1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program is a key component of the European Innovation Council (EIC), designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups with high-impact projects. The program primarily focuses on funding deep-tech and breakthrough innovations that have the potential to significantly influence societal challenges and the economy. By providing both grants and equity investments, the EIC Accelerator aims to help companies scale their innovations and attract additional private sector funding.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator operates on a blended finance model, offering two main types of funding:

Role in the European DeepTech and Startup Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a critical role in the European innovation landscape by empowering startups and SMEs that are often at the forefront of technological advancements. By targeting deep-tech sectors, the program ensures that groundbreaking solutions are developed and brought to market. The dual funding mechanism not only alleviates initial financial pressures but also enhances the credibility of the companies in the eyes of private investors, thereby increasing the likelihood of securing additional funding.

Furthermore, the EIC Accelerator fosters collaboration among various stakeholders, including research institutions, industry leaders, and venture capital firms. This collaborative approach helps create a robust ecosystem that nurtures innovation and encourages knowledge sharing.

Case Study: BESTHEALTH H4U UNIPESSOAL LDA and Bio2Skin

Company Overview: BESTHEALTH H4U UNIPESSOAL LDA is a Portuguese startup that has emerged as a significant player in the medical technology sector. The company focuses on developing advanced healthcare solutions that improve patient outcomes.

Project Acronym: Bio2Skin

Project Description: Bio2Skin is a pioneering project aimed at creating a clinically skin-preserving biomaterial that serves as a medical adhesive, replacing traditional options like silicones and acrylates. The innovative technology behind Bio2Skin is designed to enhance patient comfort and safety while maintaining the integrity of the skin.

Technology Basics and Background: The primary challenge with conventional skin adhesives lies in their potential to damage the skin upon removal, which can lead to complications such as skin irritation or infection. Bio2Skin addresses this issue by utilizing a biomaterial that is specifically engineered to be gentle on the skin while providing strong adhesion properties.

The technology is based on a deep understanding of biomaterials and their interaction with biological tissues. The biomaterial is formulated to mimic the properties of natural skin, thereby promoting healing and minimizing trauma during application and removal. The project is positioned to fill a crucial gap in the market for medical adhesives that are both effective and safe for patients, particularly for those requiring frequent dressing changes or surgical interventions.

Funding Achievement: BESTHEALTH H4U successfully submitted a Step 2 proposal for the EIC Accelerator on March 13, 2024, and advanced to the Step 3 interview, ultimately securing funding through the program. This funding will be instrumental in scaling the Bio2Skin project, enabling the company to conduct further clinical evaluations, optimize the production process, and prepare for market entry.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator not only provides essential financial resources to innovative startups like BESTHEALTH H4U but also plays a pivotal role in advancing the European deep-tech ecosystem. Through its funding mechanisms and strategic support, the program helps bridge the gap between groundbreaking ideas and market-ready solutions.

2 The Funding Rounds

Financing Raised and Funding Rounds

Since its EIC Accelerator win in March 2024, BestHealth4U (BESTHEALTH H4U UNIPESSOAL LDA) from Portugal has notably advanced its funding profile:

EIC Accelerator Funding (March 2024):

BestHealth4U was awarded €4.25 million through a blended finance package, combining grant and equity components. This award was part of the highly competitive March 2024 EIC Accelerator round, which supported only the most innovative deep-tech companies across Europe.

Seed Round (Late 2022):

Prior to the EIC funding, BestHealth4U closed a seed round of $1 million (€1 million), led by Lince Capital—a Portuguese venture capital firm—alongside previous pre-seed support from Portugal Ventures. The financing aimed to support regulatory processes in Europe and the US, expand their team, accelerate go-to-market efforts for their Bio2Skin adhesive technology, and scale partnerships with global medical device manufacturers.

Timing and Amount of Funding Rounds

Date	Round Type	Amount	Lead Investor(s)
Late 2022	Seed	$1M (~€1M)	Lince Capital
March 2024	EIC Accelerator	€4.25M	European Innovation Council

• The seed round was announced in late 2022; this allowed BestHealth4U to transition from product development towards market entry.
• The EIC Accelerator award followed submission at the March 13, 2024 cut-off date.

Investor Information

Key Investors:

• Lince Capital: Led Seed funding; specializes in high-growth potential ventures.
• Portugal Ventures: Participated at pre-seed stage; significant player in early-stage Portuguese startups.
• European Innovation Council Fund: Provided a substantial grant/equity blend via the prestigious EIC Accelerator program.

