1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC (European Innovation Council) Accelerator program is a pivotal funding initiative designed to support high-impact startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the European Union. Focused primarily on deep tech and innovative sectors, the program aims to nurture groundbreaking ideas, facilitate their market entry, and enhance their scalability. The EIC Accelerator provides a unique blended financing model that combines grants and equity investments, enabling companies to secure the necessary funding to advance their projects.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers funding through two primary components: grants and equity investments.

Purpose and Role in the Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem. By providing substantial financial support, it aims to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and their successful implementation in the market. The program is particularly focused on sectors that have the potential for high societal impact and transformative technologies, including health, energy, and sustainability.

Through its funding mechanisms, the EIC Accelerator helps companies scale their operations, offering not only financial resources but also access to a network of investors, mentors, and industry experts. This support assists startups in refining their business models and enhancing their attractiveness to private investors, thereby fostering a robust environment for innovation and growth.

Case Study: TIME IS BRAIN S.L. and the PROMISE Project

Company Overview: TIME IS BRAIN S.L., based in Spain, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator with their project known by the acronym PROMISE. The project focuses on a critical aspect of healthcare: the management of Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) patients.

Project Description: The PROMISE project introduces BraiN20®, a groundbreaking approach to AIS patient management. This innovative solution aims to revolutionize how healthcare professionals diagnose and treat stroke patients, ultimately improving outcomes and reducing the time to treatment—a crucial factor in stroke management.

Technology Basics and Background

Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) represents a significant healthcare challenge, as timely intervention is essential for minimizing brain damage and improving patient outcomes. Traditional methods of diagnosis and treatment can often lead to delays that adversely affect recovery prospects.

BraiN20® leverages advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, to streamline the assessment and management of AIS. The system is designed to provide real-time data analytics, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions quickly. By integrating clinical data with predictive algorithms, BraiN20® enhances the efficiency of patient triage and treatment protocols.

The technology is built on a foundation of extensive research in neuroimaging and patient care pathways. It aims to facilitate rapid identification of stroke symptoms and allow for immediate intervention, ultimately improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program serves as a vital catalyst in fostering innovation within the European startup landscape, particularly in high-impact sectors like healthcare. With its unique blended funding model, the program empowers companies like TIME IS BRAIN S.L. to bring transformative technologies to market. The PROMISE project, through its BraiN20® solution, exemplifies the potential of deep tech to address pressing medical challenges, marking a significant advancement in the management of Acute Ischemic Stroke.

2 The Funding Rounds

Financing Raised and Funding Rounds

Since its inception, TIME IS BRAIN S.L., a Spanish MedTech company focused on acute ischaemic stroke diagnostics, has attracted several rounds of funding:

• Seed Funding Round (2021): In May 2021, TIME IS BRAIN S.L. announced a seed round of €640,000. The round was led by AYCE-Anagram with participation from Capital Cell (a crowdfunding platform), and additional support from the La Marató de TV3 Foundation, "la Caixa" Pedrera Catalunya Foundation, EIT Health, and Ship2B. This seed round aimed to fund the development of a functional prototype for clinical validation and regulatory approval within Europe.
• EIC Accelerator Grant & Equity (2022): TIME IS BRAIN S.L. was selected for EIC Accelerator funding in the October 5th, 2022 cut-off cohort. The EIC Accelerator typically offers up to €2.5 million in grant funding combined with potential equity investments ranging from €500k–€15 million through the EIC Fund. While exact amounts per company are not always publicized individually by the European Innovation Council or TIME IS BRAIN itself as of current disclosures, companies in this program often receive blended finance: both grant and equity.
• EIT Health Catapult Competition Award (2023): In June 2023, TIME IS BRAIN won first prize in the Medical Technology category at the European EIT Health Catapult competition in Munich—a non-dilutive award consisting of €40,000 plus training and exposure to investors.

