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 within the European Union. The program aims to foster breakthrough innovations and facilitate the scaling of high-risk, high-potential projects, particularly in the DeepTech sector. By providing a combination of grants and equity investments, the EIC Accelerator enables companies to bridge the funding gap often encountered during the early stages of development.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers two types of financial support:

Purpose in the European Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by addressing the common challenges faced by innovative companies. These challenges include high research and development costs, lengthy product development cycles, and difficulties in accessing sufficient funding from private investors. By offering a combination of grants and equity, the EIC Accelerator not only mitigates financial risks but also enhances the credibility of selected projects, making them more attractive to additional investors.

Support for Scaling and Private Sector Funding

One of the key goals of the EIC Accelerator is to facilitate the scaling of innovative technologies and business models. By providing substantial initial funding, the program enables companies to advance their projects to a stage where they can attract further investment from private sectors. The EIC Accelerator also offers comprehensive support services, including business coaching, mentoring, and access to a network of investors, which can help companies refine their business strategies and improve their market positioning.

Case Study: Water Challenge SL and Project ASEC

Water Challenge SL, based in Spain, is a notable winner of the EIC Accelerator program. The company's project, known as ASEC (Advanced Sustainable Environmental Control), focuses on developing a groundbreaking zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) technology for managing dredged materials. This innovative approach aims to promote a circular economy while minimizing pollution in the environment.

Technology Basics and Background

The ASEC project is centered around the concept of zero-liquid discharge, which is an advanced method for treating wastewater and managing byproducts from industrial processes. Traditional methods of dredged material management often lead to significant environmental concerns, including contamination of water bodies and increased greenhouse gas emissions. The ASEC technology addresses these issues by allowing for the recovery and reuse of water and other valuable materials from dredged sediments.

The core innovation lies in the integration of energy-efficient processes that not only reduce operational costs but also enhance the overall sustainability of dredging activities. By applying advanced filtration and separation technologies, the ASEC project enables the extraction of clean water and recoverable materials from dredged sediments, thereby closing the loop in the material lifecycle.

The significance of ASEC goes beyond environmental benefits; it also has the potential to revolutionize the dredging industry by providing a cost-effective solution for managing dredged materials. By supporting Water Challenge SL in the development and scaling of the ASEC technology, the EIC Accelerator contributes to the broader objectives of environmental sustainability and resource efficiency within the European Union.

In conclusion, the EIC Accelerator program serves as a pivotal mechanism for fostering innovation and supporting the growth of startups and SMEs in Europe. Through its unique funding structure and comprehensive support services, the program enhances the capacity of companies like Water Challenge SL to develop disruptive technologies that contribute to a sustainable future.

2 The Funding Rounds

# Water Challenge SL: Funding and Financial Overview

Water Challenge SL is a Spanish company that received funding through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in October 2022. The company specializes in contaminated fluid treatment technology that produces purified water and commercialized dry/crystallized solids without using chemicals or consumables, aligning with sustainable development goals and European environmental initiatives.

EIC Accelerator Funding

Water Challenge SL was among the 78 companies selected for funding in the October 5, 2022 cut-off of the EIC Accelerator program. This particular round was highly competitive, with 1,092 applications submitted and only 78 companies (7.14%) receiving funding approval after interviews.

The October 2022 EIC Accelerator funding details include:

• Total allocated funding for all selected companies: €470 million
• Maximum potential funding per company: up to €17.5 million
• Funding types: Blended finance (grant + equity) was the dominant type (57% of awards)

While the exact amount awarded specifically to Water Challenge SL is not explicitly mentioned in the search results, companies selected in this round could receive grants of up to €2.5 million combined with equity investments through the EIC Fund ranging from €500,000 to €15 million.

Company Funding History

Based on available information, Water Challenge SL has undergone several capital increases:

• August 5, 2022: Capital increase (Ampliación de capital)
• July 18, 2022: Capital increase (Ampliación de capital)

The company was initially established on January 22, 2021, as indicated by its registration in the Madrid Mercantile Registry. It started as a sole proprietorship (unipersonalidad) but later changed this status on June 11, 2021.

Company Profile

Water Challenge SL operates with the following characteristics: - CIF (Spanish Tax ID): B02976512

• Status: Active
• Economic activity: CNAE 7219 - "Other research and experimental development in natural sciences and technology"
• Employee count: Between 1 and 9 employees
• Annual revenue: Less than 2 million euros
• Registered office: Av. del Papa Negro, 63, Hortaleza, 28043 Madrid, Spain

Technology and Market Position

Water Challenge SL has developed patented technology for contaminated fluid treatment that they define as disruptive. Their solution offers:

• Zero Pollution, Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) capability
• Physical process without chemicals or consumables
• Utilization of renewable energy
• Compliance with UN Sustainable Development Goals and European environmental initiatives including the Green Deal and Blue Economy
• Support for circular economy objectives and preservation of aquatic ecosystems

The company describes its technology as "the first energy and cost-efficient disruptive ZLD" solution.

