1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program is a key initiative within the European Innovation Council (EIC) designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Europe. It aims to foster innovation by providing substantial financial backing to high-potential companies developing breakthrough technologies in various sectors, particularly in DeepTech. The program focuses on projects that have the potential to scale rapidly and create significant economic and societal impact.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a unique funding structure that consists of both grants and equity investments. Initially, companies can receive a grant of up to €2.5 million to support the development of their innovative projects. This grant is intended to cover costs related to research and development, testing, and validation of new technologies.

In addition to the grant, the EIC Accelerator provides an equity investment that supports scaling efforts. For projects submitted before 2024, this equity can reach up to €15 million. However, since 2025, this maximum has been adjusted to €10 million. This financial structure is designed to encourage deeper investment into the company, thereby attracting additional funding from private investors and venture capitalists.

Purpose in the European DeepTech and Startup Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by acting as a catalyst for innovation. It not only provides financial resources but also offers access to a network of investors, experts, and mentors. This support helps companies to refine their business models, enhance their technological offerings, and ultimately scale their operations. By bridging the gap between early-stage funding and market readiness, the EIC Accelerator positions itself as a vital component in the entrepreneurial landscape of Europe, particularly for technologies that require substantial investment and long development cycles.

Role in Scaling Companies and Attracting Private Funding

One of the primary objectives of the EIC Accelerator is to enable companies to scale effectively. The funding provided helps companies to reach significant milestones, making them more attractive to private investors. By demonstrating a commitment from the EIC and showcasing early successes, companies can leverage this support to secure additional funding from venture capitalists and other private entities. This dual funding mechanism not only accelerates the development of groundbreaking technologies but also ensures that companies have the resources needed to navigate the complexities of market entry and expansion.

Case Study: Gate2brain S.L. and the GATE2BRAIN Project

Gate2brain S.L., a Spanish company, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator for its project GATE2BRAIN, which focuses on innovative solutions for delivering medicines across barriers in the human body. The proposal was submitted on October 5, 2022, as part of the EIC Accelerator's Step 2 application process and subsequently succeeded in the Step 3 interview.

Project Overview: GATE2BRAIN

The GATE2BRAIN project aims to revolutionize drug delivery systems to the brain by overcoming existing barriers that hinder effective treatment of neurological conditions. The project addresses the significant challenge of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a selective permeability barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances but also prevents therapeutic agents from reaching their intended targets in the central nervous system.

Technology Basics and Background

The technology underpinning GATE2BRAIN utilizes a novel approach to enhance the delivery of therapeutics across the BBB. Traditional methods often result in low bioavailability and ineffective treatment outcomes due to the inefficacy of drugs penetrating this barrier. Gate2brain has developed a proprietary platform that employs advanced nanotechnology and biocompatible materials to facilitate the safe and efficient transport of drugs into the brain.

This innovative delivery system is specifically designed to encapsulate therapeutic agents, allowing for targeted release at the site of action within the brain. By leveraging this technology, Gate2brain aims to improve treatment options for a range of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and brain tumors.

Conclusion

Gate2brain S.L.’s GATE2BRAIN project exemplifies the EIC Accelerator's mission to support high-potential innovations in the European landscape. Through significant grant funding and equity investment, the EIC Accelerator empowers companies like Gate2brain to overcome critical barriers in medical technology, ultimately aiming to enhance patient outcomes and advance the frontiers of healthcare. The initiative not only fosters innovation but also strengthens the overall startup ecosystem, driving economic growth and technological advancement across Europe.

2 The Funding Rounds

Gate2brain S.L. (Spain): Funding and Investor Overview Since EIC Accelerator Success

Gate2brain S.L. is a Spanish biotech company focused on developing technology to enhance drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier, with an initial focus on pediatric brain tumors. Following its successful submission for the EIC Accelerator cut-off on October 5, 2022, Gate2brain has made several funding advances and continues to attract interest from public and private investors.

Financing Raised

• In December 2022, Gate2brain secured €2.5 million in funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Programme. This non-dilutive grant is dedicated to advancing preclinical regulatory studies of their lead compound G2B-00 targeting brain tumors with intact barriers.
• In total for 2022, Gate2brain received approximately €3.12 million in public funding:
• €2.5M from the EIC Accelerator.
• Additional amounts via other public sources: CaixaResearch Consolidate call (la Caixa Foundation) and Neotec programme (Centre for the Development of Technology and Innovation – CDTI). The amounts from these two sources were not individually specified in public records but together make up roughly €0.62M.

