1 The EIC Accelerator Project
The EIC Accelerator Program: Overview and Funding Mechanisms
The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups with groundbreaking innovations. This program primarily focuses on high-impact technologies, particularly in the DeepTech sector, which encompasses advanced technologies based on scientific discoveries. The EIC Accelerator aims to foster innovation, enhance competitiveness, and contribute to the European Union's overarching goals of sustainable growth and job creation.
Types of Funding
The EIC Accelerator provides blended finance, combining grants and equity investments to support the development and commercialization of innovative projects. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, aimed at covering costs associated with prototype development, testing, and initial market entry.
In addition to grants, the EIC Accelerator offers equity investments, with funding amounts up to €15 million until 2024. From 2025 onwards, this equity funding will be capped at €10 million. This dual funding approach helps mitigate financial risks while enabling companies to pursue ambitious growth strategies, scale operations, and attract additional private investment.
Purpose and Impact on the Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator serves a pivotal role in the European startup ecosystem by providing tailored support to companies that demonstrate innovative potential. By bridging the funding gap between early-stage innovation and market readiness, the program encourages startups to develop their technologies further and accelerates their journey toward market entry. This support not only enhances the competitiveness of European companies but also fosters an environment conducive to technological advancement and job creation.
Furthermore, the EIC Accelerator facilitates partnerships with private investors, enabling companies to secure additional funding. By showcasing the viability of innovative projects through structured funding, the program bolsters investor confidence, leading to increased investment in the European DeepTech landscape.
Case Study: SEA4US - BIOTECNOLOGIA E RECURSOS MARINHOS, S.A. and the Sea4Market Project
In June 2023, SEA4US - BIOTECNOLOGIA E RECURSOS MARINHOS, S.A. successfully secured funding through the EIC Accelerator for its project, known as Sea4Market. This initiative focuses on the clinical validation of a novel non-opioid analgesic derived from marine resources found along the Portuguese coastline, aimed at treating chronic pain.
Project Details: Sea4Market
The Sea4Market project seeks to advance a groundbreaking analgesic that offers a non-opioid alternative for pain management. Chronic pain is a significant healthcare challenge, often leading to dependence on opioid medications, which come with a risk of addiction and various side effects. The innovative solution proposed by SEA4US leverages biotechnology to extract and develop compounds from marine organisms that possess analgesic properties.
Technology Basics and Background
The technology underpinning Sea4Market is rooted in bioprospecting—exploring marine biodiversity to identify new bioactive compounds. Marine organisms, particularly those found in the Portuguese sea, have evolved unique biochemical pathways that enable them to produce substances with potential therapeutic applications. SEA4US has focused its research on isolating and characterizing these compounds, assessing their efficacy in alleviating pain without the adverse effects associated with traditional opioid treatments.
The clinical validation process will involve rigorous testing to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the non-opioid analgesic. This stage is critical for securing regulatory approvals and ensuring that the product meets the necessary standards for market introduction. By employing advanced methodologies in biotechnology and pharmacology, SEA4US aims to position its innovative analgesic as a viable option for patients suffering from chronic pain.
The EIC Accelerator funding will be instrumental for SEA4US in navigating the complexities of clinical trials and market entry, ultimately contributing to a significant improvement in pain management therapies. Through the Sea4Market project, the company not only addresses a pressing healthcare need but also exemplifies the potential of marine biotechnology in the European innovation landscape.
In conclusion, the EIC Accelerator program, through its blended finance model, plays a crucial role in accelerating the development of transformative projects such as Sea4Market, fostering innovation, and enhancing the European startup ecosystem.
2 The Funding Rounds
Financing Raised and Funding Rounds
Since securing the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding in June 2023, SEA4US - BIOTECNOLOGIA E RECURSOS MARINHOS, S.A., a Portuguese biotechnology firm specializing in marine-derived pharmaceuticals for chronic pain, has undertaken several financing activities:
- EIC Accelerator Grant (June 2023): SEA4US was awarded a grant of €2.5 million by the EIC through the Horizon-EIC-2023-AcceleratorOpen-01 call. This grant was aimed at supporting their project "Sea4Market," which focuses on clinical validation and First-in-Human trials of their novel non-opioid analgesic.
- Equity Investment Opportunity: Alongside the grant, there is an opportunity for equity investment from the European Innovation Fund (EIF) of up to €5.96 million, structured as blended finance to help further scale operations if required.