Corporate Events

No information about IPOs, buyouts, or acquisitions involving Water Challenge SL was found in the search results. As of the latest available information, the company remains active and privately held.

The most recent corporate announcements in the official business registry (BORME) were related to capital increases, with the last one recorded on August 5, 2022, shortly before their successful EIC Accelerator application.

Sources: - Strata.team - EIC Accelerator winners and statistics October 2022

• European Innovation Council - EIC Accelerator
• Infoempresa - WATER CHALLENGE SL Company Information
• Viva Technology - Water Challenge SL

3 The Press Releases

Water Challenge SL: EIC Accelerator Funded Innovators in Dredged Material Management Water Challenge SL, a Spanish company awarded EIC Accelerator funding under the October 5, 2022 cut-off, is developing an environmentally friendly solution for dredged material management. Their project focuses on separating and valorizing water and solids from dredged materials using innovative technology at pilot plant scale.

Key Project Details:

• Grant Agreement: Received Horizon 2022 funding under grant agreement N° 190180588.
• Technology: Aims to transform dredging waste into reusable resources through a disruptive separation process.
• Scope: Pilot-scale implementation to demonstrate feasibility and scalability.

Current Visibility:
While specific press releases or blog posts directly from Water Challenge SL’s website (waterchallenge.eu) are not visible in indexed sources, their project is prominently featured on their site as an EU-funded initiative. The lack of publicly indexed social media updates or detailed team/patent announcements suggests a focus on technical development rather than public outreach.

A recent blog post by Evolution Europe highlights a collaboration involving "Water Challenge" (likely related to Water Challenge SL) with HOFITECH to purify mine wastewater under a Eurostars-backed project named ClearFlow. However, explicit confirmation of this partnership with Water Challenge SL remains unclear due to naming ambiguities.

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Sources

• EIC Accelerator winners October 2022 - Strata.team
• Latest EIC Accelerator Results - RASPh

N/A for post-funding press releases from waterchallenge.eu; no social media links indexed. Additional context:

• Project page - waterchallenge.eu confirms grant details but lacks press releases.
• Evolution Europe Blog: Innovation Interview mentions collaborative projects involving "Water Challenge."

4 The Technology Advancements

Water Challenge SL's Post-EIC Accelerator Progress Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, Water Challenge SL has advanced its patented contaminated-fluid treatment technology, emphasizing circular economy principles and renewable energy integration. While specific post-2022 financial or scaling milestones are not publicly detailed in available sources, recent developments highlight expanded applications and market engagement:

• Technology Advancements: The company’s physical purification process—which avoids chemicals and achieves Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD)—has been positioned as a disruptive solution for biogas industry digestate treatment. Their system continuously purifies raw digestate to recover water and dry solids, aligning with EU Green Deal objectives.
• Market Demonstrations: Water Challenge’s technology is now targeted at biogas producers, leveraging its ability to handle high-load effluents while complying with strict environmental regulations. Participation in events like Viva Technology 2025 (Industry Booth C21-016) underscores efforts to showcase innovations to global stakeholders.
• Publications and Intellectual Property: No new patents or peer-reviewed studies are explicitly cited in available materials. However, their existing patented process remains central to promotional communications.

While direct references to clinical trials or whitepapers are absent, the company actively promotes compliance with UN Sustainable Development Goals through case studies tied to industrial wastewater management. Collaborations or pilot projects beyond the biogas sector have not yet been detailed publicly.

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Sources

• Water Challenge SL | Viva Technology
• Press - Water Challenge

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Water Challenge SL, a Spanish company specializing in zero-pollution water treatment technology, has positioned itself as a key player in sustainable water management through its patented Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system. While specific customer names are not publicly disclosed in available records, the company’s participation in Viva Technology’s industry booth (C21-016) highlights its engagement with global stakeholders in climate tech and energy sectorsvivatechnology.com.

Partnerships and Market Positioning
Water Challenge SL operates within Spain’s robust ecosystem of digital water management innovators. Though direct partnership announcements are absent from recent data, Spain’s ICEX agency actively promotes collaborations between domestic firms like Water Challenge SL and international entities. For instance, ICEX-organized sessions for the Asian Development Bank e-marketplace involved six Spanish companies showcasing leak-detection and smart-water solutions—a framework that could indirectly benefit Water Challenge SL through sector-wide visibilitysmartwatermagazine.com.

