1 The EIC Accelerator Project

Overview of the EIC Accelerator Program

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program is a pivotal initiative designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups within the European Union, particularly those involved in deep technology innovation. This program aims to foster the development of breakthrough technologies that have the potential to create significant societal impact, particularly in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, health, and sustainable development.

Funding Structure of the EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator offers a unique funding mechanism known as blended finance, combining both grants and equity investments.

Purpose and Role in the Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a critical role in the European deep tech and startup ecosystem. By providing financial support and resources, it helps bridge the gap between innovative ideas and market realization. The program encourages collaboration between startups and established businesses, thus facilitating knowledge transfer and enhancing networking opportunities.

Moreover, the EIC Accelerator assists companies in attracting further investment from private sectors by validating their technologies and business models. The backing of the EIC enhances a startup's credibility, making it more appealing to venture capitalists and private investors.

Case Study: Solar Dew Clean Water B.V. and the SAFEWater-SDCW Project

Company Overview

Solar Dew Clean Water B.V., based in the Netherlands, is a pioneering company focused on developing innovative solutions for water purification. The company has distinguished itself by creating technologies that enable clean and safe water supply, particularly for off-grid communities.

Project Description: SAFEWater-SDCW

The project acronym SAFEWater-SDCW stands for "A Disruptively Novel Approach to Clean and Safe Water Supply to Off-Grid Communities." Launched in June 2022, this initiative seeks to address the urgent need for accessible and sustainable water solutions in areas lacking reliable infrastructure.

Technology Basics and Background

The SAFEWater-SDCW project leverages advanced solar-powered technology to purify water efficiently. Traditional methods of water purification can be energy-intensive and often require significant infrastructural investment, making them unsuitable for remote or off-grid communities.

Solar Dew's technology utilizes a novel approach that mimics natural processes, harnessing solar energy to distill and purify water. The system is designed to operate independently, requiring minimal maintenance, which is crucial for deployment in areas with limited resources.

The technology not only addresses the immediate need for clean water but also contributes to sustainability goals by minimizing the environmental impact associated with traditional water purification methods. The system is scalable and adaptable, making it suitable for various contexts and communities, thus enhancing its potential for widespread adoption.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program, with its blended financing model and focus on deep tech innovations, serves as a catalyst for companies like Solar Dew Clean Water B.V. to realize their vision. By providing essential funding and support, the program enables transformative projects like SAFEWater-SDCW to thrive, ultimately contributing to improved quality of life for off-grid communities through sustainable access to clean water. This initiative not only highlights the critical intersection of technology and social responsibility but also underscores the importance of robust support systems in fostering innovation and growth within the European startup ecosystem.

2 The Funding Rounds

Financing Raised and Funding Rounds

Solar Dew Clean Water B.V., based in the Netherlands, has raised multiple rounds of funding since winning the EIC Accelerator in June 2022. The company secured a notable investment round in mid-2023, raising over €1 million to support final product development and prepare for market launch. This funding was instrumental in building their first Water Station pilot with Ballast Nedam as a launching customer for an infrastructure project in Africa.

In August 2024, Solar Dew received an additional €625,000 from Invest International’s Development Accelerator fund to deploy three WaterStations in Chile. This project aims both at commercializing their technology and validating their supply chain and business model for future scaling.

Timeline and Amounts of Major Funding Rounds

Date	Amount Raised	Investors / Source	Purpose
June 2023	Over €1 million	Netherlands Enabling Watertechnology Fund (NEW), Oost NL, VOx Impuls	Final product development; pilot launch; claim on EIC funds
August 14, 2024	€625,000	Invest International (Development Accelerator)	Pilot deployment & market entry in Chile

Investor Information

Key investors supporting Solar Dew include: - Netherlands Enabling Watertechnology Fund (NEW) – Managed by NOM.

• Oost NL – Dutch regional development agency.
• VOx Impuls – Impact investment firm.
• Invest International – Provided Development Accelerator financing for international expansion.

