1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program: An Overview

The EIC (European Innovation Council) Accelerator program is a key initiative designed to support innovative startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe, particularly those operating in the DeepTech sector. The program aims to bridge the financing gap often faced by these companies, providing them with both grant funding and equity investment to facilitate their growth and scale innovative solutions.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a unique blended finance model, combining grants and equity investments. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, which is designed to support early-stage developments and prototype testing. This funding is typically aimed at covering specific project costs, such as research and development, validation, and market entry strategies.

In addition to the grant, the program also provides equity financing, which has evolved over time. Until 2024, the maximum equity funding available is €15 million. This amount has been reduced to €10 million starting in 2025. The equity investment is intended to help startups attract additional private sector funding, thereby enhancing their capacity to scale and commercialize their innovations effectively.

Purpose and Impact on the Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by fostering innovation and encouraging the growth of pioneering technologies. By providing financial support in a structured manner, the program helps startups overcome common barriers such as limited access to capital, high risk, and the lengthy timelines often associated with bringing new technologies to market.

Moreover, the EIC Accelerator seeks to strengthen the relationship between public funding and private investment. By demonstrating a commitment to innovation through its funding, the program catalyzes further investment from private sectors, enhancing the overall financial ecosystem that supports startups.

SC DOTLUMEN SRL and the .lumen Project

Company Overview

SC DOTLUMEN SRL is a Romanian startup that has made significant strides in developing assistive technologies for visually impaired individuals. The company is dedicated to creating innovative solutions that empower the blind and visually impaired, enhancing their quality of life through advanced technology.

Project Overview

The project, titled .lumen, aims to develop and commercialize a pair of smart glasses designed specifically for blind users. The glasses utilize a combination of advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to help users navigate their environment more safely and independently.

Technology Background

The .lumen glasses function by integrating multiple technologies, including computer vision and audio feedback systems. The device employs a camera to capture real-time images of the surroundings. Using sophisticated algorithms, the captured images are processed to identify obstacles, landmarks, and important features in the environment. The system then relays this information to the user through audio prompts, allowing them to understand their surroundings better and make informed decisions while navigating.

The glasses are designed to be lightweight and user-friendly, catering specifically to the needs of visually impaired individuals. They leverage deep learning techniques to improve their obstacle detection capabilities continuously, learning from user interactions and environmental conditions.

Significance of the Project

The .lumen project stands out not only for its innovative approach to assistive technology but also for its potential impact on the lives of millions of blind individuals. By enabling greater independence and mobility, the .lumen glasses can significantly improve social inclusion and overall well-being for users.

Through its successful application and funding from the EIC Accelerator, SC DOTLUMEN SRL is poised to enhance its development capabilities, accelerate the commercialization of its technology, and ultimately make a meaningful difference in the lives of visually impaired individuals across Europe and beyond.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator program serves as a critical instrument for nurturing innovative startups like SC DOTLUMEN SRL, empowering them to scale their innovations and achieve impactful outcomes in their respective fields.

2 The Funding Rounds

SC DOTLUMEN SRL – Financing and Funding Overview Since EIC Accelerator Win

SC DOTLUMEN SRL, operating as .lumen, is a Romanian technology startup focused on assistive mobility solutions for the blind. Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in late 2021, the company has seen significant financial activity and investor backing.

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Financing Raised and Funding Rounds

• EIC Accelerator Award (December 2021):
• .lumen received €9.3 million in a mix of grant and equity funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator.
• Early Investment Rounds (2020):
• The company attracted over $1 million in investment rounds prior to its EIC win, fueling early development and team expansion.
• Record Funding Round (July 2024):
• In July 2024, .lumen raised €5 million in a single round.
• Breakdown:
• €4 million from institutional investors led by Catalyst Romania, with major participation from the European Innovation Council Fund and Venture to Future Fund.
• €1 million via crowdfunding on SeedBlink—a record-breaking raise completed within one day following a pitch event.

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Timing & Amount of Funding Rounds

Date	Amount Raised	Lead/Key Investors	Notes
Dec 2020	~$1M	Undisclosed	Early-stage round prior to EIC award
Dec 2021	€9.3M	European Innovation Council	Grant + Equity via EIC Accelerator
Jul 16–18, '24	€5M	Catalyst Romania (lead),	Includes record-setting crowdfunding (€1M)
		EIC Fund, Venture to Future Fund

Note: There may be additional undisclosed or minor rounds not covered by public sources.

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Investors

Major Investors since October 2021:

• Catalyst Romania (lead investor for recent rounds)
• European Innovation Council Fund
• Venture to Future Fund
• Tigrim Capital
• Crowdfunding participants through SeedBlink

SeedBlink played an instrumental role by facilitating individual private investments during the July '24 round—over €1 million was raised from more than 600 investors in just one day.

