1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups with high-impact potential. The primary objective of the EIC Accelerator is to facilitate the development and scaling of breakthrough innovations that can contribute significantly to Europe’s economic growth and competitiveness.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator provides a blended finance approach, which includes both grant funding and equity investment. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, aimed at covering early-stage development costs, including research, prototyping, and testing of innovative technologies.

In addition to grants, the program offers equity funding of up to €15 million until 2024, and this amount is reduced to €10 million starting in 2025. This equity investment is intended to help companies scale their operations, reach market readiness, and attract further investment from private sector sources.

Purpose and Impact

The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by providing essential financial support that bridges the gap between early-stage innovation and market entry. By facilitating access to capital, the program enables companies to undertake high-risk projects that might otherwise struggle to secure funding from traditional sources. The program’s focus on deep technology sectors, such as health, energy, and advanced manufacturing, aligns with Europe’s strategic goals of fostering sustainability and technological leadership.

Support for Scaling and Private Funding

The EIC Accelerator not only provides financial resources but also offers coaching, mentoring, and access to a network of industry experts and investors. This comprehensive support structure helps companies refine their business models, enhance their strategic positioning, and improve their chances of attracting additional private investment. By connecting innovators with potential investors and partners, the EIC Accelerator creates a robust pipeline of growth opportunities for high-potential startups.

Case Study: Porous GmbH

Company Overview

Porous GmbH, based in Germany, is a recipient of the EIC Accelerator funding for its project titled "NonInvasive Cortical Bone Microstructure Analysis." The company focuses on developing advanced technologies for the early diagnosis of osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases.

Project Description

The project aims to conduct a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of a groundbreaking technology capable of performing non-invasive cortical bone microstructure analysis. This innovative approach seeks to identify changes in bone density and structure that precede clinical symptoms of osteoporosis, allowing for earlier intervention and improved patient outcomes.

Technology Background

The technology developed by Porous GmbH utilizes advanced imaging techniques to analyze the microstructure of cortical bone. Traditional methods of diagnosing osteoporosis often rely on bone density measurements, which may not provide a complete picture of bone health. By focusing on microstructural changes, Porous’s technology allows for a more nuanced understanding of bone quality, which is critical for assessing fracture risk and the presence of osteoporosis.

This non-invasive method not only enhances diagnostic accuracy but also minimizes the need for invasive procedures that can be uncomfortable and risky for patients. The implications of this technology extend beyond osteoporosis; it has the potential to revolutionize how various bone diseases are diagnosed and monitored, ultimately contributing to better preventative care strategies.

Funding Achievements

Porous GmbH submitted its Step 2 proposal to the EIC Accelerator on June 15, 2022, and successfully advanced to the Step 3 interview, ultimately securing funding for its innovative project. The blended finance model employed by the EIC Accelerator enables Porous GmbH to advance its research and development efforts significantly while also positioning the company to attract additional private investments for further scaling.

Overall, the EIC Accelerator program is instrumental in propelling innovative companies like Porous GmbH toward success, aligning with Europe’s vision of fostering a vibrant and sustainable innovation ecosystem.

2 The Funding Rounds

Financing Raised

Porous GmbH, based in Germany, received significant funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program following their successful submission during the June 2022 cut-off. The EIC Accelerator grant included direct funding of €2.5 million as a non-dilutive grant and an additional equity investment component through the EIC Fund. The total amount of equity investment available via the EIC can range substantially—typically between €0.5 million to €15 million or more—though specific figures for Porous GmbH’s equity tranche have not been disclosed publicly.

The company's projects also received co-funding from other sources such as the state of Brandenburg, including support from ProFIT (funded by EFRE), and involvement in programs like Eureka Eurostars and Innosuisse.

Funding Rounds

The primary publicized funding round for Porous GmbH post-EIC Accelerator was associated with this EU-backed blended finance package (grant plus potential equity). There is no evidence in available sources of subsequent venture capital rounds, Series A or B fundraising, or any growth/mezzanine financing since their EIC win.

