1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program: Overview and Purpose
The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, particularly in the fields of deep tech. The program aims to bridge the funding gap for high-risk, high-potential companies, enabling them to scale their innovations and bring disruptive technologies to market. The EIC Accelerator provides a combination of grant funding and equity investment, facilitating access to essential capital for product development and market entry.
Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator offers funding in two main forms: grants and equity investments.
Role in the European DeepTech Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in nurturing the European DeepTech ecosystem by providing targeted funding to innovative companies that may struggle to secure financing from traditional sources. By offering substantial financial support, the program helps these companies overcome the initial hurdles of commercialization, enabling them to attract further investment from private sectors. This synergy between public funding and private investment fosters an environment conducive to innovation, bolstering the competitiveness of European industries on a global scale.
EMBEDL AB and the EmbeDL Project
Overview of EMBEDL AB
EMBEDL AB, based in Sweden, emerged as an EIC Accelerator winner for its project, EmbeDL. The company specializes in machine learning solutions tailored for embedded systems, focusing on enhancing the performance and energy efficiency of these technologies.
Project EmbeDL: Objectives and Innovations
The EmbeDL project aims to develop faster and more energy-efficient machine learning algorithms specifically designed for embedded systems. This initiative addresses the growing demand for efficient processing capabilities in devices where computational resources are limited, such as IoT devices, smart sensors, and mobile applications.
Technology Basics and Background
Machine learning (ML) has revolutionized various sectors by enabling systems to learn from data and make decisions autonomously. However, the implementation of ML in embedded systems presents unique challenges due to constraints in computational power, memory, and energy consumption. Traditional ML models often require substantial resources, making them unsuitable for deployment in low-power environments.
The EmbeDL project focuses on developing novel algorithms that optimize the performance of machine learning on embedded devices. By leveraging techniques such as model compression, quantization, and efficient neural network architectures, EMBEDL AB aims to enhance the speed and reduce the energy footprint of machine learning operations.
Key innovations of the EmbeDL project include:
- Algorithm Optimization: Development of advanced algorithms that maintain high accuracy while minimizing resource consumption.
- Energy Efficiency: Techniques to significantly reduce the energy required for model training and inference, making ML feasible for battery-operated devices.
- Scalability: Solutions designed to be easily integrated into existing embedded systems, allowing for wide adoption across various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Conclusion
The EIC Accelerator program serves as a crucial catalyst for innovation in the European deep tech landscape, exemplified by EMBEDL AB and its groundbreaking EmbeDL project. By providing substantial funding through grants and equity, the EIC Accelerator enables companies like EMBEDL to overcome financial barriers, scale operations, and contribute to the advancement of technology in embedded systems. The successful implementation of the EmbeDL project not only enhances machine learning capabilities but also sets a precedent for energy-efficient solutions in the rapidly evolving tech ecosystem. For more information, visit embedl.com.
2 The Funding Rounds
# EMBEDL AB: Funding Journey and Growth After EIC Accelerator GrantEmbedl AB, a Swedish deep tech company specializing in AI research and development, has made significant strides since receiving the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator grant in 2022. The company, which optimizes deep learning models for better performance and energy efficiency, has secured multiple funding rounds to fuel its growth and expansion.
EIC Accelerator Funding
On December 19, 2022, Embedl was awarded a €2.5 million (27.46 million SEK) grant through the EIC Accelerator program. This significant funding was intended to accelerate the development and commercialization of Embedl's software technology that improves the performance of deep learning-based artificial intelligence.
The two-year project funded by this grant aimed to:
- Further develop Embedl's software products
- Add new products to the portfolio
- Streamline sales processes
- Improve customer onboarding
- Deploy three beta-testing programs with customers
As part of the growth plan, Embedl planned to recruit ten additional employees, with the majority joining the R&D team. The project was scheduled to conclude by the end of 2024, by which time Embedl expected to have a broader and improved product portfolio.
Additional Funding Rounds
Early Funding (2018-2022)
Embedl, founded in 2018 as a spin-off from a collaborative research project on low energy computing funded by the European Commission, secured early-stage funding to begin operations. The company was established when Machine Intelligence Sweden AB decided to spin off their research results into a new venture.
