1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program: Overview and Significance

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program is a vital funding initiative designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Europe. It aims to facilitate the development and scaling of groundbreaking technologies, particularly in the DeepTech sector, by providing substantial financial backing alongside mentorship and networking opportunities. The program is part of the broader EIC, which seeks to foster innovation across Europe, thereby enhancing its global competitiveness.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a unique blend of financial support that consists of grants and equity investments.

• Grant Component: Companies can receive grants of up to €2.5 million. This grant is intended to cover a portion of the costs associated with research and development activities, helping to advance innovative projects from the concept stage to market readiness.
• Equity Component: Beyond the grant, the program also offers equity investments. Until 2024, companies can secure up to €15 million in equity funding, which can be instrumental in scaling operations, enhancing production capabilities, and penetrating new markets. Starting in 2025, this maximum equity funding will be adjusted to €10 million.

This dual funding mechanism not only alleviates financial burdens but also attracts private sector financing by demonstrating potential viability and market interest.

Purpose and Impact on the Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a critical role in the European startup ecosystem, particularly within the DeepTech domain. By providing targeted financial resources, the program empowers high-risk, high-potential ventures that might otherwise struggle to secure funding through traditional avenues. It aims to bridge the gap between innovative concepts and market-ready solutions, ensuring that promising technologies can reach the commercialization stage.

The program also enhances the visibility of funded projects, making them more attractive to private investors. This strategic alignment helps companies scale more effectively while fostering a collaborative environment among emerging tech firms, established businesses, and research institutions.

Case Study: SciMo - Elektrische Hochleistungsantriebe GmbH and the eMONIC Project

Company Overview

SciMo - Elektrische Hochleistungsantriebe GmbH, based in Germany, has emerged as a notable winner of the EIC Accelerator program. The company specializes in advanced electric drive technologies, focusing on the automotive sector. Its innovative approach aims to revolutionize the performance and efficiency of electric motors.

Project eMONIC

The eMONIC project, which stands for "The Next Generation of Automotive Electric Motor," received funding under the EIC Accelerator program. This initiative seeks to develop cutting-edge electric motor technology designed to enhance the performance and efficiency of electric vehicles (EVs). The project was submitted in October 2021, marking a significant step in the company’s innovation journey.

Technology Basics and Background

The eMONIC project aims to address critical challenges faced by the automotive industry, particularly in the realm of electric propulsion. Electric motors are integral to the operation of EVs, and advancements in this area can lead to significant improvements in vehicle range, performance, and overall user experience.

The technology behind eMONIC revolves around:

• High Efficiency: The project focuses on developing electric motors that offer superior efficiency compared to existing models. This enhancement is crucial for extending the range of electric vehicles, making them more competitive with traditional combustion engine vehicles.
• Compact Design: The eMONIC motors are designed to be more compact and lightweight, thereby optimizing space within the vehicle chassis and contributing to better overall vehicle dynamics.
• Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Techniques: The project leverages innovative materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes to produce electric motors that are not only more efficient but also more sustainable.
• Integration with Smart Technologies: The eMONIC project aims to incorporate smart technologies that can provide real-time data analytics, enhancing performance monitoring and predictive maintenance capabilities.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator program plays a crucial role in nurturing and scaling innovative projects like SciMo's eMONIC, which promises to advance the electric vehicle landscape significantly. Through its combination of grant and equity funding, the program supports the development of technologies that are essential for a sustainable and efficient future in transportation.

2 The Funding Rounds

SciMo - Elektrische Hochleistungsantriebe GmbH

SciMo, a German company specializing in electric high-performance drives, successfully secured funding through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program. The company's innovative approach to developing advanced motor technologies has been recognized and supported by this prestigious funding initiative.

Financing Raised and Funding Rounds

EIC Accelerator Funding: SciMo received approximately €1.94 million from the EIC Accelerator program to develop a fully automated winding machine. This funding is part of the EIC's effort to support groundbreaking technologies and help them scale. The program combines grants and equity investments, though specific details on the equity portion for SciMo are not provided in the available information.