These investors have enabled BestHealth4U’s growth from development through regulatory approval towards international commercialization.

Company Valuations

There is no verified public disclosure of post-money or current company valuation figures following these rounds. However:

• Venture-backed startups like BestHealth4U typically see substantial valuation increases after securing competitive grants such as the EIC Accelerator award.
• The combination of private seed capital followed by major EU-backed blended financing generally positions recipients favorably for further up-rounds or strategic exits.

Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions

As of May 6th, 2025:

• There are no public records indicating that BestHealth4U has undergone an exit event such as an initial public offering (IPO), buyout, or acquisition.
• The company remains focused on growth-phase activities—product launch preparation and scaling commercial partnerships globally—with continued investor backing.

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Sources

• BestHealth4U Wins €4.25M from EIC Accelerator - Catalyze Group
• BH4U Raised $1 Million in a Seed Round - GetNews
• BestHealthH Health nets €1 million investment - Essential Business

3 The Press Releases

BestHealth4U: A Portuguese Innovator in Medical Adhesives

BestHealth4U, a Portuguese startup, has been making significant strides in the healthcare sector since its founding in 2017. The company's mission is to redefine medical adhesives and improve patient care by developing sustainable and gentle products that minimize skin irritation and damage when attaching bandages, dressings, and medical devices to the skin.

EIC Accelerator Funding and Milestones

In 2024, BestHealth4U achieved a major milestone by being selected for the prestigious EIC Accelerator program. This selection included a grant of 2.5 million euros and an equity component of 5 million euros. The funding was complemented by an investment from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and additional private investors, totaling 2.5 million euros. This financial support has been crucial for BestHealth4U as it continues to advance its mission in medical adhesives innovation.

Partnerships and Growth

BestHealth4U's journey has been significantly supported by its involvement with EIT Health, a leading European health innovation community. Through EIT Health programs such as Jumpstarter, Headstart, and Innostars Awards, BestHealth4U has gained valuable mentorship and expanded its network within the healthcare ecosystem. This has facilitated crucial investments from Portuguese venture capital funds, including Portugal Ventures and Lince Capital.

Technology and Impact

By pioneering sustainable medical devices, BestHealth4U aims to set new standards in patient care. The company has partnered with patient organizations and hospitals worldwide to validate its products and ensure they meet the highest standards of patient safety and comfort. This focus on sustainability and patient well-being underscores BestHealth4U's commitment to revolutionizing the future of medical adhesives.

Press Releases and Updates

While specific press releases or blog posts from BestHealth4U's website are not detailed, the company's selection for the EIC Accelerator and its ongoing innovation efforts highlight its success in leveraging international funding opportunities and partnerships to drive growth in the health sector. The company continues to participate in EIT Community events, which support its strategic development, patent strategy, and stakeholder engagement.

Sources

• BestHealth4U
• BestHealth4U - EIT Regional Innovation Scheme
• 5 EIC Accelerator Winners in March 2024 Round - Catalyze Group

4 The Technology Advancements

BESTHEALT H4U UNIPESSOAL LDA: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Progress As of the latest publicly available information, there is no verifiable data reflecting advancements by BESTHEALT H4U UNIPESSOAL LDA since its EIC Accelerator funding approval on March 13, 2024. The company’s website (besthealth4u.pt) does not appear in indexed search results, and no official announcements regarding technology improvements, clinical trials, or intellectual property filings post-funding are documented in accessible repositories.

The absence of details could stem from delays in public reporting or confidentiality agreements tied to commercialization phases. Typically, EIC-funded projects undergo rigorous validation milestones post-award; however, specifics for BESTHEALT H4U remain undisclosed as of this analysis.

Key unresolved points include:

• Technology improvements: No public disclosures on product iterations or feature enhancements since March 2024.
• Market demonstrations: No reported pilots, customer deployments, or clinical trial updates.
• Intellectual property: No newly filed patents or peer-reviewed studies linked to the company post-funding.

Note: This assessment reflects a lack of accessible data rather than operational inactivity.

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Sources
No direct sources referencing BESTHEALT H4U UNIPESSOAL LDA's post-EIC developments were identified during this review period (as of May 2025). For updated information:

• EIC Accelerator Project Portfolio (official database for grant recipients)
• Company website (besthealth4u.pt – unverified accessibility)

5 The Partnerships and Customers

BestHealth4U Unipessoal Lda: Recent Developments and Partnerships

Overview of BestHealth4U Unipessoal Lda

BestHealth4U, located in Braga, Portugal, is a start-up that focuses on developing bio-based materials for medical use with a sustainable Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The company emphasizes innovation and technology in healthcare, health solutions development, tech-driven preventive care, and healthy ageing. Its representatives include Sónia Ferreira, the Founder & CEO.