SEK 7 Million Seed Round
Embedl completed a capital raise of SEK 7 million (approximately $740,000) backed by several Swedish investors:
- Chalmers Ventures
- Stoaf III SciTech AB
- Butterfly Ventures
- Circus Future
Additionally, Almi Invest matched this with a SEK 2.5 million equity contribution. This funding was intended to help bring the company's product to market, with an initial focus on the automotive industry followed by IoT applications.
SEK 45 Million Investment Round (June 2023)
In June 2023, Embedl successfully raised SEK 45 million in a funding round led by Spintop Ventures. This round included co-financing from the European Innovation Council (EIC). The capital was earmarked to enhance Embedl's operations and scale up its tools for delivering high-performing AI models for the automotive industry.
This investment was aimed at enabling Embedl to: - Enhance customer AI systems by making computation models less complex
- Reduce energy consumption in AI systems
- Improve throughput and accuracy
- Expand the organization
- Continue commercializing deep learning optimization tools for AI
Company Valuation and Metrics
While specific valuation figures for Embedl are not explicitly stated in the available information, some key metrics about the company include:
- Estimated annual revenue: Approximately $2.6 million as of the most recent data
- Revenue per employee: Estimated at $101,500
- Employee count: 26 employees
- Employee growth: 53% increase in the year prior to the latest report
Investor Information
Embedl has attracted investments from various venture capital firms and innovation funds:
Company Background and Focus
Embedl is a spin-off from Chalmers Technical University that specializes in optimizing deep learning models. The company's solutions provide significant performance enhancements for:
- Autonomous Driving Systems (AD)
- Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the automotive sector
- Consumer products with less powerful hardware
- Battery-powered devices running deep learning algorithms
Embedl's technology addresses the growing concern of energy consumption in AI systems by optimizing AI at the system level, thereby reducing energy requirements and environmental impact.
The company's tools and algorithms help data scientists and deep learning engineers build more efficient models, automating much of the work effort and allowing engineers to focus on solving core business problems rather than dealing with compatibility issues and maintenance.
As of the latest information, there have been no reported exit events such as IPOs or acquisitions for Embedl AB.
Sources: - Embedl receives 45 msek investment
- EmbeDL completed a capital raise of SEK 7M
- Embedl awarded 2.5 MEUR
- EmbeDL: Revenue, Competitors, Alternatives
3 The Press Releases
Overview of Embedl AB
Embedl AB, a Swedish startup, received funding from the EIC Accelerator program in October 2022. The company focuses on developing innovative software tools and technologies to optimize machine learning models, aiming to make AI models more efficient and energy-efficient.Technology Advancements
Embedl's technology is centered on optimizing deep learning models for use in constrained computing environments. This involves transforming complex models to fit specific hardware, enhancing performance while reducing computational demands. Their software solutions are crucial in applications such as advanced driving assistance systems, autonomous driving, surveillance, manufacturing, and IoT devices.Funding and Awards
In December 2022, Embedl was awarded a grant of 2.5 million euros (approximately 27.46 million SEK) from the EIC Accelerator program. This funding is intended to accelerate the development and commercialization of their unique AI technology. Additionally, Embedl won the 2024 Smart Industry Business Competition for its groundbreaking AI technology, recognized for its potential to create business benefits from proprietary innovations.Team Updates
Jonna Matthiesen, a researcher in deep learning at Embedl, won the Grand Engineering Prize for Rising Star in 2024. Matthiesen has made significant contributions to neural architecture search (NAS), driving innovation for scalable AI solutions. Her leadership and pioneering advancements in AI serve as an inspiration for women in the tech industry.Press Releases and Updates
Embedl's press releases and updates highlight its achievements in AI optimization and recent awards. The company's website features news on its EIC Accelerator grant and the Smart Industry Business Competition win. There are no specific details on patents or new partnerships mentioned in the available press releases.Conclusion
Embedl AB has made significant strides in AI optimization technology since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding. The company's focus on making AI models more efficient and its recognition through prestigious awards underscore its position as a leader in AI innovation.Sources: - Embedl awarded 2.5 MEUR to accelerate AI
4 The Technology Advancements
Embedl AB: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Advancements and Market TractionSince receiving a €2.5 million EIC Accelerator grant in December 2022, Swedish deep-tech company Embedl AB has accelerated its AI optimization tools for embedded systems, particularly targeting automotive, defense, and IoT industries. Below are the key advancements and milestones achieved post-funding:
Technological Improvements
- Model Optimization SDK Enhancements: The SDK now reduces memory usage by up to 95%, energy consumption by 83%, and accelerates deep learning inference by up to 18x on edge devices. These metrics position it as a critical tool for deploying generative AI (GenAI) models on resource-constrained hardware.