Additionally, Generous Minds played a strategic advisory role connecting Solar Dew with impact-focused capital during fundraising activities.

Company Valuations

No public information is available regarding formal company valuations from these funding rounds or subsequent valuation updates.

Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions

As of April 30, 2025:

• There are no records indicating that Solar Dew Clean Water B.V. has undergone an exit event such as an IPO or acquisition.
• The company's recent activities focus on commercialization pilots and geographic expansion rather than preparing for public markets or buyout events.

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Sources

• Funding for drinking water startup SolarDew - nvnom.com
• Project Disclosure - Invest International
• SolarDew company information, funding & investors | Dealroom.co

3 The Press Releases

Overview of Solar Dew Clean Water B.V.

Solar Dew Clean Water B.V., a Netherlands-based company, has been at the forefront of providing innovative solutions for clean drinking water using solar energy. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022, SolarDew has made significant strides in technology advancements, partnerships, and team updates.

Technology Advancements

SolarDew utilizes a unique solar membrane distillation technology, which leverages solar heat to evaporate water through a proprietary membrane. This process effectively removes salts, heavy metals, viruses, and bacteria, producing high-quality drinking water from saline or contaminated sources. The technology is designed to be simple, robust, and low maintenance, making it ideal for off-grid communities.

Partnerships and Investments

SolarDew has secured significant investments, including over 1 million euros from the Netherlands Enabling Watertechnology Fund, Oost NL, and VOx Impuls. These funds are crucial for further developing their water purification technology and preparing it for market launch. Additionally, SolarDew is collaborating with Ballast Nedam to deploy their technology in Africa, which serves as a test case for larger-scale implementation.

Team Updates

The company is led by CEO Alexander van der Kleij, who has been instrumental in the development of SolarDew's technology and business strategy. The team includes experts in membrane technology, solar technology, and business development. As of 2024, SolarDew's team consists of about seven full-time employees, with plans to expand as the company grows.

Patents and Innovations

SolarDew has developed several patentable inventions related to their membrane and materials technology. Their proprietary membrane is highly resistant to fouling, ensuring consistent performance and low maintenance requirements.

Press Releases and Updates

While SolarDew does not have an extensive collection of press releases on their website, updates and announcements are typically shared through partnerships and industry platforms. The company's progress and impact are often highlighted in reports and articles from organizations like InnoEnergy and WaterCampus.

Future Plans

SolarDew aims to provide clean drinking water to over 1 million people by 2030. Their modular system is designed to be scalable, making it suitable for both households and communities. The company is also expanding into new markets, with projects underway in regions like Chile.

Sources

• Solar Desalination For The Production Clean Drinking Water
• Public Presentation - SolarDew
• Solar Dew Clean Water B.V.
• Solar Dew Clean Water - use solar energy for water purification
• Funding for drinking water startup SolarDew
• SolarDew - Climate Innovation Window
• Solar Dew Clean Water - EIT InnoEnergy - Master School
• Project Disclosure - Invest International
• SolarDew - WaterCampus

4 The Technology Advancements

Solar Dew Clean Water B.V.: Post-EIC Accelerator Progress and Current Capabilities Solar Dew Clean Water B.V., a Dutch impact startup, specializes in solar-powered membrane distillation technology for decentralized clean water production. Since its EIC Accelerator participation, the company has advanced its mission to address global water scarcity through innovation and strategic partnerships.

Technological Advancements

• Proprietary Membrane Development: SolarDew’s low-cost, high-fouling-resistant membrane remains central to its system, now integrated into multi-layer modules that reuse thermal energy across layers to boost efficiency.
• Scalability Improvements: The design supports configurations from 100 to 5,000 liters/day per installation, emphasizing modularity for community-scale deployment.
• Cost Efficiency: Production costs are reported at $0.03/L ($0.02 CAPEX + $0.01 OPEX), undercutting traditional desalination methods by up to 90%.

