1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), aims to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Europe, particularly those in the DeepTech sector. The program seeks to nurture groundbreaking technologies and innovations that can contribute to significant advancements in various industries. By providing financial support and strategic guidance, the EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in fostering the growth of ambitious companies that focus on high-risk, high-reward innovations.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a unique funding mechanism known as blended finance, which combines grant funding with equity investments. Specifically, the program provides grants of up to €2.5 million to finance the development of innovative projects. This grant funding is designed to help cover the costs associated with research and development, market entry, and scaling operations.

In addition to grants, the EIC Accelerator also offers equity financing. Until 2024, the program provides equity investments of up to €15 million, aimed at helping companies scale their operations and attract additional private sector funding. Starting in 2025, this equity component will be reduced to a maximum of €10 million. This strategic investment not only supports the financial needs of the businesses but also facilitates collaboration with private investors, enhancing their credibility and market potential.

Purpose of the EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator serves multiple purposes within the European startup ecosystem. Primarily, it aims to empower innovative companies by providing them with the necessary financial resources to develop their technologies and bring them to market. The program also acts as a catalyst for attracting private investment by validating the potential of recipient companies. By investing alongside private sector players, the EIC Accelerator helps to mitigate risks associated with high-tech innovations, making them more appealing to potential investors.

Furthermore, the EIC Accelerator fosters a collaborative environment among various stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors, and research institutions. This ecosystem encourages knowledge sharing and synergies that can lead to accelerated innovation and commercialization of new technologies.

Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH and the LARA Project

One notable recipient of the EIC Accelerator funding is Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH, based in Austria. The company was awarded funding for its project titled LARA, which stands for Landbased-Automated-Recirculating-Aquaculture. The proposal was submitted on October 5, 2022, during the Step 2 phase and subsequently won in the Step 3 interview.

Project Overview: LARA

The LARA project focuses on revolutionizing aquaculture through innovative, land-based, automated recirculating systems. This technology aims to address major challenges in traditional aquaculture, such as environmental impact, resource efficiency, and sustainability. By utilizing a closed-loop system, LARA minimizes water use and waste, creating a more sustainable model for fish farming.

Technology Basics

The LARA system employs advanced automation and monitoring technologies to facilitate optimal growing conditions for aquatic species. This includes precise control over water quality parameters, such as temperature, pH, and oxygen levels, ensuring a healthy environment for fish. The system also incorporates recirculating aquaculture technology, which allows for the recycling of water, reducing consumption and improving sustainability.

The technology leverages sensors and artificial intelligence to monitor and manage the aquaculture environment continuously. This real-time data collection enables more efficient feeding practices, disease management, and overall operational efficiency. By integrating these cutting-edge technologies, Blue Planet Ecosystems aims to significantly enhance productivity and reduce the ecological footprint associated with aquaculture.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program plays a pivotal role in supporting innovative companies like Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH. By providing substantial funding through blended finance, the program empowers startups to scale their operations and attract private investments. The LARA project exemplifies the potential of advanced technology to transform traditional industries, particularly in the realm of sustainable aquaculture. By addressing critical environmental challenges, the EIC Accelerator not only fosters innovation but also contributes to a more sustainable future for Europe and beyond.

2 The Funding Rounds

Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH: Financing and Funding Overview Since EIC Accelerator Award (Austria)

Financing Raised & Total Funding

Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH has raised approximately €4.5 million in total funding, as reported by multiple startup intelligence platforms. Notably, this includes a significant €2.5 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) awarded in October 2022—the same month the company won the EIC Accelerator.

Funding Rounds: Timing, Amounts, and Types

The company's fundraising history includes several rounds:

• Seed Rounds:
• March 2019: Seed round (undisclosed amount).
• November 2019: Seed VC round (undisclosed amount).
• Incubator/Accelerator Support:
• January–February 2019: Participation in ESA BIC Austria and SOSV/IndieBio accelerator programs.
• Follow-on/Series Seed-II:
• December 21, 2022: Closed a Seed-II round alongside receiving an EIC grant.
• Grant Funding:
• October–December 2022: Received €2.5 million from the European Innovation Council as part of the EIC Accelerator program.

Additional details on specific amounts for early seed or accelerator rounds remain undisclosed on public databases; however, one source notes a $100K convertible note in September 2023, likely representing either bridge or follow-on funding.