- Generative AI Edge Deployment: Embedl partnered with autonomous trucking leader Kodiak Robotics to optimize GenAI models for multiple hardware platforms, demonstrating compatibility with heterogeneous edge environments.
- Hardware-Aware Development: New methodologies emphasize hardware-driven optimization during model design, ensuring efficient deployment of generative models like those used in autonomous vehicles.
Market Demonstrations & Partnerships
- Bosch Pilot Project: At STARTUP AUTOBAHN EXPO2024, Embedl showcased a successful pilot project involving model porting and optimization for an undisclosed Bosch application.
- Automotive Sector Expansion: The SDK is now integrated into frameworks used by automotive leaders to reduce unit costs for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and accelerate time-to-market.
- Aerospace & Defense Applications: Optimized AI models have been deployed in mission-critical defense systems, emphasizing energy efficiency and security without requiring hardware upgrades.
Recognition & Awards
- IVA Smart Industry Award 2024: Recognized for pioneering energy-efficient AI technologies that reduce computational costs while maintaining accuracy.
- Ny Teknik’s 33 List Selection: Highlighted as a top innovator in Sweden for “brain surgery-like” precision in optimizing AI models.
Research Outputs & IP Strategy
While no new patents or whitepapers are explicitly mentioned post-EIC funding, the company emphasizes ongoing research in areas such as quantization strategies and neural architecture search through its academic roots at Chalmers University of Technology. Recent collaborations focus on refining automated workflows to reduce engineering effort in model optimization tasks.Sources
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Embedl AB: Partnerships and Growth Since EIC Accelerator Funding
Embedl AB, a Swedish deep tech company specializing in AI research and development, received the EIC Accelerator funding on October 5, 2022. Since then, Embedl has made significant strides in partnerships, customer acquisition, and technological advancements.
Partnerships and Customers
- Zenseact Partnership: Embedl partnered with Zenseact to optimize deep learning models for efficient execution in embedded systems. This collaboration highlights Embedl's expertise in startup-corporate partnerships, focusing on knowledge sharing and collaborative projects.
- Strategic Partnership with Arm: Embedl has a strategic partnership with Arm, offering optimal performance for any Arm core edge AI customer. This partnership is crucial for Embedl's mission to revolutionize embedded systems by commercializing its state-of-the-art Deep Learning Model Optimization SDK.
- Edge AI Foundation: Embedl recently became a Strategic Partner of the Edge AI Foundation. This partnership allows Embedl to collaborate with forward-thinking partners and contribute its technologies to accelerate the global market adoption of efficient Edge AI solutions.
New Partners and Customers
While specific new customers have not been highlighted in recent announcements, Embedl's strategic partnerships indicate a strong focus on expanding its network within the edge AI ecosystem.
Nature and Purpose of New Relationships
These new relationships aim to enhance Embedl's position in the market by fostering collaborations that drive the adoption of efficient AI models. The partnership with the Edge AI Foundation, for instance, positions Embedl as a key player in the edge AI ecosystem, facilitating the development of sustainable and efficient AI solutions.
Market Positioning and Technology Advancements
Embedl's partnerships and funding will help the company scale its operations and further develop its software technology. The EIC Accelerator grant of 2.5 million euros will be used to accelerate Embedl's development and commercialization efforts, ensuring a broader and improved product portfolio by the end of 2024. The company's technology advancements, including up to 83% reduced energy consumption and up to 18x faster DL inference, are crucial for its growth in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Scaling and Technology Advancements
The investment and partnerships will enable Embedl to enhance its customers' AI systems by reducing complexity, energy consumption, and hardware costs. Embedl's Model Optimization SDK streamlines the development process, allowing for faster time-to-market and increased competitiveness. The company's focus on research and development, coupled with its strategic partnerships, will continue to drive innovation in AI model optimization, solidifying its position as a leader in the field.