Funding Rounds: Timing & Amounts

• October 2022: Selected as a winner at the October EIC Accelerator cut-off; interview success led to announcement of award later that year.
• December 2022: Announcement of receipt of €2.5M grant from EIC Accelerator.
• Other awards within 2022 were also granted but without specific round dates or disclosed amounts per funder beyond what is cited above.

Investor Information

Public Investors

• European Innovation Council (EIC) via its prestigious EIC Accelerator.
• “la Caixa” Foundation through its CaixaResearch Consolidate call.
• Centre for the Development of Technology and Innovation (CDTI), Spain’s government innovation agency via NEOTEC programme.

Private Investment Outreach

In recent communications intended for business angels and family offices, Gate2Brain has begun seeking additional bridge investment to support clinical trial preparation at Hospital de Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona—a clear sign they are entering or preparing new rounds involving private investors alongside grants. Specific investor names or commitments have not been publicly disclosed as of May 2025.

Company Valuation

No official company valuation figures have been published since receiving EIC funding nor are there any references to formal Series A/B/C rounds that typically result in widely reported valuations among startups.

Exit Events: IPOs & Acquisitions

As of May 2025:

There have been no IPOs, buyouts, or acquisitions announced involving Gate2Brain S.L..

The company remains privately held by founding institutions—University of Barcelona (UB), Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute—and key leadership including CEO Dr. Meritxell Teixidó.

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Summary Table: Key Funding Events Since Oct 2022 Cut-Off

Date	Round/Source	Type	Amount	Notable Details
Dec 2022	EIC Accelerator	Grant	€2.5M	Preclinical work on G₂B drugs
Throughout '22	la Caixa / NEOTEC	Grants	~€0.62M	For preclinical research
Late '24/'25?	Bridge Investment Round	Private Equity?	Undisclosed	Currently seeking; aimed at clinical trials

</em>Ongoing outreach with no confirmed close/public announcement yet.

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Sources

• Gate2Brain receives €₂․₅M funding from EIC
• IRB Barcelona Annual Report – Gate₂Brain EU₂․₅m Funding
• Barcelona Science Park Companies Break Record After Raising…
• Bridge Investment Opportunity – Business Angels & Family Offices PDF

3 The Press Releases

Gate2Brain's EIC Accelerator Funding and Technology Advancements Gate2Brain S.L., a Spanish biotech spin-off from IRB Barcelona, the University of Barcelona, and Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute, secured €2.5 million in funding through the October 2022 EIC Accelerator cut-off. The company specializes in peptide-based drug delivery systems designed to cross biological barriers like the blood-brain barrier (BBB), addressing unmet needs in treating central nervous system diseases.

Key Developments Post-Funding:

• Technology Focus: Their patented peptide "molecular shuttles" transport therapeutics across the BBB to target brain tumors with intact barriers, particularly pediatric cases. The lead compound, G2B-00, is advancing through preclinical regulatory trials.
• Funding Allocation: The grant supports preclinical studies for G2B-00, aiming to initiate clinical trials within 2–3 years.
• Team Leadership: Dr. Meritxell Teixidó serves as CEO and has emphasized the transformative impact of EIC funding on accelerating their research timeline.

No press releases or blog posts directly from Gate2Brain’s website (gate2brain.com) were identified in available sources. Public updates are limited to institutional announcements (e.g., IRB Barcelona), which highlight their therapeutic focus but do not disclose partnerships, patents beyond existing technology, or team expansions post-funding.

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Sources

• EIC Accelerator winners October 2022
• Gate2Brain receives €2.5M funding
• EIC announces 78 high-potential startups

4 The Technology Advancements

Gate2Brain S.L. Advances in Blood-Brain Barrier Therapeutics Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Since securing €2.5 million through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in late 2022, Gate2Brain has made significant strides in advancing its peptide-based drug delivery platform for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The company, a spin-off of IRB Barcelona, the University of Barcelona, and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, focuses on overcoming biological barriers like the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to treat brain tumors and neurodegenerative disorders.

Technology Advancements

Gate2Brain’s proprietary peptide shuttles demonstrate three key improvements post-funding:

• Enhanced Delivery Capabilities: Their flagship compound, G2B-002, targets pediatric brain tumors such as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and glioblastoma. Recent results confirm successful antibody delivery across the BBB, enabling potential treatments for brain metastases and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Regulatory Progress: Preclinical regulatory studies for G2B-00 (likely an earlier-stage candidate or nomenclature variant) are advancing toward clinical trials, now slated to begin in 2026. The technology combines protease resistance, low immunogenicity, and cost-effective production.
• Pipeline Expansion: While pediatric tumors remain their primary focus, recent developments suggest broader applications for adult CNS diseases like glioblastoma and Alzheimer’s.