Timing and Amount of Funding Rounds

Date of Funding: The funding was awarded in the context of the EIC Accelerator program, with SciMo's proposal being submitted around October 2021. However, the exact timing of the funding disbursement may vary based on the program's execution schedule.

Investor Information

European Innovation Council (EIC): The primary investor behind SciMo's funding is the European Innovation Council, which supports innovative startups and SMEs across Europe through its Accelerator program.

Information Related to Funding Rounds

Project Details: The funding is aimed at enhancing SciMo's winding technology, enabling mass production of motors with high power densities. This technology is crucial for the e-mobility sector, contributing to the European Green Deal by increasing material efficiency and reducing motor size and weight.

Company Valuations

There is no publicly available data specifically regarding SciMo's valuation following the EIC funding. Valuations are typically disclosed during significant investment rounds or when companies choose to release this information publicly.

Funding or Exit Events

EIC Accelerator Funding: This is the most notable funding event for SciMo in recent years. There is no information available on any exit events for the company.

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Sources: - SciMo company information, funding & investors

• SciMo company information, funding & investors - Startup Map Berlin
• SciMo – Science for Motion

3 The Press Releases

SciMo's Technological Advancements and Strategic Growth Post-EIC Accelerator Funding SciMo – Elektrische Hochleistungsantriebe GmbH, a German innovator in high-performance electric motor systems, has demonstrated significant progress since its EIC Accelerator win in 2021. Specializing in lightweight, high-power-density motors for sustainable mobility and industrial applications, the company’s advancements align with EU goals for clean energy transitions.

Core Innovations

• Motor Technology: SciMo’s proprietary motors achieve peak power densities exceeding 17 kW/kg, with continuous performance above 10 kW/kg[^sci-mo]. Their SY43 model (13 kg) delivers up to 180 kW peak power and operates at speeds of 30,000 RPM, targeting automotive and aerospace use cases[^sci-mo].
• Hyperloop Collaboration: SciMo-powered pods competed in SpaceX Hyperloop challenges, including a 2017 victory by Munich’s WARR team reaching 201 mph[^sci-mo]. For TU Delft’s Hyperloop team, they developed a 200 kW motor weighing just 11.5 kg[^sci-mo].
• Manufacturing Infrastructure: Expanded facilities in Karlsruhe include CNC milling centers and automated winding systems supported by Baden-Württemberg state grants[^sci-mo].

Recent Developments

• Industrial Applications: Focus on transitioning industries to circular economies through efficient electrification solutions[^sci-mo].
• Research Partnerships: Collaborations with Formula Student teams (e.g., KIT16e electric race car) showcase real-world testing of motor endurance[^sci-mo].

No explicit press releases or blog posts directly referencing their EIC Accelerator win were found on sci-mo.de. However, their website emphasizes sustainable mobility R&D milestones post-2021[^sci-mo].

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Sources Used:
sci-mo.de (Note: This appears incorrectly cited; primary source is SciMo – Science for Motion. The correct URL is https://www.sciy.com/en/news-and-events/news.html does not correspond to SciMo — this may indicate a data limitation.)

Correction: The accurate information derives from SciMo – Science for Motion, though no direct press releases were retrievable from the provided search results.

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Clarification on Sources:
Available data from search results did not yield specific press releases about SciMo’s EIC Accelerator funding or recent announcements. Company details are inferred from their website content (Sci-MO.de) as referenced indirectly via the provided snippets. For verified updates post-2021 EIC award, direct engagement with SciMo or official EU databases would be recommended.

(Limitation: Search results did not include sciomo.de-specific press releases; company website content was summarized based on indexed snippets.)

4 The Technology Advancements

SciMo - Elektrische Hochleistungsantriebe GmbH, based in Karlsruhe, Germany, specializes in high-performance electric motors with a focus on innovative motor winding technology that significantly enhances power density for electric traction motors. Since receiving the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding of approximately €1.94 million on October 6, 2021, for their "eMONIC - The Next Generation of Automotive Electric Motor" project, the company has made notable advancements and progress toward commercialization.

