1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program: An Overview
The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in developing and scaling innovative technologies. The program targets high-risk, high-potential ventures, particularly in the DeepTech sector, providing crucial funding and resources to help them transition from research and development to market-ready solutions. The EIC Accelerator is particularly focused on fostering breakthrough innovations that can significantly impact the economy and society.
Funding Structure of the EIC Accelerator
The EIC Accelerator offers a unique funding structure that combines grants and equity investments:
Role of the EIC Accelerator in the Startup Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by:
- Facilitating Innovation: By supporting cutting-edge technologies, the program fosters innovation that could lead to significant advancements in various sectors.
- Bridging Funding Gaps: Many startups face challenges in securing sufficient funding, especially in the early stages. The EIC Accelerator helps bridge this gap, enabling companies to focus on product development and market entry.
- Attracting Private Investment: The equity component encourages private investors by providing a safety net through public funding. This dual approach not only enhances the financial stability of startups but also boosts investor confidence.
Case Study: Golden Devices GmbH and the ACTIVATING Project
Company Overview: Golden Devices GmbH, based in Germany, specializes in advanced technology solutions for the automotive sector. The company has been at the forefront of developing innovative products that cater to the evolving needs of autonomous driving.
Project Overview: The EIC Accelerator project titled ACTIVATING focuses on the development of an Additive Manufactured Automotive Antenna for Autonomous Driving. This project, awarded funding in November 2023 after a rigorous selection process, aims to enhance communication systems in autonomous vehicles, thereby improving their operational efficiency and safety.
Technology Basics and Background
The technology underpinning the ACTIVATING project involves advanced additive manufacturing techniques, commonly known as 3D printing. This approach allows for the creation of complex geometries that traditional manufacturing methods cannot achieve. The key features of this technology include:
- Customization: Additive manufacturing enables the design of antennas that can be tailored to specific vehicle requirements, optimizing performance for various driving conditions.
- Material Efficiency: The process significantly reduces material waste compared to conventional manufacturing, making the production of automotive antennas more sustainable.
- Rapid Prototyping: The ability to quickly iterate designs allows for faster testing and implementation of new technologies, essential for the dynamic automotive market.
Conclusion
The EIC Accelerator program serves as a vital catalyst for innovation in Europe, particularly in the DeepTech sector. By providing substantial funding and support, it empowers startups like Golden Devices GmbH to bring transformative technologies to market. The ACTIVATING project exemplifies how targeted funding can enhance the capabilities of autonomous vehicles, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the automotive industry and the broader technological landscape.
2 The Funding Rounds
Golden Devices GmbH: Financing and Funding Information Since EIC Accelerator Win
Golden Devices GmbH, a German company specializing in manufacturing single-piece waveguide antennas, has been active in the innovation and deep-tech ecosystem since its founding as a university spin-off in 2022. The company is based in Erlangen, Germany, and was awarded EIC Accelerator funding following its successful Step 2 proposal submission on November 8, 2023.
Financing Raised & Funding Rounds
- As of May 2025, public data on total financing raised by Golden Devices GmbH since receiving EIC Accelerator funding is limited. There are no disclosed records of additional private or venture capital rounds beyond their EIC grant.
- Dealroom registers the company but does not display any completed seed or series rounds post-November 2023.
- The company's official website confirms rapid early growth to over 20 employees but provides no details about external fundraising events after the EIC win.
Timing and Amount of Funding Rounds
- No specific dates or amounts for subsequent equity rounds (seed, Series A/B/C) have been reported publicly since November 2023.
- The only confirmed major funding event remains the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator grant awarded after their successful application at the end of 2023.
Investor Information
- There is currently no information available indicating participation from angel investors, venture capital firms, or corporate strategic backers following their EIC grant award.
- Details about board members or lead investors linked to new investment tranches have not been made public.
Valuations and Exit Events
- No valuations have been published for Golden Devices GmbH since late 2023. As there are no reported external financing rounds with disclosed terms, estimating an up-to-date market value is not possible with current public sources.
- There have been no exit events such as IPOs (initial public offerings), buyouts by larger corporations/strategic acquirers, or mergers involving Golden Devices GmbH to date.
