1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The EIC Accelerator program is a pivotal initiative under the European Innovation Council, designed to support high-risk, high-potential small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups aiming to create innovative solutions that address significant societal challenges. This program is particularly focused on deep-tech innovations, which are characterized by their scientific or engineering breakthroughs that have the potential to disrupt existing markets or create new ones.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator provides two main types of funding: grants and equity investments. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, which is primarily intended to cover the costs associated with the development and testing phases of innovative projects. This grant is particularly beneficial for startups that require initial financial support to move their ideas from concept to prototype.

In addition to the grant, the EIC Accelerator also offers equity funding, which allows companies to secure additional investment to scale their operations. Initially, this equity funding could be up to €15 million until 2024. However, starting in 2025, this cap will be reduced to €10 million. This flexible funding structure is designed to help startups scale their innovative technologies while also attracting private sector investment, thereby increasing financial sustainability and reducing reliance on public funding.

Purpose and Role in the Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in the European deep-tech and startup ecosystem. It aims to bridge the funding gap that many innovative companies face during their early development stages. By offering both grants and equity, the program not only enhances the financial viability of startups but also provides them with the necessary resources to conduct market validation, product development, and commercialization efforts.

Moreover, the EIC Accelerator facilitates connections with private investors, increasing the likelihood of obtaining further funding. This is vital for scaling operations, as it allows companies to leverage additional financial resources and expertise from the private sector, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration.

BAC3GEL, LDA and the Bac3Gel Project

BAC3GEL, LDA, a Portuguese company, has emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator program for its innovative project, Bac3Gel. This project focuses on developing a new generation of substrates designed to harness the full power of microorganisms. The project was submitted as a Step 2 proposal on January 11, 2023, and subsequently won funding after a successful Step 3 interview.

Project Overview

The Bac3Gel project aims to create advanced substrates that enhance the growth and productivity of microorganisms, which can be utilized in various applications, including agriculture, bioremediation, and industrial biotechnology. By optimizing the conditions in which microorganisms thrive, BAC3GEL seeks to improve the efficiency of microbial processes, which can lead to more sustainable and effective solutions in multiple sectors.

Technology Background

The technology underlying Bac3Gel is based on the principles of biotechnology and material science. Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, play crucial roles in ecosystems and industrial processes. They can be utilized for nutrient cycling, waste degradation, and production of bio-based materials. However, their effectiveness can often be limited by environmental factors and substrate conditions.

BAC3GEL’s innovative substrates are designed to create an optimal microenvironment for microorganisms, enhancing their ability to metabolize nutrients and perform desired functions. This involves intricate engineering of the substrate materials to ensure they provide the right balance of moisture, nutrients, and physical structure. Such advancements could significantly improve the performance of microbial applications in agriculture by enhancing soil health, increasing crop yields, and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator program serves as a vital support mechanism for innovative companies like BAC3GEL, providing them with the necessary funding to transform groundbreaking ideas into market-ready solutions. The Bac3Gel project exemplifies how deep-tech innovations can leverage new technologies to address pressing challenges in sustainability and productivity across various industries.

2 The Funding Rounds

# BAC3GEL: Funding Journey and Financial Overview

BAC3GEL, LDA is a Portuguese biotech company that develops advanced substrates to harness the full power of microorganisms. The company has secured significant funding through various rounds, most notably receiving an EIC Accelerator grant in January 2023.

Funding History

BAC3GEL has raised a total of approximately €1.6 million across multiple funding rounds:

• June 2020: €50,000 from EIT Health
• August 2021: €80,000 (company valuation at this stage was €800,000)
• January 2023: €1.5 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC Accelerator)

The January 2023 EIC Accelerator funding represents the company's largest investment to date, coming after BAC3GEL submitted their Step 2 proposal to the January 11, 2023 cut-off and subsequently won in the Step 3 interview phase.

Current Funding Status

As of May 2025, BAC3GEL appears to be in the process of raising a Series A round with the following characteristics:

• Target round size: €5 million
• Expected closing date: June 30, 2025
• Round type: Series A

The company is also receiving support from the EIC Accelerator in the form of both non-refundable financing (up to €2.5 million) and potential equity investments (up to €15 million) through the EIC Fund.

Investor Information

BAC3GEL's investors include:

• EIT Health: Early investor providing €50,000 in June 2020
• European Innovation Council: Major investor providing €1.5 million in January 2023
• EIC Fund: Conditional equity commitment from January 2023

The company has also received support from BGI, which has guided BAC3GEL in various aspects of their growth, including equipment selection, procurement negotiations, and laboratory optimization, as noted by Sebastião van Uden, BAC3GEL's CEO and Co-Founder.

Project Progress and Milestones

BAC3GEL is currently executing its EIC Accelerator project with the following milestone timeline:

• June 30, 2024: Secure strategic or lead investor interest and demonstrate I-Mu3Gel® in relevant environments
• December 31, 2024: Validate key commercialization aspects
• February 28, 2025: Integrate I-Mu3Gel® with commercial systems
• June 30, 2025: Further demonstrate I-Mu3Gel® in relevant environments

According to the most recent reporting period (July 2023 to June 2024), the company is on schedule with all milestones and showing strong progress toward market readiness and scalability.

