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 their growth and scalability, particularly in the DeepTech sector. The program provides a unique combination of funding options, including grants and equity investments, tailored to meet the diverse needs of high-potential projects.Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator offers a blended finance model, consisting of a grant component and an equity investment component. The grant can go up to €2.5 million, aimed at covering the costs associated with innovation and development activities. This funding is particularly useful for companies in the early stages of development, as it reduces the financial risk associated with pioneering new technologies.
In addition to the grant, the program provides equity funding that can reach up to €15 million until 2024 and is set to be capped at €10 million from 2025 onward. This equity component is crucial for scaling operations, as it allows companies to leverage further funding from private investors, thereby enhancing their financial sustainability and market presence.
Purpose in the Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator plays a critical role in the European startup ecosystem, particularly in nurturing DeepTech innovations. By offering substantial financial backing, the program addresses the common challenge of securing funding that many startups face, especially in technology-heavy sectors. Its focus on high-impact innovations aligns with the broader European goals of sustainability and competitiveness, making it a cornerstone for fostering cutting-edge technologies and solutions.
Support for Scaling Companies
The EIC Accelerator not only provides financial support but also facilitates access to mentorship, business development resources, and networking opportunities. This holistic approach aids companies in refining their business models, optimizing their go-to-market strategies, and attracting further investments from private sectors. The program’s emphasis on market readiness ensures that innovative solutions not only reach the development stage but are also positioned for successful commercialization.
EIC Accelerator Winner: AURORA SAS
AURORA SAS, based in France, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator program with their project titled ASCLEPIOS (Advanced Sterilization Capability with Low Environmental Footprint for Patient Infection Optimized Safety). The company submitted its Step 2 proposal on June 21, 2023, and successfully advanced through to the Step 3 interview, culminating in their selection for funding.
Project Overview: ASCLEPIOS
The ASCLEPIOS project aims to revolutionize the sterilization processes within healthcare settings by introducing advanced technologies that not only enhance patient safety but also minimize environmental impact. Traditional sterilization methods often involve hazardous chemicals and significant energy consumption, leading to environmental concerns and challenges in patient safety. ASCLEPIOS addresses these issues by developing a more sustainable sterilization solution.
Technology Basics and Background
The technology underlying ASCLEPIOS focuses on advanced sterilization capabilities that leverage innovative methods to ensure effective disinfection while reducing the ecological footprint. The approach is likely based on cutting-edge techniques such as plasma sterilization, which utilizes ionized gas to eliminate pathogens without the harmful byproducts associated with conventional methods. This technology not only achieves high levels of sterilization efficacy but also operates at lower temperatures, conserving energy and reducing operational costs.
Additionally, ASCLEPIOS aims to create a system that is modular and scalable, allowing healthcare facilities of varying sizes to adopt these solutions effectively. By integrating real-time monitoring and data analytics, the technology can offer insights into sterilization processes, ensuring compliance with safety standards and improving overall operational efficiency.
In summary, the EIC Accelerator program serves as an essential catalyst for innovation within the European DeepTech landscape. By providing substantial funding and resources, it empowers companies like AURORA SAS to develop groundbreaking solutions that address critical healthcare challenges while contributing to sustainability goals. The ASCLEPIOS project exemplifies this mission, promising a transformative impact on patient safety and environmental stewardship in the healthcare sector.
2 The Funding Rounds
Financing Raised by AURORA SAS Since EIC Accelerator Funding
EIC Accelerator Grant (2023–2024):
AURORA SAS, operating as Aurora Sterilisation and based in France, secured a €2.5 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program as part of the June 21, 2023 cut-off. The grant agreement was formally signed in February 2024. This funding aims to accelerate Aurora’s development and commercialization of its advanced sterilization technology for medical applications.
Funding Rounds
- Type: Non-dilutive grant
- Round: EIC Accelerator Grant
- Date Announced: February 22, 2024
- Amount Raised: €2.5 million
This is currently the only publicly disclosed funding round since AURORA SAS’s success in the EIC Accelerator program.
Timing and Amount of Funding Rounds
| Date | Round | Amount | Investor/Funder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 22, 2024 | EIC Accelerator Grant | €2.5M | European Innovation Council |
No other subsequent or earlier venture capital, equity investment rounds, or convertible debt financings have been publicly reported for AURORA SAS following their EIC win.
Investor Information
The sole disclosed investor/funding source since June 21, 2023 is:
There is no public record of private equity investors or venture capital funds participating in additional rounds post-EIC award at this time.
