1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program is a pivotal funding initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC), designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those engaging in deep-tech innovations. The program aims to bridge the funding gap faced by startups and scale-ups, providing both financial resources and strategic support to help innovative companies bring their products and services to market.

Funding Structure of the EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator provides a dual funding structure to eligible companies: grants and equity investments.

Purpose of the EIC Accelerator

The primary purpose of the EIC Accelerator is to foster innovation within the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem. By providing substantial funding and support, the program seeks to:

• Stimulate the development of groundbreaking technologies that address societal challenges.
• Enhance competitiveness and drive economic growth within Europe.
• Support companies in attracting additional funding from private investors by demonstrating credibility and potential through EIC backing.

Role in Scaling and Funding

The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in assisting companies to scale their operations and secure sufficient funding from private sectors. The combination of grant and equity funding not only alleviates financial constraints but also enhances the company’s visibility and attractiveness to private investors.

Furthermore, the EIC provides access to a network of experts and mentors, facilitating valuable connections that can lead to strategic partnerships, market expansion, and further investment opportunities. The program emphasizes the importance of a robust business plan and a scalable product, ensuring that recipients are well-prepared for future growth.

EIC Accelerator Winner: Inphocal BV

Company Overview: Inphocal BV, based in the Netherlands, is a notable recipient of the EIC Accelerator funding, having submitted its Step 2 proposal on October 5, 2022, and subsequently winning in the Step 3 interview.

Project Acronym: InPhocal

Project Description: The InPhocal project focuses on the development of an enhanced laser beam technology, utilizing a new optical system tailored for industrial laser processing applications. This innovative approach aims to significantly improve the precision and efficiency of laser processing in various industrial sectors, including manufacturing and material processing.

Technology Basics and Background

Laser technology has become integral to modern industrial applications, offering high precision and versatility in various processes such as cutting, welding, and engraving. However, traditional laser systems often face limitations in terms of efficiency, beam quality, and adaptability to different materials.

Inphocal's enhanced laser beam technology leverages a novel optical system that optimizes the laser beam's characteristics, allowing for:

• Increased focus and precision, which is crucial for applications requiring intricate detailing.
• Improved energy efficiency, reducing operational costs for industrial users.
• Enhanced adaptability to a wider range of materials, broadening the potential applications of laser processing.

The technology is built on advanced optics design and engineering, incorporating innovative components that surpass conventional laser systems. This enables Inphocal to target sectors that demand high-performance laser solutions, positioning the company as a leader in the rapidly evolving laser processing market.

By harnessing the EIC Accelerator’s funding, Inphocal aims to expedite the development and commercialization of its groundbreaking technology, ultimately contributing to advancements in industrial laser applications and enhancing the overall efficiency of manufacturing processes across various industries.

In conclusion, the EIC Accelerator represents a vital resource for innovative companies like Inphocal BV, providing the necessary support to transform ambitious ideas into market-ready solutions that can make a significant impact on industry and society.

2 The Funding Rounds

# inPhocal BV: A Dutch DeepTech Success Story

inPhocal BV, a Netherlands-based deeptech company, has been making significant strides in revolutionizing laser beam technology since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in 2022. This Eindhoven-based startup has developed an enhanced laser beam technology that promises to transform laser processing across multiple industries.

EIC Accelerator Funding

inPhocal was selected for funding in the October 5, 2022 cut-off of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program. This particular funding round was highly competitive, with more than 1,000 applications submitted, representing a 10.75% increase compared to the previous call. Of these applications, only 240 companies reached the interview stage (21.98%), and just 78 companies (7.14%) were ultimately approved for funding.

The EIC Accelerator program in 2022 had a total budget of €1.167 billion, divided between the open call (€630.9 million) and challenge calls (€536.9 million). Companies selected for the EIC Accelerator could receive up to €17.5 million in funding, combining grants and/or equity investments depending on their specific needs.

Funding History

Seed Round - September 2022

Just before receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, inPhocal announced on September 22, 2022, that it had raised €2 million in a funding round led by venture capital fund DeepTechXL, with participation from TechInvest and Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM). The company stated it would use these funds to increase production of its machines manufactured in Breda (Netherlands) and install units in customer manufacturing lines worldwide.

EIC Accelerator Funding - October 2022

inPhocal was selected for funding through the EIC Accelerator program following the October 5, 2022 cut-off. Through this program, inPhocal aimed to further develop its enhanced laser beam technology. While the exact amount of funding received by inPhocal through the EIC Accelerator program is not specified in the search results, selected companies could receive up to €17.5 million in funding through a combination of grants and equity investments.

Technology and Innovation

inPhocal has developed a unique laser beam technology that aims to revolutionize laser processing. The technology appears to be focused on eliminating ink from the food and beverages industry, suggesting applications in product marking, coding, or labeling.

As stated by Guus Frericks, managing partner at DeepTechXL: "DeepTechXL shares the vision of inPhocal to make an impact on the grand societal challenges of today by eliminating ink from the food & beverages industry".