Exit Strategy

While there is no explicit information about planned exit events such as an IPO or acquisition, BAC3GEL is actively working toward product-market-fit maturity and scaling its business operations. The company is exploring both B2B applications in research and healthcare and potential B2C business models for consumer applications of their i-Mu3Gel® beads as supplements and probiotics.

The current focus appears to be on establishing strategic partnerships, protecting intellectual property through patents, and optimizing production for commercial distribution rather than immediate exit planning.

Sources: - Bac3Gel company information, funding & investors | Portugal Startup

• Bac3Gel company information, funding & investors | Dealroom.co
• EIC Accelerator 11 January Cut-Off
• New generation of substrates to harness the full power of microorganisms - CORDIS
• How to accelerate the growth of European innovators through EIC partnerships

3 The Press Releases

BAC3GEL: Advancing Microbiome Research with EIC Accelerator Support BAC3GEL, a Portuguese biotech company, won EIC Accelerator funding in January 2023 for its innovative 3D substrates designed to culture microorganisms. Their technology mimics human mucus environments, enabling high-throughput testing and improved study of microbiota for drug development and efficacy research.

Key Developments Post-Funding

• Partnerships: Collaborated with BGI (Portugal) for laboratory optimization, equipment procurement, and workflow enhancements. Sebastião van Uden, CEO of Bac3Gel, highlighted BGI’s role in scaling operations and maximizing return on investment.
• Technology: Specializes in substrates that replicate natural microbial habitats, allowing better cell recovery and analysis for applications in healthcare and personalized medicine.
• Growth: Described the EIC Accelerator’s impact as scaling operations “tenfold,” accelerating market entry and R&D capabilities.

No specific patents or social media content from bac3gel.com was identified in available sources.

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Sources

• EIC Accelerator winners January 2023
• Bac3Gel's partnership with BGI
• SynergistEIC Success Story on Bac3Gel

4 The Technology Advancements

BAC3GEL's Post-EIC Accelerator Advancements and Market Traction Since securing EIC Accelerator funding, BAC3GEL has expanded its capabilities in developing advanced 3D substrates for microbiota research, focusing on applications in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and live biotherapeutics. The company’s technology enables the cultivation of previously unculturable bacteria (up to ~90% of intestinal microbiota strains) by mimicking natural mucus environments with oxygen gradients, nutrient distribution, and three-dimensional structures. This breakthrough supports drug discovery and microbiome-modulating therapies targeting diseases linked to microbial imbalances.

Key Developments After EIC Funding

• Collaborative Projects: Partnered with InnoGI Technologies (January 2025) to advance microbiome-based solutions. The company actively engages pharma/biotech firms and CDMOs through its platform for drug testing and microbiota studies.
• Talent Acquisition: Strengthened R&D via collaborations with Instituto Superior Técnico (Portugal), attracting international talent through Marie Curie scholarships and doctoral programs.
• Scalability: Leveraged EIC funding to scale operations tenfold, enhancing production capacity at its Porto Salvo facility while preparing for global market expansion.

Market Demonstration
BAC3GEL’s substrates are deployed by pharmaceutical clients for high-throughput testing of live biotherapeutics and antibiotic candidates. While clinical trials are not explicitly detailed in public reports, their technology is operational in industrial settings for efficacy studies and microbial community analysis.

Intellectual Property & Publications
No new patents or peer-reviewed studies are explicitly cited post-EIC award. However, the company emphasizes proprietary advancements in substrate design that replicate human mucosal conditions—a unique approach validated through industry partnerships.

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Sources
Bac³Gel Official Website · CORDIS Project Overview · InnoGI Partnership Announcement · Taguspark Incubator Interview · SynergistEIC Success Story · EIC February 2025 Results

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Bac3Gel, LDA, a Portuguese biotech company, has been making significant strides since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in January 2023. As a recipient of this prestigious grant, Bac3Gel has focused on developing innovative substrates to enhance microbiome research and applications.

Partnerships and Customers

While specific names of customers or partners are not detailed in the available information, Bac3Gel is actively engaged in forming strategic partnerships to integrate its products with commercial systems and to further commercialization efforts. The company aims to collaborate with various entities in the health and research sectors to advance microbiome-modulating drug development and other bio-based solutions.

New Relationships and Market Positioning

Bac3Gel's new relationships are likely to be centered around collaborations with academic institutions, technology companies, and healthcare organizations. These partnerships will position Bac3Gel as a leader in microbiota research and technology, enhancing its market presence by offering groundbreaking solutions for culturing complex microbial communities.

Purpose of New Relationships

The purpose of these relationships is to accelerate the development and market integration of Bac3Gel's innovative substrates, such as I-Mu3Gel. By working closely with key stakeholders, Bac3Gel aims to advance microbiome research, drive therapeutic innovations, and promote sustainable practices in healthcare and agriculture.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

Bac3Gel's partnerships and relationships will contribute to technology advancements by facilitating access to cutting-edge research facilities and expertise. For instance, the establishment of an in-house Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) lab supports ongoing R&D activities, ensuring timely and accurate results for quality control and scientific studies. Additionally, these collaborations will aid in scaling production for commercial distribution, enabling Bac3Gel to meet growing demands for its products more efficiently.