Additional Information Related to Funding Rounds
Aurora Sterilisation was among a select group of French deep-tech startups awarded during this highly competitive call—France accounted for approximately a quarter of all funded companies across Europe during this cycle. The majority of awards under this call were delivered through blended finance mechanisms (grant plus potential equity), but Aurora's disclosed support pertains specifically to a non-dilutive grant with no mention so far of an associated equity component.
Company Valuation Updates
No public disclosures regarding company valuation have been made since receiving the EIC funding. As AURORA SAS remains an early-stage deep tech SME with recent non-dilutive financing and no evidence yet of priced equity rounds or secondary market transactions announced post-June 2023, there are no official valuation figures available.
Exit Events: IPOs/Buyouts/Acquisitions
There are currently no reported exit events—such as initial public offerings (IPOs), buyouts by strategic acquirers, or acquisition transactions—for AURORA SAS since winning its EIC funding round. The company appears focused on technology development and commercialization at present without indications that it has entered formal exit negotiations.
Summary Table
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Latest financing | Feb 22, 2024 | €2.5M EIC Accelerator Grant |
| Type | Non-dilutive | No dilution/equity issued |
| Public VC/private investors | None reported post-EIC win | |
| Valuation | Not disclosed | |
| Exit event | None known |
Sources
- Aurora Sterilisation receives EUR 2.5 million grant from European EIC Accelerator 2023 programme
- EIC Accelerator winners and statistics June 2023: 47 European deeptech startups awarded €349 million
3 The Press Releases
Overview of AURORA SAS
AURORA SAS, a French company, was awarded funding through the EIC Accelerator in June 2023. This prestigious program supports innovative startups and SMEs across Europe, focusing on game-changing technologies.EIC Accelerator Funding
AURORA SAS received funding as part of the EIC Accelerator's June 2023 cut-off. The program awarded a total of €349 million to 47 European deeptech startups, with most of the awardees receiving blended finance options, which combine grants and equity investments.Company Focus
While specific details about AURORA SAS's technology advancements or partnerships are not available, the company is likely involved in cutting-edge innovations within its field. The EIC Accelerator emphasizes supporting projects with significant potential impact, often in areas like new deep-tech technologies, health, and environment.Press Releases and Updates
Currently, there are no publicly available press releases or blog posts on AURORA SAS's website or social media accounts regarding the EIC Accelerator funding or related updates. The company's website, aurora-sterilisation.com, does not provide recent press releases or news updates.Conclusion
AURORA SAS's success in securing EIC Accelerator funding highlights its potential in the deeptech sector. However, specific details about the company's projects or partnerships remain limited.Sources: - EIC Accelerator winners and statistics June 2023
4 The Technology Advancements
Overview of AURORA SAS from France
AURORA SAS, based in France, is a company known for its innovative cold plasma sterilization technology. This technology is designed to enhance the safety of medical devices by providing a more efficient method of sterilization, particularly for complex instruments. The company received EIC Accelerator funding on June 21, 2023, which marked a significant milestone in its development journey.
Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding
Since receiving the funding, specific details about new technological advancements or improvements by AURORA SAS are not readily available. However, the company's focus on plasma sterilization suggests ongoing efforts to refine and expand its technology to meet growing demands for safe and efficient medical device sterilization.
Market Demonstration and Technology Updates
While there is no recent information on AURORA SAS demonstrating its technology through pilots, clinical trials, or new customer engagements, the company's cold plasma sterilization technology is positioned to address the increasing need for effective sterilization methods in healthcare settings. This technology is particularly valuable for sterilizing complex medical devices that are challenging to clean using traditional methods.
Intellectual Property and Publications
There are no recent reports or publications indicating that AURORA SAS has filed new patents or published scientific studies or whitepapers specifically since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding. However, the company's technology has been noted for its ability to penetrate complex shapes, making it an advancement in the field of medical device sterilization.
Conclusion
AURORA SAS continues to focus on its cold plasma sterilization technology, which offers significant benefits in medical safety and efficiency. While specific updates on new advancements or market demonstrations since the EIC funding are not detailed, the company's technology remains a promising solution for the healthcare sector.
Sources
- Aurora Plasma Sterilization
- Innovative Sterilization Technologies for Medical Devices in 2025
- No specific sources detailing recent advancements or publications by AURORA SAS were found.
