1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), aims to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in the European Union. It is designed to facilitate the development and scaling of high-risk, high-potential innovations, particularly in deep tech sectors. The program provides a unique blend of funding options, including grants and equity investments, tailored to meet the diverse needs of innovative companies.

Funding Structure

Under the EIC Accelerator, funding can be divided into two components:

1. Grant Funding: Companies can receive up to €2.5 million in grant funding. This financial support is non-repayable and is intended to cover costs associated with the development and scaling of innovative projects. The grant is especially valuable for early-stage companies that may not yet have the cash flow to support extensive R&D efforts.

2. Equity Investment: The EIC Accelerator also offers equity investment options, which can reach up to €15 million until the end of 2024 and up to €10 million from 2025 onwards. This funding is provided in exchange for equity stakes in the company, thereby allowing businesses to access significant capital without immediate repayment obligations. The equity investment aims to attract private sector funding by enhancing the financial stability and credibility of the recipient companies.

Purpose and Impact on the DeepTech Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in the European deep tech and startup ecosystem by addressing the funding gap that many innovative companies face. High-risk innovations often struggle to secure financing from traditional sources, particularly in the early stages. By providing substantial funding and resources, the EIC Accelerator empowers companies to scale their operations, attract additional private investment, and navigate the complexities of bringing innovative products to market.

The program also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and networking, connecting startups with industry experts, investors, and potential partners. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and accelerates the commercialization of groundbreaking technologies.

Case Study: Brainhero GmbH

Company Overview: Brainhero GmbH is an innovative startup based in Austria, recognized as a winner of the EIC Accelerator program for its project titled "Brainhero – Embracing Neurodiversity."

Project Description: The Brainhero project focuses on delivering science-based brain training solutions that can be accessed from the comfort of home. This initiative is medically certified, ensuring that the methods employed are grounded in scientific research and validated for efficacy.

Funding Type: Brainhero GmbH received grant funding exclusively under the EIC Accelerator, which will support the further development and marketing of its brain training platform.

Submission Details: The company submitted its Step 2 proposal on October 5, 2022, and successfully advanced to the Step 3 interview stage, ultimately securing funding.

Technology Basics and Background

The Brainhero platform is designed to support individuals with neurodiverse conditions, such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and other cognitive challenges. The technology leverages evidence-based cognitive training exercises tailored to improve focus, memory, and cognitive flexibility.

Brainhero's training methods are rooted in neuroplasticity principles, emphasizing the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. The platform employs a combination of interactive games, assessments, and personalized training plans to engage users and facilitate cognitive enhancement.

The project not only aims to provide effective brain training solutions but also seeks to promote inclusivity and understanding of neurodiversity. By making cognitive training accessible to a broader audience, Brainhero GmbH contributes to a more inclusive society where individuals with different cognitive profiles can thrive.

In conclusion, the EIC Accelerator program serves as a crucial catalyst for innovation in Europe, providing necessary funding and support to companies like Brainhero GmbH. By focusing on groundbreaking projects that address significant societal challenges, the program enhances the potential for transformative advancements within the startup ecosystem.

2 The Funding Rounds

# Brainhero GmbH: Funding Journey and Financial Growth

Brainhero GmbH, an Austrian health technology company founded in 2017 by the husband-wife team of Christof Götz and Christine Hartlieb-Götz, has developed innovative neurofeedback training solutions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The company has secured significant funding to support its growth and product development since its inception.

EIC Accelerator Funding

Brainhero was among the 78 companies selected for funding in the highly competitive October 5, 2022 cut-off of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program. This particular funding round was notably competitive, with 1,092 applications submitted, representing a 10.75% increase compared to the previous call. Only 21.98% of applicants reached the interview stage, and just 7.14% ultimately received funding.

Brainhero's project, titled "Brainhero – Embracing Neurodiversity," was approved for a grant-only financing type. The company received €2.5 million (approximately $2.7 million) in grant funding through this prestigious EIC Accelerator program. This funding was announced in December 2022 and represented a significant milestone for the Vienna-based healthtech startup.

Funding History and Rounds

Brainhero's funding journey includes:

1. Seed Round (March 2022): Brainhero raised €1.6 million ($1.7 million) in a seed funding round through SeedBlink.

2. EIC Accelerator Grant (October 2022): The company secured a €2.5 million grant from the European Innovation Council.

3. Planned Fundraising (2025): As of April 2025, Brainhero has returned to SeedBlink for another funding round, three years after their successful €1.35 million raise in 2022. This current round aims to fuel expansion in Germany, Austria, and the UK.

4. Series A Plans (2026): The company is building toward a larger Series A round planned for 2026.

Investor Information

Brainhero's known investors include:

SeedBlink: A European investment platform that facilitated the company's seed round in March 2022.
European Innovation Council: Provided grant funding through the EIC Accelerator program in October 2022.
Early Supporters: In its startup phase, Brainhero received support from aws, FFG, Health Hub Tirol, and Wirtschaftsagentur Wien.