Market Demonstrations and Pilots

• Chilean Desert Deployment: A project in northern Chile’s Atacama Desert provides drinking water via trucked-in sources replaced by SolarDew’s point-of-use systems.
• Australian Aboriginal Communities: Systems are being tested in Cape York (Queensland) where groundwater salinity necessitates sustainable solutions.
• European Trials: Collaborations with Greek island communities aim to reduce dependence on bottled water shipments.

Intellectual Property and Research Outputs

Patent Filings: As of November 2024, the company is preparing to file two patents covering its membrane design and energy-regeneration process. No peer-reviewed studies or whitepapers were identified in publicly available materials.

Current Capabilities Summary Table

| Aspect | Detail | |----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Technology | Solar membrane distillation with multi-layer energy regeneration | | Output Range | 100–5,000 L/day | | Contaminant Removal | Salts (>10,000x reduction), bacteria/viruses/heavy metals in one step | | Price Competitiveness | $0.03/L vs $0.20–$2.00/L for comparable systems |

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Sources

• SolarDew Presentation (2024)
• Climate Innovation Window Profile
• EIT InnoEnergy Partnership Update
• SDG Den Haag Case Study
• Invest International Disclosure (Chile Project)

5 The Partnerships and Customers

SolarDew Clean Water B.V.: Partnerships and Market Positioning

SolarDew Clean Water B.V., a Dutch company specializing in solar desalination technology, has been actively developing partnerships and advancing its market presence since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022.

Existing Partnerships

SolarDew has established partnerships with companies in Chile and Australia to introduce their products to those markets. In Chile, they are launching a demonstration project in the Atacama Desert, while in Australia, they are working with an Aboriginal community in the Cape York region. Additionally, they have connections with communities on smaller Greek islands, where expanding water distribution networks is challenging.

New Partnerships

SolarDew has recently collaborated with Ballast Nedam for a pilot installation in Africa. This partnership serves as a test case for Ballast Nedam to deploy SolarDew's technology on a larger scale, highlighting the strategic nature of their collaboration.

New Customers

While specific new customer names are not detailed, SolarDew is focused on providing clean drinking water solutions to rural communities worldwide, especially in regions like Latin America and Southeast Asia, where traditional water sources are often saline or contaminated.

Nature and Purpose of New Relationships

These partnerships aim to accelerate the deployment of SolarDew's innovative water purification technology, which uses solar heat and gravity to produce clean water from saline and contaminated sources. The relationships are critical for validating the product in various field settings and scaling up production to meet the goal of providing clean drinking water to over one million people by 2030.

Market Positioning

The new relationships will position SolarDew as a leader in sustainable, off-grid water purification, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure. By partnering with local entrepreneurs and companies, SolarDew can create sustainable businesses that empower communities to manage their own water resources, enhancing their health and economic stability.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

The partnerships and investments, such as the funding from the Netherlands Enabling Watertechnology Fund, Oost NL, and VOx Impuls, are crucial for further developing and scaling SolarDew's technology. These investments enable the company to refine its product, conduct field validations, and access additional funding opportunities, such as those from the European Innovation Council. Participation in programs like the EIT InnoEnergy accelerator also supports SolarDew's mission by providing resources and networks that aid in technology advancements and market expansion.

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Sources: - SolarDew's Public Presentation

• Solar Dew Clean Water B.V.
• Solar Desalination For The Production Clean Drinking Water
• SolarDew - WaterCampus
• SolarDew - Clean water solutions through solar energy
• Solar Desalination For The Production Clean Drinking Water
• Funding for drinking water startup SolarDew
• SolarDew - Climate Innovation Window

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Solar Dew Clean Water B.V.

Solar Dew Clean Water B.V., a Dutch company, has been working towards providing clean drinking water solutions since winning the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022. Here is an overview of their team growth and hiring developments.

