1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The EIC Accelerator program is a pivotal initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC), designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in the European Union. It focuses particularly on those working in deep tech sectors, which include industries such as biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies. The program aims to foster the commercialization of groundbreaking technologies and to help startups scale their operations effectively within competitive markets.

Financial Support Framework

The EIC Accelerator offers a blended finance model that combines grants and equity investments. The grant component can provide funding of up to €2.5 million, primarily aimed at supporting the development of innovative products and technologies. This grant is intended to cover various stages of development, including research, prototyping, and market entry.

In addition to the grant, the EIC Accelerator also offers equity funding, which has undergone adjustments over recent years. Until 2024, the equity investment can reach up to €15 million, while from 2025 onward, this amount will be capped at €10 million. This equity investment is designed to help companies secure the necessary capital for scaling operations and improving market access, thereby facilitating growth in the highly competitive deep tech landscape.

Purpose within the European Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in the European startup ecosystem by providing financial backing and strategic support for innovative projects that might otherwise struggle to attract funding from traditional sources. It aims to bridge the funding gap faced by early-stage companies, particularly those in the deep tech sector, where the risks are often perceived to be higher. By supporting these companies, the EIC Accelerator not only enhances the innovation capacity of the EU but also contributes to job creation and economic growth.

Support for Scaling and Private Funding

Through its comprehensive support structure, the EIC Accelerator assists companies in scaling their operations and obtaining additional funding from private investors. The program provides mentoring, access to networks, and connections with potential investors, enabling companies to navigate the complexities of scaling their business. This support is vital for startups aiming to transition from early-stage development to market-ready products while attracting further investments from venture capitalists and private equity firms.

Case Study: SALVIA BIOELECTRONICS BV and Project ReLife

SALVIA BIOELECTRONICS BV has emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator, securing funding for its project, ReLife. This initiative is focused on developing a neuromodulation therapy specifically designed for individuals suffering from severe disabling cluster headaches. The therapy employs a safe and minimally invasive approach that involves simultaneous stimulation at the front and back of the head, representing a significant advancement in headache management.

Technology Basics and Background

Cluster headaches are a debilitating condition characterized by intense, recurrent pain. Current treatment options are limited and often inadequate for many patients. The ReLife project aims to address this gap through innovative neuromodulation techniques, which involve altering nerve activity through targeted electrical stimulation. This method is believed to provide relief by disrupting pain signals before they reach the brain.

The technology underpinning ReLife utilizes advanced bioelectronic devices that are designed to be both effective and user-friendly. The stimulation is administered via non-invasive electrodes placed on the scalp, making it a promising alternative to more invasive surgical procedures. The dual-site stimulation approach is particularly innovative, as it aims to enhance the efficacy of pain relief by targeting multiple neural pathways simultaneously.

SALVIA BIOELECTRONICS, based in the Netherlands, submitted its Step 2 proposal for the EIC Accelerator on November 8, 2023, and subsequently advanced to a Step 3 interview, culminating in their successful funding award. The backing from the EIC Accelerator is expected to accelerate the development of ReLife, enabling the company to bring this life-changing therapy to market more quickly and effectively.

In conclusion, the EIC Accelerator serves as a vital catalyst in the European deep tech ecosystem, providing essential financial support and strategic resources for innovative companies like SALVIA BIOELECTRONICS. With its focus on impactful projects such as ReLife, the program is set to significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals suffering from severe health conditions while fostering economic growth and innovation across the continent.

2 The Funding Rounds

Salvia BioElectronics, a Netherlands-based medical device company specializing in neuromodulation therapies for chronic migraine, has demonstrated significant financing and funding activity since its early stages, including after winning the EIC Accelerator funding cut-off in November 2023.

Financing Raised and Funding Rounds

• Total funding raised: Over €34 million (approximately $33.9 million) across multiple rounds to date.
• Number of funding rounds: Five distinct rounds have been reported.

Details of Key Funding Rounds

Seed Capital (May 2018):

Salvia raised €1.3 million through seed capital led by BOM Brabant Ventures and Thuja Capital Healthcare Seed Fund II, with participation from other entities including the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and founders/employees. This early investment supported technology development from concept to initial clinical application.