Summary Table: Financing & Exit Activity Since Nov. 8th, 2023
| Event Type | Date | Amount | Investors | Valuation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EIC Grant Awarded | Nov. – Dec., 2023 | Undisclosed | European Union/EISMEA | N/A |
| Seed/VC Round | None Disclosed | – | – | – |
| IPO/Buyout/Acquisition | None Reported | – | – | – |
The exact size of individual EIC grants varies; typical amounts range from €500k–€2.5m non-dilutive plus potential equity co-investment up to €15m per project.
Conclusion
Since securing the prestigious EIC Accelerator funding in late November–December 2023 cutoff period, Golden Devices GmbH has maintained a profile focused on product development and growth within Germany’s deep-tech sector. To date:
- No additional financing rounds beyond their initial EU support are publicly documented
- No investor syndicates—venture capitalists or angels—are listed as having participated post-EU award
- Company valuation updates are unavailable due to lack of new priced investment events
- The firm remains independent with no exits via IPO/acquisition/buyout
For further insights into future investment activity or strategic developments at Golden Devices GmbH after its major EU milestone win will require monitoring industry news outlets for any forthcoming announcements regarding private fundraising efforts or business milestones.
Sources: - Golden Devices company information
3 The Press Releases
Golden Devices GmbH: EIC Accelerator Funding and Technological Profile Golden Devices GmbH, a Germany-based company, was selected as one of 42 EIC Accelerator winners in the November 8th, 2023 cut-off round. The company specializes in additive manufacturing for automotive antenna systems, specifically developing an "Additive Manufactured Automotive Antenna for Autonomous" technology. This innovation aligns with advanced mobility solutions, though specific technical details or partnerships remain undisclosed in publicly available materials.The EIC Accelerator awarded Golden Devices under a blended finance model (grants + equity), which applies to 62% of winners in this cohort. While the exact funding amount for Golden Devices is not itemized, the total budget allocated across all 42 companies reached €285 million.
No press releases from Golden Devices GmbH’s website or social media channels are accessible based on the provided sources. However, their selection emphasizes their role in advancing next-generation automotive technologies through additive manufacturing—a field critical for lightweight components and customized designs in autonomous vehicles.
Sources
- Unveiling the Latest EIC Accelerator Results: A Comprehensive Analysis
- EIC Accelerator-Nov 8 2023 Cut Off
4 The Technology Advancements
Golden Devices GmbH: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments Based on available information up to May 2025, Golden Devices GmbH, a Germany-based specialist in additive manufacturing for high-frequency components, has demonstrated significant advancements in its core technologies and market penetration. However, no direct reference to EIC Accelerator funding specific to Golden Devices appears in the provided data, though the company has secured other substantial funding (e.g., ~€5 million from Bavarian and federal programs). Below is a synthesis of their capabilities and progress:Current Capabilities
Golden Devices specializes in 3D-printed high-frequency components, including lightweight antennas with metallic coatings for radar systems, autonomous vehicles, drones, and aerospace applications. Their proprietary technology combines additive manufacturing with precision RF engineering to produce complex waveguide systems. Key focus areas include ultrafast data transfer solutions and environmental perception via radar.Post-2022 Advancements
While no updates explicitly linked to November 2023 EIC funding are documented:- Market Expansion: Clients now include major automotive manufacturers, aerospace leaders, and NASA.
- Technical Refinements: Enhanced 3D printing processes for improved component precision and performance in high-frequency applications.
- Funding Milestones: Earlier grants (pre-2022) enabled scaling from prototyping to series production.
Technology Demonstrations & Commercialization
The company has actively showcased its antennas at trade shows and engaged clients through pilot projects. For example:- NASA is conducting tests with their antennas for unspecified aerospace applications.
- Exhibits highlight components tailored for autonomous vehicle radar systems and satellite communications.
Intellectual Property & Publications
Golden Devices has filed approximately a dozen patents related to additive manufacturing techniques for RF components by early 2024. No recent scientific studies or whitepapers are mentioned publicly.Sources Used:
Note: The search results do not confirm whether Golden Devices received EIC Accelerator funding specifically on November 8, 2023. The cited achievements derive from general progress reports up to early 2024.
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Golden Devices GmbH: Partnerships and Advancements
Golden Devices GmbH, a German company specializing in high-precision antennas, has established itself as a key player in the technology sector, particularly since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in November 2023. This funding has likely bolstered its position in the market and enhanced its capabilities for technology advancements and scaling.
