1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program is an initiative of the European Innovation Council (EIC) designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in scaling their operations and bringing groundbreaking technologies to market. The program aims to foster the development of high-impact, disruptive innovations, particularly in the DeepTech sector, which includes advanced technologies that often require significant research and development. The EIC Accelerator provides a unique funding mechanism combining grants and equity investments, thereby addressing the diverse financial needs of innovative companies.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a blended finance model, which includes both grant funding and equity investments. The grant component can provide up to €2.5 million, primarily aimed at covering the costs associated with developing new products or services, including prototype development, market testing, and other critical phases of innovation.

In addition to grants, the EIC Accelerator provides equity funding to support scaling and market entry. Up until 2024, the equity component can reach up to €15 million, which can be crucial for companies looking to expand rapidly and secure a strong market position. From 2025 onwards, this equity funding will decrease to a maximum of €10 million. This dual funding approach not only helps to mitigate financial risks but also enables companies to leverage additional private investments, thereby enhancing their overall financial stability.

Purpose and Impact on the Ecosystem

The primary objective of the EIC Accelerator is to nurture innovative solutions that can address pressing societal challenges and create economic growth across Europe. By providing tailored support and funding, the program plays a pivotal role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem. It helps bridge the gap between early-stage innovation and market readiness, facilitating the transition from research to commercialization.

Moreover, the EIC Accelerator aids companies in attracting further investment from private sectors. By validating the innovation through rigorous selection processes, the program enhances the credibility of the supported companies, making them more appealing to venture capitalists and other private investors. This, in turn, fosters a thriving environment for innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe.

IDloop GmbH and the cast Project

IDloop GmbH, a German company, recently emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator program with its project titled "cast." This initiative focuses on developing a convenient, advanced, secure, and touchless fingerprint scanning solution for identification purposes, tapping into an increasingly vital aspect of security and identity verification in contemporary society.

Technology Basics and Background

The cast project leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of fingerprint scanning. Traditional fingerprint systems often require physical contact, which can introduce hygiene concerns and limit usability in certain environments. IDloop GmbH's innovation addresses these limitations by offering a touchless solution, ensuring secure identification without the need for direct contact.

The technology behind cast integrates advanced imaging techniques and algorithms designed for high-resolution fingerprint capture and recognition. This new approach not only improves user experience but also enhances security by minimizing the risk of false positives and negatives—a critical factor in high-stakes environments like banking, healthcare, and law enforcement.

In addition to the technical advancements, the cast project emphasizes user convenience and security. By streamlining the identification process, IDloop GmbH aims to facilitate a broader adoption of biometric systems, making it easier for organizations and individuals to authenticate identities swiftly and securely.

The funding received through the EIC Accelerator program will enable IDloop GmbH to scale its operations effectively, further refine its technology, and expand its market reach. By positioning itself at the forefront of biometric innovations, IDloop GmbH is set to make significant contributions to enhancing security and identity verification solutions worldwide.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator program serves as a crucial catalyst for innovative companies like IDloop GmbH. By providing essential funding and support, it not only fosters groundbreaking technologies but also strengthens the overall innovation ecosystem in Europe, driving economic growth and addressing global challenges.

2 The Funding Rounds

# IDloop GmbH: Funding Journey and Financial Development

IDloop GmbH, a German biometrics technology company based in Jena, has successfully secured significant funding to develop its revolutionary contactless 3D fingerprint scanning technology. Founded in 2021, the company has progressed through several funding stages on its journey to commercialize its innovative biometric authentication solution.

Funding Timeline and Rounds

IDloop's funding journey has been marked by steady progression from early-stage grants to major EU funding:

Initial Funding (2021-2022):

• The company attracted its first investor in September 2021 after developing its initial proof of concept
• In June 2022, IDloop won an award at the Investor Days funding start-up competition
• July 2022: Awarded €160,000 at the "get started 2gether" competition

Major EU Funding (2023):

• February 2023: Received €10 million in funding from the European Union through the EIC Accelerator program
• This €10 million package consisted of grants and investments through the EIC Fund

The EU funding in February 2023 represents IDloop's most significant financial milestone to date. This substantial investment came through the EIC Accelerator program, which specifically supports the development of IDloop's fingerprint scanner technology for contactless recording of rolled fingerprints according to FBI standards.