Series A Round (September 2020):

A major Series A round secured €26 million (~$31 million), led by Panakès Partners, INKEF Capital, SHS Gesellschaft für Beteiligungsmanagement along with continued support from BOM Brabant Ventures and Thuja Capital. Dolby Family Ventures was also a new investor at this stage. Additionally, Salvia received a €5 million risk-bearing Innovation Credit from RVO to support therapy development and clinical trials. This round was crucial for advancing their paper-thin implant device through clinical stages toward regulatory approval.

Subsequent Funding Activity:

Since then, further funds have been raised leading up to approximately $33.93M total over five rounds as tracked by CB Insights. The latest documented round was an Incubator/Accelerator stage on May 29, 2024. There is also mention of grants being part of recent financial inflows earlier in March 2024 but exact amounts are unspecified.

Investor Information

Key investors over the years include:

• Panakès Partners
• INKEF Capital
• SHS Gesellschaft für Beteiligungsmanagement
• BOM Brabant Ventures
• Thuja Capital Healthcare Seed Fund II
• Dolby Family Ventures

This syndicate reflects strong backing from specialized MedTech venture capital firms as well as public innovation agencies like RVO supporting risk-bearing credit facilities.

Company Valuation

Estimates put Salvia BioElectronics’ enterprise valuation between $92 million to $139 million as per Dealroom data around September 2020 before or shortly after their Series A raise.

No updated post-money valuations were publicly disclosed for later rounds or following EIC Accelerator success.

Exit Events

As of now (May 2025), there are no records or reports indicating any exit events such as an IPO, buyout, or acquisition involving Salvia BioElectronics; the company remains privately held and is focused on progressing its product through clinical trials toward commercialization in Europe and the US markets.

Summary Since Winning EIC Accelerator Funding (Nov 8th, 2023)

Following the award of EIC Accelerator funding late in 2023:

• The company appointed Jeroen Siemes as CFO in October 2023—a veteran MedTech finance expert who had previously supported Salvia’s fundraising efforts since about 2017—signaling readiness for upcoming financing rounds aimed at scaling operations into market launch phase across Europe & US.
• Clinical trials progressed with first patient implantations reported around that period.

The combination of substantial prior capital raises (€34M+), accomplished investor syndicates specializing in MedTech innovation financing, strategic leadership appointments focused on financial growth alongside milestone-driven clinical progress positions Salvia BioElectronics strongly for anticipated future fundraises required for regulatory approvals and commercialization expansion.

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3 The Press Releases

Salvia BioElectronics: A Pioneer in Neuromodulation Therapies

Salvia BioElectronics, a Netherlands-based medical device company, has made significant strides in the field of bioelectronics since receiving funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program. The company's innovative approach focuses on developing neuromodulation therapies for conditions such as migraine and cluster headaches.

Funding and Recognition

In November 2023, Salvia BioElectronics was awarded €5.1 million in blended funding from the EIC Accelerator program. This support is crucial for advancing clinical trials aimed at treating chronic cluster headaches using their pioneering neuromodulation system. Cluster headaches are rare, affecting about 1 in 1000 people, and are notoriously difficult to treat, making Salvia's early results particularly promising.

Technology and Innovation

Salvia's neuromodulation system features a unique, paper-thin implant designed to reduce the frequency and intensity of headache attacks. The system delivers gentle electrical pulses to nerves associated with these conditions, offering a minimally invasive treatment option.

Team and Leadership

The company is led by a dedicated team, with Wim Pollet serving as the Chief Medical Officer. Since its inception, Salvia has been committed to developing solutions for severe headaches, including cluster headaches, which are often referred to as "suicide headaches" due to their intense pain.

Press Releases and Announcements

While specific press releases on Salvianeuro.com are not detailed in the available information, the company's achievements and funding have been highlighted in various industry reports and news outlets. These announcements typically outline the company's mission, innovative technology, and the significant funding received from the EIC Accelerator program.

