1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program Overview
The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator is a flagship funding program under the Horizon Europe initiative, designed to support high-potential small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups. Its primary aim is to propel innovative technologies and disruptive solutions to market, focusing on high-risk, high-impact ventures. By offering both financial support and business acceleration services, the EIC Accelerator helps companies scale and compete globally.
EIC Accelerator Funding
The EIC Accelerator offers a blended finance model, comprising both grants and equity investments:
- Grant Funding: Companies can receive up to €2.5 million in non-dilutive funding. This grant is intended to cover the costs of innovation activities, including demonstration, prototyping, testing, and pilot deployments.
- Equity Investment: The program provides equity investments up to €15 million until 2024, and this amount will adjust to a maximum of €10 million starting in 2025. This equity component is designed to support scaling and market entry, ensuring that companies can achieve significant growth and commercial success.
Purpose in the European DeepTech and Startup Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation within the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem. It targets breakthrough ideas that have the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones. By focusing on DeepTech, which involves substantial scientific research and engineering, the Accelerator supports projects that require longer development times and higher capital investment. This initiative ensures that Europe remains competitive and at the forefront of global technological advancement.
Role in Scaling and Private Sector Funding
The EIC Accelerator not only provides direct financial support but also enhances a company's attractiveness to private investors. By de-risking projects through its funding, the Accelerator makes it easier for companies to secure additional investments from venture capitalists and private equity firms. The program's credibility and rigorous selection process lend further confidence to potential private investors, facilitating greater capital influx into funded projects.
Dimenco B.V. and Simulated Reality Project
Company Overview:
Dimenco B.V., based in the Netherlands, is a pioneer in advanced display technologies. The company has gained recognition as an EIC Accelerator winner for its groundbreaking project, Simulated Reality (SR).
Project Description:
Simulated Reality represents the next generation of display technology, enabling users to interact naturally and intuitively in three dimensions without the need for wearables. This innovative technology revolutionizes how users work, play, and communicate, offering a seamless and immersive 3D experience.
Technology Basics and Background:
Simulated Reality utilizes a combination of hardware and software innovations to create a 3D experience that can be viewed with the naked eye. By incorporating advanced optics, eye-tracking, and real-time rendering, Dimenco's technology provides a lifelike depth and perspective shift, responding dynamically to the user's position.
The technology builds on years of research in autostereoscopic displays, which eliminate the need for glasses or headsets. By leveraging lenticular lens designs and sophisticated software algorithms, Dimenco creates multi-view displays that adjust the imagery based on user interaction.
The underlying principle of Simulated Reality is to enhance user engagement and productivity by providing intuitive and immersive interactions. This technology can be applied across various sectors, including gaming, design, and remote collaboration, offering significant advancements in how digital content is consumed and created.
For more information, you can visit Dimenco's website: dimenco.eu.
2 The Funding Rounds
Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on October 5, 2022, Dimenco B.V. has undergone a significant corporate event:Acquisition by Leia Inc.:
- Date: August 7, 2023
- Details: Leia Inc., a California-based provider of 3D display hardware and content services, acquired Dimenco to combine their strengths and drive the widespread adoption of immersive 3D experiences across various platforms and devices. (kpnventures.com)
Prior to this acquisition, Dimenco had raised €2.5 million in a Series A funding round. (dealmaker.nl) However, specific details regarding the timing, investors, and company valuations for this funding round are not publicly disclosed.
No additional funding rounds or investor information for Dimenco B.V. have been publicly reported since the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022.
3 The Press Releases
Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on October 5, 2022, Dimenco B.V. has been involved in significant developments:Acquisition by Leia Inc.: In August 2023, Dimenco was acquired by Leia Inc., a U.S.-based leader in 3D display hardware and content services. This strategic move aimed to unify 3D technology across various platforms and devices, enhancing immersive experiences without the need for wearables. Dimenco's CEO, Maarten Tobias, joined Leia as Chief Operating Officer. (tech.eu)
Patent Portfolio Expansion: Following the acquisition, Leia Inc. acquired Royal Philips' 3D display patent portfolio, which included over 500 patents. This acquisition significantly bolstered Leia's intellectual property, bringing their total to over 1,500 patents and reinforcing their position as a global leader in 3D display technology. (smb.shelbycountyreporter.com)
These developments highlight Dimenco's commitment to advancing 3D display technology and expanding its market presence through strategic partnerships and intellectual property growth.
