1 The EIC Accelerator Project
The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high potential for growth and scalability. This program is particularly focused on DeepTech startups that develop groundbreaking technologies, providing them with the necessary resources to transform their ideas into marketable products or services. The EIC Accelerator offers a unique financial structure known as blended finance, which combines grants and equity investments to support the growth of participating companies.EIC Accelerator Funding Structure
The funding available through the EIC Accelerator can reach up to €2.5 million in grant funding, which is intended to cover specific project costs such as research and development, prototyping, and other related expenditures. This grant funding is crucial for early-stage innovations, allowing companies to validate their technologies and prepare for market entry without the immediate pressure of repayment.
In addition to grant funding, the EIC Accelerator also provides equity investment. Until 2024, this investment can amount to €15 million, while from 2025 onward, the maximum equity investment will be capped at €10 million. This equity funding enables companies to leverage additional financial resources, attracting further investments from private sectors and ensuring that they can scale their operations effectively.
Purpose and Role in the Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by fostering innovation, supporting ambitious entrepreneurs, and bridging the funding gap for high-risk projects. By providing both grants and equity, the program enables companies to develop their technologies without excessively diluting their ownership early in their business lifecycle. This strategic support enhances their ability to attract private investment, as successful EIC Accelerator funding serves as a strong validation of a company’s potential.
Case Study: Cellbox-Solutions GmbH and the CELLBOX Project
Cellbox-Solutions GmbH, a German company, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator for its project, CELLBOX, which focuses on the innovative transport of “in culture” cell-based materials. The project aims to ensure the safety, quality, and functionality of these sensitive biological products during transportation.
Project Overview
CELLBOX seeks to address the challenges associated with the transport of living cells and cell-based products, which are often vulnerable to environmental conditions such as temperature fluctuations and mechanical stress. Traditional shipping methods can compromise the viability of these materials, leading to significant losses and risks in downstream applications, including medical treatments and biotechnological processes.
The CELLBOX technology involves a specialized transport system that maintains optimal conditions for cell-based materials throughout the logistics chain. This innovative solution is designed to provide temperature control, protection from vibrations, and monitoring capabilities to ensure the integrity of the transported materials.
Technology Basics and Background
The underlying technology of CELLBOX is based on an advanced packaging system that integrates several key features:
By securing EIC Accelerator funding, Cellbox-Solutions GmbH is poised to enhance its market position, scale its operations, and ultimately contribute to the advancement of biotechnological applications that rely on living cells. The CELLBOX project exemplifies the transformative potential of innovative transport solutions in the life sciences, aligning perfectly with the EIC Accelerator’s mission to support high-impact innovations in Europe.
In summary, the EIC Accelerator not only provides essential funding mechanisms for innovative startups like Cellbox-Solutions GmbH but also plays a critical role in fostering a vibrant ecosystem where groundbreaking technologies can thrive and make meaningful contributions to society.
2 The Funding Rounds
Cellbox-Solutions GmbH: Financing and Funding Developments Since EIC Accelerator Win
Cellbox-Solutions GmbH, based in Germany, has actively expanded its financial base and investor network since submitting its successful EIC Accelerator Step 2 proposal on March 22, 2023. Below is a detailed overview of the company's financing activity, funding rounds, key investors, timing and valuation data, as well as exit events where available.
Financing Raised and Funding Rounds
Summary Table: Major Recent Funding Rounds
| Date | Round | Amount Raised | Key Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 7, 2023 | Series A1 | €6.5M | CK Ventures (lead), Fraunhofer Ventures, NRW.Venture, Fil Bros., private investors |
| Jul/Aug 2023 | Grant | €2.5M | European Innovation Council |
| Early 2024 | Equity | up to €10M | European Innovation Council Fund |
</em>Equity investment process commenced after grant award; final amount may be disbursed over time.
Timing and Details of Each Round
- Series A1: Announced March 7th – funds used primarily for US business expansion and new product development targeting cell/gene therapy logistics.
- EIC Grant/Equity: Awarded July 5th; grant payout began August 2023 with equity component rollout planned through early/mid-2024.
Investor Information
The most significant named investors in recent rounds include: - CK Ventures: Lead investor in Series A1.