Company Valuation and Financial Status

While specific valuation figures for IDloop are not disclosed in the available information, the substantial €10 million EU funding package indicates significant confidence in the company's technology and market potential. The funding mix includes both grants and direct investments through the EIC Fund, suggesting a structured approach to the company's financial development.

Investor Information

The search results provide limited details about IDloop's specific investors. However, we know:

Exit Events

There is no information in the search results indicating any exit events such as IPOs, buyouts, or acquisitions involving IDloop. As a relatively young company founded in 2021 that received major funding in 2023, IDloop appears to be in its growth and technology development phase rather than approaching exit.

Company Background and Technology

IDloop GmbH was incorporated in January 2022, though its founding team began working on the concept in 2021. The company is headquartered in Jena, Germany, a hub for optics and photonics industry.

The company's core innovation is a contactless 3D fingerprint scanner that captures fingerprints at microscopic resolution (10 μm) without requiring physical contact. This technology addresses hygiene concerns with traditional fingerprint scanners while maintaining compatibility with existing fingerprint databases.

IDloop's technology creates 2D grayscale images in real-time from 3D data, making it compatible with the billions of fingerprint records already in government databases worldwide. The scanner itself is compact, measuring just 15 × 15 × 15 cm.

Recent Developments

Following the major EU funding in February 2023, IDloop expanded its team in September 2023. The company has also established collaborations with Germany's Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), with partnerships in March 2023 and March 2024.

As of May 2025, IDloop continues to develop its technology and expand its market presence, with plans to showcase its technology at upcoming industry events such as ID4AFRICA 2025 in Ethiopia.

Sources: - IDloop - home - IDloop

• Company-IDloop
• IDloop Receives Over $10M to Develop Contactless 3D Scanning...
• IDloop company information, funding & investors - Dealroom.co

3 The Press Releases

IDloop GmbH: Biometric Innovation with EIC Accelerator Backing

Jena-based IDloop GmbH, a German biometrics startup, secured €10 million in grant and investment financing through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator’s October 2022 cut-off. The funding supports the commercialization of its contactless 3D fingerprint imaging technology, which eliminates physical contact during scans while maintaining compatibility with legacy databases.

Key Developments Since EIC Funding

• Technology: IDloop’s patented system captures fingerprints at 10-micrometer resolution—one-fifth the thickness of a human hair—using optical 3D imaging. The device processes real-time 2D grayscale images for seamless integration with existing databases.
• Team Growth: Post-funding, IDloop expanded from four to over twenty employees by mid-2023, investing in specialized engineers and AI-driven software development.
• Market Readiness: Funds were allocated to scaling operations, including facility upgrades and advanced equipment procurement. Pre-financing began in spring 2023.
• Awards & Recognition: Prior accolades include Pitch Award at Investor Days Thuringia and the Thuringian Innovation Award (“Light & Life” category).

Strategic Partnerships

IDloop collaborated closely with Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) to navigate EIC application complexities. EEN advisors identified the Accelerator as optimal for scaling its “disruptive” biometric solution globally.

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Sources

• Touch-free innovation: IDloop's journey to global biometric leadership
• IDloop raises €10M for 'digital fingerprint' capture
• Mehr Tempo und Sicherheit bei der Aufnahme von Fingerabdrücken (translated: "More Speed and Security in Fingerprint Capture")

4 The Technology Advancements

IDloop GmbH: Advancements Since Receiving EIC Accelerator Funding

IDloop GmbH, a German company based in Jena, has made significant strides in the biometrics sector since receiving funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in October 2022. Founded in 2021, IDloop specializes in developing innovative 3D capture technology for biometric and industrial applications, particularly focusing on contactless fingerprint scanning.