Timing & Amounts

Date	Type	Investors/Source	Amount
May 2021	Seed	AYCE-Anagram (lead), Capital Cell et al	€640,000
Oct 5th 2022	Grant/Equity	European Innovation Council Accelerator	Up to €2.5M grant + equity (€500k–€15M possible)
June 21st 2023	Competition/Award	EIT Health Catapult	€40,000

Investor Information

• Seed Round Lead Investor: AYCE-Anagram
• Other Seed Investors: Capital Cell
• Supporters: La Marató de TV3 Foundation; "la Caixa" Pedrera Catalunya Foundation; EIT Health; Ship2B
• Public Grants/Investors: Horizon 2020 Seal of Excellence certificate; European Innovation Council via blended finance/EIC Fund.

The company's success at various competitions also provided networking opportunities with international experts and investors through platforms like EIT Health Catapult.

Company Valuations

No explicit public disclosure regarding pre-money or post-money valuations following these rounds is available as of current data.

Exit Events: IPOs or Buyouts

There have been no reported exit events such as an initial public offering (IPO), acquisition/buyout involving TIME IS BRAIN S.L., up until early May 2025 based on available records.

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Sources

• EIC Accelerator - October 5th Cut-Off Winners
• Spanish startup Time is Brain wins European EIT Health Catapult competition
• Time is Brain announces a new round of seed-funding led by AYCE-Anagram
• Four more EIT Health-supported start-ups gain EIC grants

3 The Press Releases

Time is Brain S.L. Overview

Time is Brain S.L. is a technology-based startup from Spain, founded by neurologists from the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP). The company is focused on developing innovative medical solutions, particularly for acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Technology Advancements

Time is Brain has developed BraiN20, an AI-powered medical device designed for real-time brain monitoring of acute stroke patients. This device uses real-time somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) monitoring to help doctors select patients suitable for mechanical thrombectomy treatment, improving patient outcomes by reducing time to treatment and enhancing prognostics.

Funding and Partnerships

In October 2022, Time is Brain S.L. successfully secured funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator. This funding is crucial not only for financial support but also for providing networking opportunities and guidance, which have been instrumental in driving the company's growth and development.

Additionally, Time is Brain has received a seed funding round of €640,000 led by AYCE-Anagram, with participation from Capital Cell, a European online crowd-funding platform. The company also benefits from support and endorsements from several organizations, including the La Marató de TV3 Foundation and EIT Health.

EIT Health Recognition

Time is Brain was recognized as a semifinalist in the EIT Health Catapult competition in the medical technology category in 2022. This recognition highlights the company's potential for innovation and its contribution to transforming European healthcare.

Press Releases and Updates

While specific press releases or updates on Time is Brain's website (tibtimeisbrain.com) are not detailed in the search results, the company's achievements and advancements are often highlighted through its involvement in major European health innovation initiatives like EIT Health and the EIC Accelerator.

Sources

• EIC Accelerator winners and statistics October 2022
• Spanish startup Time is Brain wins European EIT Health Catapult Competition
• Driving Innovation in Healthcare: Highlights from the EIC and Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Investor Day
• Time is Brain announces a new round of seed-funding led by AYCE-Anagram
• Spin-offs | IGTP

4 The Technology Advancements

Time is Brain S.L.: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Advancements

Time is Brain S.L., a Barcelona-based medtech startup founded in 2020, has focused on revolutionizing stroke care through its BraiN20® device—a real-time brain monitoring system likened to an "ECG for the brain." Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in late 2022, the company has progressed significantly in validation, industrialization, and market positioning.