- Fraunhofer Ventures
- NRW.Venture
- Fil Bros
- Additional private investors joining board positions post-Series A1.
For public support: - The European Innovation Council provided both a substantial grant (€2.5M) and committed up to €10M via its equity fund as part of Horizon Europe support mechanisms.
Company Valuations
Dealroom.co estimates put Cellbox Solutions’ enterprise valuation between $29–43 million USD as of March 2023 following their major fundraising activities.
Exit Events (IPO/Buyout/Acquisition)
As of May 5th (UTC), there are no publicly reported IPOs or buyout/acquisition events involving Cellbox Solutions GmbH since their EIC Accelerator win or during subsequent fundraising periods covered here.
Sources
- Cellbox Solutions Raises EUR 6.5 Million in Series A1 Financing Round
- Cellbox Solutions GmbH Awarded €2.5 Million Grant Combined with an Equity Component under the European Innovation Council's Accelerator Program
- Cellbox Solutions Stock Price, Funding & Valuation — CB Insights
- Company Information — Dealroom.co
- Funding News — Parsers VC
- Press Release: EUR 6.5 Million Raised — GlobeNewswire-Million-in-Series-A1-Financing-Round.html)
-MedTech Innovator – EIC Award Announcement -million-grant-combined-with-an-equity-component-of-up-to-e10-million-under-the-european-
)-innovation-councils-
)-accelerator-program/)
3 The Press Releases
Cellbox Solutions GmbH, a German company specializing in warm chain logistics for cell-based therapies and diagnostics, received significant funding under the European Innovation Council's (EIC) Accelerator Program in 2023. This funding includes an initial grant of €2.5 million and additional equity funding of up to €10 million, announced after successfully passing the second 2023 EIC Accelerator cut-off on March 22, 2023.Technology and Innovation
Cellbox Solutions' technology focuses on a unique portable live cell transport incubator combined with advanced logistics solutions. This innovation enables the transport of difficult-to-freeze and non-freezable cell types, such as organoids, tissue patches, and cellular 3D prints, under optimal physiological conditions. The company's goal is to further develop its technology for clinical trials and cell therapies, expanding its services to key markets in Europe, the U.S., and Asia-Pacific.Funding and Expansion Plans
The €2.5 million grant will be used to enhance Cellbox's technology for clinical trials and cell therapies. The equity component of up to €10 million will support the expansion of logistics services and the establishment of hubs in Europe, the U.S., and the Asia-Pacific region. This strategic expansion aims to strengthen Cellbox's position in the global healthcare market by providing comprehensive logistics solutions for cell-based therapies.Recent Developments and Press Releases
Recent press releases highlight Cellbox Solutions' success in securing EIC funding and the company's ambitious plans for global expansion. These releases emphasize the company's commitment to bringing innovative live cell transport technology to major healthcare markets worldwide. However, there is no specific information available on recent partnerships or team updates directly from the company's website or social media channels.Website and Social Media Updates
While Cellbox Solutions' website provides detailed information about its technology and mission, specific updates on partnerships or team changes are not readily available. The company primarily uses its website to showcase its innovative solutions for cell-based logistics. For the latest news and updates, one would need to monitor the company's official communications channels closely.- Cellbox Solutions GmbH Awarded €2.5 Million Grant Combined with an Equity Component of up to €10 Million Under the European Innovation Council's Accelerator Program
- Cellbox Solutions GmbH Awarded €2.5 Million Grant Combined with an Equity Component of up to €10 Million Under the European Innovation Council's Accelerator Program
4 The Technology Advancements
Current Capabilities of Cellbox Solutions GmbH
Cellbox Solutions GmbH is a German company specializing in innovative logistics solutions for transporting living cells, tissues, and biological samples under precisely controlled conditions. Their flagship product, the Cellbox, is a portable CO2 incubator designed to maintain optimal conditions for cell viability during transport, making it invaluable in biobanking, primary cell culture, stem cell research, organ-on-a-chip technologies, and regenerative medicine.