Business Model Evolution

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, Brainhero has undergone significant business model transformation:

Shift from B2C to B2B2C: The company realized that selling directly to families wasn't viable at scale due to the physical nature of their product. They now partner with local therapists who already have access to patient networks.
Product Development: The EIC funding has enabled Brainhero to upgrade and further personalize their products to expand their target patient group, including addressing more severe forms of autism.
Market Expansion: The funding is supporting efforts to extend product availability throughout the EU and potentially worldwide.

Current Status and Future Plans

As of April 2025, Brainhero has:

Evolved from a promising concept into a certified Class IIa medical device
Conducted over 35,000 therapy sessions
Implemented their B2B2C approach since October 2024
Set goals to achieve €1 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) by 2026
Planned for a Series A funding round in 2026

The company aims to use its current fundraising round to prove commercial scalability and lay the groundwork for reaching their revenue targets.

Exit Events

There is no information in the search results about any exit events such as IPOs, buyouts, or acquisitions involving Brainhero GmbH. The company appears to be in a growth phase, focusing on scaling its business and expanding into new markets rather than pursuing exit strategies at this time.

Sources: - EIC Accelerator winners and statistics October 2022

3 The Press Releases

Brainhero GmbH: A Pioneer in Neurodiversity and Brain Training

Brainhero GmbH, an Austrian company, secured funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in the October 2022 cut-off. The company is renowned for its innovative approach to embracing neurodiversity through science-based brain training.

Technology and Innovation

Brainhero offers medically certified, at-home neurofeedback therapy solutions. Their products are designed to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), providing them with effective training in the comfort of their homes. The company's technology is characterized by its ease of use and affordability, featuring a portable, cost-effective hardware component combined with proprietary software. This setup significantly reduces setup time, making it more accessible to families.

EIC Accelerator Funding and Objectives

With the EIC Accelerator grant, Brainhero aims to upgrade and further personalize its current products, expanding the target patient group and increasing product availability within the EU and potentially worldwide. The funding also supports collaborations with stakeholders to support families and therapists of the target patient population, as well as the dissemination of project results to an extended network of stakeholders.

Press Releases and Updates

While specific press releases from Brainhero are not detailed in the available information, the company's involvement in the EIC Accelerator highlights its commitment to innovation and expanding access to neurofeedback therapy. Updates and announcements regarding Brainhero's progress are likely to be shared on their website and social media platforms.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Although specific partnerships are not outlined, Brainhero's EIC project involves collaborations with stakeholders to support families and therapists, which could involve partnerships with healthcare providers, research institutions, or advocacy groups.

Patents and Technology Advancements

No specific patents or technology advancements beyond the mentioned product upgrades are detailed in the available information. However, Brainhero's focus on integrating hardware and software for neurofeedback therapy suggests ongoing innovations in this field.

Team Updates

There are no specific team updates mentioned for Brainhero. However, the EIC funding typically supports companies in scaling their operations, which might involve team expansions or strategic hires.

Sources: - EIC Accelerator project Brainhero - Embracing Neurodiversity

4 The Technology Advancements

Brainhero GmbH: Post-EIC Accelerator Progress and Capabilities

Since securing €2.5 million in EIC Accelerator funding in late 2022, Vienna-based Brainhero GmbH has advanced its neurofeedback therapy platform for children with autism (ASD) and ADHD through technological upgrades, regulatory achievements, and clinical validation. Below is a synthesis of their developments:

1. Technological Advancements

Hardware-Software Integration: The company refined its portable EEG device and app-based neurofeedback system to reduce setup time from 15 minutes to just 2 minutes, enhancing usability for home therapy.
Training Personalization: The EIC-funded project enabled adaptive algorithms that tailor neurofeedback protocols based on individual brain activity patterns, including expanded electrode configurations and coherence training beyond standard alpha-mu protocols.
B2B2C Pivot: Shifted from direct-to-consumer sales to a therapist-partnered model (B2B2C), improving scalability by leveraging existing clinical networks in Germany and Austria.

2. Regulatory Milestones

Class IIa Certification: Achieved EU MDR certification for its medical device status, validating clinical safety and enabling commercialization across Europe with minimal localization adjustments.
Therapist Onboarding Efficiency: Streamlined onboarding to 45 minutes for therapists and 20 minutes for patients/caregivers, addressing healthcare system constraints.

3. Market Deployment & Clinical Validation

Usage Metrics: Conducted over 35,000 therapy sessions as of April 2025 through partnerships with clinics in Germany and Austria.
Customer Impact: Parent testimonials report improved social communication, reduced self-harm incidents in ASD cases, better attention spans in ADHD patients, increased verbalization of needs (e.g., "I want to eat"), and greater flexibility during daily routines.
Feasibility Study Tracking: A January 2023-registered trial monitors behavioral outcomes using validated scales like the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) alongside spectral EEG analysis across multiple brain regions.

4. Intellectual Property & Research Outputs

While no new patents are explicitly mentioned post-EIC funding:

The EIC project emphasizes proprietary hardware/software integration as a competitive advantage.
Ongoing trials suggest data collection for future peer-reviewed studies; however, no new publications are directly cited beyond caregiver-reported outcomes aggregated on their website.

