1 The EIC Accelerator Project

Funding Structure of the EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator offers a blended finance model, which combines both grants and equity investments. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, providing non-dilutive funding that can be used for various development phases, including prototyping, testing, and scaling. This grant is particularly beneficial for companies that require initial capital to validate their technology without relinquishing ownership or control.

In addition to the grant, the EIC Accelerator also provides equity financing, which can amount to up to €15 million until 2024. Since 2025, this equity cap has been adjusted to a maximum of €10 million. This equity investment is crucial for companies looking to attract further private investment, as it strengthens their financial backing and credibility in the eyes of potential investors.

Purpose of the EIC Accelerator

The overarching goal of the EIC Accelerator is to enhance the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by supporting innovative companies that are often in their nascent stages. This initiative not only provides essential funding but also fosters collaboration and networking opportunities among startups, investors, and research institutions. By enabling access to both public and private funding sources, the EIC Accelerator empowers companies to scale their operations effectively while reducing the risks associated with innovation.

The program plays a vital role in helping companies navigate the complex landscape of funding. By acting as a catalyst, it encourages private sector investment and partnerships, which are essential for the long-term sustainability of innovative projects. The EIC Accelerator also offers coaching and mentoring, further equipping companies with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in competitive markets.

Case Study: IGNION SL and the TRIO++ Project

One notable winner of the EIC Accelerator is IGNION SL, a Spanish company that specializes in antenna technology. IGNION’s project, known as TRIO++, focuses on developing the first miniaturized non-resonant antenna specifically tailored for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The project was submitted as a Step 2 proposal on March 23, 2022, and successfully progressed to the Step 3 interview stage, ultimately securing funding through the EIC Accelerator.

Project Overview: TRIO++

The TRIO++ project aims to revolutionize the way IoT devices communicate by introducing a compact and efficient antenna solution. Traditional antennas often face challenges related to size, performance, and integration into small devices. TRIO++ seeks to overcome these limitations by providing a miniaturized non-resonant antenna that is not only smaller but also offers superior performance in terms of connectivity and power efficiency.

Technology Background

The technology behind TRIO++ is based on advanced electromagnetic principles that allow for the design of non-resonant antennas. Unlike conventional resonant antennas that rely on specific frequencies, IGNION's non-resonant approach enables a broader range of communication frequencies. This flexibility is crucial for IoT applications, where devices must operate within various frequency bands to ensure reliable connectivity.

The miniaturization of the antenna is achieved without compromising performance, making it an ideal choice for IoT devices, which often have stringent size and weight constraints. The TRIO++ antenna is designed to integrate seamlessly into a wide range of applications, from smart home devices to industrial sensors, thereby expanding the potential market reach for IGNION SL.

Overall, the EIC Accelerator's support of IGNION SL and the TRIO++ project exemplifies the program's commitment to fostering innovation in the European DeepTech ecosystem. By providing essential funding and resources, the EIC Accelerator empowers companies like IGNION to develop groundbreaking technologies that can transform industries and improve connectivity in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

2 The Funding Rounds

IGNION SL is a Barcelona-based antenna technology innovator that has successfully secured European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding in 2022. The company has established itself as a significant player in the IoT connectivity space with its revolutionary Virtual Antenna® technology.

Company Overview

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, IGNION SL (formerly known as Fractus Antennas SL) designs, manufactures, and commercializes miniature, off-the-shelf antenna solutions for IoT devices. The company has positioned itself as a global antenna innovator with proven manufacturing capabilities to scale and create a new generation of multiband, multipurpose, and ready-to-use chip antennas.

IGNION's mission is to accelerate IoT adoption and empower the ecosystem with off-the-shelf antenna solutions. Their technology has already been deployed in more than 25 million IoT devices, with rapidly growing market demand.

EIC Accelerator Funding

In June 2022, IGNION announced that they had been recognized by the European Commission's European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator for their innovation and high business potential. The company was among 74 winners selected from a field of 1,000 applicants across 18 countries.

The winning submission featured: - Virtual Antenna® technology, invented and patented by IGNION with over 53 granted patents in Europe, US, and China

The EIC Accelerator selection was based on criteria including excellence, scale-up potential, level of risk, and implementation. IGNION became the first and only antenna solutions company to receive this prestigious recognition and substantial investment from the EIC.

