1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program is a pivotal initiative designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Europe, particularly those engaged in deep tech innovations. It aims to foster groundbreaking technologies and transformative ideas that can drive economic growth, create jobs, and address societal challenges. The program provides a unique blend of funding options, including grants and equity investments, tailored to encourage the development and commercialization of innovative solutions.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a blended finance model, combining grants and equity investments to provide comprehensive support to startups. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, which is intended to cover the costs associated with prototyping, testing, and market entry. This funding is particularly beneficial for early-stage companies looking to validate their technologies and prepare for commercialization.

In addition to the grant, the equity investment component can provide up to €15 million until 2024 and is capped at €10 million from 2025 onward. This equity funding allows companies to raise capital without incurring debt, empowering them to scale their operations and enhance their market presence. The EIC Accelerator aims to bridge the funding gap for deep tech ventures, facilitating access to private sector investments and ensuring that promising innovations can transition from the lab to the market.

Purpose in the European Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in the European deep tech and startup ecosystem by identifying and nurturing high-potential projects that may otherwise struggle to secure funding. It serves as a catalyst for innovation, providing not only financial resources but also strategic guidance and networking opportunities. The program encourages collaboration among various stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors, and research institutions, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth.

By supporting the scaling of companies, the EIC Accelerator enhances the competitiveness of European industries on a global scale. It also contributes to the EU's broader objectives of sustainability, digital transformation, and public health by funding projects that address critical challenges through advanced technologies.

INTEGRA THERAPEUTICS and the FiCAT Project

INTEGRA THERAPEUTICS S.L., a Spanish biotech company, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator for its innovative project known as FiCAT. This initiative focuses on developing a next-generation gene writing platform aimed at curing genetic and oncological diseases. The project was submitted on March 13, 2024, as part of the EIC Accelerator’s rigorous evaluation process, which includes a two-step proposal submission followed by an in-depth interview.

Technology Background

FiCAT represents a significant advancement in gene editing technologies, which have evolved considerably since the inception of CRISPR and other gene-editing tools. The core of the FiCAT technology lies in its ability to precisely modify genetic sequences with high accuracy and efficiency. By leveraging cutting-edge methodologies, INTEGRA THERAPEUTICS aims to develop solutions that not only target genetic disorders but also address complex oncological challenges.

The technology is designed to be versatile, enabling applications across a range of genetic conditions, including inherited diseases and various forms of cancer. The platform is built on the premise that tailored gene therapies can offer personalized treatment options that are more effective and less invasive than traditional therapies.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program is instrumental in propelling innovative companies like INTEGRA THERAPEUTICS into the forefront of deep tech advancements. The funding provided through the blended finance model enables these companies to scale their operations, ultimately leading to the development of groundbreaking solutions that can transform healthcare and address significant societal challenges. The FiCAT project exemplifies the potential of next-generation gene writing technologies to revolutionize the treatment landscape for genetic and oncological diseases, further solidifying the role of the EIC Accelerator in the European innovation ecosystem.

2 The Funding Rounds

Integra Therapeutics (Spain) – Financing and Funding Overview Since EIC Accelerator Award

Financing Raised

Since submitting its Step 2 proposal and winning the EIC Accelerator award in March 2024, Integra Therapeutics S.L., headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, has secured up to €10.5 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program. This financing package consists of a €2.5 million grant and an equity investment of up to €8 million. The funding supports further development of their “FiCAT” gene writing technology platform targeting rare diseases and oncology.

Funding Rounds: Timing, Amounts, Investors

Below is a detailed timeline of notable funding events for Integra Therapeutics:

• The December 2021 seed round was led by Advent France Biotechnology, Invivo Capital, and Takeda Ventures.
• In March 2022, Columbus Venture Partners joined the cap table with an additional investment that brought the total seed round raised to approximately €6 million.
• As of July 2024, Integra received notification it would benefit from up to €10.5M from the EIC Accelerator—comprising both non-dilutive grant funds (€2.5M) already committed and a pending equity component expected as part of its anticipated Series A in 2025.

Planned Use of Funds

The capital will be used for: - Advancing pre-marketing activities for FiCAT cell therapy platforms

• Developing proof-of-concept data for their first gene therapy targeting severe pediatric hepatic diseases using non-viral vectors
• Expanding FiCAT’s application scope beyond liver indications into other therapeutic areas
• Supporting clinical readiness ahead of Series A fundraising with potential further involvement by the European Commission as shareholder.