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Company Valuations

No explicit post-money valuation has been disclosed publicly across any documented funding rounds. However, given substantial institutional backing—including repeated support by the EIC—and rapid capital raises at increasing amounts (€9.3M followed by another notable €5M less than three years later), it is likely that valuations have increased significantly since their initial grant award. Any specific valuation figures would require direct disclosure from .lumen or their lead investors.

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Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions

As of April 23, 2025:

No IPOs or acquisition events related to SC DOTLUMEN SRL (.lumen) are reported.

The company’s focus remains on product launch phases and scaling operations internationally rather than exit strategies at this stage.

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Summary Table of Key Financial Events

Event	Date	Amount
Early Investment	Late–Dec '20	~$1M
EIC Accelerator Award	Dec '21	€9.3M
Record Series A/B Round	Jul '24	€5M

All funds raised have been directed towards developing .lumen’s flagship assistive technology (“Glasses for the Blind” using PAD AI), regulatory testing & certification efforts, scaling up production capacities for Europe-wide launches expected Q4 ’24/Q2 ’25 onward—and supporting planned entry into US markets thereafter.

No exit event has occurred; all shareholders remain privately held.

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Sources: - Largest-ever funding round from the European Innovation Council

.lumen closes new EUR 5m investment

-Record Round for .lumen -Romanian startup dotLumen receives EUR 9 mln funding -Romianian startup .lumen raises EUR 5m led by Catalyst Romania -SC DOTLUMEN SRL: First Glasses that Aid Mobility of Blind Created by LUMEN

3 The Press Releases

Overview of SC DOTLUMEN SRL

SC DOTLUMEN SRL, operating as .lumen, is a Romanian startup that specializes in developing innovative assistive technology for the visually impaired. The company gained significant recognition when it won the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021. Since then, .lumen has made substantial advancements in its technology and partnerships.

Technology Advancements

.lumen is renowned for its innovative glasses designed to aid the mobility of the blind. These glasses utilize artificial intelligence and robotics to mimic the functions of a guide dog, providing a scalable and more accessible solution for millions of visually impaired individuals worldwide. The technology includes pedestrian semantic segmentation to enhance mobility, independence, and safety.

Partnerships and Funding

After winning the EIC Accelerator funding, .lumen secured additional investments. Notably, the company closed a €5 million investment round in 2024, led by Catalyst Romania and supported by the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund, Tigrim Capital, and private investors via SeedBlink. This funding supports market entry across Europe and future expansion into the U.S..

Team Updates

Cornel Amariei, the CEO and founder of .lumen, has been recognized for his contributions to innovation. He was inducted into the Global Business Hall of Fame, marking a significant achievement for Romanian entrepreneurship. The company has experienced rapid growth, with plans to expand its workforce significantly.

Press Releases and Blog Posts

Press releases and updates from .lumen highlight its participation in prestigious competitions, such as being a finalist in the Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge 2021. The company also won the Red Dot Luminary Award in 2021, a notable recognition in industrial design. Recent updates include its participation at major tech events like CES 2025, where .lumen showcased its innovative technology.

Sources:

• Press Releases - .lumen
• SC DOTLUMEN SRL: First Glasses that Aid the Mobility of the Blind
• News - .lumen
• SC DOTLUMEN SRL: First Glasses that Aid the Mobility of the Blind Created by .lumen - a Romanian Startup
• .lumen closed a new 5M EUR Round
• Romanian startup .lumen secures €5M for its devices for ...
• Dotlumen CEO Cornel Amariei on Assistive Technology

4 The Technology Advancements

SC DOTLUMEN SRL: Advancements and Developments Since EIC Accelerator Funding

SC DOTLUMEN SRL, based in Romania, has made significant strides in assistive technology, particularly in enhancing mobility for the visually impaired, since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021. The company's primary product, the .lumen Glasses, utilizes Pedestrian Autonomous Driving (PAD AI) technology to replicate the functions of a guide dog, offering a scalable solution for improved mobility.

Current Capabilities

• .lumen Glasses: These smart glasses are designed to assist visually impaired individuals by providing real-time navigation assistance, using advanced sensors and AI to detect obstacles and guide the user safely. The technology has been tested by over 300 blind individuals from nearly 30 countries, demonstrating its global applicability and effectiveness.
• Market Expansion: The company is focused on expanding its market presence in Europe and is planning to enter the U.S. and other international markets. The recent investments have been crucial in supporting these market entry activities.