Key Advancements Post-Funding

• Technology Validation & Industrialization: The EIC funding enabled the company to advance BraiN20®'s clinical validation and prepare for CE marking. CEO Alicia Martínez emphasized that this support was critical for refining the device's ability to guide mechanical thrombectomy decisions and detect complications during treatment.
• Market Demonstrations: While specific customer pilots or trials are not explicitly detailed, Time is Brain showcased BraiN20® at prominent events like MWC Barcelona and 4YFN 2025, indicating active engagement with healthcare stakeholders.
• Clinical Impact: The device addresses stroke treatment’s critical time sensitivity by providing second-by-second brain monitoring. This capability aims to reduce delays in intervention, as every minute post-stroke results in irreversible loss of 1.9 million neurons.

Intellectual Property & Research Outputs

No new patents or peer-reviewed studies are explicitly mentioned since October 2022. However:

• Their foundational work revolves around the N20 biomarker discovery by co-founders Antoni Dávalos and Jaume Coll i Cantí.
• Public updates emphasize ongoing efforts to solidify BraiN20®'s clinical utility rather than new IP filings.

Strategic Growth & Recognition

In June 2023, Time is Brain won EIT Health’s Catapult competition (MedTech category), earning €40k plus mentorship and visibility across Europe’s healthtech ecosystem. This reinforced their credibility as a leader in neurotechnology innovation.

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Sources

• Time Is Brain - MWC Barcelona
• BraiN20 Device Overview
• EIT Health Catapult Win Announcement
• 4YFN Exhibition Profile
• Company Background via EuroQuity
• News Updates from TIB

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Time Is Brain S.L.: Partnerships, Customers, and Strategic Relationships

Time Is Brain S.L., a Spanish startup founded in 2020 by neurologists from Germans Trias Hospital in Barcelona, has made significant strides in developing innovative solutions for stroke management. Their flagship product, BraiN20®, is designed to monitor the brain in real-time, improving treatment outcomes by reducing time to intervention and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment.

Partnerships and Associations

While specific customer names are not detailed in available sources, Time Is Brain has been supported by several key organizations:

• EIT Health: Time Is Brain won the EIT Health Catapult 2023, receiving a prize of €40,000 along with training and access to experts and investors. This support has been instrumental in their development, providing initial funding and recognition as semifinalists in the Catapult competition in 2022.
• Ship2B Foundation: The company was selected for the 10th edition of Ship2B's acceleration and investment readiness program, S2B Health and Care, which aids startups in preparing for investment.

New Partners and Relationships

Recent partnerships or customer acquisitions are not explicitly detailed, but the company's involvement with healthcare institutions and its participation in European healthtech competitions suggest ongoing efforts to engage with medical professionals and institutions:

• Hospital Pilots: BraiN20® technology has been validated in several hospitals in Spain, including Germans Trias i Pujol, Bellvitge, Clínic, and Trueta. This indicates a strong relationship with these healthcare providers for testing and refining their device.
• EIT Health Network: The partnership with EIT Health offers access to a community of healthcare professionals and investors, potentially opening doors to new collaborations and partnerships.

Market Positioning and Advancements

The relationships established by Time Is Brain, particularly with EIT Health, are expected to enhance its market positioning by:

• Scaling Technology: The funding and support from EIT Health will aid in the industrialization of BraiN20® and obtaining CE marking, facilitating its commercialization.
• Technology Advancements: The use of artificial intelligence in BraiN20® for analyzing the N20 signal suggests ongoing technology development. Partnerships with healthcare institutions will further refine the device's capabilities.

In summary, Time Is Brain S.L. leverages partnerships with organizations like EIT Health to advance its technology and market presence, positioning itself as a leader in stroke management solutions.

Sources

• Time Is Brain, s.l. - MWC Barcelona
• Time is brain: Home
• News - TIB - Time is brain
• Spanish startup Time is Brain wins European EIT Health Catapult competition
• Time Is Brain - S2 Xpeed Portfolio
• Time is Brain - EuroQuity

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

TIME IS BRAIN S.L.: Post-EIC Accelerator Growth and Team Dynamics As a Spain-based EIC Accelerator winner (October 2022), TIME IS BRAIN S.L. specializes in stroke care innovation, though specific hiring metrics, current team size, or recent headcount growth are not publicly disclosed. The company’s name suggests a focus on acute stroke interventions, where rapid treatment is critical to preventing brain damage—a principle encapsulated in the medical adage “time is brain”.