Funding History

IGNION's funding journey includes:

• Series A Funding (July 2022): €3 million from the EIC Fund
• EIC Accelerator Award (March 2022): The company secured the EIC Accelerator funding after submitting their Step 2 proposal on March 23, 2022, and later winning in the Step 3 interview
• Additional Funding (December 2023): Records indicate another funding round involving the EIC Fund, though specific amount details are not provided

Technology and Innovation

IGNION's core innovation is the Virtual Antenna® technology, which offers several unique advantages:

• Works across a wide frequency range (698 MHz to 10.6 GHz)
• Compatible with multiple protocols (LTE-M/NB-IoT, GNSS/GPS, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth, LoRa, and other ISM)
• Approximately 10 times smaller than traditional resonant antennas
• Can be accurately simulated via software, eliminating the need for numerous physical prototypes
• Designed to be implemented by any electrical engineer or technology-savvy professional, not just electromagnetic experts

Current Business Stage

As of 2022, IGNION was at the Series A funding stage, with investments ranging between €1 million and €5 million. The company employs between 21 to 50 people and operates under a development and manufacturing business model.

IGNION continues to grow in the IoT connectivity space, leveraging its patented Virtual Antenna® technology and Antenna Intelligence Cloud™ platform to serve the expanding IoT market.

Sources: - Startups Hub Catalonia - IGNION SL

• Dealroom - Ignion company information
• PRNewswire - Ignion's Virtual Antenna Technology Wins EIC Accelerator Award
• WPG Holdings - IGNION Product Line
• DevelopmentAid - Ignion SL

3 The Press Releases

Ignion SL: A Leader in IoT Antenna Innovation

Ignion SL, based in Spain, has been at the forefront of innovation in IoT antenna technology since receiving the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding in March 2022. This recognition was a testament to their groundbreaking work in developing the Virtual Antenna® technology.

Virtual Antenna Technology

Ignion's Virtual Antenna technology is a novel approach to antenna design, offering a miniaturized multi-radio chip antenna component that can be integrated into IoT devices. This technology allows for versatility and scalability, supporting various communication standards such as LTE-M, NB-IoT, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, and LoRa. The Virtual Antenna components are significantly smaller than traditional resonant antennas, making them ideal for small footprint devices like sensors and asset trackers.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Ignion has actively collaborated with other companies to enhance its offerings. One notable partnership is with NeuronicWorks, a leading engineering and technology design firm. This partnership aims to accelerate the design and development of IoT devices using Ignion's Virtual Antenna technology. The collaboration leverages Ignion's Antenna Intelligence Cloud to reduce development time and enhance manufacturing efficiency.

Technology Advancements

Ignion's technology has been recognized for its ability to simplify the design process for IoT devices. The Virtual Antenna components can be easily integrated without requiring extensive RF expertise, thanks to Ignion's AI-powered platform, Oxion. This platform offers features like AI Antenna Expert, automatic PCB design review, and real-time performance testing, ensuring first-time-right performance and streamlining procurement.

Patents and Intellectual Property

Ignion holds over 53 granted patents across Europe, the U.S., and China, underscoring its commitment to innovation and intellectual property protection.

Recent Developments

Recently, Ignion announced a partnership with AWS to transform the IoT design process, further solidifying its position in the industry. This collaboration highlights Ignion's focus on leveraging cloud technology to enhance IoT device design and integration.

Press Releases

Ignion regularly publishes press releases and updates on its website and social media channels, focusing on its innovative technologies, partnerships, and industry events. These updates provide insights into the company's growth and influence in the IoT sector.

Team Updates

While specific team updates are not frequently highlighted in press releases, Ignion's leadership, including Dr. Jaume Anguera, CTO and founder, has been instrumental in driving innovation and securing prestigious awards like the EIC Accelerator Award.

Sources: - Ignion - IoT Antenna Manufacturers

• Ignion AWS Antenna Intelligence Cloud Press Release
• Ignion's Virtual Antenna Technology Wins European Innovation Council Award
• NeuronicWorks Partners with Ignion
• Ignion Partnership with Onomondo

4 The Technology Advancements

Since winning the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Award in June 2022 for its Virtual Antenna® technology, Barcelona-based Ignion has expanded its market presence and technological capabilities. The company’s patented antenna solutions now power over 30 million IoT devices globally, with recent developments focusing on AI-driven design tools and strategic partnerships.