Partnerships and Advancements

Salvia BioElectronics continues to advance its neuromodulation therapies, with ongoing clinical development supported by the EIC funding. While specific new partnerships or patents are not mentioned, the company's focus remains on refining its technology for treating severe headaches.

Social Media and Online Presence

Details on specific social media releases or updates from Salvia BioElectronics are limited. However, the company likely utilizes social media platforms to share updates on its progress and achievements in the field of bioelectronics.

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Sources: - Salvia awarded €5.1M funding from European Innovation Council

• Unveiling the Latest EIC Accelerator Results
• EIC Accelerator November 8, 2023 Cut-Off

4 The Technology Advancements

Current Capabilities and Advancements of Salvia BioElectronics

Salvia BioElectronics, a Netherlands-based company, is pioneering in the field of bioelectronic solutions for neurological disorders, primarily focusing on migraine and cluster headaches. Their innovative approach involves neuromodulation therapy through ultra-thin implants.

Current Capabilities

• Neuromodulation Technology: Salvia BioElectronics uses neuromodulation to deliver gentle electrical pulses to nerves associated with migraines, aimed at reducing the frequency and intensity of attacks. This technology is similar to those used in treating other neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.
• Personalized Migraine Therapy: The therapy is tailored to individual patient needs and is currently being evaluated in clinical trials.
• Clinical Trials: The company is conducting clinical studies in several countries, including Belgium, Australia, and the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, the trials are conducted at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam and St. Antonius Hospital Utrecht/Nieuwegein.

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

While specific advancements directly attributed to the EIC Accelerator funding on November 8, 2023, are not detailed, Salvia BioElectronics has made significant strides in the development and clinical evaluation of their technology.

• EIC Funding for Cluster Headache Indication: In 2023, Salvia was awarded €5.1 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC) for the clinical development of a chronic cluster headache indication, building on their existing neuromodulation system.
• MedTech Innovator Accelerator Selection: Salvia BioElectronics was selected for the MedTech Innovator Accelerator 2024, recognizing their innovative medical device technology and providing an opportunity to refine commercialization plans.
• Clinical Trial Progress: The first patient in the Netherlands received the innovative migraine implant in February 2025 as part of an ongoing clinical study, marking a significant milestone in their research.

Technology Improvements and Market Demonstration

Salvia BioElectronics continues to enhance its technology with advancements in neuromodulation systems and the development of ultra-thin implants. While there are no specific reports of new features presented since the EIC funding, their technology has been demonstrated through ongoing clinical trials.

Patents, Studies, and Publications

There is no recent information on new patents filed or scientific studies published specifically since receiving the EIC funding. However, Salvia BioElectronics continues to engage in clinical trials and research collaborations, indicating ongoing efforts to advance their technology and contribute to scientific literature.

Conclusion

Salvia BioElectronics remains at the forefront of bioelectronic solutions for migraines and cluster headaches, with significant advancements in clinical trials and funding support. Their participation in prestigious programs like the MedTech Innovator Accelerator further underscores their commitment to innovative healthcare solutions.

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Sources: - Salvia BioElectronics

• First patient in the Netherlands receives promising migraine implant
• First patient in the Netherlands receives innovative chronic migraine implant
• Salvia BioElectronics: a paper-thin implant for people with migraine
• Salvia awarded €5.1M funding from European Innovation Council
• Salvia Selected for MedTech Innovator Accelerator 2024

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Salvia BioElectronics BV's Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

Since its 2023 EIC Accelerator win, Salvia BioElectronics BV has continued advancing its bioelectronic migraine therapy through clinical studies and investor-backed scaling efforts. While specific customer names remain confidential due to ongoing trials, the company’s partnerships and funding activities highlight its growth trajectory.

Key Investors and Partners

• BOM: An early-stage investor providing advisory support since 2017.
• Panakès Partners, INKEF Capital, SHS Gesellschaft: Led the €26M Series A round in 2020.
• Thuja Capital, Dolby Family Ventures: Participated in subsequent funding rounds.
• MedTech Innovator Accelerator: Selected in 2024 for commercialization strategy refinement.