While direct data on their post-funding team expansion remains unavailable, EIC Accelerator winners typically use such grants to scale operations through strategic hires in R&D, clinical validation, and market penetration roles. For companies like TIME IS BRAIN S.L., common key positions include:

• Neurology/Clinical Specialists: To oversee medical device or therapy development.
• Regulatory Affairs Managers: To navigate EU-compliant commercialization pathways.
• AI/Data Engineers: To refine predictive algorithms for stroke diagnosis or treatment optimization.

Growth in these areas likely supports scaling by accelerating product deployment in healthcare systems and enhancing partnerships with hospitals or telemedicine networks. However, no management changes or founding team updates are reported publicly since their 2022 funding milestone.

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Sources

Time lost is brain lost | UCLA Health

Note: While this source details mobile stroke unit operations (not directly linked to TIME IS BRAIN S.L.), it contextualizes industry priorities for similar ventures.

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Methodological Limitations:
Publicly available information about TIME IS BRAIN S.L.’s workforce structure post-EIC funding remains scarce as of the latest indexed data. For precise figures, corporate disclosures or regulatory filings (e.g., Spanish Commercial Register) would be required but are beyond the scope of this analysis.

7 The Media Features and Publications

Time Is Brain S.L.: A Spanish Innovator in Neurological Care

Time Is Brain S.L., a Spanish startup, has been making significant strides in neurological care, particularly in the management of acute ischemic stroke. Founded by neurologists from Germans Trias Hospital in Barcelona, the company has developed BraiN20, a groundbreaking device that allows real-time brain monitoring throughout the patient journey.

Media Features

Time Is Brain S.L. has garnered attention for its innovative technology, BraiN20, which functions similarly to an ECG for the brain. This device is designed to cut down the time to treatment and enhance the efficacy of interventions like mechanical thrombectomy. The company's work has been highlighted in various media outlets, emphasizing its role in improving stroke patient outcomes.

Publications

Publications have noted Time Is Brain's achievements, particularly its success in the EIT Health Catapult competition. The company won in the Medical Technology category, receiving a prize of €40,000 along with training and support. This recognition highlights the potential of BraiN20 in transforming stroke care.

Content from Publications

Articles about Time Is Brain often focus on the urgent need for timely stroke treatment, emphasizing that "time is brain." This phrase underscores the critical nature of immediate intervention to prevent irreversible brain damage. The company's technology is positioned as a solution to this challenge by providing real-time brain monitoring.

Podcasts and Interviews

Currently, there is no specific information available regarding podcasts or interviews directly involving the team of Time Is Brain S.L. However, the company's success and innovative approach to stroke care likely contribute to broader discussions on stroke management and recovery.

Conference and Fair Visits

Time Is Brain S.L. has been involved in significant events, including the EIT Health Catapult competition, where it was recognized for its innovative medical technology. The company also participates in major exhibitions like MWC Barcelona, showcasing its technology to a broader audience.

Involvement in Events

The company's involvement in events such as the Bits&Pretzels start-up gathering in Munich highlights its growing presence in the health tech industry. These events provide opportunities for networking with healthcare professionals, investors, and other stakeholders, further supporting the company's mission.

Conclusion

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, Time Is Brain S.L. has continued to make strides in developing and commercializing its BraiN20 technology. With its focus on improving stroke care through real-time brain monitoring, the company is poised to play a significant role in enhancing patient outcomes in the field of neurology.

Sources:

• Time is brain: Home
• Spanish startup Time is Brain wins European EIT Health Catapult
• Time Is Brain, s.l.
• BraiN20: A paradigm shift in Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS)
• TIME IS BRAIN – THINK FAST WHEN STROKE HAPPENS