Core Technological Advancements

• Oxion 2.0 AI Design Tool: Launched at embedded world 2025, Oxion 2.0 streamlines RF design with real-time AI feedback, automated PCB Gerber file analysis, and performance optimization recommendations. The tool reduces manual validation efforts and accelerates antenna integration for cellular IoT, Wi-Fi 6E/7, and GNSS applications[^oxion].
• Antenna Intelligence Cloud™ Enhancements: Integrated with AWS, this cloud-based platform provides free digital twin simulations for antenna performance prediction without physical prototyping[^symmetry].
• ONE mXTEND™ Antenna Booster: Marketed as the “world’s smallest cellular antenna,” it supports multiband operation across 800–10,600 MHz (5G NR Sub-6 GHz/CBRS/LTE-M/NB-IoT)[^ignion-main].

Market Demonstration & Partnerships

• Symmetry Electronics Partnership: Since June 2023, Symmetry Electronics distributes Ignion’s antennas globally while offering joint engineering support for industrial sensors, asset trackers, and healthcare devices[^symmetry].
• Virtual Antenna® Adoption: Over 25 million deployments by mid-2022 have grown to >30 million units across smart meters wearables and logistics trackers[^eic][^ignion-main].

Intellectual Property Expansion

• Multiband Tuning Architectures: Including self-tunable systems using non-resonant elements (e.g., US11183761 B2)[^patents].
• Miniaturization Techniques: Patented designs for sub-GHz to mmWave operation in compact SMT packages[^patents][^everythingrf].

No peer-reviewed scientific studies or clinical trials were identified; however whitepapers like "The State of Inventiveness in Europe 2023" discuss broader industry trends rather than proprietary advancements[^whitepaper].

Sources

• Ignion Official Website - Product details including ONE mXTEND™ booster.

• ignion-and-symmetry-electronics-

  announce-global-partnership/" class="inline-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Powerhouse IoT Partnership Announcement - Symmetry Electronics collaboration terms.

  -EIC Accelerator Award Press Release - Initial post-funding milestones.

  -Patent Portfolio PDF - Granted patents as of December

  2023. -

  ignore-oxions-rf-design-enhancements" class="inline-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Oxions-RF-design-tool-update -

  Oxions20 features at embedded world

  2025. Note: Some URLs are fragmented due to source formatting constraints; full paths can be reconstructed via direct navigation on the domains provided.

  5 The Partnerships and Customers

  IGNION SL: Partnerships and Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

  IGNION SL, a Spanish company based in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, has been at the forefront of IoT antenna innovation. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022, IGNION has made significant strides in partnerships and technological advancements.

  Partnerships and Customers

  • NeuronicWorks: One of IGNION's notable partnerships is with NeuronicWorks, Inc., announced in July 2021. This collaboration aims to accelerate the design and development of IoT devices using IGNION's Virtual Antenna® technology. NeuronicWorks benefits from IGNION's scalable and versatile antenna solutions, reducing development time and enhancing manufacturing efficiency.
  • Silicon Labs: IGNION is also a certified technology partner with Silicon Labs, enhancing IoT development with tailored antenna design and support. This partnership simplifies RF connectivity for IoT applications across various sectors.

  New Partners and Customers

  As of the latest available information, there are no specific mentions of new partners or customers beyond the existing collaborations. However, IGNION's partnerships continue to support its mission to empower the IoT ecosystem with off-the-shelf antenna solutions.

  Nature of New Relationships and Purpose

  While specific new relationships may not be detailed, IGNION's focus remains on expanding its technological resources and market presence through collaborative efforts. The purpose of these partnerships is to accelerate IoT device development and reduce the complexities associated with antenna design and integration.

  Market Positioning

  IGNION's partnerships position it as a leader in IoT antenna innovation, enhancing its market presence by offering scalable and versatile solutions that simplify the development of wireless connected devices. This positioning is crucial as the demand for IoT devices continues to grow, necessitating efficient and reliable connectivity solutions.

  Technology Advancements and Scaling

  IGNION's advancements, particularly with its AI-powered Oxion™ development platform launched in 2024, demonstrate significant progress in technology. Oxion™ leverages AI/ML to shorten design times for wireless devices, making it easier for developers to achieve optimal wireless connectivity. This platform builds on IGNION's Antenna Intelligence Cloud, empowering developers with real-time performance predictions and tailored design guidance. Such innovations enable IGNION to scale its offerings efficiently, catering to the evolving needs of the IoT industry.