Timing and Amounts

• June 2022: Porous submitted its successful Step 2 proposal to the EIC Accelerator on June 15, 2022.
• Award Notification: Funding decisions for this cut-off were announced in October 2022; at that point, selected companies—including Porous—became eligible for up to €2.5 million in grant financing plus possible additional equity investments.
• Grant Disbursement: Most companies typically receive their grant within two to three months after selection; finalization of any accompanying equity investment may occur later in autumn or beyond depending on due diligence processes.

Investor Information

The key external investor identified is the European Innovation Council Fund (EIC Fund), which provides both grant and direct equity investment under EU oversight. No other institutional investors are reported as part of recent rounds post-EIC funding.

Additional financial support comes via regional innovation funds such as ProFIT Brandenburg/EFRE and international collaboration grants like those from Eureka Eurostars and Innosuisse (Switzerland).

Company Valuations

There are no public disclosures regarding company valuation tied directly to these funding events. As is typical with early-stage deep tech startups receiving major EU grants/equity before private rounds, explicit valuations are often confidential unless revealed through later private capital raises or exit events.

Exit Events: IPOs, Buyouts & Acquisitions

As of May 2025:

• There is no record indicating that Porous GmbH has undergone an initial public offering (IPO).
• There are no publicly reported acquisitions or buyout events.

Porous appears focused on clinical validation studies and scaling its technology rather than preparing for immediate exit scenarios.

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Summary Table: Key Post-EIC Funding Facts

Date	Round Type	Amount	Investors	Public Valuation?	Exit Event?
June–Oct 2022	Grant/Equity	Up to €2.5M + Equity	EIC Fund; State/Regional Programs	Not disclosed	None

<em class="publication">Equity amount not specified publicly

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Sources

• European Innovation Council - New wave deep tech start-ups set to receive Accelerator grants
• POROUS GmbH News – Announcement on EIC Grant
• POROUS Company Website – Details on Funding
• EIC News – Major Funding Round Awards

3 The Press Releases

Overview of Porous GmbH

Porous GmbH, a German company, gained recognition in 2022 for winning the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator grant. The EIC Accelerator is a highly competitive funding program that supports deep-tech startups and SMEs with grants and equity investments.

EIC Accelerator Funding

Porous GmbH successfully secured funding in June 2022, during the second EIC Accelerator cut-off of that year. This cut-off was particularly competitive, with only 75 companies selected out of 986 proposals submitted.

Technology and Innovations

Porous GmbH is known for its innovative ultrasound technology,developed by Prof. Dr. Kay Raum and his team at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. This technology uses quantitative ultrasound (QUS) to enable early and precise detection of osteoporosis, a global health challenge affecting millions worldwide. Unlike traditional X-ray methods that provide only an approximate indication of fracture risk at advanced disease stages, Porous GmbH's solution offers an early diagnosis and potential for targeted treatment.

Awards and Recognition

In addition to the EIC Accelerator grant, Porous GmbH was honored with the Berlin Brandenburg Innovation Award 2023. This award recognizes future-oriented and marketable entrepreneurial work, highlighting the company's contributions to healthcare innovation.

Team and Leadership

Porous GmbH is led by Dr. Julia Eschenbrenner as CEO, Jonas Massmann as CTO, and Prof. Dr. Kay Raum as CSO. The company's technology is licensed from Charité via Ascenion GmbH, indicating a strong partnership with academic and research institutions.

Press Releases and Updates

Porous GmbH announced its EIC Accelerator win on its news page, highlighting the achievement as an important milestone for the company. For further updates or press releases, interested parties can visit the company's website or follow their social media accounts.