Timeline of Major Funding Events

Date	Round	Amount	Notable Investors
Jan-Feb 2019	Incubator/Accelerator	N/A	ESA BIC Austria; SOSV/IndieBio
Mar & Nov 2019	Seed / Seed VC	N/A	Undisclosed
Sep 2021	Undisclosed	$2.2M	Not specified
Oct-Dec 2022	Grant / Seed II	€2.5M	European Innovation Council (EIC)
Sep 2023	Convertible Note	$100K	Undisclosed

Note: The date of grant disbursement may extend into December for accounting purposes; however, announcement and award occurred at the October cut-off.

Investors Involved

Blue Planet Ecosystems' investor base is diverse:

• European Innovation Council (EIC) – primary backer via public funding/grant mechanism.
• SOSV & IndieBio – early-stage deep tech VCs and accelerators specializing in biotech.
• Other venture capital firms with locations noted as New Jersey and South Korea have participated but are unnamed publicly.

The company is listed with six total investors according to CB Insights data—ranging from government funds to incubators and traditional venture capitalists—with no single controlling investor identified publicly since securing non-dilutive EU grants dominates their latest rounds.

Company Valuation Estimates

One platform estimates Blue Planet Ecosystems’ valuation at between $9.5 million to $18.2 million around its most recent funding event(s), though these figures are based on benchmarking models rather than disclosed term sheets or filings. No formal post-money valuations have been made public by Blue Planet Ecosystems following its EIC win.

Exit Events (IPO, Buyouts, Acquisitions)

As of May 1st, 2025:

• There is no record that Blue Planet Ecosystems has undergone an IPO or any acquisition/buyout process.
• The company remains private with continued activity focused on scaling their aquaculture technology platforms using recent EU support; no exit events have been announced across major startup intelligence sources reviewed.

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Sources

Blue Planet Ecosystems – MAGNiTT Company Profile Blue Planet Ecosystems – CB Insights Financials Blue Planet Ecosystems – Dealroom Portugal Blue Planet Ecosystems – La French Tech ecosystem database i3Connect Investment Data for Blue Planet Ecosystems Dealroom Global Profile for Blue Planet Ecosystems

3 The Press Releases

Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH: EIC Accelerator Winner

Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH, based in Austria, is a prominent company in the field of sustainable aquaculture. The company designs, builds, and operates artificial ecosystems for sustainable food production, focusing particularly on fish, algae, and plankton. In October 2022, Blue Planet Ecosystems was selected as a winner of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding, specifically receiving blended finance for its innovative project, LARA (Land-based Automated Recirculating Aquaculture).

LARA: Land-based Automated Recirculating Aquaculture

LARA is a pioneering technology that allows customers to set up fish production facilities quickly, with production capacities ranging from 10 to 200 tons per year. This system is designed to work harmoniously with nature, emphasizing sustainability, healthy food production, and animal welfare.

Funding and Recognition

The EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022 marked a significant milestone for Blue Planet Ecosystems. The program's competitive nature, with over 1000 applications and a success rate of 7.14%, highlights the company's innovative strength and potential impact in sustainable aquaculture.

Technology Advancements and Sustainability

Blue Planet Ecosystems' focus on integrated aquaculture demonstrates its commitment to reducing environmental impacts associated with traditional fishing practices. By developing closed-loop systems that minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency, the company contributes to a more sustainable food production sector.

Press Releases and Updates

While specific press releases or blog posts from Blue Planet Ecosystems' website are not publicly detailed in the available sources, the company's achievements and funding are noted in various startup and innovation platforms. For the latest updates, it is recommended to visit their official website or follow their social media channels.

Future Prospects

With the EIC Accelerator funding, Blue Planet Ecosystems is well-positioned to expand its operations and further develop its sustainable aquaculture technologies. The company's mission to address overfishing and promote eco-friendly practices aligns with global environmental goals, making it a significant player in the future of sustainable food production.

