1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program Overview
The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Europe, particularly those involved in deep tech and innovative solutions. This program aims to bridge the financing gap for startups and scale-ups, helping them to transition from the idea stage to commercial viability.
The EIC Accelerator provides two types of funding: grants and equity investments. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, aimed at facilitating research and development activities. The equity component offers funding up to €15 million until 2024 and is reduced to a maximum of €10 million starting in 2025. This blended finance approach combines both grant and equity, allowing companies to leverage public funding while also attracting private investment.
Purpose of the EIC Accelerator
The primary purpose of the EIC Accelerator is to foster innovation within the European ecosystem, particularly in the realm of deep tech. By offering substantial financial support, the program helps innovative companies scale their operations, enhance their product offerings, and ultimately bring their solutions to market. The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in enhancing Europe’s competitiveness by nurturing high-potential startups that can address global challenges, from healthcare to sustainable technologies.
The program also encourages collaboration between startups and private investors, thus increasing the overall funding available for innovative projects. By providing early-stage funding, the EIC Accelerator reduces the perceived risk for private investors, facilitating a more robust investment ecosystem.
GATT Technologies BV and the GATT-OPSA Project
GATT Technologies BV, based in the Netherlands, is a winner of the EIC Accelerator program with their project, GATT-OPSA. The company focuses on advancing surgical solutions aimed at reducing complications associated with surgical procedures, specifically targeting issues related to bleeding and organ leakages.
Project Overview: GATT-OPSA
The GATT-OPSA project stands for "One-Patch-Stops-All" and aims to upscale the production of GATT-Patch technology. This innovative surgical patch is designed to effectively seal surgical wounds and prevent organ leakages, thereby potentially saving lives and reducing healthcare costs associated with post-operative complications. The project received funding through the EIC Accelerator's blended finance model, which combines grant and equity investments to support the scaling of this vital medical technology.
Technology Basics and Background
The GATT-Patch employs advanced materials and engineering to create a biocompatible patch that adheres to tissues in a minimally invasive manner. This technology is particularly significant in surgical contexts where traditional sutures and staples may not adequately prevent leaks or may introduce additional risks of infection or complications.
The GATT-OPSA project focuses on addressing common surgical challenges, including major organ surgeries where the risk of bleeding and leakage is heightened. By utilizing this innovative patch, surgeons can achieve more effective closures, leading to improved patient outcomes and shorter recovery times.
The GATT-Patch technology is rooted in extensive research and development, emphasizing the importance of safe, effective, and reliable surgical solutions. The project aims to scale production capabilities, ensuring that this critical technology can be made widely available to healthcare providers across Europe and beyond.
Conclusion
The EIC Accelerator program serves as a vital component in the European innovation landscape, particularly for deep-tech startups like GATT Technologies BV. Through funding initiatives like GATT-OPSA, the program not only supports the development of groundbreaking technologies but also enhances the overall healthcare landscape by mitigating risks associated with surgical procedures. By facilitating access to funding and fostering collaboration with private investors, the EIC Accelerator plays an essential role in turning innovative ideas into impactful solutions that can benefit society at large.
2 The Funding Rounds
GATT Technologies BV: Financing, Funding Rounds, Investors, and Exit Events Since EIC Accelerator Award
Company: GATT Technologies BV
Country: Netherlands
EIC Accelerator Step 2 Submission & Win Date: October 6, 2021
Financing Raised and Funding Rounds
GATT Technologies BV has raised multiple rounds of financing since its inception. The most significant funding events include:
- Series B Round (May 2020):
- Amount Raised: €10.5 million
- Investors:
- NGI LLC (lead investor)
- Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC, Inc.
- Oost NL
- The proceeds were allocated to support clinical trials and further development of the company's hemostatic technology platform. Leadership changes also accompanied this round: Geert van Gansewinkel was appointed CEO, Vlad Hogenhuis joined the board, and founder Johan Bender became CTO.
- EIC Accelerator Grant (June 2021):
- Amount Awarded: €1.0 million (non-dilutive grant)
- This European Innovation Council funding was secured after submitting a successful proposal in October 2021.
- Total Disclosed Funding (as of April 2025):
- Approximately €11.5 million in total disclosed financing combining venture investment and public grant support.
Timing and Amounts of Notable Funding Rounds
| Date | Round Type | Investors | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 18/19, 2020 | Series B | NGI LLC; JJDC; Oost NL | €10.5M |
| June/October21 | EIC Accelerator | European Innovation Council | €1.0M |
</em>Proposal submitted October 6th and awarded shortly thereafter.