  EIC Accelerator Funding Impact

  The EIC Accelerator funding received in March 2022 has likely supported IGNION's ongoing research and development efforts, including the launch of new platforms like Oxion™. This funding would have facilitated collaborations and advancements, further establishing IGNION as a key player in IoT antenna technology.

  Sources

  • Meet Our Partners | Ignion
  • NeuronicWorks Partners with Ignion to Accelerate IoT Device Designs
  • Ignion - IoT Antenna Manufacturers
  • Ignion - Silicon Labs
  • IGNION, S.L.::Line Card::WPG Holdings
  • Ignion Launches Revolutionary AI-powered Antenna

  6 The Hiring and Company Growth

  IGNION SL Post-EIC Accelerator Growth and Team Dynamics Barcelona-based IoT antenna innovator IGNION SL (formerly Fractus Antennas) has demonstrated robust growth since winning the European Innovation Council’s Accelerator Award in June 2022 for its Virtual Antenna® technology. While exact headcount figures remain undisclosed, the company reports a 50% year-on-year team expansion, reflecting aggressive scaling to meet global demand for its miniature multi-band antennas.

  Hiring Activity and Team Structure

  IGNION is actively hiring across departments, emphasizing technical roles in antenna engineering and operations. Their structured recruitment process includes HR screenings, managerial interviews, and culture-fit evaluations. Key positions recently advertised include product managers and regional leads, particularly in their U.S. (Tampa) and China (Shenzhen) offices.

  Strategic Impact of New Hires

  The influx of talent supports IGNION’s dual focus: enhancing R&D for next-gen IoT connectivity solutions like 5G/Wi-Fi 6E antennas and expanding manufacturing capabilities to serve clients such as AWS and Nordic Semiconductor. Geographic diversification into North America and Asia positions the company to capitalize on localized IoT demand while maintaining its Barcelona HQ as an innovation hub.

  Management Stability

  No recent changes in founding leadership are reported. The company retains a veteran management team prioritizing mentorship programs to sustain its rapid growth trajectory, with a workforce comprising employees from over 10 countries fostering cross-functional collaboration.

  ---

  Sources

  • Ignion - IoT Antenna Manufacturers
  • IGNION SL Company Profile
  • Ignion - Careers
  • Ignion on Everything RF
  • EIC Accelerator Announcement

  7 The Media Features and Publications

  IGNION SL Overview

  IGNION SL, an innovative antenna manufacturer based in Spain, has been gaining recognition in the IoT and wireless connectivity sectors. The company is renowned for its pioneering work in virtual antennas, enhancing IoT device performance with compact, high-efficiency solutions. IGNION SL successfully secured funding from the EIC Accelerator in March 2022, highlighting its potential for growth and innovation in the technology industry.

  Media Features and Publications

  IGNION SL has been featured in various publications and media outlets, primarily focusing on its advancements in IoT antenna technology. The company has been highlighted for its role in simplifying IoT device design and implementation through off-the-shelf antenna solutions. These publications often discuss IGNION's innovative approach to reducing design complexity and cost, especially with its Virtual Antenna components.

  Podcasts and Interviews

  One notable podcast appearance is by Jaap Groot, CEO of IGNION, who participated in Momenta Ventures' podcast. During the discussion, Groot provided insights into the LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) space and the company's role in it, reflecting on recent developments and future prospects for IoT connectivity.

  Conferences and Events

  While specific details about IGNION SL's participation in recent conferences or fairs are not widely documented, the company's involvement in industry events would typically focus on showcasing its latest antenna technologies and innovations. Given its innovative products and AI-driven design tools, IGNION SL likely participates in IoT and wireless technology conferences to demonstrate its solutions and engage with potential partners and customers.

  Involvement in Events

  IGNION's presence at industry events would be aimed at promoting its cutting-edge antenna solutions and engaging with the IoT community. By attending these events, the company can highlight its commitment to advancing IoT connectivity through efficient and reliable antenna designs.

  EIC Accelerator Funding

  Receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022 marked a significant milestone for IGNION SL. This support not only validates the company's innovative approach but also positions it to further expand its product line and enhance its market presence in the global IoT sector.

  Sources: - Ignion - IoT Antenna Manufacturers

  • News from the World of Antennas and IoT - Ignion
  • A small antenna with big performance for asset tracking
  • Jaap Groot | LPWAN Podcast | Ignion
  • Ignion Adds an AI Assistant, PCB Gerber Review and Other Features to its Antenna Design Tool