4 The Technology Advancements
As of April 15, 2025, there is limited publicly available information regarding the specific technological advancements that Dimenco B.V. has achieved since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on October 5, 2022. The most recent detailed update dates back to June 2021, when Dimenco secured a €2.5 million Series A funding round led by KPN Ventures and the Brabant Development Agency (BOM). This investment aimed to scale their Simulated Reality (SR) technology, which enables users to experience realistic 3D objects without the need for wearables. (kpnventures.com)Prior to this, in January 2022, Dimenco showcased their SR Pro Display at CES 2022, highlighting advancements in spatial display technology that support full facial mask usage. (ipsnews.net)
However, there is no publicly available information detailing whether Dimenco has successfully scaled their technology or if it remains in the development phase since the EIC Accelerator funding. Similarly, there are no specific reports indicating demonstrations of their technology in the market with customers or through demonstrators post-October 2022.
Regarding intellectual property and scientific contributions, no new patents, scientific studies, clinical trials, or whitepapers attributed to Dimenco B.V. have been identified in the public domain since the specified date.
For the most current and detailed information, it is recommended to consult Dimenco's official communications or contact the company directly.
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on October 5, 2022, Dimenco B.V. has undergone a significant development:Acquisition by Leia Inc.:
- Nature of Relationship and Purpose: On August 7, 2023, Dimenco was acquired by Leia Inc., a leading provider of 3D display hardware and content services. This strategic acquisition aims to accelerate the mainstream adoption of immersive 3D experiences across various platforms and devices. (kpnventures.com)
- Market Positioning: By merging with Leia Inc., Dimenco is positioned to offer a unified, cross-platform 3D solution, eliminating technological divides and catering to a broader market that seeks seamless, immersive experiences without the need for wearables. (kpnventures.com)
- Technology Advancements and Scaling: The combined expertise of Dimenco and Leia Inc. is expected to enhance technological capabilities, particularly in integrating 3D experiences into familiar personal devices. This collaboration also aims to expand the content ecosystem, including partnerships with platforms like Zoom for 3D video calling and collaborations with leading game studios, thereby facilitating scalability and innovation in the 3D display market. (kpnventures.com)
No specific new partners or customers have been publicly disclosed since the acquisition.
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on October 5, 2022, Dimenco B.V., a Netherlands-based company specializing in Simulated Reality display technology, has experienced significant developments:Current Headcount and Team Size: As of early 2023, Dimenco employed over thirty international talents and planned to more than double the team’s size over the following twelve months. (topofminds.com) However, specific current headcount figures are not publicly available.
Hiring Status: Dimenco has been actively recruiting for key positions, including a Chief Operations Officer (COO) and a Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). (topofminds.com, topofminds.com) These roles are crucial for scaling operations and driving commercial growth.
Growth Details: The company aimed to more than double its team size within a year, indicating a strategic focus on rapid expansion. (topofminds.com) While exact growth metrics are not specified, this ambition underscores Dimenco's commitment to scaling its operations.
Key Positions Recently Hired: Dimenco has been in the process of hiring a COO and a CCO. (topofminds.com, topofminds.com) These leadership roles are pivotal for overseeing operations and spearheading commercial strategies.
Impact of New Team Members: The addition of a COO is intended to establish robust operational frameworks, ensuring efficient production and supply chain management. The CCO will focus on developing and implementing commercial strategies, building strategic partnerships, and enhancing the company's market presence. (topofminds.com, topofminds.com) Together, these roles are designed to position Dimenco for substantial growth and market penetration.
Changes in Management or Founding Team: In August 2023, Dimenco was acquired by Leia Inc., a U.S.-based 3D display hardware and content services firm. Following the acquisition, Dimenco's CEO, Maarten Tobias, joined Leia as Chief Operating Officer (COO). (tech.eu) This transition signifies a significant change in Dimenco's leadership structure.
These developments reflect Dimenco's strategic initiatives to expand its team and leadership capabilities, aiming to scale operations and enhance its position in the 3D display technology market.
7 The Media Features and Publications
Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on October 5, 2022, Dimenco B.V. has been involved in several notable developments:Media Features:
Publications Naming Dimenco B.V.:
Content from Publications:
Podcasts or Interviews:
Conferences and Fair Participations:
Event Involvement:
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Dimenco B.V.'s activities, including media features, interviews, and event participations, it is recommended to consult the company's official website or contact them directly.