Current Capabilities Summary Table

| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Target Demographic | Children aged 6–18 with ASD/ADHD (excludes epilepsy/severe intellectual disability) | | Therapy Model | Hybrid neurofeedback combining clinic guidance + at-home training | | Geographic Reach | Active in Germany/Austria; EU expansion underway post-MDR certification | | Key Differentiators | MDR-certified Class IIa device; <5-minute setup; personalized protocols |

Sources: Neurofeedback Therapy - Brainhero · SeedBlink Interview · EIC Project Page · Clinical Trial Registration

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Brainhero GmbH's Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Brainhero GmbH, an Austrian neurotechnology startup, has focused on partnerships and market expansion following its EIC Accelerator win in October 2022. While specific customer names remain undisclosed publicly, the company’s collaborations and operational strategy emphasize scalability and technological refinement.

Key Partnerships

Institute for Neurofeedback (IF): Since November 2023, Brainhero has partnered with IF to integrate its neurofeedback therapy into clinical workflows. This collaboration provides access to IF’s four locations for piloting Brainhero’s medically certified home-based EEG neurofeedback system.
Research Institutions: Brainhero shares pseudonymized patient data (e.g., EEG readings, therapy efficiency metrics) with external partners under GDPR-compliant agreements to advance autism and ADHD research.

Market Positioning Through Relationships

Home-Based Therapy Innovation: The EIC Accelerator funding supports Brainhero’s mission to establish itself as a leader in accessible mental health solutions. Its partnership with IF enhances credibility in clinical settings while expanding reach to families seeking non-invasive therapies.
Regulatory Compliance Focus: Collaborations prioritize adherence to EU medical device standards (e.g., ISO 27001) and insurance reimbursement pathways, positioning the company for long-term integration into healthcare systems.

Technology Advancements & Scaling

Personalized Neurofeedback: By leveraging aggregated patient data from partnerships, Brainhero refines AI-driven calibration algorithms for individualized therapy plans targeting ASD and ADHD symptoms.
International Expansion: The EIC grant enables scaling through EU-wide certification efforts, including adaptations for diverse regulatory environments beyond Austria.

Sources

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Overview of Brainhero GmbH

Brainhero GmbH, based in Austria, is a company that specializes in developing neurofeedback therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The company received EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022.

Current Headcount and Team Size

Brainhero GmbH is a small startup with a team size between 1 and 49 employees. Specific details about the current headcount are not available.

Hiring and Team Growth

There is no explicit information on whether Brainhero is currently hiring. However, as a startup, it is likely that they continue to grow and expand their team to support the development of their technology, including new EEG and VR variants.

Growth and Scaling

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, Brainhero has likely experienced growth in terms of technology development and market reach. The funding supports the company's mission to improve symptoms in children with ASD and ADHD by using EEG technology in a game-like environment. This innovative approach helps the company scale by expanding its product offerings and potentially entering new markets.

Key Positions and New Team Members

There is no specific information about recent key positions hired at Brainhero. However, new team members would be crucial for enhancing the company's research capabilities, particularly in areas like early detection of dementia and home monitoring systems for epilepsy.

Management and Founding Team

No significant changes in the management or founding team of Brainhero have been reported. The company remains focused on its core mission, with Ingrid Kelly, a technology transfer professional, serving as a board member, which suggests some stability in leadership.

Future Prospects

New team members will play a vital role in scaling Brainhero by contributing to the development of new technologies and expanding its research efforts. This could help the company tap into broader healthcare markets and solidify its position as a leader in neurofeedback therapy for children with ASD and ADHD.

Sources

7 The Media Features and Publications

Brainhero GmbH: Media Presence and Industry Engagement Brainhero GmbH, an Austrian neurotechnology company specializing in at-home neurofeedback therapy for children with ASD and ADHD, has garnered media attention and industry recognition since its 2018 founding. Below is a synthesis of its public engagements, publications, and events:

Media Features

The company's origins—rooted in co-founder Christof Götz’s personal journey with his autistic daughter—have been highlighted in interviews. Innovation Origins emphasized Brainhero’s hybrid neurofeedback system combining mobile EEG technology with gamified training, while SeedBlink detailed its mission to address gaps in autism therapy accessibility.

Publications

While direct academic publications by Brainhero are not explicitly cited in available materials, third-party platforms like Innovation Origins and SeedBlink have profiled its therapeutic approach. The company also maintains a blog featuring expert insights on ASD/ADHD interventions.

Podcasts & Interviews

SeedBlink Interview (2022): Christof Götz discussed Brainhero’s genesis, including the challenges of developing home-based solutions for severe autism cases.
Innovation Origins Feature (2022): The team outlined their mobile EEG development process and long-term vision as a mental health-focused enterprise.

Conferences & Presentations

Though specific conference participations are not detailed publicly, Brainhero’s involvement in neurotechnology research aligns with events like the MindBrainBody Symposium (2023), which focused on EEG advancements. However, direct references to the company at such events remain unconfirmed.

Event Involvement

The startup has engaged investors through platforms like SeedBlink’s funding campaigns, attracting over 90 backers for its €1.65M round in 2022. Its participation in Austrian accelerator programs (e.g., FFG) underscores ongoing collaboration with research institutions.