Current Capabilities

IDloop's flagship product is the CFS flats, a 3D contactless fingerprint scanner that uses high-performance 3D imaging technology for fast and secure fingerprint recognition. This technology captures fingerprints without physical contact, enhancing hygiene and reducing the risk of latent fingerprints that could lead to false matches. The scanner operates at a microscopic resolution of 10 μm, allowing it to generate 2D grayscale images compatible with existing fingerprint databases.

Advancements Since Funding

Following the EIC funding, IDloop expanded its team and operations significantly. The company successfully secured €10 million in funding, which has been instrumental in scaling up its technology and expanding its workforce from 4 to 25 employees by early 2023. This expansion enabled IDloop to invest in state-of-the-art equipment and initiate several projects for further technological development.

Technology Improvements and New Features

IDloop has continued to improve its technology, emphasizing its proprietary bluelynes technology for accurate and reliable 3D recording solutions. The CFS flats scanner is noted for its speed and accuracy, making it suitable for high-security applications such as border control and critical infrastructure. The company's focus on contactless biometrics addresses both security needs and operational efficiency, providing a hygienic alternative to traditional contact-based methods.

Market Demonstration

IDloop has actively demonstrated its technology at various exhibitions. For instance, the company participated in the Hannover Messe 2025, showcasing its advancements in 3D capture technology. Additionally, IDloop will be attending ID4AFRICA 2025, further expanding its market presence and demonstrating its solutions to a broader audience.

Patents and Scientific Studies

There is no specific information available about new patents filed by IDloop since receiving the EIC funding. However, the company's continued innovation and development of its proprietary technologies suggest ongoing research and potential future intellectual property filings.

Conclusion

IDloop GmbH has leveraged the EIC Accelerator funding to enhance its 3D contactless fingerprint technology, expand its operations, and increase its market presence. The company's advancements in biometric security solutions position it as a leader in the global biometrics market, with a focus on innovative, secure, and hygienic authentication technologies.

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Sources:

• IDloop - Home
• IDloop - HANNOVER MESSE Exhibitor 2025
• IDloop launches 3D contactless fingerprint biometrics scanner
• IDloop - Biometric Update
• Touch-free innovation: IDloop's journey to global biometric leadership
• IDloop Receives Over $10M to Develop Contactless 3D Scanning
• Company-IDloop
• Fingerprint-Sensing Startup Garners New Funding

5 The Partnerships and Customers

IDloop GmbH: Partnerships and Market Positioning

IDloop GmbH, a German biometrics startup, has been making significant strides in the industry since receiving €10 million in funding from the European Union's EIC Accelerator program in late 2022. Founded in 2021, IDloop is pioneering contactless 3D fingerprint scanning technology, offering a hygienic and secure alternative to traditional contact-based methods.

Partnerships and Collaborations

BSI (Federal Office for Information Security): IDloop has collaborated with the BSI on two occasions, in March 2023 and March 2024. These collaborations highlight the company's commitment to security and its alignment with leading regulatory bodies in Germany.

European Union (EIC Accelerator Program): The EU's substantial funding supports IDloop's technology development, positioning the company for market readiness. This partnership underscores the EU's confidence in IDloop's innovative technology and its potential to enhance biometric authentication globally.

Customers and New Relationships

While specific customer names are not detailed in available information, IDloop's technology is designed to be compatible with existing fingerprint databases. This compatibility suggests that the company may be poised to partner with various government and private sector entities that utilize biometric data for security purposes.

Nature of New Relationships

New partnerships and customer relationships are likely to focus on integrating IDloop's contactless fingerprint scanning technology into existing biometric systems. These collaborations would aim to enhance security, hygiene, and efficiency in various sectors, such as border control, law enforcement, and financial institutions.

Market Positioning and Technology Advancements

IDloop's cutting-edge 3D imaging technology captures fingerprints at microscopic resolution without contact, making it a leader in the biometrics market. The company's participation in events like ID4AFRICA 2025 further solidifies its presence in the global biometrics community.