Advancements Since Receiving EIC Accelerator Funding
In March 2023, Cellbox Solutions did not receive the EIC funding on the 22nd; however, they did receive an initial grant of €2.5 million combined with an additional equity funding of up to €10 million under the European Innovation Council's Accelerator Program in July 2023. This funding is aimed at further developing the Cellbox technology for clinical trials and cell therapies, expanding logistics services, and establishing logistics hubs globally.
Since the March 2023 timeframe, Cellbox Solutions has also raised EUR 6.5 million in a Series A1 financing round, which is intended to fund their expansion into the US market and strengthen their product offerings.
Technology Improvements and New Features
There is no specific information available about new features introduced since the funding; however, the company's existing technology already includes precise temperature control between 18–38°C and CO2 concentration regulation, along with comprehensive data logging. Their products, such as the Cellbox Shipper Flight, are designed for easy transport of cells as air cargo and are highly user-friendly with global certificates.
Market Demonstration
Cellbox Solutions has collaborated with over 150 customers and has demonstrated its technology's effectiveness in transporting living samples without freezing, which is particularly beneficial for small-scale cell transfers. The company has also partnered with UPM Biomedicals to provide live cell shipment solutions using nanocellulose-based hydrogels, ensuring higher cell yield during transport.
Patents and Scientific Studies
There is no recent information available on new patents filed or scientific studies published by Cellbox Solutions since March 2023. However, their technology has been recognized for its innovative approach to cell transport, which is crucial in advancing cell and gene therapies.
Sources
- Cellbox Solutions
- Cellbox Shipper
- Cellbox Solutions GmbH Contact Information
- Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
- Drug Discovery Trends: Cellbox in the U.S.
- Cellbox Solutions Awarded EIC Grant
- UPM Biomedicals and Cellbox in Collaboration
- Cellbox Solutions Raises EUR 6.5 Million
- Cellbox Solutions Awarded €2.5 Million Grant
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Overview of Cellbox Solutions GmbH
Cellbox Solutions GmbH, a German healthcare company founded in 2017, specializes in innovative logistics solutions for the global healthcare industry. The company is renowned for its portable CO2 incubator, Cellbox, which provides a controlled environment for transporting living cells and biological structures under optimal conditions.
Partnerships and Investors
Cellbox Solutions has secured significant investments and partnerships to enhance its market presence and expand its services. Notably, in March 2023, the company raised EUR 6.5 million in a Series A1 financing round led by CK Ventures, supported by Fraunhofer Ventures, NRW.Venture, Fil Bros, and several private investors. This investment marked a key milestone in expanding its US business and developing tailored cell therapy shipment solutions.
New partners from this financing round include CK Ventures, Fraunhofer Ventures, NRW.Venture, and Fil Bros, alongside experienced private investors. These investors have taken active roles on the company's board, signaling a strong commitment to Cellbox's growth.
New Relationships
In addition to the aforementioned investors, Cellbox Solutions has also partnered with Cold Chain Technologies (CCT) to jointly expand the use of Cellbox solutions in live-cell logistics. This partnership highlights the growing demand for specialized logistics solutions in cell therapy.
Furthermore, Cellbox Solutions has been awarded a grant and equity investment under the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program, totaling up to €12.5 million. This funding will be used to further develop its technology for clinical trials and establish logistics hubs in Europe, the U.S., and APAC.
Market Positioning and Technology Advancements
These new relationships and investments position Cellbox Solutions as a leading provider of warm chain logistics solutions in the cell therapy sector. The partnerships with CCT and the EIC funding will help Cellbox Solutions advance its technology by expanding its logistics services and developing its Cellbox technology for clinical trials. The strategic expansion into the U.S. market through establishing engineering and logistics offices will enhance the quality and speed of its services, contributing to its global scaling efforts.
Conclusion
Cellbox Solutions GmbH is leveraging its partnerships and funding to secure a prominent place in the global healthcare logistics industry. By advancing its technology and expanding its market reach, the company is poised to become a leading global player in live-cell logistics, enhancing its ability to deliver cell therapies under optimal conditions.