Current Capabilities

• SciMo has developed a novel motor winding technology enabling electric traction motors to reach power densities up to 10 kW/kg.
• This innovation allows reduction of motor weight by about 75%, along with proportional savings in critical materials such as copper, steel, and rare earth elements.
• Their technology targets automotive electrification sectors by providing lighter and smaller electric motors that align with sustainability goals under the EU Green Deal.

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

• The funded eMONIC project focuses on automating the production process for this advanced winding technology at scale to enable cost-effective series manufacturing.
• Prior to funding, SciMo's motors were available only as prototypes or in limited small-series production; now they aim to transition into larger volume manufacturing.
• This automation development is crucial for market scalability and broader industrial adoption.

Technology Improvements & New Features

• By increasing material efficiency by up to 75%, SciMo’s approach not only improves energy density but also promotes resource conservation and circular economy principles.
• The new winding design represents a significant leap compared to conventional electric motor windings used today.

Market Demonstrations & Pilots

• Although detailed public information about customer deployments or pilot projects after funding is limited from available sources, it is indicated that SciMo’s current product status before funding was primarily prototype-level or small batch production.
• The focus post-funding has been on scaling via automation which suggests preparation towards market demonstration phases may be underway or imminent.

Patents & Publications

No explicit publicly available records were found concerning newly filed patents or scientific publications directly associated with SciMo since October 2021 within accessible search results.

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In summary, since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in late 2021, SciMo - Elektrische Hochleistungsantriebe GmbH has concentrated its efforts on advancing its breakthrough motor winding technology through developing automated production capabilities allowing scalable manufacturing. This enhances their ability to offer highly efficient lightweight electric traction motors suitable for automotive applications aligned with sustainability targets. While concrete details about new patents or customer demonstrations remain sparse publicly at this time, their progression from prototype toward series-production readiness marks significant technological maturation supported by substantial EU investment.

Sources

• SciMo receives €1.94 million EU EIC Accelerator Funding - Steinbeis Europa Zentrum
• Steinbeis Europa Annual Report 2021

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, SciMo - Elektrische Hochleistungsantriebe GmbH, based in Germany, has developed and expanded its partnerships and customer base with significant strategic relationships that position it strongly in the electric high-performance motor market.

Key Partnerships and Customers:

SciMo has partnered with Electra Aero on the development of hybrid-electric aircraft propulsion. Specifically, Electra’s EL-2 Goldfinch eSTOL (electric Short Takeoff and Landing) aircraft uses SciMo’s SY43.B generator combined with a SciMo ISI2 inverter. This collaboration demonstrates a practical application of SciMo technology enabling long-range flight without ground recharging.

Nature and Purpose of Relationships:

• The partnership with Electra is focused on integrating SciMo’s high-performance electric motors and generators into next-generation aviation applications, particularly hybrid-electric propulsion systems. This relationship serves as both a validation of their technology's capabilities at the cutting edge of electric mobility and as a showcase for scalability into advanced transportation sectors.
• Additionally, through the EIC-funded eMONIC project, SciMo aims to automate its winding technology production process for mass manufacturing. This enhances production efficiency allowing motors—previously only prototype or small-series—to be produced at scale cost-effectively while improving power density up to 10 kW/kg.

Impact on Market Positioning:

• These new partnerships place SciMo prominently within emerging sectors such as e-mobility for aviation where lightweight, efficient electric drives are essential.
• Collaborations like those with Electra demonstrate real-world adoption potential which strengthens market credibility.
• The ability to move from small batch prototype manufacturing toward automated mass production will allow wider commercial availability boosting their competitive edge against established players.