Sources
- Embedl receives 45 msek investment
- Embedl and the importance of sticking to the strategy
- Embedl
- Embedl awarded 2.5 MEUR to accelerate AI
- Embedl – Arm
- New Strategic Partner: Welcome Embedl to the EDGE AI Foundation
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Embedl AB: Growth and Team Dynamics Post-EIC Accelerator FundingEmbedl AB, a Swedish deep tech company specializing in AI model optimization for embedded systems, has demonstrated significant growth since securing EIC Accelerator co-financing in 2023. While the exact timeline of their EIC award isn’t explicitly detailed in public records, their June 2023 funding round of 45 MSEK (led by Spintop Ventures with EIC participation) marked a pivotal scaling phase.
Team Size and Hiring
- Current headcount: Approximately 19 employees, based on 2024 estimates.
- Active hiring: Open roles include Sales Manager and Key Account Manager, focusing on expanding commercial operations.
- Growth trajectory: The 2023 investment enabled organizational expansion to support commercialization efforts, though specific hiring figures post-funding remain undisclosed.
Strategic Hiring and Scaling
Recent hires emphasize commercial roles to drive adoption of Embedl’s Model Optimization SDK, which reduces energy consumption and hardware costs for AI deployments in automotive, aerospace, and IoT sectors. Strengthening sales teams aligns with Embedl’s goal to penetrate cost-sensitive industries like automotive manufacturing more aggressively.Leadership Continuity
CEO Hans Salomonsson remains at the helm post-funding, with no publicly reported changes to the founding team. The company continues leveraging its academic roots as a Chalmers University spin-out while scaling its research-to-commercialization pipeline.Sources:
- EMBEDL RECEIVES 45 MSEK INVESTMENT TO SCALE UP ITS OPERATIONS
- Embedl Company Profile (note: access restrictions may apply)
- Career - Embedl
7 The Media Features and Publications
EMBEDL AB: Media Coverage, Events, and Industry Recognition Post-EIC Accelerator FundingSince receiving a 2.5 million euro grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in December 2022[^eic], EMBEDL AB has significantly expanded its market presence through media features, industry awards, and global event participation. The Gothenburg-based AI optimization specialist continues to drive innovation in deep learning model efficiency for embedded systems.
Media Features & Publications
- CB Insights AI 100: Recognized as one of the 100 Most Innovative AI Startups globally in 2025[^cb].
- Smart Industry Award: Won IVA’s 2024 Smart Industry Business Competition for groundbreaking AI optimization tools that reduce energy consumption while improving accuracy[^iva].
- Investment Coverage: Featured in Arctic Today for securing a 45 million SEK investment (June 2023) to scale operations and enhance automotive AI solutions[^arctictoday].
Event Participation & Conferences
EMBEDL maintains an aggressive event schedule to showcase its Model Optimization SDK:- Defence Expo Sweden 2025 (March): Highlighted defense applications of edge AI[^defence].
- MWC25 Barcelona (March): Demonstrated telecom-focused AI optimizations at Mobile World Congress[^mwc].
- Embedded Vision Summit (May 2025): Exhibited at Booth #808 in Santa Clara to address computer vision challenges[^vision].
- VDI Conference Berlin (April 2025): Presented on “AI in Vehicles” alongside automotive leaders[^vdi].
Presentations & Thought Leadership
- GAIA Conference: Deep Learning Researcher Jonna Matthiesen delivered a talk on evaluating optimized models under resource constraints[^gaia].
- Space4Defence Luxembourg: CPO Ola Tiverman discussed secure edge computing for aerospace applications[^space4defence].
While no podcasts or interviews are explicitly documented, EMBEDL’s leadership—including CEO Hans Salomonsson—actively engages at premier tech conferences like CES and Gitex Europe to promote sustainable AI deployment practices.
Sources Used:
-Embedl awarded EIC Accelerator grant -CB Insights AI 100 recognition -IVA Smart Industry Award announcement -45m SEK investment coverage -Defence Expo Sweden participation -MWC25 Barcelona details -Embedded Vision Summit booth info -VDI Conference Berlin listing -GAIA Conference presentation notes (Note: CPCRN content appears unrelated; GAIA details sourced indirectly via Embedl's events page)*Do you need EIC Accelerator support?
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