Customers and Partners
Golden Devices serves a diverse range of clients, including automobile manufacturers, the aerospace industry, and even NASA. The company's expertise in custom design, prototyping, optimization, series manufacturing, and RF-characterization allows it to cater to these industries effectively. Additionally, Golden Devices is a partner with Texas Instruments, a leading global semiconductor company.
New Partnerships and Customers
There is no specific information available about new partners or customers since the EIC Accelerator funding. However, the company continues to collaborate closely with the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), particularly with the Chair for High Frequency Technology (LHFT), ensuring ongoing innovation and research in the field of high-frequency components.
Nature of Relationships and Market Position
The collaboration with FAU is critical for driving innovation and advancing high-frequency technology. This partnership allows Golden Devices to leverage academic expertise, resources, and talent, positioning the company at the forefront of technological advancements in its field. The relationship with Texas Instruments also underscores Golden Devices' commitment to integrating cutting-edge semiconductor technology into its products.
Technology Advancements and Scaling
The partnership with FAU facilitates access to cutting-edge research and talent, enabling Golden Devices to develop next-generation high-frequency components. The EIC Accelerator funding further supports the company's ability to scale its operations, particularly as it prepares for large-scale series production of its innovative components. This strategic alignment of research and funding will likely enhance Golden Devices' technological capabilities and its market presence.
Impact of New Relationships
The ongoing partnerships and funding will help Golden Devices expand its market reach and deepen its technological capabilities. By leveraging university collaborations and integrating advanced semiconductor solutions, the company is poised to enhance its product offerings and increase its competitiveness in the global technology market.
Sources: - High-precision antennas | FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg https://www.fau.eu/2024/01/faumagazin/innovation/high-precision-antennas/
- Golden Devices https://golden-devices.com
- Golden Devices GmbH - Texas Instruments https://www.ti.com/partner/GD
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Golden Devices GmbH: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Growth AnalysisGolden Devices GmbH, a German semiconductor and mmWave technology firm based in Erlangen, has maintained limited publicly available operational data following its EIC Accelerator win in November 2023. While specific hiring metrics, team size, or recent growth figures are not disclosed through accessible sources, insights can be inferred from its business scope and contractual frameworks.
- Team growth and hiring: Public records do not detail current headcount or active recruitment efforts. However, as an EIC Accelerator winner specializing in advanced semiconductor solutions (e.g., collaborations with Texas Instruments), the company likely prioritizes technical roles such as RF engineers, product developers, and compliance specialists to meet scaling demands linked to EU-focused projects.
- Key positions and scaling: The absence of explicit role announcements suggests strategic hires would align with expanding their mmWave technology portfolio and adhering to EU delivery frameworks outlined in their General Terms. New team members would bolster R&D capabilities for innovations in wireless communication or automotive radar systems.
- Management changes: No leadership shifts are documented; the company’s legal terms emphasize centralized decision-making under Golden Devices’ governance.
Post-funding trajectory likely focuses on leveraging EIC resources to enhance production capacity while adhering to stringent liability clauses governing product performance. Collaborative ventures with industry partners like Texas Instruments may drive further specialization in analog chip design or testing protocols.
Sources
- Golden Devices Website
- Texas Instruments Partnership Page
- General Terms of Delivery (Golden Devices)
7 The Media Features and Publications
Media Presence and Industry Engagement of Golden Devices GmbH Golden Devices GmbH, a German company specializing in antenna and waveguide solutions for radar, communication, and measurement systems (automotive, aerospace, drones), has demonstrated industry engagement through its participation in European funding programs like Horizon Europe. However, specific media features or publications directly naming the company are not prominently documented in publicly available records.While Golden Devices’ website emphasizes their technical expertise, there is no explicit mention of podcasts, interviews with their team, or detailed conference participations in the provided sources. Their involvement in events may be inferred from collaborations under Horizon Europe frameworks, but no direct references to presentations or fairs are listed.
EIC Accelerator Context
The EIC Accelerator award details (submitted November 8, 2023) are not reflected in the available data. Golden Devices’ role as an EIC winner would typically involve increased visibility via EU portals or press releases linked to the grant—however, such materials are absent from current search results.
Sources
Note: The absence of media coverage may reflect limited public documentation rather than actual inactivity.
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