Future Prospects

As Bac3Gel continues to evolve, its focus on microbiome-driven innovation is poised to redefine wellness, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. The company's mission to empower scientific advancements and transform research environments aligns with the broader goals of fostering a healthier society through microbiota research.

Sources: - New generation of substrates to harness the full power of ... - CORDIS

• New generation of substrates to harness the full power of ... - CORDIS
• Bac 3 Gel
• About us - Bac3Gel

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Bac3Gel, LDA: Team Growth and Development

Bac3Gel, LDA, a Portugal-based biotech company, has experienced significant growth and team expansion following its EIC Accelerator funding in January 2023. The company specializes in developing advanced materials to harness the full potential of microbiota, with a focus on creating 3D substrates for microbial cultivation.

Current Team Size and Growth

As of the latest information, Bac3Gel aims to expand its team five to six times its current size, focusing on hiring top talent in genetic sequencing, microbiology, and related fields. However, the exact current headcount is not publicly disclosed.

Hiring and Recruitment

Bac3Gel is actively engaged in recruitment efforts, particularly in specialized fields related to microbiology and genetic sequencing. The company benefits from collaborations with academic institutions, such as the Instituto Superior Técnico, which have facilitated the flow of highly qualified candidates.

Key Positions

While specific key positions recently hired are not detailed, the company's focus on expanding its team in microbiology and genetic sequencing indicates a strategic emphasis on these areas for future growth.

Impact of New Team Members

New team members will play a crucial role in scaling and growing the company by contributing expertise in critical areas. This expansion will support Bac3Gel's mission to revolutionize microbiome research and develop innovative treatments by enabling the cultivation of complex microbial communities.

Management and Founding Team

Bac3Gel was founded by Daniela Pacheco, Chief Technology Officer, and Sebastião van Uden, Chief Executive Officer. There are no recent reports of major changes in the management or founding team.

Future Prospects

The influx of new talent and the EIC Accelerator funding position Bac3Gel for significant growth and increased presence in the international market. The company's ability to produce 3D substrates that mimic natural environments for microbial growth will be pivotal in advancing microbiome research and developing new therapies.

Sources: - The Bac3Gel technology is the first to allow the development of 3D substrates with gradients

• Bac3Gel company information, funding & investors
• Bac3Gel
• New generation of substrates to harness the full power of microorganisms
• Twelve human microbiome startups to watch

7 The Media Features and Publications

BAC3GEL, LDA: A Biotech Pioneer in Portugal

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on January 11, 2023, BAC3GEL, LDA has continued to make significant strides in the biotechnology sector. Based in Porto Salvo, Portugal, the company specializes in developing innovative substrates that harness the full potential of microorganisms, particularly in replicating native ecosystems for complex microbial studies.

Media Features and Publications

BAC3GEL has been featured in several publications highlighting its cutting-edge technology and achievements. The company has been noted for its role in providing pharma and biotech industries with high-throughput in vitro preclinical models for developing antimicrobial agents. Additionally, it has been recognized for its groundbreaking approach to creating three-dimensional substrates with gradients of oxygen, nutrients, and physical properties, which can cultivate complex microbial communities.

Content from Publications

Publications have emphasized BAC3GEL's mission to empower scientific and industrial advancements by transforming research and creating a healthier society. The company aims to unlock new insights into human health and drive the development of treatments for widespread illnesses through microbiome-driven solutions. Its technology is also seen as crucial in addressing the antibiotic shortage by enabling the growth of approximately 90% of intestinal microbiota, which could lead to innovative treatments.

Podcasts or Interviews

There is limited information available on specific podcasts or interviews featuring the team of BAC3GEL, LDA. However, the company's innovative approach and achievements have likely been discussed in various scientific and industry forums.

Conference and Fair Visits, Presentations or Participations

BAC3GEL has been involved in the EIC Accelerator program, which is a significant platform for start-ups. The company's participation in such prestigious programs indicates its engagement in international events and conferences related to biotechnology and microbiome research. Additionally, its connection with the Taguspark ecosystem highlights its potential involvement in local and international networking opportunities.

Involvement in Events

BAC3GEL's presence in events like the EIC Accelerator and its association with incubators such as Taguspark reflect its active engagement in the biotech community. The company's role in fostering a microbiome-driven revolution in healthcare and sustainability is closely aligned with its participation in various scientific and industrial forums.

Sources

• Bac 3 Gel
• Bac3Gel Lda - F6S
• New generation of substrates to harness the full power of ... - CORDIS
• About us - Bac3Gel
• BAC3GEL, LDA Portugal, PORTO SALVO | Info-clipper.com
• The Bac3Gel technology is the first to allow the development of 3D ...
• InnoGI Technologies and Bac3Gel Forge Partnership to ... - ngram
• ESTUDO DE CARACTERIZAÇÃO E AVALIAÇÃO DO IMPACTO DO ...