Company Valuation

Available public sources indicate that after Columbus Venture Partners’ entry in March 2022 at the end of seed extension financing (€1.5M), company valuation stood at approximately €22–23 million. There are no updated post-money valuations available following receipt or commitment from the EIC Accelerator; however, this substantial public-private mix is likely to increase company value ahead of a full Series A.

Investor Information

Key investors since inception include: - Advent France Biotechnology

• Invivo Capital
• Takeda Ventures
• Columbus Venture Partners (Columbus Life Science Fund III FCR)

The European Innovation Council will join as both grantor and future shareholder via its equity mechanism when closing on Series A terms—anticipated during or after calendar year 2025.

Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions

As per all available sources through early May 2025:

• No exit events have occurred.
• There are no reports or announcements regarding IPO plans or acquisition offers.

Integra remains privately held with ongoing investor backing focused on R&D acceleration rather than near-term exit strategies.

Sources

• Press Release: Integra Therapeutics receives up to EUR10.5m from EU's EIC
• Tech.eu coverage: Integra secures EUR10.5m for gene writing tools
• CTOL Digital News: Funding details
• BioPharmaTrend news article
  • FreewayPHX Company Data Profile
  • Parsers VC Startup Profile
  • Catalonia Health Investment Announcement
  • Finsmes news brief on EC funding

    3 The Press Releases

    Integra Therapeutics: Recent Developments and Achievements

    Integra Therapeutics S.L., a Barcelona-based biotech company, made significant strides following its successful application for the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding. The company secured up to €10.5 million, consisting of a €2.5 million grant and up to €8 million in equity, to advance its innovative gene writing tools and therapies.

    Technology Advancements

    Integra Therapeutics focuses on developing its FiCAT platform, which aims to improve the safety and efficacy of advanced therapies. FiCAT is designed to address current limitations in gene writing, enabling the creation of safer and more powerful cell therapies with simplified industrial production. The company is expanding the applications of FiCAT to treat both genetic and oncological diseases, potentially revolutionizing gene editing technologies.

    Partnerships and Collaborations

    Recently, Integra Therapeutics announced a licensing deal with Caszyme, a Lithuanian company, to advance its FiCAT technology to version 2.0. This collaboration is expected to enhance the platform's capabilities and reach. Additionally, the company is part of a broader network, including a joint immunotherapy platform with Hospital Clínic Barcelona and involvement in the Catalan advanced therapies network promoted by Biocat.

    Team Updates

    Integra Therapeutics boasts a diverse team of 20 professionals from eight countries, reflecting its commitment to international collaboration and talent acquisition. The company is led by Dr. Marc Güell and Dr. Avencia Sánchez-Mejías, who co-founded Integra in 2020.

    Recent Headquarters Move

    In a strategic move to enhance its research and development capabilities, Integra Therapeutics relocated its headquarters to the new Advanced Therapies Platform at SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital. This location provides access to state-of-the-art facilities for gene therapy, cell therapy, and tissue engineering, positioning the company for further growth.

    Press Releases and Updates

    Integra Therapeutics maintains an active presence on its website and likely shares updates through social media channels. However, specific press releases or blog posts beyond the EIC Accelerator funding and recent headquarters move are not detailed in available sources.

    Sources

    • Integra Therapeutics receives EIC Accelerator funds of up to €10.5M for gene writing tools
    • Integra Therapeutics to receive up to €10.5M from EC
    • EIC Accelerator: Statistics and Results from the March 2024 call
    • EIC Accelerator March 2024 Results: A Detailed Analysis of Funding Distribution and Success Rates
    • Integra Therapeutics Receives €10.5M Funding from EU's EIC Accelerator
    • Integra Therapeutics moves into Advanced Therapies Platform at SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital

    4 The Technology Advancements

    Integra Therapeutics S.L.: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Advancements Integra Therapeutics, a Barcelona-based biotechnology company specializing in next-generation gene-writing tools, has made significant progress since securing €10.5 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in July 2024. Below is a detailed account of their developments:

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    1. Technology Enhancements and Platform Evolution

    • FiCAT 2.0 Integration: In November 2024, Integra signed a licensing agreement with Caszyme to incorporate CRISPR-Cas12l nucleases into its FiCAT 2.0 platform. This upgrade aims to enhance precision and efficiency for gene-writing applications in cell and gene therapies.
    • Expanded Applications: The company is broadening FiCAT’s scope beyond pediatric hepatic diseases to include extrahepatic indications, leveraging non-viral lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for systemic delivery.