Sources
- Cellbox Solutions Raises EUR 6.5 Million in Series A1 Financing
- Cellbox Solutions Raises EUR 6.5 Million in Series A1 Financing Round
- Cellbox Solutions GmbH Awarded €2.5 Million Grant Combined with an Equity Component
- Cellbox-Solutions Cell Shipping
- Cellbox Solutions Establishes Subsidiary in the USA
- Cellbox Solutions Submits Device Master File (DMF) to the U.S. FDA
- CCT & Cellbox Solutions Announce Partnership
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Cellbox Solutions GmbH: Team Growth and Development
Company Overview
Cellbox Solutions GmbH, based in Germany, specializes in developing innovative logistics solutions for the global healthcare industry, particularly in live cell transportation. Their flagship product, the Cellbox, is a portable incubator that maintains optimal conditions for transporting living cells and biological samples.
Current Team Size and Headcount
While the exact current headcount of Cellbox Solutions is not publicly disclosed, the company collaborates closely with over 150 customers and has a diverse team of professionals, including roles such as CEO, CTO, Directors, and specialized engineers.
Hiring and Team Growth
Cellbox Solutions is focused on expanding its operations and improving its products. However, specific details about current hiring activities are not readily available. The company's growth is supported by strategic partnerships and investments, such as its collaboration with Cold Chain Technologies and a recent Series A1 financing round.
Growth Since EIC Accelerator Funding
Receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2023 marked a significant milestone for Cellbox Solutions, enabling them to further develop their cell logistics solutions and expand their business. This funding has facilitated the company's strategic growth plan, including expanding its presence in the U.S. market and enhancing its product offerings for cell therapy shipments.
Key Positions and Team Impact
Cellbox Solutions emphasizes the importance of its team's expertise and commitment to innovation. Key positions include the CEO and Founder, Prof. Dr. Kathrin Adlkofer, the CTO, Dr. Herbert Müller-Hartmann, and other senior directors. These roles are crucial for driving the company's strategic vision and technological advancements. New team members contribute to scaling and growth by enhancing the company's capabilities in logistics and product development, ensuring that Cellbox Solutions remains at the forefront of live cell logistics.
Future Prospects and Scaling
The addition of new team members and strategic partnerships positions Cellbox Solutions for continued growth and innovation. The company aims to transform the future of life sciences by providing accessible and innovative cell logistics solutions. This focus on research support and product development is expected to solidify Cellbox Solutions' role as a leading player in the healthcare logistics sector.
Sources
- About | Cellbox Solutions
- CO2 Incubator: Cellbox Solutions Cell Shipping
- 2023 Cell Bio - SPARGO, Inc.
- Cellbox transport incubator - live cell shipper ideal for IVF & ART
- Cellbox Solutions Raises EUR 6.5 Million in Series A1 Financing Round
7 The Media Features and Publications
Media Features and Public Engagement of Cellbox-Solutions GmbH Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Cellbox-Solutions GmbH, a German biotechnology logistics firm specializing in live cell transport, has garnered significant media attention following its 2023 EIC Accelerator award. Below is a detailed account of its public engagements, collaborations, and coverage since the funding announcement.
Media Coverage & Publications
- EIC Accelerator Announcement: The company received a €2.5 million grant combined with equity funding of up to €10 million under the European Innovation Council’s program in July 2023.
- Series A1 Financing: In March 2023, Cellbox secured €6.5 million from investors including CK Ventures and Fraunhofer Ventures to expand its U.S. operations and cell therapy logistics solutions.
- U.S. Market Entry: Drug Discovery Trends highlighted Cellbox’s formal North American expansion in September 2021 via a new office, while later reports emphasized post-funding growth strategies.
- Collaboration with UPM Biomedicals: A joint solution for live cell shipment using nanocellulose hydrogels was announced in October 2021, combining UPM’s materials with Cellbox’s portable CO₂ incubators.
Podcasts & Interviews
Prof. Dr. Kathrin Adlkofer (COO/Founder) featured on the Innovation Mindset podcast (September 2020), discussing Cellbox’s mission, customer base, and vision for revolutionizing cell logistics.
Conference Participation & Events
While specific events post-2023 are not detailed publicly:- The company actively collaborates with research institutions like the University of Bielefeld and SUN Bioscience SA for case studies involving organoid transport.
- Partnerships with Cold Chain Technologies (CCT) were established to enhance global thermal packaging solutions for cell therapies.
Sources Used:**
- Cellbox Solutions Awarded EIC Grant # ^1
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