1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program Overview
The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program represents a pivotal initiative within the European Union's strategy to foster innovation and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those in the deep tech sector. Designed to help high-potential startups and SMEs scale their groundbreaking technologies, the EIC Accelerator provides both financial assistance and strategic support. The program is especially focused on projects that can significantly impact the market and society but require substantial funding to reach maturity.
Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator offers a dual funding mechanism that includes both grants and equity investments.
Purpose of the EIC Accelerator
The primary aim of the EIC Accelerator is to strengthen the European deep tech and startup ecosystem by providing targeted financial and advisory support to innovative companies. The program is designed to bridge the gap between early-stage financing and later-stage investments, facilitating access to private sector funding. The EIC Accelerator aims to reduce the risks associated with innovation, thereby encouraging more entrepreneurs to develop and commercialize disruptive technologies. By doing so, it contributes to job creation, economic growth, and the EU's competitiveness in the global market.
Role in Scaling Companies
The EIC Accelerator plays a critical role in helping companies scale by offering a combination of financial resources and mentoring. The program connects startups with a network of investors, industry experts, and partners, enhancing their visibility and credibility. This is particularly important for deep tech firms, which often face longer development timelines and higher capital requirements compared to traditional sectors. The EIC Accelerator's support enables companies to navigate this challenging landscape, ultimately leading to successful market entry and expansion.
Case Study: Peek Health, S.A. and the PeekMedAuto Project
Company Overview: Peek Health, S.A., based in Portugal, is at the forefront of innovation in the medical technology sector. The company specializes in developing advanced solutions that enhance surgical procedures, particularly in orthopedics.
Project Overview: The EIC Accelerator project, known as PeekMedAuto, focuses on creating a novel AI-based system designed to fully automate the pre-operative planning of knee osteotomy. This initiative aims to improve surgical outcomes, reduce operation times, and enhance the overall efficiency of orthopedic interventions.
Technology Basics and Background:
The PeekMedAuto project leverages artificial intelligence to streamline and optimize pre-operative planning processes. Traditionally, orthopedic surgeons face challenges related to the complexity of pre-surgical assessments, which can involve extensive measurements and data analysis. By utilizing machine learning algorithms, PeekMedAuto automates these processes, analyzing patient-specific anatomical data and generating precise surgical plans tailored to individual needs.
The technology operates by integrating advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI and CT scans, with AI algorithms to create a comprehensive model of the patient’s knee anatomy. This model allows surgeons to visualize the surgical site in detail and make informed decisions about the osteotomy procedure. By automating the planning phase, the system reduces the likelihood of human error and enhances the accuracy of surgical interventions.
The anticipated benefits of PeekMedAuto include shorter surgery durations, reduced hospital stays, and improved patient recovery times. Additionally, the automated nature of the system will free up valuable time for surgeons, allowing them to focus more on critical aspects of patient care.
Conclusion
The EIC Accelerator program serves as a vital support mechanism for innovative companies like Peek Health, S.A. By providing significant funding opportunities and facilitating access to private investment, the program empowers startups to bring transformative technologies to market. The PeekMedAuto project exemplifies the potential of AI in healthcare, offering a solution that not only enhances surgical precision but also addresses broader challenges within the orthopedic field. Through initiatives like these, the EIC Accelerator is catalyzing advancements in deep tech and contributing to the evolution of the European innovation landscape.
2 The Funding Rounds
# PeekMed: Funding History and Financial DevelopmentPeekMed, a medical technology company based in Braga, Portugal, has established itself in the healthcare technology sector with its 3D pre-operative planning software for orthopedic surgery. The company has secured significant funding to support its growth and expansion since its founding.
Funding Rounds
Series A Funding (2021)
PeekMed successfully closed a €3 million Series A investment round in 2021, with announcements of the completion appearing in May-June 2021. This funding round was led by two primary investors:
- Grosvenor House of Investments (Lisbon, Portugal)
- Portugal Ventures (Porto, Portugal)
Some sources report this funding amount as $3.7 million, which likely reflects the currency conversion from euros to dollars at the time.
Earlier Investment History
Prior to the Series A round, Portugal Ventures had been supporting PeekMed since 2015, as noted by Portugal Ventures Vice President Rui Ferreira: "Portugal Ventures has worked alongside PeekMed since 2015, backing the company and its promising software development from its early stage."
Funding Allocation and Growth Strategy
The Series A funding has been strategically allocated to support several key business objectives: International Expansion: The funding enabled PeekMed to accelerate its international growth, particularly in Europe and North America markets.
Team Growth: As stated by PeekMed CEO João Pedro Ribeiro in 2021, one of the company's main priorities was "to double the current team (from 20 to ~40 [approximately 40]) in multiple roles: sales, marketing, product, regulatory, etc."
Technology Development: The company committed to continuing development of its "3D artificial intelligence planning and deep learning technologies" and enhancing the user experience with new features planned for release by the end of 2021.