With the support of EIC funding, inPhocal has been working to miniaturize its technology, as indicated in the CORDIS project database.

Investors

inPhocal's key investors include:

Current Status and Future Prospects

The search results do not provide specific information about inPhocal's current valuation, exit events such as IPOs or acquisitions, or the most recent developments beyond 2022. However, the company's selection for the highly competitive EIC Accelerator program and its successful fundraising demonstrate significant investor confidence in its technology and market potential.

As a deeptech company focused on revolutionary laser processing technology with applications in reducing environmental impact in the food and beverage industry, inPhocal appears well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory with the support of both private investors and European innovation funding.

Sources: - EIC Accelerator 5 October cut-off - European Innovation Council

• EIC Accelerator winners and statistics October 2022 - Strata.team
• Development of an enhanced laser beam technology ... - CORDIS
• Dutch deeptech startup inPhocal raises €2M to 'revolutionise' laser ...
• EIC Accelerator - 2022 Report Web | Lira | Venture Funding Advisory

3 The Press Releases

inphocal BV: EIC Accelerator-Funded Laser Technology Innovator inphocal BV, a Netherlands-based deep-tech company, secured EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022 for its advanced laser beam technology. The company specializes in developing an enhanced optical system tailored for industrial laser processing applications, aiming to improve precision and efficiency in manufacturing sectors.

Key Details:

• Technology: The funded project focuses on a novel optical system designed to optimize laser beam delivery for industrial use cases such as cutting, welding, and additive manufacturing. While specific technical details remain proprietary, the innovation likely addresses limitations in current laser systems regarding energy efficiency or spatial control.
• Funding Type: As part of the October 2022 cohort (78 winners), inphocal received blended finance or grant-first support under the EIC’s €470 million allocation. Blended finance dominated this cut-off (57% of approvals), suggesting potential equity participation from the EIC Fund.
• Geographic Context: The Netherlands accounted for 14% of selected companies in this round, reflecting its strong position in photonics and advanced manufacturing ecosystems.

No press releases, partnerships, patents, or team updates specific to inphocal BV were identified through publicly available sources as of February 2025. The company’s website (inphocal.com) does not appear prominently indexed or associated with recent announcements based on available data. Further operational milestones post-funding remain undisclosed.

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Sources

• EIC Accelerator winners and statistics October 2022 - Strata
• European Innovation Council welcomes 78 high-potential start-ups

4 The Technology Advancements

inPhocal BV's Post-EIC Accelerator Advancements and Market Position

Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in 2022, inPhocal BV has focused on scaling its laser-based marking technology, targeting industries such as food and beverage packaging. Key advancements include:

• Technology Miniaturization: The company prioritized miniaturizing its optical systems to enhance portability and integration with existing production lines, a core objective of their EIC-funded project.
• Pilot Programs: inPhocal has initiated pilot projects with global beverage giants like Heineken, PepsiCo, and Coca-Cola to demonstrate high-speed laser marking on curved surfaces (e.g., bottles) and perishable goods like fruits. These pilots aim to replace traditional inkjet systems with eco-friendly laser alternatives.
• Market Expansion: While maintaining focus on food/beverage applications—where sustainability benefits are most immediate—the company is exploring future opportunities in semiconductor wafer dicing and automotive industries.
• Funding Milestones: After raising €2M in 2022 from DeeptechXL and BOM, the company plans a 2025 funding round targeting €5–15M to scale production capabilities. Revenue projections suggest near-€100M by 2025 based on conservative market penetration estimates.

No explicit mention of new patents or scientific publications post-EIC funding exists publicly. However, their TRL level reached 8 by early 2025, indicating readiness for industrial deployment, while customer demonstrations emphasize operational efficiency (e.g., no ink refills) and print quality on uneven surfaces.

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Sources

• CORDIS Project: Enhanced Laser Beam Technology
• HighTechXL Alumni Success Story
• CB Insights Company Profile
• Hello Tomorrow Mission Booklet 2025

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning of inPhocal BV Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, Dutch laser technology firm inPhocal BV has actively pursued partnerships to scale its enhanced laser beam technology. The company’s optical system, which extends laser focus ranges by up to 400x, enables high-speed marking on curved surfaces (e.g., beverage bottles) and semiconductors while eliminating toxic inkjet reliance.

Key Partnerships and Customers

• LVMH: Piloting laser marking for luxury goods authentication and customization.
• Beverage Industry Leader: Collaborating on QR code marking at speeds exceeding 2,000 scans/minute, addressing limitations of conventional lasers.
• Logitech: Exploring integration through Garage+ Startup Global Program for precision component marking.
• TSMC & Foxconn: Early-stage discussions for semiconductor wafer singulation and heterogeneous integration applications.