Sources

• EIC Accelerator winners and statistics June 2022
• News & Events - POROUS GmbH
• New wave of deep-tech start-ups set to receive Accelerator grants and equity
• PoroUS GmbH wins the Berlin Brandenburg Innovation Award 2023

4 The Technology Advancements

Porous GmbH: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments

Current Capabilities
Porous GmbH specializes in mobile, radiation-free ultrasound technology for analyzing cortical bone microstructure to enable early osteoporosis detection. Its proprietary quantitative ultrasound (QUS) system measures cortical thickness and pore-size distribution at a microscopic level, addressing the global bone health crisis by providing accessible diagnostics in primary care settings, pharmacies, and elderly homes.

Post-Funding Advancements (June 2022 Onward)
Publicly available information does not explicitly mention EIC Accelerator funding outcomes or specific technological milestones achieved after June 2022. However, the company’s website highlights ongoing growth and recruitment efforts for specialized roles, suggesting operational scaling. Collaborations with the Charité Centre for Muscle and Bone Research remain active, though no new patents, whitepapers, or clinical trial results are disclosed in the provided sources.

Market Demonstration of Technology
While Porous emphasizes its technology’s readiness for prevention-focused screening, there is no explicit mention of customer deployments, pilots, or clinical trials in recent updates. The company’s marketing materials frame their solution as "groundbreaking" but lack specifics on real-world implementation beyond theoretical applications.

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Sources

• POROUS GmbH - Mobile Ultrasound Technology
• About Us | POROUS Team and Mission
• Porous GmbH - F6S Profile

Note: The absence of detailed post-2022 updates may reflect non-public developments or reporting gaps.

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Porous GmbH: Partnerships and Developments

Porous GmbH, a German company based in Potsdam, has gained recognition for its innovative ultrasound technology in detecting osteoporosis and assessing bone health. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022, Porous GmbH has continued to expand its network through various partnerships and projects.

Partnerships and Collaborations

New Partnerships and Customers

• EU Funding and Horizon 2020: Porous GmbH received around EUR 3M in funding from Horizon 2020, which supports its mission to advance osteoporosis diagnosis and reduce healthcare costs associated with fractures.
• Eureka Eurostars Program and Innosuisse: These organizations support the "PigBoneS" project, reflecting Porous GmbH's expanding network in European innovation and research programs.

Nature of New Relationships and Purpose

The partnerships and collaborations established by Porous GmbH aim to integrate its technology into existing healthcare ecosystems and expand its reach through strategic alliances. These relationships are focused on advancing bone health diagnostics, improving the efficiency of osteoporosis detection, and reducing healthcare costs associated with related fractures.

Positioning in the Market

By developing innovative ultrasound technologies and engaging in collaborative projects, Porous GmbH is positioning itself as a leader in early osteoporosis detection and bone health assessment. The company's focus on non-invasive and cost-effective methods aligns with the growing demand for advanced medical diagnostics that can be used outside traditional hospital settings.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

Porous GmbH's partnerships have facilitated significant advancements in its technology, enabling more precise bone health assessments. The collaboration with Charité and funding from Horizon 2020 have allowed the company to refine its AI-based product solutions, which are expected to replace traditional X-ray methods in the future. These advancements will help Porous GmbH scale its operations, offering its technology to a broader market and contributing to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

Sources

• PoroUS GmbH wins the Berlin Brandenburg Innovation Award 2023
• Innovator Spotlight with POROUS
• Projects - POROUS GmbH
• News & Events - POROUS GmbH

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Porous GmbH: Team Growth and Development

Porous GmbH, a German company based in Potsdam, has been making significant strides in the healthcare sector, particularly in the area of osteoporosis detection. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022, the company has experienced rapid growth and development, driven by its innovative ultrasound technology for assessing bone health.

Current Headcount and Team Size

While the exact current headcount of Porous GmbH is not explicitly stated in available sources, the company has described itself as an "international group of experts" with a diverse range of skills. This indicates a team structure that is both specialized and expanding to meet its growth objectives.

Hiring and Recruitment

Porous GmbH is actively hiring to support its rapid expansion. The company is seeking highly skilled and driven experts to fill various positions, reflecting its need for specialized talent to further develop and commercialize its technology.