Sales and Marketing Capacity: The funding allowed PeekMed to increase its sales and marketing capabilities to support growth in target markets.
Recent Developments
In recent news (April 2025), there are no indications of additional funding rounds for PeekMed since the 2021 Series A investment. The company appears to have been focusing on executing its growth strategy outlined following the Series A round.
It's important to note that while there are mentions of a company called "Peek Healthcare Technologies" being acquired by Wellgistics Health in April 2025, this appears to be a different entity from PeekMed (Peek Health, S.A.) based in Portugal. The acquired company operates the "Peek Meds Marketplace" digital prescription shopping platform and supports over 2,500 patients with $1.5 million in annual revenue.
Company Valuation
No specific valuation figures for PeekMed have been publicly disclosed in the available information. Following standard Series A funding patterns, this round typically focuses on scaling business operations and driving long-term profitability after a startup has developed a strong user base, generated some revenue, and demonstrated product-market fit.
Sources: - PeekMed Closes €3 Million Series A Investment Round
- PeekMed® Raises $3 Million in Series A round to continue its...
- PeekMed Raises $3.7 Million for Pre-operative Planning System
- Wellgistics Health, Inc. Announces Agreement to Acquire Peek Healthcare Technologies
- Funding Rounds Explained: Series A, B, C and Seed
3 The Press Releases
Peek Health, S.A. (PeekMed) Post-EIC Accelerator Developments Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022, PeekMed has advanced its AI-driven orthopedic surgical planning platform with significant technological and commercial milestones:- FDA Clearance for Automated Solution: In February 2023, PeekMed received FDA 510(k) clearance for its web-based AI tool, enabling automatic segmentation of CT scans/X-rays and generating surgical plans in under 30 seconds. This system integrates deep learning for live planning and supports knees, hips, and upper limb procedures.
- Global User Growth: By January 2025, the platform reached 4,500+ registered users worldwide, facilitating 35,000+ surgeries, including over 3,500 total hip replacements and 1,500 knee arthroplasties.
- Technology Integrations: Expanded compatibility with robotics systems for precision surgery navigation and direct exports to 3D printers for bone model creation. The web-based solution also connects seamlessly to existing hospital workflows.
- Market Expansion: Continued focus on scaling in Europe and North America through enhanced sales/marketing efforts post-2021 Series A funding (€3 million), though no direct EIC-related financial disclosures are publicly detailed post-March 2022.
Sources
- 10 Years of PeekMed's Impact
- FDA Approves PeekMed's Automated Solution
- PeekMed Closes €3 Million Series A Round
Note: No press releases from peekmed.com or social media updates were found in the provided sources.
4 The Technology Advancements
PeekMed (Peek Health, S.A.): Post-EIC Accelerator Funding AdvancementsPeekMed®, a Braga-based medtech company specializing in AI-driven orthopedic surgical planning, has leveraged its 2022 EIC Accelerator grant to strengthen its market position and technological capabilities. While direct updates post-June 2022 are limited in publicly available materials, the following advancements align with their stated goals:
Core Capabilities
The company’s flagship product remains a 3D pre-operative planning software that converts 2D medical imaging into actionable surgical plans. This tool aims to reduce errors and improve efficiency in orthopedic procedures, serving over 3,500 users across 75 countries.Post-Funding Developments
- Market Expansion: The €2.3M grant accelerated internationalization efforts, including regulatory approvals in the EU, U.S., and Brazil.
- Partnerships: PeekMed® has established collaborations with top implant manufacturers and healthcare providers to integrate its technology into clinical workflows.
- IP Portfolio Growth: The company emphasized plans to expand its intellectual property portfolio using EIC funding, though specific patents post-2022 are not detailed in public records.
Technology Improvements & Features
While explicit feature updates post-2022 are not documented, PeekMed® had previously focused on refining user experience and interoperability. The EIC funding likely supported further enhancements to AI algorithms for surgical accuracy.Market Demonstration & Clinical Adoption
PeekMed®’s technology is already operational in clinical settings globally, with surgeons using it for procedures such as knee and hip replacements. No new pilots or trials were explicitly mentioned beyond ongoing use by existing customers.Scientific Output & IP Activity
Publicly available data does not detail new studies or whitepapers since 2022. However, the company holds ISO 13485:2016 certification and maintains compliance with major regulatory frameworks.Sources Used:
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Peek Health, S.A. (PeekMed) Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Since securing its Series A investment in 2021 and continuing through recent years, PeekMed has strategically expanded its global footprint through key partnerships and technological advancements. Below is a synthesis of its collaborations and market impact:Key Partnerships
- Nature: Global integration partnership to embed PeekMed’s AI-driven pre-operative planning tools into Dedalus’ DeepUnity PACS system.