Scaling and Advancements

The funding from the EIC Accelerator program will help IDloop scale its technology and accelerate market penetration. By leveraging high-performance graphics processors and AI-based software, IDloop aims to make its technology more accessible and user-friendly, paving the way for broader adoption across different industries.

Sources

• Company-IDloop
• IDloop Receives Over $10M to Develop Contactless 3D Scanning
• IDloop
• More speed and security for fingerprint capture
• IDloop - Biometric Update

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

IDloop GmbH's Team Growth and Hiring Strategy Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

IDloop GmbH, a German biometrics startup specializing in contactless 3D fingerprint scanning, has undergone significant team expansion since securing €10 million in EIC Accelerator funding. The company grew from 4 employees in early 2022 to over 25 employees by late 2023, with further hiring continuing into 2025. While exact current headcount is unspecified, public data indicates a workforce within the 11–50 employee range as of February 2025.

Key Developments

• Funding Impact: The EIC Accelerator grant (approved December 2022) enabled rapid scaling of R&D, production capabilities, and market entry strategies.
• Hiring Focus: IDloop prioritized roles in algorithm development, optical engineering, and AI-driven biometric software to advance its bluelynes® technology platform.
• Operational Expansion: The company upgraded facilities in Jena and initiated multiple projects for technological refinement, including FBI-compliant fingerprint database compatibility.

Strategic Hiring Outcomes

New team members have accelerated:

No management changes among founders Jörg Reinhold (CEO) or Dr. Tom Michalsky are reported since incorporation. Current hiring appears aligned with preparing industrial-scale production systems while maintaining innovation leadership in contactless biometrics[$^{10}$].

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Sources

• IDloop Receives Over $10M to Develop Contactless 3D Scanning
• Touch-free innovation: IDloop's journey to global biometric leadership
• Company-IDloop
• IDloop - HANNOVER MESSE Exhibitor Profile
• Biometric Update: IDloop Coverage

7 The Media Features and Publications

IDloop GmbH: Media Coverage, Events, and EIC Accelerator Success

Since securing €10 million in EIC Accelerator funding in late 2022, IDloop GmbH has emerged as a leader in contactless biometrics, with significant media attention and industry engagement. Below is a detailed overview of their public presence, events, and coverage.

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Media Features & Publications

• Biometric Update: Highlighted IDloop’s 3D contactless fingerprint scanner development, emphasizing its compatibility with existing databases and microscopic resolution (10 µm).
• Photonics.com: Reported on the EU funding milestone and the technical specifics of IDloop’s noncontact scanner design.
• Enterprise Europe Network (EEN): Profiled IDloop’s partnership journey, detailing how EEN support secured critical EIC Accelerator financing and facilitated team expansion from 4 to 25 employees by 2023.

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Podcasts & Interviews

No direct podcasts or interviews featuring IDloop’s team were identified in available sources. However, CEO Jörg Reinhold has publicly discussed the company’s technology at conferences like Hannover Messe.

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Conference & Fair Participation

• Hannover Messe (2025): Exhibited under LEG Thüringen Stand Hall 6 Booth F61 to showcase their CFS flats scanner and BTM-ANA industrial solutions.
• ID4AFRICA (2025): Scheduled for May 20–23 in Addis Ababa at Booth P3-09 to present advancements in contactless biometric authentication.
• Past Events: Participated in Identity Week Europe (June 2022), Digital Pitch 2021 (pre-founding), and Investor Days competitions post-funding.

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Event Involvement & Collaborations

• NIST CRADA Project: Collaborated with U.S. agencies on biometric standards since March 2022.
• BSI Partnerships: Worked with Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security on secure authentication protocols twice—in March 2023 and March 2024.

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Sources Used:

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• IDloop Official Website Events Company Info
• Photonics.com Article
• Biometric Update Profile
• Enterprise Europe Network Case Study

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