MVP units while building a customer pipeline validated through prototype demonstrations[^sources]. Their technology addresses a projected shortage of 150,000 wind technicians by 2035[^sources].

Patents & Funding Strategy

While specific patents are not detailed publicly available sources confirm proprietary drone tooling validated across industry stakeholders. The €4.65M grant supports R&D until 2025 alongside an active €1.3M seed round[^sources].

Sources

Note: No press releases or blog posts from reblade.dk were found in indexed search results.

4 The Technology Advancements

Overview of Reblade ApS

Reblade ApS is a Danish tech startup specializing in wind energy, particularly in automated and drone-based repair of leading edge erosion of wind turbine blades. Founded in 2020, the company has secured significant public funding, including €4.65 million from the Eurostars and EIC Accelerator programs in 2022.

Capabilities and Development

Reblade's primary technology involves using drones equipped with robot technology to repair leading edge erosion on wind turbines. This approach significantly reduces repair time from several days to mere minutes per turbine blade, decreasing downtime by 90% and lowering operational costs. The technology is designed for both offshore and floating wind services, making it a pioneering solution in the industry.

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on October 5, 2022, Reblade has continued to advance its technology. The company is preparing for the launch of its first product in 2024 and a second product in 2025. This rapid development is supported by a strong business model that includes leasing drone repair technology to customers, who then provide the necessary personnel for operation.

Market Demonstrations and Advancements

Reblade has built a promising customer pipeline and is negotiating significant contracts with major energy companies. The technology has been validated by OEMs, energy companies, and service providers, demonstrating its potential for widespread adoption in the wind energy sector. While there are no specific details on new patents or scientific studies published since the funding, Reblade's focus on innovation and scalability suggests ongoing research and development efforts.

Technology and Innovation

The use of AI in Reblade's technology allows drones to land safely on wind turbine blades, facilitating efficient repairs. This approach not only speeds up the repair process but also eliminates the need for rope-access, making it safer and more efficient for service teams. Reblade's commitment to innovation is reflected in its pursuit of funding for further development, indicating a continued push towards enhancing its technology and market presence.

Sources: - Reblade ApS

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Reblade ApS: Partnerships and Advancements

Reblade ApS, a Danish tech startup specializing in wind energy, has been making significant strides since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022. The company is renowned for its innovative drone-based repair technology for wind turbine blades, which significantly reduces repair time and enhances efficiency.

Partnerships and Collaborations

European Partnerships: Reblade has collaborated with the Danish Technological Institute, which helped them secure significant EU funding, including a major Eurostars project. This partnership has been crucial in developing their drone technology.
Global Presence: Reblade has established a presence in the UK and has an agent in China, indicating their efforts to expand globally.
Potential New Partnerships: Reblade is seeking strategic partners, including wind farms, service companies, and impact investors, particularly in Europe, India, and the US.

Customers and New Relationships

While specific new customer names are not disclosed, Reblade is negotiating a significant contract with a European energy giant. This indicates their growing influence in the wind energy sector.

Nature of Relationships and Market Positioning

Reblade's partnerships and new relationships are focused on scaling their drone-based repair technology. These collaborations will help position Reblade as a leader in automated blade maintenance, lowering the levelized cost of wind energy and reducing turbine downtime by 90%.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

Drone Technology: Reblade's use of AI to land drones safely on turbine blades for repairs is a key innovation. This technology reduces repair time from days to hours and is designed for both onshore and offshore use.
Scaling and Growth: With public funding and strategic partnerships, Reblade is poised to scale its operations. This will involve launching new products and expanding its customer base, especially through leasing their technology to customers who supply the personnel for operations.

Reblade's advancements and partnerships are pivotal in positioning the company at the forefront of wind energy maintenance, offering a competitive edge through rapid and environmentally friendly solutions.

Sources:

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Reblade ApS Team Growth and Hiring Strategy Following EIC Accelerator Funding

Reblade ApS, a Danish wind energy tech startup founded in 2020, has experienced steady team growth since securing €4.65M in public funding, including EIC Accelerator support in 2022. As of recent disclosures, the company employs 8 people (7.25 full-time equivalents), with plans to scale further through its ongoing €1.3M seed round. While no explicit hiring announcements are listed, the company emphasizes its focus on expanding its engineering and operational capabilities to support product launches in 2024 (Hybrid Coating Drone) and 2025 (All-in-One Drone).

Team Composition and Growth

The current team includes specialized engineers averaging 9.4 years of industry experience, alongside leadership with deep expertise in IP strategy and wind sector sales. A notable addition is the founder/former CEO of Magnomatics, who joined Reblade’s team to bolster commercialization efforts. Although specific recent hires are not detailed, the company has established a UK presence and appointed an ex-Goldwind specialist as an agent in China to drive international expansion.

Scaling Strategy

New team members are critical for deploying Reblade’s Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) model globally. The Hybrid Coating Drone (launching H2 2024) will triple repair capacity per technician by enabling one turbine repair daily, while the All-in-One Drone (2025) will automate offshore repairs entirely without human blade access. To manage this rollout, Reblade prioritizes engineering talent for R&D and operational roles for onsite service management.

Leadership Stability

The founding team remains intact: a multi-patent CTO collaborates with a serial entrepreneur CEO, supported by senior advisors specializing in scaling hardware startups. There have been no reported management changes since their EIC Accelerator win.

Sources

7 The Media Features and Publications

Reblade ApS: Media Features, Events, and Industry Presence Since EIC Accelerator Award (2022)

Reblade ApS, the Danish wind energy tech startup, has gained recognition for its drone-based blade repair solutions since winning EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022. Below is a detailed overview of its media coverage, event participation, and industry engagements.

Media Features & Publications

Nordic Labour Journal (August 2024): Highlighted Reblade’s AI-driven drones for safe landings on turbine blades during repairs. The article emphasized the company’s ability to attract global engineering talent and reduce downtime by 90% compared to manual repairs.
WindTech International (April 2025): Reported on Reblade’s newly launched wind farm decommissioning consultancy service, addressing regulatory and environmental challenges in turbine retirement.

Conferences & Events

Innovation Zero 2025: Listed as an event partner, though specific presentation details are not disclosed.
Global Wind Market Seminar (January 2025): Participated alongside Ørsted and Ramboll in discussions about international wind energy opportunities organized by Danish Energy Export.

Awards & Recognition

Danish Industry Foundation’s AI Prize: Won €27,000 for integrating AI into drone navigation systems.
Eurostars & Eureka Grants: Secured additional funding for R&D scaling between 2023–2025 post-EIC win.

Podcasts & Interviews

No direct podcasts or interviews featuring Reblade’s team were identified in available sources. However:

The company’s recruitment strategies leveraging AI were discussed in third-party content unrelated to Reblade-specific episodes (e.g., general job-seeking advice for Denmark).

Sources Used:

Danish AI cuts wind turbine downtime - Nordic Labour Journal [Archived August 26]

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