- Purpose: Streamline surgical workflows by eliminating platform-switching for orthopedic surgeons, enhancing procedural accuracy and patient outcomes.
- Market Positioning: Strengthens PeekMed’s presence in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and Brazil, leveraging Dedalus’ established healthcare software ecosystem.
- Location: Warsaw, Indiana (“Orthopedic Capital of the World”), facilitating proximity to major orthopedic manufacturers like Zimmer Biomet.
- Technology Driver: Launched beta testing for PeekMed Web, an AI-powered web platform offering automated CT/X-ray segmentation and surgical planning under 60 seconds. FDA 510(k)-cleared for US deployment.
Customer Base Expansion
- Geographic Focus: Prioritized growth in Europe (via Dedalus integration) and North America through localized subsidiaries.
- Target Users: Orthopedic surgeons seeking integrated solutions for implant templating, osteotomy planning, and fracture reduction simulations using hybrid 2D/3D workflows.
Strategic Outcomes from Partnerships
- Scalability: Direct access to Dedalus’ global customer base accelerates adoption across hospitals using DeepUnity PACS. The US subsidiary enables faster onboarding of American healthcare providers via region-specific support teams.
- Technological Edge: Joint installations with Dedalus validate workflow efficiency gains and improved patient safety metrics—critical for market differentiation against legacy systems.
Sources
- PeekMed-Dedalus Global Partnership Announcement
- US Subsidiary Launch Details
- Series A Funding & Roadmap
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Peek Health, S.A.
Overview
Peek Health, S.A., a Portuguese company, received the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022. Despite being an EIC Accelerator winner, there is limited information available on Peek Health's current team size, hiring status, or recent growth patterns.Current Team Size and Headcount
There is no specific information available regarding the current team size or headcount of Peek Health, S.A.Hiring Status
Details about whether Peek Health is currently hiring or not are not publicly disclosed.Growth and Key Positions
Since winning the EIC Accelerator funding, Peek Health has not released detailed information about its growth or specific key positions that have been hired. However, receiving such funding typically indicates significant potential for growth and expansion.Impact of New Team Members
The addition of new team members to companies like Peek Health usually plays a crucial role in scaling operations and enhancing capabilities. New talent can bring fresh perspectives and expertise, helping companies to innovate and improve their offerings. However, specific details about how new team members are impacting Peek Health's future are not available.Management and Founding Team Changes
No major changes in management or the founding team of Peek Health, S.A. have been reported since they received the EIC Accelerator funding.Future Prospects
Companies that receive EIC Accelerator funding often experience significant opportunities for growth, innovation, and market expansion. While the specifics for Peek Health are not detailed, such funding typically signals a promising future for the company, especially in terms of technology development and market presence.Sources
- International Centre for Eye Health and Peek Vision (iceh.lshtm.ac.uk)
- OECD Economic Surveys: Portugal 2023 (oecd.org)
- Peek Pro: Online Booking Software (peekpro.com)
- Healthcare Provider Digital Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment (everestgrp.com)
- Peak Health & Wellness MSLA on the App Store (apps.apple.com)
- Peak Health Jobs, Employment | Indeed (indeed.com)
- How Many Employees Do You Really Need? - Indeed (indeed.com)
- Healthcare Professional Engagement - IQVIA (iqvia.com)
- Peak Healthcare Careers and Employment | Indeed.com (indeed.com)
7 The Media Features and Publications
Peek Health, S.A. Overview
Peek Health, S.A. is a company involved in the development of digital solutions for orthopedic surgery, although it seems there is some confusion with PeekMed, which is more prominently associated with such technologies. PeekMed, often mentioned in the context of Peek Health, specializes in AI-leveraged preoperative planning software for orthopedic surgery. Despite this, specific details about Peek Health, S.A.'s media features, publications, and events are limited.
Media Features and Publications
There is limited information available specifically about Peek Health, S.A. being featured in media or publications. However, PeekMed has been mentioned in various contexts related to orthopedic surgery and healthcare technology, including its expansion into the U.S. market and the development of AI-powered planning tools.
Podcasts and Interviews
No specific podcasts or interviews involving the team of Peek Health, S.A. have been identified. However, PeekMed's establishment and activities might be discussed in broader contexts of orthopedic innovation.
Conferences and Fair Visits
While there is no specific information about Peek Health, S.A.'s participation in conferences or fairs, companies like PeekMed often engage in such events to showcase their technologies and advancements in orthopedic surgery.
Involvement in Events
Given the lack of direct information on Peek Health, S.A., it is challenging to detail their involvement in events. However, companies in the healthcare technology sector often participate in industry conferences to promote their solutions and collaborate with other stakeholders.
Conclusion
Peek Health, S.A. appears to be less documented compared to PeekMed, which is actively involved in orthopedic surgery innovations. Further research may be needed to clarify any specific activities or achievements of Peek Health, S.A. since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding.
Sources: - PeekMed Blog
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