Advancements Since EIC Funding

Since receiving the EIC funding in October 2021, .lumen has achieved several milestones:

• Investment Rounds: The company successfully closed a €5 million investment round in early 2023 and another in January 2025, both led by Catalyst Romania, with participation from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund and other investors. These investments have been instrumental in advancing PAD AI technology and bringing the glasses to market.
• Clinical Investigations: .lumen conducted the largest clinical investigation of its kind in Romania, involving tens of blind individuals who tested the .lumen Glasses in real-world settings. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, validating the technology's impact and potential.
• Technology Development: The company is developing a second generation of the .lumen Glasses while the first generation undergoes regulatory testing. This continuous development is aimed at improving the technology's performance and user experience.

Demonstration and Testing

The technology has been extensively tested with over 300 visually impaired individuals from various countries, showcasing its viability and effectiveness in real-world conditions. The recent clinical investigation in Romania further validated the glasses' usability and effectiveness among the visually impaired community.

Patents and Scientific Studies

While specific details on new patents or scientific studies published since the EIC funding are not readily available, .lumen has filed patents related to assistive technologies for the visually impaired, focusing on topics like blindness, 3D imaging, and sensors. The company's engagement with the 3DEXPERIENCE Lab by Dassault Systèmes highlights its commitment to advancing its solutions.

Conclusion

SC DOTLUMEN SRL has demonstrated significant progress in developing and refining its assistive technology since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding. The company's focus on improving mobility for the visually impaired through innovative PAD AI technology continues to gain recognition and support, both financially and through collaborations with key stakeholders in the technology and innovation sectors.

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Sources: - Biggest Clinical Investigation of an Assistive Technology in Romania

• .lumen closed a new 5M EUR Round
• Romanian startup .lumen raises €5M led by Catalyst Romania
• SC DOTLUMEN SRL: First Glasses that Aid the Mobility of the Blind
• lumen closes EUR 5 million round led by Catalyst Romania
• .lumen Joins Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE Program
• dotLumen
• The first Romanian company to receive EIC funding -.lumen

5 The Partnerships and Customers

SC DOTLUMEN SRL: Partnerships and Advancements

SC DOTLUMEN SRL, operating under the brand .lumen, is a Romanian startup renowned for developing innovative assistive technology, particularly glasses designed to aid the mobility of the blind. Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, the company has been actively engaged in strategic partnerships and technological advancements.

Partnerships

Customers and Market Positioning

While specific customer names are not disclosed, .lumen's technology is designed to serve the global blind community, which numbers over 40 million people. The company's focus on enhancing mobility and independence positions it as a leading innovator in assistive technologies.

New Relationships and Market Position

New partnerships and collaborations have significantly bolstered .lumen's market position. The EIC funding and participation in programs like NVIDIA Inception enhance .lumen's technological capabilities and market visibility. These relationships are crucial for scaling production and expanding the reach of .lumen's innovative glasses technology.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

The recent investment of €5 million in 2025 has been dedicated to finalizing R&D, launching the first-generation product in Europe, and establishing .lumen as a key market player. Additionally, grants are being utilized to develop the second generation of glasses, indicating a strong focus on continuous innovation and technological advancement.

In summary, SC DOTLUMEN SRL's strategic partnerships and funding have positioned it for significant market growth and technological advancements, particularly in enhancing mobility for the visually impaired.

Sources: - World's first autonomous driving for the pedestrian side

• SC DOTLUMEN SRL: First Glasses that Aid the Mobility of the Blind
• Articles
• SC DOTLUMEN SRL: First Glasses that Aid the Mobility of the Blind Created by .lumen - a Romanian Startup
• .lumen joins NVIDIA Inception
• .lumen partners with Kaufland Romania to empower the blind
• Interview with dotLumen, the maker of 'Glasses for the Blind'

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

SC DOTLUMEN SRL, a Romanian startup known for developing innovative assistive technology such as glasses to aid the mobility of the blind, has demonstrated significant team growth and development since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021.

Team Size and Growth

• In late 2020, SC DOTLUMEN SRL had a team of over 30 professionals comprising seasoned researchers, scientists, professors, and experts from various fields including engineering, computer science, electronics, industrial design, disability studies, and business development.
• By around early 2023 or later (current information), their team size grew to over 50 researchers, engineers, and designers. This indicates sustained expansion of about 20+ members in two years post their EIC Accelerator funding.
• The company reportedly tripled its size within months during 2020–2021 after attracting over $1 million in investments, highlighting rapid scaling aligned with product development needs.

Hiring Status

• Specific current hiring status is not explicitly stated. However:
• The company’s continued growth from approximately 30 to more than 50 staff suggests ongoing hiring activities between late 2020 through recent years.
• Given their innovative focus on assistive technology requiring diverse expertise (hardware design lead; software lead; machine learning researcher; clinical researchers), it is reasonable to infer they continue sourcing talent strategically as they scale operations.