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Sources: - Blue Planet Ecosystems company information, funding & investors

• EIC Accelerator winners and statistics October 2022
• Blue Planet Ecosystems company information, funding & investors
• EIC Accelerator 5 October cut-off
• Blue Planet Ecosystems: Sustainability

4 The Technology Advancements

Current Capabilities of Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH

Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH, based in Austria, specializes in sustainable aquaculture solutions. The company offers a product called LARA (Land-based Automated Recirculating Aquaculture Systems), which allows for the rapid setup of fish production facilities with capacities ranging from 10 tons to 200 tons per year. This system is designed to work in harmony with nature, ensuring healthy food, sustainability, and animal welfare without compromising on these values.

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

In October 2022, Blue Planet Ecosystems received funding from the EIC Accelerator, a competitive program that supports innovative companies in Europe. Since then, the company has continued to develop its scalable, mobile, and sustainable aquaculture solutions. These systems are designed to vertically integrate the entire aquaculture value chain, combining engineering, data science, and biotechnology. They utilize AI-controlled environments to optimize production and ensure that fish are free from pollutants and fully traceable.

Technology Improvements and Market Demonstration

The core of Blue Planet Ecosystems' technology is a self-optimizing control system supported by big data, computer vision, and AI. This allows for the efficient management of operational complexity and lower deployment costs, enabling exponential scaling of sustainable fish production on virtually any land. The company has successfully deployed a full-scale LARA prototype at a customer's test location, demonstrating its technology in real-world settings.

Patents and Scientific Publications

While specific details about new patents filed since the EIC Accelerator funding are not readily available, the company has patents related to its innovative aquaculture solutions. However, there is no publicly available information regarding new scientific studies or clinical trials published by the company in this timeframe.

Business Model and Revenue Streams

Blue Planet Ecosystems operates under a service model, offering Hardware, Software, and Biology as a Service to its customers. This approach enables innovative food producers to diversify their portfolios and address the demand for sustainable seafood.

Conclusion

Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH has made significant strides in developing its sustainable aquaculture technology, leveraging AI and data science to improve efficiency and scalability. Since receiving funding from the EIC Accelerator, the company has continued to refine its product offerings and demonstrate its technology in practical applications.

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Sources: - Blue Planet Ecosystems

• Bioeconomy Ventures – Platform
• EIC Accelerator winners and statistics October 2022
• Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH
• Producers | Blue Planet Ecosystems
• Blue Planet Ecosystems - CB Insights

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH Overview

Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH is an Austrian company that has been making significant strides in the field of sustainable aquaculture. Since receiving funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in October 2022, the company has been focusing on its innovative Land-based Automated Recirculating Aquaculture (LARA) system. This technology allows for the setup of fish production facilities in a matter of days, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional fishing and aquaculture methods.

Partnerships and Customers

One of the notable partnerships Blue Planet Ecosystems has formed is with The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC). This partnership involves the implementation of the LARA system to produce seafood sustainably in a desert environment as part of the Red Sea Project in Saudi Arabia. The goal is to create a sustainable model for seafood production, leveraging advanced technology to minimize environmental impact while meeting the demand for sustainable protein sources.

Additionally, Blue Planet Ecosystems is backed by KBW Ventures, which supports the company's mission to develop sustainable seafood solutions.

Nature of New Relationships

These partnerships position Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH as a leader in sustainable aquaculture technology, focusing on green innovation and environmental stewardship. By collaborating with entities like TRSDC, Blue Planet Ecosystems is not only expanding its reach but also contributing to large-scale sustainable projects.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

The relationships with new partners and customers are crucial for advancing Blue Planet Ecosystems' technology and scaling its operations. The company's LARA system benefits from AI-driven self-optimization and big data analytics, which enhance operational efficiency and reduce deployment costs. This allows for exponential scaling of sustainable fish production on any land, making it an attractive solution for diverse geographic locations.

Moreover, these partnerships facilitate the integration of Blue Planet Ecosystems' technology into broader sustainable development projects, accelerating its growth and market presence. The company's focus on providing sustainable seafood solutions aligns with global trends toward environmentally friendly and traceable food production, which is expected to drive further partnerships and customer acquisitions.

Market Positioning

By engaging in these strategic partnerships, Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH strengthens its position in the sustainable aquaculture market. The company's ability to offer scalable, sustainable seafood production solutions positions it as a key player in addressing the challenges of overfishing and environmental degradation associated with traditional aquaculture practices.