Market Demonstrations & Clinical Progress

No commercial partnerships or customer pilots are explicitly detailed in public reports. However:

• Clinical Trial Timeline: The company anticipates initiating first-in-human trials by 2026 for G2B-002 following regulatory approvals.
• Funding Strategy: Gate2Brain is actively seeking a €5 million Series A round to complete preclinical work and prepare clinical batches for trials.

Intellectual Property & Publications

While no new patents are explicitly mentioned post-EIC funding:

• Existing patents cover their peptide shuttle families developed over 15 years at IRB Barcelona.
• Recent peer-reviewed data on antibody delivery efficacy was highlighted in April 2025 but not yet linked to specific publications or whitepapers available publicly—likely under review or presented selectively through conferences/platforms like BIO-Europe Spring 2024/25 listings where they participated as presenters indirectly via digital formats listed up to March 2026 events conceptually mentioned but unspecified beyond attendance contexts per search result ambiguity within provided data sets. [Note: Direct publication links remain unlisted.]

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Sources

• Gate2Brain Confirms Breakthrough Antibody Delivery Technology
• GATE2BRAIN Profile at BIO-Europe Spring

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5 The Partnerships and Customers

Gate2Brain S.L.: Partnerships and Relationships

Gate2Brain S.L., a Spanish biotech company, has been making significant strides in the development of therapeutics that efficiently cross biological barriers, particularly the blood-brain barrier. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, the company has engaged in various partnerships and collaborations to advance its technology and market positioning.

Partnerships and Collaborations

• EIT Health Wild Card Program: Gate2Brain has been recognized in the EIT Health Wild Card program, which has connected them with resources and mentorship essential for validating their problem-solution approach, particularly in pediatric innovations.
• CDTI and Ministry of Science and Innovation: The company has benefited from projects subsidized by the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Innovation, further solidifying its research and development capabilities.
• Innovation Hubs: Gate2Brain's involvement with innovation hubs like the i4KIDS at SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital highlights its commitment to advancing pediatric brain tumor treatments.

New Partners and Customers

While specific new customer names are not publicly disclosed, Gate2Brain is actively seeking collaborations for R&D and out-licensing opportunities, indicating a focus on expanding its network of partners and stakeholders. The company's participation in events like RESI Boston underscores its efforts to connect with potential partners and investors.

Nature and Purpose of New Relationships

The new relationships are primarily aimed at enhancing Gate2Brain's technology and scaling its operations. By collaborating with innovation hubs and participating in accelerator programs, the company gains access to mentorship, funding, and a network of stakeholders who can support its mission to develop effective CNS drug delivery methods.

Market Positioning and Technology Advancements

These relationships will help Gate2Brain S.L. strengthen its position in the biotech market by advancing its peptide-based technology for crossing the blood-brain barrier. The collaborations provide essential resources for clinical trials, regulatory compliance, and further research, which are critical for the development of its flagship product, G2B-002, targeting pediatric brain tumors.

Scaling and Growth

Gate2Brain is preparing for significant growth by seeking a €5 million Series A funding round to support preclinical regulatory stages and the initiation of clinical trials. This strategic step, combined with its current partnerships, positions the company for substantial advancements in therapeutic delivery systems and potential breakthroughs in treating previously challenging conditions like brain tumors.

Sources

• Gate2Brain: Supported by
• Gate2Brain: Home
• Pediatric Innovation Day 2023 - i4KIDS
• GATE2BRAIN, S.L. | BIO-Europe Spring
• Gate2Brain is Virtually Partnering at RESIBOSTON 2025
• Blood Brain Barrier 2025 - Speakers

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Gate2Brain S.L.: Growth and Team Expansion

Gate2Brain S.L., a biotech company based in Spain, has been making significant strides in the development of therapeutics designed to cross biological barriers, particularly the blood-brain barrier. Since winning the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, Gate2Brain has continued to grow and expand its team.

Current Team Size and Headcount

Gate2Brain's entrepreneurial team is multidisciplinary and initially consisted of four professionals. The founding team includes Dr. Meritxell Teixidó, Dr. Gloria Sanclimens, Ms. Esther Riambau, and Dr. Ángel Montero-Carcaboso. While the exact current headcount is not publicly disclosed, the team has expanded to include peptide scientists, oncologists, business development managers, and operational staff based in Barcelona, Madrid, Tel Aviv, and Mumbai.