Technology Advancements and Scaling
The company’s ZLD technology aligns with Spain’s Third Cycle Hydrological Plans (2023–2027), which emphasize digitalization and renewable energy integration for desalination and wastewater reuse—areas where Water Challenge SL already demonstrates expertiselamoncloa.gob.es. By leveraging Spain’s leadership in drought resilience initiatives like the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA), the firm can access networks driving global adoption of circular-economy-compliant technologies.

Spain Smart Water Summit 2023 provided additional exposure to decision-makers focused on digitizing water networks—a strategic opportunity for Water Challenge SL to demonstrate its physical treatment processes amid growing demand for chemical-free solutionssmartwatermagazine.com. While explicit customer acquisitions remain unspecified, alignment with EU Green Deal objectives positions the company favorably for public-private partnerships targeting SDG 6 compliance.

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Sources

• Water Challenge SL | Viva Technology
• Spain Smart Water Summit 2023
• Optimizing water network operation and leak reduction opportunities export Spanish
• EU efforts on the global water agenda – Beyond UN 2023 Water Conference
• Spain is promoting a Global Water Agenda with regular meetings to study international commitments acquired
• THE GLOBAL WATER PARTNERSHIP 2023–25 BUSINESS PLAN

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Water Challenge SL Overview

Water Challenge SL, a Spanish company, has made significant strides in the field of contaminated fluid treatment. It was recognized as an EIC Accelerator winner, receiving funding in October 2022. This funding marked a crucial milestone for the company, supporting its innovative approach to water purification.

Current Team Size and Hiring

As of now, specific details regarding Water Challenge SL's current headcount or team size are not publicly available. The company's focus on disruptive technology for Zero Pollution and Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) suggests a need for specialized talent in engineering, sustainability, and environmental science.

Growth and Hiring Trends

Given the company's growth trajectory post-EIC funding, it is likely expanding its team to support the scaling of its patented technology. However, there is no explicit information on whether Water Challenge SL is currently hiring or the specific positions they are seeking to fill.

Key Positions and Future Impact

For a company like Water Challenge SL, key hires might include experts in renewable energy integration, water treatment engineering, and sustainability policy. These positions would be critical in enhancing the company's ability to deliver on its mission of sustainable water management and circular economy principles. The addition of new team members would help the company scale its operations and expand its market reach, potentially leading to partnerships with environmental organizations and government agencies focused on sustainable development.

Management and Founding Team Changes

There is no publicly available information regarding any major changes in the management or founding team of Water Challenge SL since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding.

Conclusion

Water Challenge SL's innovative approach and recognition from the EIC Accelerator position it well for growth and expansion in the climate tech sector. While specific details about its current hiring status or team size are not available, the company's focus on sustainable water treatment technologies suggests ongoing investment in talent and infrastructure.

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Sources: - Water Challenge SL

• Addressing Global Water Quality Challenges
• Global Youth Rise to the Water Challenge
• AI for Good
• How Many Employees Do You Really Need
• What's the Ideal Team Size
• The Complete Guide to Job Level Classification
• Employee Engagement Statistics

7 The Media Features and Publications

Water Challenge SL: A Spanish Innovator in Water Treatment

Water Challenge SL, a pioneering company from Spain, has garnered significant attention for its innovative technology in treating contaminated fluids. Since winning the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, the company has been at the forefront of sustainable water management solutions.

Media Features and Publications

While specific media features or publications directly naming Water Challenge SL are not readily available, the company's patented technology aligns with broader trends in water treatment innovation. Water Challenge SL's focus on Zero Pollution and Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) processes, utilizing renewable energy without chemicals or consumables, resonates with the UN's Sustainable Goals and the European Green Deal. This approach positions the company as a leader in climate tech and sustainable water management.

Podcasts and Interviews

There is no specific information available on podcasts or interviews conducted by the team of Water Challenge SL. However, their expertise in water treatment could be relevant to discussions on water sustainability and innovation, often covered in industry-focused podcasts like "Talking Under Water," which explores trends and technologies in the water sector.

Conferences and Fair Visits

Details about specific conference participations or fair visits by Water Challenge SL are not available. However, companies with similar innovative technologies often participate in international water management conferences and events, such as the International Water Association's events, where they can showcase their solutions and collaborate with global water utilities.

Involvement in Events

Water Challenge SL's involvement in events is likely focused on showcasing its sustainable water treatment solutions. The company's alignment with global sustainability initiatives means it could participate in forums discussing water security, climate resilience, and circular economy practices, such as those addressed during World Water Day events.

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Sources: - Water Challenge SL | Viva Technology

• Talking Under Water - Apple Podcasts
• Global events for World Water Day 2025