Advancement in Technology and Scaling:

• The relationship-driven feedback loop from customers like Electra informs ongoing product development tailored to demanding use cases.
• Funding supported automation upgrades which increase material efficiency by up to 75%, reduce motor size/weight but maintain or improve performance — key factors for scaling electric drive solutions across transport modes aligned with European Green Deal goals.

In summary, since winning EIC Accelerator funding in late 2021, SciMo has established strategic industry partnerships exemplified by collaboration with Electra Aero that validate its high-performance motor technology in advanced aerospace applications. These relationships accelerate technological refinement informed by real-world usage while funding-driven automation enables scalable production capacity. Collectively these advances position SciMo strongly within the competitive landscape of electrification technologies targeting sustainable mobility markets.

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Sources: SciMo – Science for Motion

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

SciMo - Elektrische Hochleistungsantriebe GmbH

SciMo, a German company specializing in high-performance electric drives, received the EIC Accelerator funding on October 6, 2021. Since then, specific details about their hiring practices, team growth, and current headcount have not been widely disclosed. However, given the nature of the EIC Accelerator funding, which aims to support innovative companies in scaling their operations, it is likely that SciMo has experienced significant growth and expansion in their team and operations.

Hiring and Team Growth

While specific details on recent hires or current team size are not available, the EIC Accelerator funding typically supports companies in enhancing their capabilities, which often involves expanding the team to meet increased demand or to develop new technologies. Key positions that companies in this sector often hire for include engineering roles, research and development positions, and business development specialists.

Current Headcount and Team Size

There is no publicly available information on the current headcount or team size of SciMo. However, the receipt of significant funding typically indicates an intention to increase the workforce to support business expansion.

Current Hiring Status

It is likely that SciMo is actively hiring, given the need to scale operations following the EIC Accelerator funding. Positions may include those related to electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and software development.

Growth and Scaling

The EIC Accelerator funding is designed to help companies like SciMo scale their business, enhance their product offerings, and expand into new markets. New team members would play a crucial role in driving these efforts, contributing to the development of innovative technologies and supporting the company's strategic growth objectives.

Management and Founding Team Changes

There is no readily available information on any changes to the management or founding team of SciMo following the EIC Accelerator funding.

Future Impact

The addition of new team members would be integral to SciMo's future success, enabling the company to leverage the EIC funding effectively. These new hires would help in advancing the company's technology, expanding its market reach, and positioning SciMo as a leader in high-performance electric drives.

Source URLs:

• SciMo Website
• Note: Specific data on SciMo's hiring, team size, and current headcount is not publicly available through standard web searches. The analysis is based on typical outcomes of companies receiving EIC Accelerator funding.

7 The Media Features and Publications

SciMo - Elektrische Hochleistungsantriebe GmbH Overview

SciMo - Elektrische Hochleistungsantriebe GmbH, a German company, was a winner of the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021. The company specializes in high-performance electric drives, a critical component in the transition towards more sustainable and efficient technologies.

Media Features and Publications

At the moment, there is no specific information available in the search results regarding media features or publications that have named SciMo - Elektrische Hochleistungsantriebe GmbH. Typically, such companies might be featured in technology or industry-specific publications, but details are not readily available.

Podcasts and Interviews

There are no readily available podcasts or interviews featuring SciMo's team in the search results. These types of engagements often help companies share their technological advancements and vision with a broader audience.

Conference and Fair Visits

Information about SciMo's participation in conferences, presentations, or fairs is not directly available from the search results. However, as a company involved in innovative technologies, they might participate in relevant industry events to showcase their products and advancements.

Involvement in Events

Similarly, specific details about SciMo's involvement in events since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding are not available. Participation in industry events is crucial for networking and showcasing innovations, but concrete evidence is lacking in the current search results.

Website and General Information

The company's website is sci-mo.de, which likely contains detailed information about their products and achievements. However, specific content or updates regarding media coverage, interviews, or event participation could not be found.

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Citations: - SciMo Website (Company Website)

Note: Specific information about SciMo's media features, publications, podcasts, interviews, or event participations was not found through the available search results.