Partnerships and Customers

Although specific partnerships or customer names associated with BestHealth4U are not publicly available, the company's participation in industry events such as the DigiHealthPT Partnerships in Porto, Portugal, suggests it is actively engaging with the health sector to connect with potential partners and customers. This brokerage event facilitates start-ups like BestHealth4U in networking for collaborations and market access.

New Partners and Customers

There is currently no information on new partners or customers specifically associated with BestHealth4U. However, the company's involvement in networking events indicates a proactive approach to establishing new relationships within the healthcare industry.

Nature and Purpose of New Relationships

The purpose of new relationships for BestHealth4U would likely be to advance its technology and scale its business operations. By forming partnerships, the company could access new markets, enhance its product offerings, and benefit from collaborative innovation in bio-based medical materials.

Market Positioning

New relationships and partnerships will help BestHealth4U strengthen its position in the market by potentially expanding its customer base and enhancing its reputation as a developer of sustainable medical solutions. These collaborations could also lead to increased visibility and credibility within the healthcare sector.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

Collaborations with other entities could provide BestHealth4U with access to advanced technologies, shared research, and expertise. This could accelerate the development of its bio-based materials, enhancing their quality and efficiency. Additionally, partnerships could facilitate scaling by providing resources for larger-scale production and distribution.

Sources

• BestHealth4U - B2B: DigiHealthPT Partnerships
• BestHealth4U Website (General Information)
• DigiHealthPT Partnerships Event Details

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

BESTHEALT H4U: UNIPESSOAL LDA

Company Overview BESTHEALT H4U is a Portuguese company that secured funding from the EIC Accelerator in March 2024. The company operates in the healthcare sector, which is a significant and evolving field in Portugal. Portugal's healthcare system has been undergoing changes, including the integration of primary and hospital care through Local Health Units and the implementation of pay-for-performance and risk-adjusted capitation models.

Current Headcount and Team Size There is no publicly available information on the current headcount or team size of BESTHEALT H4U. However, receiving EIC Accelerator funding often signals a period of growth and expansion.

Hiring and Team Growth The company has not publicly announced specific hiring plans or recent key hires. However, the funding received typically supports innovation and scaling, which may involve expanding the team with specialized talent.

Growth and Impact Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, BESTHEALT H4U is likely focusing on leveraging this support to enhance its products or services, potentially entering new markets or expanding its customer base.

Management and Founding Team Changes There is no available information on any major changes in the management or founding team of BESTHEALT H4U following the EIC Accelerator funding.

Future Prospects New team members will play a crucial role in helping BESTHEALT H4U scale and grow by bringing in expertise that can drive innovation and operational efficiency. The company's growth will be significant for Portugal's healthcare sector, potentially addressing some of the challenges like accessibility and waiting times that have been identified in the country's healthcare system.

Sources

• Portugal - European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies
• Portugal Health Care Climbs in EU Ratings 2025 - Expat Exchange

7 The Media Features and Publications

BESTHEALT H4U UNIPESSOAL LDA: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Profile BESTHEALT H4U UNIPESSOAL LDA, a Portuguese health-focused company, secured EIC Accelerator funding on 13 March 2024. While the company’s website (besthealth4u.pt) is not directly accessible in the provided data, its designation as an EIC winner positions it within the European innovation ecosystem for scaling high-impact solutions.

Media Features and Publications

No specific media coverage or publications naming BESTHEALT H4U UNIPESSOAL LDA were identified in available records. The absence may reflect limited public reporting post-funding or proprietary project details under development.

Podcasts and Interviews

Publicly listed interviews or podcasts featuring BESTHEALT H4U’s team are not documented in the search results.

Conference Participation and Events

The company’s involvement in conferences, fairs, or public presentations remains unrecorded within the indexed data. However, EIC recipients typically engage with EU-wide innovation forums such as Horizon Europe networking events post-award.

Event Engagement Strategy

While explicit event participation details are unavailable, BESTHEALT H4U likely aligns with standard EIC Accelerator requirements to showcase advancements at EU-sponsored tech summits or sector-specific expositions post-grant allocation.

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Sources

• EIC Accelerator Winners Database (Official portal for funding announcements; specific winner details may require direct access)
• Note: No third-party citations explicitly referencing BESTHEALTH H4U UNIPESSOAL LDA were found in indexed results.