Current Headcount and Team Size

As of now, there is limited information available on the exact current headcount or team size of Solar Dew Clean Water B.V. However, their team includes experts from various fields such as membrane technology, solar technology, patents, project management, industrial design, business coaching, and financial administration.

Hiring Status

While there is no specific mention of ongoing hiring processes, Solar Dew Clean Water B.V. is described as seeking "impact-driven people" with necessary experience and knowledge to help create a thriving business focused on clean drinking water solutions.

Growth and Scaling

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, Solar Dew has continued to develop and refine its solar desalination products. The company aims to provide clean drinking water to 1 million people by 2030, focusing on small-scale, cost-effective solutions for households and communities, especially in off-grid locations. Their scalable technology allows for easy deployment and maintenance, which is crucial for their growth strategy.

Key Positions and New Team Members

The company's team includes key figures such as Prof.D. Sikkema for membrane technology, Dr. J. van Berkel for solar technology, M. Potter MSc MBA for patents, Simona Trpovska MBA for project management support, Tjeerd Gerbranda MSc for industrial design, Twan Vos as a business coach, and Jeane Kramers for financial administration. New team members would likely contribute to expanding their product reach, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting their mission to provide clean water globally.

Future Impact and Scaling

New team members will be integral in helping Solar Dew scale by enhancing their product offerings, expanding market presence, and ensuring operational sustainability. Their focus on local entrepreneurship and community-driven solutions will support their growth while addressing global water scarcity challenges.

Major Changes in Management

There are no reported major changes in the founding team or management of Solar Dew Clean Water B.V. since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding.

Recent Developments

In August 2024, Solar Dew secured EUR 625,000 in funding to deploy its water purification systems in Chile, marking a significant step towards global expansion. This investment supports their strategy to scale up and provide clean drinking water solutions in remote areas, aligning with sustainable development goals.

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Sources: - Public Presentation - SolarDew

• Solar Desalination For The Production Clean Drinking Water
• Solar Dew Clean Water B.V.
• Project Disclosure - Invest International

7 The Media Features and Publications

Solar Dew Clean Water B.V.: An Innovative Approach to Clean Drinking Water

Solar Dew Clean Water B.V., a Dutch company, has been gaining recognition for its innovative solar-powered water purification technology. Since winning the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022, the company has continued to make strides in providing clean drinking water solutions to communities worldwide.

Media Features and Publications

Solar Dew has been featured in various publications and platforms for its groundbreaking technology. The company's unique approach to solar membrane distillation allows it to purify water from virtually any source, including saline and contaminated waters, in a single step. This technology has been highlighted for its efficiency and ability to reduce salinity by more than 10,000 times.

Podcasts and Interviews

While specific podcasts or interviews with the team of Solar Dew Clean Water B.V. are not widely documented in the available sources, the company's CEO, Alexander van der Kleij, has been involved in entrepreneurial events and competitions, such as the Get in the Ring Global Meetup 2021, where SolarDew advanced to represent the Netherlands.

Conferences, Fairs, and Presentations

Solar Dew Clean Water B.V. has likely participated in various conferences and events related to water purification and sustainability, given its focus on innovation and community involvement. However, specific details about these engagements are not readily available in the current sources.

Event Involvement

The company aims to create lasting impact by providing high-quality drinking water to communities. SolarDew has expressed plans to provide clean water to 1 million people by 2030, emphasizing its commitment to addressing global water scarcity issues.

Sources

• Solar Desalination For The Production Clean Drinking Water
• Solar Desalination For The Production Clean Drinking Water
• SolarDew - Climate Innovation Window
• Solar Dew Clean Water B.V.
• Solar Dew® - The prospect of fresh water in the desert
• Providing clean drinking water to 1 million people by 2030 - SolarDew
• Delivering Clean Water Using Solar-Powered Pipelines
• Solar Dew Clean Water - use solar energy for water purification
• Breakthrough Water Purification Technology With Solar Energy from ...