Investor Information
Key investors in recent rounds include: - NGI LLC (US-based healthcare investor)
- Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC, Inc.
- Oost NL (regional development agency for East Netherlands).
Company Valuations
No explicit company valuation figures have been published alongside these funding rounds in publicly available sources as of April 2025.
Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions
There is no evidence that GATT Technologies BV has undergone an initial public offering (IPO), buyout, or acquisition event as of April 23rd 2025. The company remains privately held with ongoing clinical activities.
Summary Table: Key Financial Milestones Since EIC Accelerator Submission
| Year | Event | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| May 2020 | Series B Venture Round | €10.5M |
| June/Oct21 | EIC Accelerator Grant | €1M |
</em>Proposal submitted on October 6th; award announced soon after.
GATT Technologies continues to focus on advancing its proprietary synthetic polymer-based solutions for surgical hemostasis and sealing applications through additional product development phases and pivotal clinical trials.
Sources
- Gatt Technologies Raises €10.5M in Series B Funding
- Gatt Technologies snags Series B
- GATT Technologies Announces €10.5M Series B Funding
- Gatt gets series B funding — Global Corporate Venturing
- Gatt Technologies company information — Munich Startup Insights
- Dealroom profile for Gatt Technologies
3 The Press Releases
GATT Technologies BV, a Netherlands-based company and winner of the EIC Accelerator funding with a Step 2 proposal submitted on October 6, 2021, has made significant strides in developing innovative synthetic polymer-based hemostatic and sealant products for surgical applications. Their technology addresses complex surgical bleeding and organ leakage challenges.Key Developments Since EIC Accelerator Funding
Acquisition by Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson MedTech)
- In May 2022, Ethicon, a Johnson & Johnson MedTech company and global leader in surgery solutions, acquired GATT Technologies BV. This strategic acquisition incorporated GATT’s differentiated synthetic polymer technologies into Ethicon’s portfolio to enhance their capabilities in managing surgical bleeding.
- The acquisition facilitated the launch of ETHIZIA™, a hemostatic sealing patch developed using GATT’s technology. ETHIZIA™ is designed to provide sustained hemostasis even in difficult-to-control bleeding situations and is uniquely active on both sides of the patch for versatility during surgery.
- ETHIZIA™ received CE mark approval for use as an adjunctive hemostat on internal organs (excluding cardiovascular and neurological areas) with plans to launch initially in Europe (EMEA) starting early 2024 followed by other markets including North America after further regulatory approvals.
Product Pipeline Progress
- GATT Technologies’ lead product, the GATT-Patch — an adhesive blood sealant patch — successfully entered clinical trials starting April 2021 at prominent Dutch academic medical centers: Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, University Medical Center Groningen, and Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam.
- Clinical investigations are ongoing comparing GATT-Patch against current standards such as SURGICEL® Original and TachoSil patches for efficacy in managing mild to moderate bleeding during liver surgeries via minimally invasive or open procedures.
- Additional pipeline products include powder-based sealants and gel formulations aimed at treating intestinal anastomotic leakage and other surgical indications related to wound care management. These next-generation technologies are progressing through preclinical development toward clinical testing phases.
Funding Rounds & Leadership Updates
- Prior to acquisition by Ethicon/Johnson & Johnson MedTech, GATT raised €10.5 million (~$11.7 million) Series B funding led by NGI with participation from investors including Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC as well as government regional agencies like Oost NL supporting growth initiatives around 2020–2021.
- Leadership changes included appointment of Geert van Gansewinkel as CEO (former Iqvia general manager) around that time alongside new supervisory board members such as Vlad Hogenhuis from GlaxoSmithKline.
Collaborations & Regional Economic Support
- Early-stage research was supported by regional European funds like ERDF East (>€1.5 million), aimed at accelerating market introduction of innovations within Healthtech sectors relevant to Gelderland/Overijssel regions where the company is located.
- Oost NL played a key role investing over €2 million up until 2020 while facilitating bridging loans allowing continuation of expensive clinical development stages.
- Collaborations with leading surgeons/researchers have been instrumental; principal investigators involved bring extensive expertise ensuring high-quality execution of clinical trials validating safety/performance data crucial for regulatory approvals and commercial adoption .
Summary
Since winning EIC Accelerator support post October 2021:- GATT Technologies advanced its synthetic polymer platform into late-stage clinical development.
- It attracted strategic investment culminating in acquisition by Ethicon (J&J MedTech).
- The flagship product evolved into ETHIZIA™, now approved for European launch addressing critical unmet needs in surgical hemostasis.