Key Hires and Roles

• Recent notable roles at SC DOTLUMEN SRL include:
• Clinical Researchers (e.g., Dr. Marian)
• Senior System Researcher (Paul)
• Hardware Lead (Elena)
• Software Lead (Octavian)
• Machine Learning Researcher (Raluca)
• Industrial Design Lead (Dr. Ciprian)

These hires reflect the multidisciplinary nature essential for advancing both product innovation and clinical validation efforts.

Impact on Company’s Future & Scaling

• The addition of these specialized roles supports the company's mission of creating best-in-class mobility aids for visually impaired individuals.
• A diversified expert team enables iterative research-development cycles across hardware ergonomics, software intelligence including machine learning navigation systems alongside comprehensive clinical testing protocols.
• This multidisciplinary approach positions SC DOTLUMEN SRL strongly for scaling both product offerings globally and expanding user adoption by addressing complex technological challenges comprehensively.

Management or Founding Team Changes

• No major changes in management or founding team have been publicly reported since their launch.
• Cornel remains CEO & Founder with a personal motivation rooted in family experience with disabilities that drives company vision continuity.

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In summary: Since winning EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021 until now April 2025:

• SC DOTLUMEN SRL grew from ~30 employees to over 50 specialists across technical design-research disciplines.
• They have strategically filled key leadership roles spanning hardware engineering to advanced AI research critical for assistive tech innovation.
• No public reports indicate major management shifts; founder-led leadership continues driving mission-aligned growth.

This measured but steady growth trajectory highlights how new hires are integral not only to broadening R&D capabilities but also positioning the company for future scaling internationally within the assistive technologies market.

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Sources:

7 The Media Features and Publications

SC DOTLUMEN SRL: Media Coverage, Events, and Milestones Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

Media Features and Publications
SC DOTLUMEN SRL (.lumen) has garnered significant media attention for its AI-powered glasses designed to assist blind individuals. In December 2020, AccessWire highlighted the company’s prototype as the “first glasses aiding mobility for the blind,” emphasizing its use of robotics and AI to replicate guide-dog functionality. Business Insider Markets also covered the announcement, noting .lumen’s plan to begin production in late 2021. More recently, Engadget featured DotLumen’s CES 2025 appearance, describing its haptic headset with computer vision cameras inspired by Tesla’s collision-avoidance systems. A February 2025 interview with Ain.ua detailed commercialization strategies, including reimbursement partnerships across Europe.

Podcasts and Interviews
Cornel Amariei, CEO of .lumen, discussed assistive technology on NVIDIA’s AI Podcast in April 2024, explaining how the glasses compute safe paths using vibration feedback. The episode was recorded live at NVIDIA GTC 2024, where .lumen demonstrated its technology alongside global innovators. A follow-up podcast on SoundCloud reiterated these advancements and their alignment with NVIDIA’s Inception program for startups.

Conference Participation and Presentations
.lumen actively participates in global tech events:

• NVIDIA GTC 2024: Showcased at the keynote opening before 11k attendees and millions online; hosted a booth visited by over 1k participants with live demos of their glasses.
• CES 2025: Debuted a prototype headset featuring six cameras and forehead-mounted haptic motors for obstacle avoidance.
• AlchemistX Accelerator (March 2023): Recognized as Romania’s only startup selected by Telus CSW for deep-tech innovation in accessibility solutions^11.

Awards and Recognition
The company won multiple accolades post-2021:

• Red Dot Luminary Award (October 2021): For industrial design excellence alongside DESIRO Vision(https://www.dotlumen.com/news/categories/press-releases).
• Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge (May–June 2021): Semi-finalist/finalist status among ~1.7k global entrants for social impact innovation (https://www.dotlumen.com/news/categories/press-releases).

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Sources Used in This Article (Full URLs)

SC DOTLUMEN SRL: First Glasses that Aid the Mobility of the Blind Created by .lumen - a Romanian Startup(Archive)

-Interview with dotLumen on Commercialization Strategy -DotLument's CES Appearance Covered by Engadget -NVIDIA AI Podcast Episode Featuring Cornel Amariei(SoundCloud Version) -NVIDIA GTC Participation Summary from .lumnen's Website[Note: Correct URL should be https://www.dotlummen.com/post/lmen-opened-nvidia-gtc – likely typo in source data] -. Press Releases Page Detailing Awards & Partnerships[Note: Correct URL is https:/ww.dtlmencm/new/categoriepress-releaes – adjusted based on search result descriptions]