Growth and Scaling

The growth of Porous GmbH is marked by significant technological advancements and strategic partnerships. The company's innovative 3D ultrasound method for detecting early cortical bone changes has positioned it as a leader in osteoporosis prevention. This technology allows for early intervention, potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with osteoporosis-related fractures. Additionally, Porous GmbH has been involved in projects such as "PigBoneS," focusing on breeding pigs with stronger bones, which indicates its diverse application areas and capacity for expansion.

Key Positions and Recent Hires

Key positions at Porous GmbH include:

• Dr. Julia Eschenbrenner: CEO, leading the company's strategic direction.
• Jonas Massmann: Chief Technology Officer, responsible for technological development.
• Prof. Dr. Kay Raum: Chief Scientific Officer, instrumental in developing the core technology.

While specific recent hires are not detailed, the company's emphasis on hiring skilled experts suggests that new team members are crucial for enhancing the company's technological capabilities and scaling its operations.

Future Prospects and Scaling

New team members at Porous GmbH play a vital role in scaling the company. Their expertise helps refine the ultrasound technology, enhance diagnostics, and expand the reach of the company's solutions into new markets. This growth supports Porous GmbH's mission to revolutionize osteoporosis detection and prevention globally, making it a significant player in the healthcare technology sector.

Management and Founding Team Changes

There are no reported major changes in the management or founding team of Porous GmbH. The core leadership remains consistent with Dr. Eschenbrenner, Jonas Massmann, and Prof. Dr. Raum at the helm, guiding the company's growth trajectory.

Awards and Recognition

In December 2023, Porous GmbH received the prestigious Berlin Brandenburg Innovation Award for its groundbreaking ultrasound technology, further validating its innovative approach and entrepreneurial success.

Sources

• POROUS GmbH
• PoroUS GmbH wins the Berlin Brandenburg Innovation Award 2023
• POROUS wins innovation award - NLC Health Ventures
• About Us | POROUS Team and Mission
• Innovator Spotlight with POROUS - Dealflow.EU

7 The Media Features and Publications

Overview of Porous GmbH

Porous GmbH, based in Germany, is a startup dedicated to revolutionizing osteoporosis detection through innovative ultrasound technology. The company received significant recognition and funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in 2022, a highly competitive grant program aimed at supporting deep-tech startups and SMEs across Europe.

Media Features and Publications

Porous GmbH has been featured in various media outlets due to its innovative approach to osteoporosis detection. For instance, the company's win of the EIC Accelerator grant was noted in its news section on October 17, 2022. Additionally, Porous GmbH was honored with the Berlin Brandenburg Innovation Award in 2023 for its groundbreaking ultrasound procedure, which enables cost-effective and precise early detection of osteoporosis.

Content from Publications

Publications have highlighted Porous GmbH's unique technology, which uses quantitative ultrasound (QUS) to measure cortical bone quality down to a microscopic pore level without radiation hazards. This technology is designed to be mobile and can be used both inside and outside hospitals, making it accessible for early osteoporosis screening.

Podcasts and Interviews

There is no specific information available about podcasts or interviews conducted by the team of Porous GmbH in the given search results.

Conference and Fair Visits

While there is no direct information about specific conferences or fairs attended by Porous GmbH, the company's participation in such events is likely, given its focus on innovation and medical technology. However, specific details about conference visits or presentations are not available in the search results provided.

Involvement in Events

Porous GmbH's involvement in scientific and medical events aligns with its mission to advance bone health through innovative diagnostic technologies. Although specific event participations are not detailed, the company's presence in relevant medical and technological forums is expected, considering its recent awards and funding successes.

Company Details

• Location: Germany
• Funding Received: EIC Accelerator grant in 2022, Berlin Brandenburg Innovation Award in 2023
• Technology Focus: Non-invasive osteoporosis detection using quantitative ultrasound technology

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Sources: - POROUS GmbH News

• About Us | POROUS Team and Mission
• POROUS GmbH wins the Berlin Brandenburg Innovation Award 2023
• POROUS GmbH