Hiring and Growth

Gate2Brain has been actively expanding its team to support its mission of developing innovative therapeutics. Although specific current job openings are not detailed, the company's growth is underscored by its participation in conferences like the Peptide-Based Therapeutics Summit, where it highlights its peptide shuttle technology for brain drug delivery. The team's growth is crucial for advancing its flagship product, G2B-002, aimed at treating pediatric brain tumors.

Key Positions and Recent Hires

While specific recent hires are not listed, Gate2Brain's business development is supported by key roles such as Carles Taulé, who serves as the Business Development Manager. The emphasis on hiring professionals with diverse skills is essential for the company's expansion and clinical trial preparations.

Impact of New Team Members on Company Growth

The addition of new team members with specialized skills in peptide science, oncology, and business development is pivotal for Gate2Brain's future growth. These members will help scale the company's operations, advance its clinical trials, and further develop its peptide-based therapeutic platform. The multidisciplinary team ensures that Gate2Brain remains competitive in the biotech sector by leveraging cutting-edge technology to address challenging medical conditions like pediatric brain tumors.

Changes in Management or Founding Team

There are no publicly disclosed changes in the management or founding team of Gate2Brain. The company remains led by its co-founders, who are instrumental in steering the organization's strategic direction and growth.

Funding and Growth Milestones

In 2023, Gate2Brain secured a 2.5 million Euro grant from the EIC Accelerator. The company is currently seeking a 5 million Euro Series A funding round to support preclinical regulatory studies and prepare for clinical trials. This financial support is critical for advancing its therapeutic candidates and expanding its team to meet the demands of clinical development.

Sources: - Gate2Brain: Home

• Gate2Brain among the 101 top medical startups in Spain 2025
• Marina Plaza - Meet the Team 2025 - Gate2Brain
• GATE2BRAIN, S.L. | BIO-Europe Spring
• Breaking Barriers in Science: The Journey of Meritxell Teixidó and Gate2Brain
• Conference Day 2 - Peptide-Based Therapeutics Summit

7 The Media Features and Publications

Overview of Gate2Brain S.L.

Gate2Brain S.L. is a biotech company based in Spain, specifically located in the Barcelona Scientific Park. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, the company has been actively developing innovative peptide-based technologies to enhance drug delivery across biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier.

Media Features and Publications

Gate2Brain has received significant media attention for its groundbreaking technology. The company has been featured in various press clippings and publications, highlighting its advancements in drug delivery systems. Notably, Gate2Brain received €2.5M in funding to further develop its technology, which was widely covered in the press.

Podcasts and Interviews

The company's CEO, Meritxell Teixidó, has been involved in several interviews and podcasts. She was interviewed by Mari Cruz Hernández on the occasion of Rare Diseases Day, discussing Gate2Brain's innovative approach to treating brain diseases. Additionally, Teixidó was featured on the "Talento Científico" podcast, where she talked about founding a company during the pandemic.

Conference and Fair Visits

Gate2Brain has participated in several conferences and events, showcasing its technology and networking opportunities. The company won the Innovator's Pitch Challenge at RESI Europe, which provided a platform to highlight its innovative drug delivery platform. Gate2Brain will also participate in the 2nd Peptide-Based Therapeutics Summit in Boston, where Meritxell Teixidó will deliver a presentation on "Brain Delivery Using Peptide Shuttles: From Discovery to Application".

Involvement in Events

Gate2Brain has been involved in various events focused on drug delivery and biomedicine. The company was honored with the Best Startup Award at the Keiretsu Forum in Barcelona, recognizing its innovative approach to brain drug delivery. Additionally, Gate2Brain has been featured in discussions related to rare diseases and pediatric brain tumors, emphasizing its potential impact on these areas.

Recent Developments

Recently, the company's technology has been validated for transporting antibodies across the brain, opening new avenues for future treatments. Furthermore, Gate2Brain is working on clinical development in collaboration with Spain and India for a novel therapy against pediatric brain tumors.

Conclusion

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, Gate2Brain S.L. has made significant strides in developing and promoting its peptide-based drug delivery technology. The company continues to engage actively in media, conferences, and research collaborations to advance its mission of crossing biological barriers effectively.

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Sources: - Gate2Brain: Home

• Media Coverage - Gate2Brain
• Media & Press - Gate2Brain
• Breaking Barriers in Science: The Journey of Meritxell Teixidó and Gate2Brain
• Podcasts - Gate2Brain
• Gate2Brain at the 2nd Peptide-Based Therapeutics Summit | Boston
• News - Gate2Brain
• Validation of Gate2Brain Technology in the Transport of Antibodies