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    2. Preclinical and Regulatory Progress

    • Ex Vivo and In Vivo Validation: At the September 2024 Advanced Therapies Europe congress, Integra presented preclinical data demonstrating FiCAT’s efficacy in engineering T cells and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), as well as in vivo proof-of-concept for treating genetic liver disorders.
    • Regulatory Phase Transition: The company has initiated preparations for preclinical regulatory phases, targeting rare diseases, oncology, and autoimmune conditions.

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    3. Commercialization Initiatives

    • Pre-Marketing Activities: The EIC funding supports pre-marketing efforts for FiCAT-based cell therapies targeting rare diseases and oncology.
    • Therapeutic Pipeline Development: Proof-of-concept data is being generated for a pediatric hepatic disease therapy using LNPs funded by the EIC grant.

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    4. Intellectual Property and Partnerships

    While no new patents are explicitly disclosed post-July 2024:
    • The Caszyme collaboration reflects strategic IP expansion through licensing CRISPR-Cas12l nucleases.
    • Earlier patents focus on combining CRISPR-Cas9 with transposase/integrase systems to enable viral vector-free gene editing—a core feature of FiCAT technology.

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    Sources Used:

  • Integra Therapeutics Secures €10.5 Million from European Commission
  = PR: EIC Funding Announcement = Advanced Therapies Congress Presentation Details = Caszyme Licensing Agreement Announcement = FiCAT Expansion Plans via CATALONIA HEALTH Report

  5 The Partnerships and Customers

  Integra Therapeutics S.L. Partnerships and Strategic Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

  Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in March 2024, Integra Therapeutics S.L. has solidified key partnerships and advanced its gene-writing platform to strengthen its market position in advanced therapies:

  • Partnership with Caszyme: A licensing agreement with the Lithuanian biotech company enables the development of FiCAT 2.0, an upgraded version of Integra’s gene-editing platform that enhances precision and payload capacity for therapeutic gene insertion.
  • Collaborative Consortium (AI-Driven CAR-T Development): Integra participates in a €3.8 million grant-funded project alongside VIVEbiotech, OneChain Immunotherapeutics, and research institutions to design AI-driven viral vectors for in vivo CAR-T cell therapy. This collaboration focuses on streamlining cell therapy production by enabling direct patient administration of engineered vectors, reducing costs and treatment timelines.
  • Advanced Therapies Platform at SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital: As the first tenant at this facility, Integra gains access to R&D labs and GMP manufacturing infrastructure for cell/gene therapies. This partnership supports clinical translation of their lead programs targeting pediatric genetic diseases and oncology.

  Market Positioning & Technological Advancements
  Integra’s collaborations position it as a leader in next-generation gene editing by:

  1. Expanding Therapeutic Scope: FiCAT 2.0 broadens applicability to larger genetic payloads (e.g., multi-gene circuits), enabling treatments for complex autoimmune diseases.
  2. Accelerating Clinical Translation: Proximity to SJD Hospital’s clinical network facilitates faster patient recruitment and regulatory compliance for early-phase trials.
  3. Leveraging AI Synergies: The CAR-T consortium integrates machine learning for vector design optimization, reducing development cycles for novel therapies.

  The company is developing its inaugural gene therapy product targeting severe pediatric genetic disorders while scaling manufacturing capabilities through partnerships like those with VIVEbiotech (lentiviral vector expertise). These relationships enhance both technical scalability—through improved editing efficiency—and commercial reach into global advanced therapy markets.

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  Sources

  • Integra Therapeutics Moves into Advanced Therapies Platform
  • CAR-T Consortium Grant Announcement
  • Integra Therapeutics Company Profile

  6 The Hiring and Company Growth

  Integra Therapeutics: Team Growth and Development

  Integra Therapeutics, a Barcelona-based biotechnology company founded in 2020, has been making significant strides in gene writing technologies to enhance advanced therapies. Since its inception, the company has experienced notable growth and development.

  Current Team Size and Growth

  As of recent updates, Integra Therapeutics boasts a multidisciplinary team of 20 professionals from eight countries. This indicates a relatively small but diverse team focused on innovative gene writing tools.