Nature of Relationships

InPhocal adopts a dual strategy:

Market Positioning and Scaling Impact

By aligning with tier-one manufacturers across multiple sectors—beverages, luxury goods, electronics, and semiconductors—inPhocal positions itself as a cross-industry enabler of sustainable production. These collaborations provide:

• Pilot Validation: Real-world testing accelerates product refinement (e.g., miniaturization efforts funded by the EIC).
• Supply Chain Access: Partnerships with firms like Foxconn could streamline hardware manufacturing for global deployment.

Technological Advancements From Collaborations

Input from partners drives innovation in:

• Speed Optimization: Achieving rates like 3,000 QR codes/minute for high-volume production lines*.
• Precision Enhancement: Semiconductor industry requirements push boundaries in micron-level accuracy for wafer dicing.

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Sources

• Revolutionary Laser Marking: Fast, Eco-Friendly & Versatile • Garage+ Partnership Announcement • EIC Project Description • Alien Technology Transfer Collaboration • CES Innovation Award & LVMH Pilot • TSMC/Foxconn Interest via RVO Mission Report

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

inPhocal BV: Team Growth and Development

Current Headcount and Team Size

As of recent updates, inPhocal is transitioning from having over 20 employees to more than 50 in the coming years. This expansion indicates significant growth plans for the company, although the exact current headcount is not specified outside of this range.

Hiring and Team Growth

inPhocal is in a phase of rapid growth, focusing on scaling up its operations. The company aims to expand its workforce significantly to support its technological advancements and global expansion plans. Given its ambitious plans to double and triple in size, it is likely that inPhocal is actively hiring across various positions to fill its growing needs.

Recent Hiring and Key Positions

While specific recent hires are not detailed, inPhocal's focus on scaling up suggests that key positions in engineering, marketing, and operations are likely being filled. These roles will be crucial for implementing its innovative laser technology across different industries.

Growth and Scaling

inPhocal's growth is driven by its unique laser technology, which offers sustainable and efficient solutions for various sectors like food packaging and semiconductor manufacturing. The company's expansion plans include duplicating production facilities globally, starting from its current base in the Netherlands.

The addition of new team members will be instrumental in helping inPhocal achieve its goals by enhancing its technological capabilities, improving operational efficiency, and expanding its market reach. This growth will enable the company to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the laser processing sector.

Management and Founding Team Changes

There are no reported major changes in inPhocal's management or founding team. However, the company's leadership has expressed confidence in attracting international talent to support its innovation goals.

Conclusion

inPhocal's trajectory since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding reflects a strong focus on innovation and scalability. With its cutting-edge laser technology and ambitious growth plans, the company is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the industry.

Sources

• inPhocal
• Inphocal profiles | FinalScout
• inPhocal: 'This kind of collaboration is unique in the world'
• Inphocal - Company Information, Competitors, News & FAQs
• Dutch deeptech startup inPhocal raises €2M to 'revolutionise' laser processing

7 The Media Features and Publications

inPhocal BV: Media Coverage, Events, and Industry Recognition Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, Dutch laser technology innovator inPhocal BV has garnered significant media attention and industry recognition. Below is a detailed overview of their public engagements and coverage:

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Media Features & Publications

• The Innovator: Highlighted inPhocal as "Startup of the Week," emphasizing its CERN-derived laser technology for printing QR codes at unprecedented speeds (3,000/minute) and partnerships with major beverage manufacturers.
• Bits&Chips: Reported on the company’s €2 million funding round led by DeeptechXL (backed by ASML and Philips), noting its applications in food packaging expiration dates and semiconductor wafer dicing.
• CES Innovation Award 2022: Recognized for advancing inkless laser marking solutions, enabling precise branding on curved surfaces like bottles.

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Podcasts & Interviews

While no direct podcast mentions appear in available sources, CEO Robert van Tankeren actively promotes the company’s vision through interviews:

• Discussed sustainability benefits (50x lower energy use vs. inkjet printers) during CES 2022 showcases.
• Emphasized collaborations with luxury brands like LVMH and electronics firms like Logitech during media engagements.

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Conferences & Fairs

• CES 2022: Award-winning participation showcased their long-focus laser technology for curved-surface printing.
• KPMG Tech Innovator 2023 Global Final: Van Tankeren pitched after winning the Dutch national round, highlighting semiconductor wafer-cutting advancements to address chip shortages^. (Note: Global event outcomes are unspecified.)*

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Event Participation & Presentations

• Gerard & Anton Awards 2022: Won "most innovative company" honors from Philips for Eindhoven-based tech leadership.
• Deloitte Fast 50: Named a top-ten finalist for growth-driven deep-tech innovation.

In late November 2024, inPhocal celebrated its fifth anniversary with an office-opening ceremony at High Tech Campus Eindhoven (HTC32), demonstrating live laser-marking capabilities on production-line equipment^..

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Sources Used

-Discover Inphocal's Laser Technology -Funding Round Coverage -Startup Profile by The Innovator -Taiwan Partnership Announcement -High Tech Campus Feature