Previous Funding Rounds
Prior to receiving EIC Accelerator support: - In January 2022, SEA4US raised €338k at a company valuation of €13 million.
Timing and Amounts
| Date | Round/Funding Source | Amount | Valuation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2022 | Private/Unspecified | €338k | €13M |
| May 2022 | EU Regional Dev Fund | €30k | — |
| Jun 2023 | EIC Accelerator Grant | €2.5M | ~€14.5M |
| Jun 2023+ | EIF Equity Opportunity | Up to €5.96M | — |
Investor Information
The primary institutional investors involved since mid-2023 are:
- European Innovation Council (EIC): Provided non-dilutive grant funding.
- European Investment Fund (EIF): Offered an equity investment component as part of blended finance associated with the EIC funding round.
There is no public record post-June 21, 2023 cutoff indicating significant additional external private or venture capital investments.
Additional Funding Details & Strategic Use
The total eligible project cost for "Sea4Market" is approximately €3.57 million over two years starting March 1, 2024—ending February 28, 2026—with EU financial support covering about two-thirds (€2.499 million). The remaining funds likely come from internal resources or co-financing agreements.
SEA4US’s strategy includes using these funds for:
- Clinical validation
- Achieving First-in-Human trials
- Outlicensing technology after clinical proof-of-concept
Company Valuations
Company valuations have progressed as follows: - January–May 2022: Approximately €13 million
No public information indicates further revaluation events since then.
Exit Events (IPO/Buyouts/Acquisitions)
As of May 5th, 2025: There are no reported exit events such as IPOs or acquisitions involving SEA4US - BIOTECNOLOGIA E RECURSOS MARINHOS S.A.. The company's current focus remains on clinical development and outlicensing rather than pursuing immediate exit strategies.
Sources
Sea4Us secures Accelerator Program from the EiC and SMEs Executive Agency Sea4Market – Sea4Us Sea4Us company information, funding & investors - Impact Tech Sea4Us company information, funding & investors - New York State
3 The Press Releases
Overview of Sea4Us
Sea4Us - Biotecnologia e Recursos Marinhos, S.A. is a Portuguese biotechnology company specializing in the discovery and early development of novel pharmaceutical drugs derived from marine compounds to address unmet clinical needs. The company is recognized for its innovative approach, focusing on ion channels as therapeutic targets for various pathologies such as chronic pain, epilepsy, diabetes, cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension, and skin diseases.
Recent Developments and Partnerships
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2023, Sea4Us has continued to advance in several key areas:
- EIC-Fund Support for Sea4Pain: The company has been recognized through the EIC-Accelerator program for its work on Sea4Pain, a non-opioid analgesic for treating moderate to severe chronic pain. This funding supports the development of Sea4Pain through preclinical toxicology, clinical trial applications, and the execution of first-in-human clinical trials.
- Participation in Bio-Europe 2024: Sea4Us will participate in Bio-Europe 2024 in Stockholm, showcasing its drug discovery pipelines and lead program focused on chronic pain treatment.
- UN Global Compact Commitment: Sea4Us is an active participant in the UN Global Compact, adhering to its principles and submitting regular Communications on Progress. This commitment reflects the company's dedication to sustainable and responsible business practices.
Technology Advancements
Sea4Us employs a unique platform combining marine biology and ion channel expertise to identify novel pharmaceutical compounds from marine organisms. This platform allows for the development of modulators for ion channels involved in various diseases, enhancing its potential for drug discovery and development.
Team and Operations
The company operates with a team of highly qualified professionals, including several Ph.D. holders, across its facilities in Sagres and Lisbon. The EIC funding has also supported the creation of skilled jobs in the Algarve region.
Patents and Intellectual Property
While specific patent filings are not detailed in recent press releases, Sea4Us focuses on protecting its intellectual property related to marine-derived compounds and technologies like Sea4Pain.
Press Releases and Updates
Sea4Us maintains an active presence through updates on its website and participation in industry events. However, specific press releases or blog posts on its website are not highlighted in recent searches beyond general updates on projects and participation in conferences like Bio-Europe 2024.