  The company's growth is largely fueled by its pioneering work in developing next-generation gene editing platforms. This focus on innovation is crucial for expanding the team and attracting top talent in the biotech sector.

  Hiring Status

  While there is no explicit information available on whether Integra Therapeutics is currently hiring, the company's recent achievements and funding suggest ongoing recruitment efforts to support its expanding operations.

  Key Positions and Recent Hires

  Specific details on key positions or recent hires are not publicly disclosed. However, the company's emphasis on gene writing tools and advanced therapies implies that they might be focusing on roles related to gene editing technology, research, and development.

  Impact of New Team Members

  The addition of new team members would be pivotal for Integra Therapeutics as it moves forward with its gene writing platform, FiCAT. This technology aims to develop safer and more powerful cell therapies, which could lead to significant advancements in treating genetic and oncological diseases. New talent would help the company scale by contributing to the refinement of this technology and supporting its transition into clinical trials.

  Management and Founding Team

  The founding team includes Dr. Avencia Sánchez-Mejías as CEO and Dr. Marc Güell as CSO. There are no reported changes in the management or founding team, indicating stability and continuity in the company's leadership.

  Major Changes and Funding

  Integra Therapeutics has recently relocated its headquarters to the Advanced Therapies Platform at SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital. This strategic move positions the company for further growth and collaboration within the Catalan advanced therapies network. The company received €4.5 million in funding in 2021 and has since been involved in significant partnerships and developments.

  Sources

  • Integra Therapeutics
  • Integra Therapeutics - First Company to Move into Advanced Therapies Platform at SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital
  • Barcelona-based biotechnology startup Integra Tx gets €4.5 million funding
  • Barcelona-based biotech Integra Tx secures 4,5 million euros to develop an innovative gene editing platform
  • Integra Therapeutics SL
  • Integra Therapeutics moves to SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital

  7 The Media Features and Publications

  Media Features and Company Activity of Integra Therapeutics S.L.

  Integra Therapeutics S.L., a Barcelona-based biotech company specializing in next-generation gene-writing tools, has garnered significant attention since its founding in 2020. Below is a synthesis of its media features, publications, events, and other public engagements based on available information up to early 2025.

  Media Coverage and Publications

  • Biotech-Spain.com highlighted Integra’s relocation to the Advanced Therapies Platform at SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital in February 2025. The article emphasized their FiCAT technology’s role in developing safer cell therapies for pediatric genetic diseases.
  • Biospace.com featured CEO Avencia Sánchez-Mejías discussing ex vivo and in vivo data for FiCAT at the Advanced Therapies Europe congress (September 2023), along with her participation as a speaker at the Global Synthetic Biology Conference (May 2023).
  • EU-Startups.com listed Integra among Spain’s innovative biotech startups developing precision gene-editing tools for rare diseases and oncology.

  Conference Participation & Events

  • Advanced Therapies Europe Congress: Presented preclinical data on FiCAT’s capabilities for ex vivo and in vivo gene editing (September 2023).
  • Global Synthetic Biology Conference: CEO Avencia Sánchez-Mejías spoke about translating synthetic biology into therapeutic applications (May 2023).
  • Participation in consortia such as CERTERA, TERAV (Spain), and European CAR-T initiatives was noted alongside collaborations with Caszyme (Lithuania) and VIVEbiotech.

  Podcasts & Interviews

  No direct references to podcasts or interviews were identified within the provided materials. However, CEO Sánchez-Mejías has been quoted extensively on AI-driven therapeutic innovations and gene-writing advancements.

  Recent Developments Post-EIC Accelerator Submission

  While explicit details of their March 13, 2024 EIC Accelerator win are unavailable due to cutoff dates in the provided sources:
  • The €10.5 million grant from the European Commission announced earlier underscores their funding traction.
  • Their March 7, 2024 collaboration announcement with OneChain Immunotherapeutics on AI-designed viral vectors for CAR-T therapy highlights ongoing innovation.

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  Sources Used:

  • Integra Therapeutics first company to move into Advanced Therapies Platform [Biotech-Spain] • Integra presents FiCAT data at Advanced Therapies Europe [Biospace] • CEO speaks at Global Synthetic Biology Conference [Biospace] • EU Startups Directory Entry • AI-driven CAR-T collaboration • Company website: https://integra-tx.com