- The company continues expanding its innovative wound care portfolio targeting broader applications beyond liver surgery including cardiovascular, orthopaedic surgeries among others.
These developments reflect robust technological progress combined with strong industrial partnerships enabling translation from innovative R&D towards impactful medical devices improving patient outcomes globally.
Sources
Ethicon Introduces ETHIZIATM Hemostatic Sealing Patch Gatt gets series B funding - Global Corporate Venturing GATT announces first-in-man use of 'GATT-Patch' Setting the new standard for managing surgical bleeding - Health Europa Ethicon unveils hemostatic sealing patch - MassDevice A hemostatic product for the operating room | Radboud University Gatt Technologies BV Clinical Trials Overview - PatSnap Synapse4 The Technology Advancements
Overview of GATT Technologies BV
GATT Technologies BV, a Netherlands-based company, specializes in developing innovative hemostatic solutions for surgical applications. Their flagship product, the GATT-Patch, utilizes a patented synthetic polymer technology to enhance bleeding control during surgeries.Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding
Following the EIC Accelerator funding received on October 6, 2021, GATT Technologies has made significant advancements. The company began its first clinical trial for the GATT-Patch in April 2021, conducted by leading medical centers in the Netherlands. This trial marked a crucial milestone, providing vital data on the product's safety and efficacy in a clinical setting.In May 2022, GATT Technologies was acquired by Ethicon, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. This acquisition underscored the potential of GATT's technology and marked a significant step toward commercialization. As part of Ethicon, the company's technology complements Ethicon's existing capabilities, enhancing its portfolio of hemostatic solutions.
Technological Improvements and New Features
GATT Technologies has continuously improved its technology, focusing on multiple hemostatic and sealant products. The GATT-Patch is designed to address complex bleeding situations, including liver, spleen, soft tissue, and cardiovascular surgeries. Additionally, the company is developing GATT-Powder for larger surface areas and harder-to-reach bleeding situations, and a liquid solution for sealing high-pressure vessel bleeding.Market Demonstration and Clinical Trials
The GATT-Patch has been successfully used in clinical trials at several European hospitals, such as Radboudumc, UMC Groningen, and Erasmus MC, demonstrating its effectiveness in managing surgical bleeding. Recent clinical trials include a multicenter study comparing GATT-Patch with SURGICEL Original for hemostasis during minimally invasive liver and gallbladder surgeries.Intellectual Property and Scientific Publications
While specific details on new patents filed after the EIC Accelerator funding are not readily available, GATT Technologies has developed a biocompatible, flexible, haemostatic sheet, as described in European patents. The company's advancements and clinical trials have likely contributed to new scientific insights, although recent publications specifically linked to the EIC funding are not detailed in the available information.Sources
- Ethicon Introduces ETHIZIATM Hemostatic Sealing Patch, Clinically Proven to Stop Disruptive Bleeding
- A hemostatic product for the operating room
- Breakthrough in quickly stopping bleeding - Innovation in Textiles
- GATT Technologies
- Setting the new standard for managing surgical bleeding and organ leakage
- GATT Technologies - The Silicon Review
- GATT Hemostatic Platform
- Biocompatible, flexible, haemostatic sheet
- GATT Technologies BV
5 The Partnerships and Customers
GATT Technologies BV, a Netherlands-based medical device developer specializing in hemostatic and surgical sealant solutions, has strategically aligned with key partners to advance its product pipeline and market positioning. Since its 2021 EIC Accelerator participation (exact award status not fully verifiable via available data), the company's partnerships and market developments include:Key Partnerships & Strategic Moves
Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson) GATT was acquired by Ethicon, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, in May 2022. This acquisition positions GATT within J&J’s global MedTech infrastructure, accelerating clinical development and commercialization of its products like GATT-Patch, GATT-Powder, and liquid sealants.Investors & Regional Support
- NGI: Led GATT’s €10.5M Series B round (2020), focusing on clinical trials for its adhesive patch.
- Oost NL: Invested over €2M pre-acquisition, supporting regional economic growth through high-risk innovation financing.
- ERDF/EU Funding: Early-stage grants from the European Regional Development Fund enabled initial R&D for biodegradable polymer-based sealants.
Market Positioning & Advancements
The Ethicon partnership provides access to global regulatory expertise (FDA/EMA pathways) and robotic surgery networks. For example:- Sutureless Robotic Surgery: GATT-Patch demonstrated efficacy in robotic partial nephrectomies by controlling bleeding without sutures during preclinical tests.