Sources: - Sea4Us News
- Sea4Us - UN Global Compact
- Sea4Us - Marine Pharmaceutical Research and Development
- Sea4Pain | Goparity
- Sea4Us - New drugs of marine origin for unmet medical needs
4 The Technology Advancements
Sea4Us: Post-EIC Accelerator Progress and Current CapabilitiesSince securing EIC Accelerator funding (2.5M€ grant + up to 5.96M€ equity investment) in 2023, Sea4Us has advanced its lead program Sea4Pain, a non-opioid analgesic derived from marine sponge compounds, toward clinical validation. Below is a synthesis of their progress across key areas:
Technology & Development Advancements
- CMC Scaleup and Clinical Preparation: As of November 2024, the company is completing Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) work for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance to support clinical trial material production.
- Pipeline Expansion: Beyond chronic pain, Sea4Us now targets neuropathic pain, inflammatory/oncological pain, infectious diseases, urology, and immunology[^6^][^8^]. Their drug discovery platform combines marine biology with ion channel expertise to identify novel modulators for pathologies like epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmias[^6^][^10^].
- Synthetic Replication: The company emphasizes synthesizing bioactive marine compounds in laboratories to minimize ecological impact while scaling production efficiently[^9^].
Market Demonstrations & Collaborations
- Clinical Timeline: First-in-human trials are slated for Q3 2025 following GMP production completion, with the project timeline extending through February 2027 under crowdfunding-backed R&D activities.
- Strategic Outreach: Sea4Us participated in Bio-Europe 2024 (November 4–6) to engage pharmaceutical partners for licensing discussions post-clinical validation.
Intellectual Property & Scientific Output
While recent patents are not explicitly detailed in public documents:- Core IP: The company retains proprietary rights over its marine-derived compounds and synthetic processes developed since its founding in 2013 as a NOVA Medical School spin-off.
- Scientific Recognition: Recognized by the EIC Accelerator for societal impact potential; preclinical data underpins efficacy claims regarding non-addictive analgesia without central nervous system side effects.
Sources Used
+ P-BIO Profile - Sea4Us + Portugal Resident Article + Tomorrow Algarve Feature + corrected link unavailable; see archived content at source articles" class="inline-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EIC Funding Announcement + Additional references from Development Aid and internal documents contextualize operational scope.Note: Direct links to specific scientific studies or patents were not publicly disclosed in reviewed materials.
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Overview of Sea4Us - Biotecnologia e Recursos Marinhos, S.A.
Sea4Us, a Portuguese biotechnology company, specializes in the research and development of pharmaceuticals derived from marine compounds, focusing on unmet clinical needs such as chronic pain. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2023, the company has been advancing its innovative therapies, particularly its novel analgesic, Sea4Pain.
Partnerships and Customers
While specific names of customers or partners are not detailed in the available information, Sea4Us collaborates closely with academic institutions, such as NOVA Medical School, from which it originated as a spin-off. The company's participation in the EIC Accelerator program and its association with the UN Global Compact indicate a strategic approach to partnerships aimed at driving innovation and sustainability.
New Partnerships
As of the latest updates, there are no specific mentions of new partnerships. However, the company's ongoing internationalization efforts, supported by projects like Sea4PainInternational, suggest a focus on expanding its network across multiple markets, including the USA, Japan, and several European countries.
New Customers
While new customer names are not explicitly mentioned, Sea4Us' internationalization project aims to enter new markets, potentially acquiring customers in these regions.
Nature and Purpose of Relationships
The purpose of new relationships for Sea4Us is to further develop and commercialize its marine-derived pharmaceuticals, particularly the innovative analgesic. These partnerships are crucial for advancing the company's technologies and scaling its operations to meet global demands.
Market Positioning
By leveraging international partnerships and EIC Accelerator funding, Sea4Us positions itself as a leader in marine-inspired pharmaceutical research. This strategic positioning enhances its ability to innovate and expand its market reach, contributing to its goal of becoming a globally recognized biotechnology company.
Technology Advancements and Scaling
The partnerships and funding support from initiatives like the EIC Accelerator will facilitate Sea4Us' technological advancements by enabling the progression of its drugs through clinical trials. Additionally, these relationships will help the company scale its production processes and intellectual property management, ensuring efficient development and distribution of its novel therapies.