Sources: - Lead Partner: Blue Planet Ecosystems GMBH

• KBW Ventures portfolio company, Blue Planet Ecosystems, partners with The Red Sea Development Company for Sustainable Fish Pilot Scheme
• TRSDC partners with biotech to produce seafood sustainably
• Welcome to Blue Planet Ecosystems
• Blue Planet Ecosystems - Bioeconomy Ventures – Platform

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH: Team Growth and Development

Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH, an Austrian company specializing in sustainable aquaculture systems, received EIC Accelerator funding on October 5, 2022. Since then, the company has been focusing on expanding its team and operations to meet the growing demand for sustainable seafood solutions.

Current Headcount and Team Size

As of the latest available data, Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH has a team size of approximately 15 employees. This small but specialized team is crucial in developing and operating modular land-based automated recirculating aquaculture systems (LARA) that enable scalable fish production.

Hiring and Team Growth

Currently, there is no specific information available on whether the company is actively hiring. However, given its growth trajectory and focus on innovation, it is likely that Blue Planet Ecosystems will continue to expand its team to support its mission of empowering food autonomy through advanced aquaculture systems.

Recent Hires and Key Positions

While specific details on recent hires are not available, the company's founders include Paul Schmitzberger as CEO & Co-Founder and Thomas Daniele as Chief Biologist & Co-Founder, along with Georg Schmitzberger. These key positions highlight the company's strong focus on both business leadership and biological expertise.

Impact of New Team Members

New team members in Blue Planet Ecosystems are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency and expanding the company's capacity to deliver sustainable seafood solutions. By leveraging advanced technologies like AI and computer vision, the team can improve fish farming processes, making them more intuitive and efficient. This growth will help the company scale its operations, increase production capacity, and further its mission to reduce dependence on food imports by promoting local protein production.

Major Changes in Management or Founding Team

There are no reported major changes in the management or founding team since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding. The current leadership structure continues to drive the company's vision forward, focusing on sustainability and innovative aquaculture solutions.

Growth and Scaling

Since receiving the EIC funding, Blue Planet Ecosystems has likely experienced significant growth in its operations and capabilities. The funding has enabled the company to further develop its LARA systems, which can be deployed rapidly to support increased production demands. This ability to scale quickly positions the company well to meet the growing global demand for sustainable seafood products.

Sources: - Blue Planet Ecosystems

• Blue Planet Ecosystems - IndieBio
• Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH - Exhibitor - Tech Jobs Fair

7 The Media Features and Publications

Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH: An Overview Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH, based in Austria, received EIC Accelerator funding on October 5, 2022. Since then, the company has made significant strides in the field of sustainable aquaculture.

Media Features and Publications

As of now, there are limited specific publications or media features directly naming Blue Planet Ecosystems GmbH in detail. However, the company's innovative approach to sustainable seafood production using land-based automated recirculating aquaculture systems (LARA) has likely garnered interest in sustainability-focused news outlets.

Content from Publications

Publications highlighting sustainable aquaculture might cover companies like Blue Planet Ecosystems, emphasizing their role in reducing environmental impact by replicating natural aquatic ecosystems in urban and desert environments. Their system, LARA, uses phyto- and zooplankton to convert CO2 into organic seafood, reducing reliance on ocean resources and minimizing contamination risks.

Podcasts and Interviews

There is no specific information available about podcasts or interviews featuring the team from Blue Planet Ecosystems. However, their involvement in sustainability and aquaculture might make them suitable guests for discussions on regenerative agriculture and environmental conservation.

Conference and Fair Visits

Blue Planet Ecosystems has been involved in events like Demo Days, where they showcase their sustainable aquaculture systems. For instance, they had a Demo Day in 2022, highlighting progress in their sustainable aquaculture practices.

Involvement in Events

The company's participation in events focuses on promoting sustainable aquaculture practices and technology. Their goal is to produce affordable, sustainable seafood close to consumers by leveraging advanced technology and biological processes.

Conclusion

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, Blue Planet Ecosystems has been developing and promoting its innovative sustainable seafood production systems. Their focus on replicating natural ecosystems and using advanced technology positions them as a leader in sustainable aquaculture.

Sources:

• Blue Planet Ecosystems Demo Day 2022
• Blue Planet Ecosystems Website
• Science Park Graz - Blue Planet Ecosystems
• SOSV - Blue Planet Ecosystems