- Pipeline Expansion: Products target liver, pancreatic, cardiovascular, and trauma surgeries—areas with high unmet needs due to limitations of existing hemostats.
Scaling Through Collaboration
Post-acquisition integration into J&J’s supply chain enhances manufacturing scalability. Ethicon’s commercial infrastructure supports market entry in Europe (CE-mark-focused trials) and the U.S., with FDA discussions underway for future trials.Sources:
- Global Corporate Venturing: Gatt gets series B funding
- Radboud University: A hemostatic product for the operating room
- The Silicon Review: Gatt Technologies Interview
- Medical Device Network: GATT Technologies Pipeline
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
GATT Technologies BV Team and Growth Overview Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, GATT Technologies BV has maintained a specialized team focused on advancing its hemostatic and surgical sealant product pipeline. While the company has not publicly disclosed its exact headcount or recent hiring activity, leadership dynamics and operational priorities provide insights into its growth strategy.Core Team Structure
The management team includes Geert van Gansewinkel (CEO), a seasoned life sciences executive with over 20 years of experience in strategy and M&A; Johan Bender (CTO), a serial entrepreneur specializing in hemostasis technologies; Vlad Hogenhuis (CMO a.i.), a former Ultragenyx COO; Rob Lips (CCO), with 30+ years in medical device commercialization; and Dr. Rosa Felix (COO), an expert in polymer-based surgical sealants.Growth Indicators
- Pipeline Development: The company is advancing products like GATT-Patch, GATT-Tape, and GATT-Spray, which target severe bleeding control during surgery.
- Strategic Positioning: Recent reports highlight partnerships or interest from "large pharmaceutical firms" for their synthetic polymer-based hemostatic products, though specific collaborations remain undisclosed.
Scaling Factors
- Commercialization Expertise: Rob Lips’ leadership suggests intensified focus on global market entry for pipeline products.
- Technological Differentiation: The patented POx polymer platform accelerates coagulation faster than traditional gelatin-based solutions like ETHIZIA, positioning GATT competitively in surgical sealants.
No major management changes or founding-team departures have been reported post-EIC funding. The absence of public job postings or headcount disclosures implies targeted hiring aligned with clinical development milestones rather than rapid team expansion.
Sources:
- GATT Technologies BV Pipeline Insight Report
- Radboud University Feature on Hemostatic Innovation
- ETHIZIA Hemostatic Sealing Patch Details
Management Team Profile from Bio2Device Group Presentation (PDF)
7 The Media Features and Publications
GATT Technologies BV: Media Features and Public Engagement Post-EIC Accelerator Funding GATT Technologies BV, a Dutch medtech innovator specializing in hemostatic solutions, has garnered notable media attention and industry recognition since its reported EIC Accelerator win in October 2021. Below is a synthesis of its public engagements:Media Features and Publications
- First-in-Man Use Announcement (2021): GATT announced the successful first human application of its lead product, the GATT-Patch, during liver resection surgery at Radboud University Medical Center. This milestone was covered by PR Newswire*[^prnewswire].
- Technology Profile (2025): Radboud University highlighted GATT’s journey from early development to creating a "blood-strengthening product" attracting interest from major players like Baxter and Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson)[^radboud].
- Clinical Trial Launch: Health Europa detailed the start of GATT’s first clinical trial across three Dutch academic hospitals in 2021, emphasizing its biodegradable polymer platform’s superiority over fibrin-based alternatives[^healtheuropa].
Podcasts and Interviews
While no direct podcasts featuring GATT executives were identified in available data, the company has maintained visibility through press releases and collaborations with academic partners like Radboudumc.Conference Participation and Presentations
Public records do not explicitly list conference presentations by GATT Technologies. However:- Its clinical trial launch involved collaboration with leading surgeons from Erasmus MC, UMC Groningen, and Radboudumc[^healtheuropa].
- Financial backers such as Oost NL frequently highlighted their investments in GATT during regional economic forums[^radboud].
Event Involvement
GATT’s progress has been showcased indirectly through partner announcements:Sources Used:
PR Newswire - First-in-man use announcement | Radboud University feature | Health Europa articleDo you need EIC Accelerator support?
Here is a list of the key service options for the EIC Accelerator:
Full Writing Service
All proposal sections are written by Stephan Segler, PhD.
Advisory Service
You write in-house but receive 1-on-1 support, templates, instructions, and reviews of all documents.
AI Writer & Training
A high-quality AI writer for EIC Accelerator Step 1 and a comprehensive Training program for Steps 1 and 2 including all templates and instructions.