5 The Partnerships and Customers
AURORA SAS: Enhancements and Partnerships Post EIC Accelerator Funding
AURORA SAS, a French company specializing in cold plasma sterilization, received significant funding through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in June 2023. This funding is crucial for advancing its innovative sterilization technology, aimed at achieving high sterility assurance levels for medical devices.
Technology and Objectives
AURORA SAS's technology is designed to achieve Sterility Assurance Levels (SAL) on medical devices, a critical aspect for healthcare safety. Their plasma technology is particularly suited for complex shapes and materials such as electronics and fragile polymers, operating at low temperatures (not exceeding 40°C) and with a sterilization cycle lasting about one hour.
Partnerships and Customers
Currently, there is no specific information available on new partnerships or customers for AURORA SAS following the EIC funding. However, the company's association with the EIC Accelerator program itself represents a significant partnership, as it positions AURORA SAS within a network of high-potential European startups.
New Relationships and Market Positioning
The EIC funding positions AURORA SAS favorably in the market by acknowledging its innovative potential. This recognition can attract potential partners and customers interested in advanced sterilization technologies. The funding will likely enhance the company's ability to scale and improve its technology, making it more competitive in the sterilization industry.
Technology Advancements and Scaling
The EIC funding will be instrumental in advancing AURORA SAS's technology by supporting further research and development. It will also facilitate scaling up production, potentially leading to more widespread adoption of its sterilization solutions across the healthcare sector. This could lead to strategic partnerships with medical device manufacturers or healthcare providers seeking reliable and efficient sterilization methods.
Conclusion
AURORA SAS's success in securing EIC funding marks a significant milestone in its growth journey. The company's focus on innovative sterilization technology, coupled with the support from the European Innovation Council, is poised to enhance its market presence and drive advancements in medical device sterilization.
Sources: - Aurora Sterilisation receives €2.5 million grant from European EIC
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Aurora SAS Growth and Team Dynamics Post-EIC Accelerator Funding (2023) Based on available data, specific details about Aurora SAS (aurora-sterilisation.com) in France are not found in the provided search results. However, insights from similarly named entities and general hiring trends may provide context for analysis:Hiring and Team Growth
- Headcount and team size: No direct data is available for Aurora SAS’s current workforce or recent growth metrics.
- Hiring status: Unspecified due to lack of accessible records. EIC Accelerator winners typically scale operations post-funding, implying potential hiring increases in R&D, production, or market expansion roles[^general].
- Key positions: No role-specific announcements were identified. Companies in sterilization technology often prioritize engineers, regulatory specialists, and commercial managers during scaling phases[^general].
Management Changes
The search results did not identify leadership changes specific to Aurora SAS. However:Future Trajectory Post-Funding
EIC Accelerator grants often enable:Sources
- SAS Announces Management Changes (Scandinavian Airlines example)
- 8 Steps for Hiring the Best Employees (General best practices)
Note: Data specific to aurora-sterilisation.com is unavailable in the provided sources; recommendations are extrapolated from industry norms.
7 The Media Features and Publications
AURORA SAS: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Visibility and Public EngagementAURORA SAS, a French company specializing in advanced sterilization technologies, was awarded EIC Accelerator funding in June 2023. While specific media features, podcasts, or conferences directly involving AURORA SAS are not detailed in the available sources, the company’s inclusion in the EIC Accelerator winners’ list highlights its recognition as a deeptech innovator. Below is a synthesis of available information and contextual insights:
Media and Publications
- EIC Accelerator Announcements: AURORA SAS was publicly named among the 47 funded companies in June 2023 by Strata.team, emphasizing its role in developing novel sterilization solutions. No standalone articles or third-party publications specifically profiling the company were identified from the provided results.
- Sectoral Context: As an EIC-funded deeptech startup, AURORA SAS likely benefits from Horizon Europe’s visibility channels but lacks direct media coverage within these results.
Podcasts and Interviews
No interviews or podcasts featuring AURORA SAS executives were found in the search results. However:Conferences and Events
While no direct mentions of conference participation were identified:Key Observations
- Public Outreach Gap: Despite winning significant funding (exact amount undisclosed), detailed public engagement activities for AURORA SAS remain undocumented in accessible sources. This may reflect either limited reporting or confidentiality around proprietary technologies related to sterilization capabilities mentioned by Strata.
- Sector Focus: The absence of marketing-centric content aligns with many deeptech firms prioritizing R&D commercialization over media exposure during early stages post-funding.
Sources
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