Nature of Relationships

Salvia’s partnerships focus on financing, clinical validation, and market access:

• Clinical Collaboration: International studies underway with preliminary patient-reported efficacy results (specific partners unnamed).
• Investor-Driven Scaling: Funding supports manufacturing scale-up for its paper-thin neurostimulation implant.
• Ecosystem Integration: Based at High Tech Campus Eindhoven, leveraging proximity to tech firms for R&D collaboration (e.g., material science expertise).

Market Positioning and Technology Advancements

The relationships position Salvia as:

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Sources

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Salvia BioElectronics: Team Growth and Strategic Hiring Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Salvia BioElectronics, a Netherlands-based medical device company specializing in neuromodulation therapies for migraine, has demonstrated significant team growth since its founding in 2017. As of recent updates, the company employs over 50 professionals from 15 nationalities, with women representing 43-45% of the workforce.

Key Insights on Hiring and Team Dynamics

• Current Headcount: Exceeds 50 employees, operating from Eindhoven’s High Tech Campus alongside over 300 tech companies.
• Active Hiring: Open positions include Electronics Engineer and Mechanical Engineer, focusing on product design and manufacturability for their implantable migraine therapy device.
• Growth Trajectory: Expanded from a founding trio (Hubert Martens, Daniel Schobben, Wim Pollet) to a multinational team over eight years, reflecting a commitment to scaling clinical operations and R&D.
• Recent Roles: Engineering positions emphasize collaboration with suppliers and internal teams to enhance device reliability—critical as Salvia progresses through clinical studies in Europe and Australia.

Strategic Impact of New Hires

New team members bolster Salvia’s capacity to navigate regulatory pathways (e.g., FDA Breakthrough Device Designation) and accelerate commercialization efforts post-clinical trials. The diverse talent pool supports innovation in bioelectronic therapies, including potential applications for cluster headaches.

Leadership Stability

No major management changes reported; the original founders remain actively involved. The executive team includes Jeroen Siemes alongside Martens, Schobben, and Pollet, indicating continuity in strategic vision.

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Sources

• Meet our team | Salvia BioElectronics
• About Salvia BioElectronics
• Salvia BioElectronics: A paper-thin implant brings hope for migraine

7 The Media Features and Publications

Media and Industry Presence of Salvia BioElectronics BV Following EIC Accelerator Recognition

Salvia BioElectronics BV, a Netherlands-based medical device company specializing in neuromodulation therapies for migraine, has demonstrated active engagement in industry events and clinical communications since its founding in 2017. While specific media features or publications directly naming the company are not extensively detailed in publicly available records beyond its own website, the following summarizes its visible activities:

Media Features and Publications

• Company Communications: Salvia maintains a dedicated "Insights" section on its website, announcing clinical trial updates starting in 2025.
• MedTech Innovator Accelerator 2024: The company was selected as part of the top 5% of applicants for this prestigious accelerator program, highlighting industry recognition. CEO Hubert Martens emphasized the opportunity to refine commercialization strategies through expert mentorship.

Conferences and Presentations

• Clinical Communications: The Clinical Communications Specialist role at Salvia involves creating materials for scientific congresses, including posters and presentations. While specific conferences are unnamed, this indicates active participation in academic/industry forums.
• Regulatory Milestones: Salvia’s FDA Breakthrough Device Designation (mentioned on their website) likely involves engagement with regulatory conferences or panels, though no direct event details are provided.

Events and Collaborations

• MedTech Innovator Accelerator: Participation includes networking with entrepreneurs and access to investor platforms, suggesting involvement in pitch events or demo days associated with the program.
• Team Growth: With over 50 employees across multiple international offices (Netherlands HQ and Australia), Salvia’s expansion implies attendance at recruitment or partnership-focused industry fairs.

Podcasts/Interviews

No explicit mentions of podcasts or interviews were found via available sources. However, CEO Hubert Martens has publicly commented on strategic initiatives such as MedTech Innovator participation.

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Sources

• Salvia BioElectronics Official Website [Multiple sections]
• MedTech Innovator Announcement (Referenced under "Salvia Selected for MedTech Innovator Accelerator 2024")
• Clinical Communications Specialist Job Posting