Sources
- Sea4Us: Home
- Sea4PainInternational – Sea4Us
- Sea4Us - Biotecnologia e Recursos Marinhos, SA - CPHI Online
- Sea4Us - Biotecnologia e Recursos Marinhos, SA | UN Global Compact
- Sea4Pain | Goparity
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Sea4Us Team Growth and Hiring Overview Current Headcount: Sea4Us employs between 19–23 employees, with recent reports indicating 19 team members as of January 2025 and up to 23 listed in other sources. The company operates between its marine sample collection site in Sagres (Algarve) and pre-clinical development facilities in Lisbon.Hiring Activity: While explicit hiring announcements are not publicly detailed, Sea4Us emphasized job creation in the Algarve region through its biotechnological research activities. The transition to a public limited company (SA) in 2023–2024 aimed to attract new investors and expand operations, suggesting potential future hiring linked to clinical trial phases or scaling R&D efforts.
Team Expansion: The company has grown steadily since its founding in 2013, with a focus on roles related to marine biology, electrophysiology, and drug development. Recent growth aligns with EIC Accelerator support for advancing its non-opioid analgesic Sea4Pain through clinical trials.
Key Positions: Roles likely center on preclinical research, bioactivity validation, and partnership management. Specific hires are undisclosed, but the EIC funding underscores demand for expertise in pain therapeutics and regulatory pathways.
Future Impact: New team members would support clinical validation phases (including human trials), licensing negotiations with pharmaceutical partners, and scaling proprietary technologies like Sea4Pain. This positions the company as a global biotech contender specializing marine-derived pharmaceuticals.
Management Changes: No major leadership shifts are reported post-EIC Accelerator win. The transition from a private limited company to SA reflects structural growth rather than management overhaul.
Sources
- Sea4Us - Goparity
- Sea4Us Company Profile - RocketReach
- NOVA Medical School Partnership Details
- Sea4Us SA Transition Announcement
7 The Media Features and Publications
Sea4Us – Biotecnologia e Recursos Marinhos, S.A.
Sea4Us is a Portuguese biotechnology company that specializes in marine pharmaceutical research and development. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2023, the company has continued to focus on developing innovative treatments derived from marine compounds. Here is an overview of its media features, publications, and event participations:
Media Features and Publications
- GHP News: Sea4Us was recognized as a leading innovator in non-opioid chronic pain treatment and received the GHP Excellence Award for Novel Marine Biotech Solutions in 2022.
- UN Global Compact: The company is listed as a participant, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.
- CPhI Online: Sea4Us is featured as a pharmaceutical drug discovery company focused on novel compounds from marine origins, particularly for treating unmet clinical needs.
- Innovation News Network: The company was highlighted for its work in developing drugs active on ion channels involved in chronic pain syndromes, emphasizing its exploration of marine substances for innovative treatments.
Content from Publications
Publications often highlight Sea4Us's mission to discover and develop treatments from marine sources. For instance, the company's focus on chronic pain management using non-opioid analgesics derived from marine invertebrates is a key area of research.
Podcasts or Interviews
There are no specific mentions of podcasts or interviews featuring the team of Sea4Us in the available search results. However, Pedro Lima, the CEO, CSO, and Co-Founder, has been involved in interviews in the past, discussing the company's mission and research focus.
Conference and Fair Visits
While specific conference participations are not detailed in the search results, Sea4Us maintains a presence in the pharmaceutical industry through platforms like CPHI Online, which supports visibility and networking within the global pharma market.
Involvement in Events
Sea4Us has been involved in European Union-funded projects, such as the Algae4IBD project, which aimed to develop functional foods and medications for Inflammatory Bowel Disease using algal compounds. The company's participation in such projects demonstrates its engagement with broader scientific and health-related initiatives.
Additional Notes
Sea4Us is recognized by the European Innovation Council (EIC) through the EIC-Accelerator program, supporting its innovative approach to drug development for unmet medical needs. The company operates primarily in Portugal, with a base in Sagres for marine sample collection and pre-clinical development in Lisbon.
Sources: - Sea4Us – Biotecnologia e Recursos Marinhos, S.A.
- Sea4Us - Biotecnologia e Recursos Marinhos, SA
- NEWS | Sea4Us
- Sea4Us - Biotecnologia e Recursos Marinhos, S.A.
- Sea4Pain
- Algae4IBD - Sea4Us
- Sea4Us: fighting chronic pain epidemics in line with nature
- Sea4Us
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