1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program is a key component of the European Innovation Council (EIC), designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in developing breakthrough innovations. It offers a unique blend of funding options, including grants and equity investments, to facilitate the commercialization of innovative products and technologies. The program aims to bolster the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by addressing the funding gap often faced by emerging companies, particularly in high-risk sectors.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator provides a significant financial boost to eligible companies through a blended finance approach.

The combination of grants and equity investments enables companies to navigate the challenging landscape of innovation financing, ensuring they have the necessary resources to bring their products to market.

Purpose and Impact on the Ecosystem

The primary purpose of the EIC Accelerator is to foster innovation in Europe by providing financial support and strategic guidance to high-potential startups. By addressing the critical funding needs of companies operating in sectors such as technology, health, and sustainability, the EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in:

• Facilitating Growth: The program helps startups scale their operations, enhancing their capacity to deliver innovative solutions.
• Encouraging Private Investment: EIC funding acts as a catalyst, attracting additional private sector investment by demonstrating the viability and potential success of supported projects.
• Strengthening the European Innovation Landscape: By nurturing DeepTech startups, the EIC Accelerator contributes to the broader goal of making Europe a global leader in innovation.

Case Study: Last Mile Semiconductor GmbH

Company Overview: Last Mile Semiconductor GmbH, based in Germany, is an EIC Accelerator winner that focuses on developing advanced semiconductor technologies. Their project, known as SECURE-E, aims to create a Secure and Efficient Chipset for Uninterrupted Reliable Connectivity in Europe.

Project Details: The SECURE-E project is designed to address the growing demand for secure and reliable connectivity solutions in various sectors, including telecommunications, automotive, and industrial automation. The chipset developed under this project aims to enhance data transmission security while ensuring efficient power consumption.

Technology Background: The SECURE-E chipset leverages cutting-edge semiconductor technology to enable robust encryption protocols, safeguarding data integrity and confidentiality during transmission. The technology also incorporates energy-efficient design principles, minimizing power usage without compromising performance. This dual focus on security and efficiency positions Last Mile Semiconductor as a pivotal player in the semiconductor industry, addressing critical challenges faced by businesses reliant on uninterrupted connectivity.

Funding Milestone: Last Mile Semiconductor submitted their Step 2 proposal to the EIC Accelerator on March 13, 2024, subsequently advancing to the Step 3 interview and securing funding. This funding will enable the company to accelerate the development and commercialization of the SECURE-E chipset, positioning it to capitalize on the burgeoning market for secure connectivity solutions.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program serves as a vital lifeline for innovative companies like Last Mile Semiconductor, facilitating their growth through a combination of grants and equity funding. By supporting projects such as SECURE-E, the EIC Accelerator not only enhances the potential for technological advancements but also strengthens the European innovation ecosystem as a whole. Through targeted financial assistance, the program fosters an environment conducive to the development of disruptive technologies that can transform industries and enhance connectivity across Europe.

2 The Funding Rounds

# Last Mile Semiconductor: EIC Accelerator Funding Analysis

Last Mile Semiconductor, a German company developing System on Chip solutions for professional low-cost wireless connectivity, received EIC Accelerator funding in July 2024. The company focuses on creating secure, reliable, and cost-effective wireless Smart Edge Connectivity solutions for various IoT applications.

Funding Overview

Last Mile Semiconductor has received a total of €2.5 million in funding to date. This funding came from a single investor - the European Innovation Council (EIC) - through its EIC Accelerator program in July 2024.

The company submitted its Step 2 proposal to the EIC Accelerator on March 13, 2024, and subsequently succeeded in the Step 3 interview, leading to the funding award in July 2024.

Product and Technology

Last Mile Semiconductor's flagship product is the LM10XX System on Chip, which is based on the NR+ standard - described as "the first globally free, non-cellular 5G standard." This technology combines:

• 5G performance with Bluetooth efficiency
• Integrated RISC-V processor
• Built-in security elements
• Software Development Kit for IoT and industrial applications

The company positions its technology for various use cases including:

• Industrial IoT: Creating low-latency private networks
• Smart Energy: Securing reliable critical infrastructure networks
• Smart Building: Controlling assets with 5G quality
• Smart City: Creating scalable connectivity in urban environments

Business Trajectory

As a recipient of EIC Accelerator funding, Last Mile Semiconductor joins the ranks of promising European deep tech companies. The EIC Accelerator specifically targets SMEs with breakthrough innovations and significant growth potential.

Based on available information, this appears to be the company's first and only funding round to date. No information about company valuation, exit events (IPO, buyouts, or acquisitions), or additional funding rounds is available from the search results.

Market Context

Last Mile Semiconductor operates in the growing semiconductor and IoT connectivity sector, where secure and cost-effective wireless solutions are increasingly in demand. The company's focus on providing connectivity "as good as cables but cost-effective and scalable" positions it in the expanding market for IoT applications across industrial, energy, building, and urban settings.

While specific information about Last Mile Semiconductor's future funding plans isn't available, the semiconductor industry as a whole has seen significant investment interest, as evidenced by other companies in the sector securing substantial funding. For example, Black Semiconductor, another German chip technology company, recently secured €255 million in funding to develop next-generation chip technology.

Sources: - Last Mile Semiconductor company information, funding & investors

• Last Mile Semiconductor company information, funding & investors
• Last Mile Semiconductor – System on Chip for professional low-cost ...
• Last Mile Semiconductor company information, funding & investors

3 The Press Releases

Last Mile Semiconductor GmbH: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Overview Last Mile Semiconductor (LMS), a Dresden-based deep-tech company, secured EIC Accelerator funding in March 2024 for its ultra-low-power wireless chipset designed for massive IoT applications. The company specializes in DECT NR+ technology to enable secure, low-cost connectivity for smart devices, positioning itself as a key player in Europe’s semiconductor innovation landscape.

Key Details

• Technology: LMS develops chipsets optimized for IoT ecosystems, focusing on energy efficiency and security. Their solutions aim to address connectivity gaps in smart cities, industrial automation, and consumer electronics.
• Funding: While the exact grant amount remains unspecified for their March 2024 win, the EIC Accelerator’s March call allocated over €400M across 68 winners, with blended finance (grant + equity) being the dominant funding type (96%). Earlier records indicate LMS received a separate €2.5M grant labeled under the July 2024 EIC Accelerator list, though this may reflect updated classifications or additional rounds.
• Strategic Positioning: As part of Germany’s 19% share of EIC Accelerator winners in March 2024, LMS aligns with Europe’s push to advance semiconductor sovereignty amid global supply-chain reshoring efforts highlighted by Deloitte’s 2025 industry outlook.

Press Releases & Public Updates
No direct press releases from lm-semi.com are accessible via available data. However:

• Website Content: LMS positions itself as revolutionizing IoT through low-cost chipsets tailored for uninterrupted connectivity. The site likely emphasizes technical specifications and use cases but lacks publicly visible press releases or blog posts based on indexed data.
• EIC Announcements: The European Innovation Council highlights awardees collectively but does not publish individualized press materials beyond aggregated lists.

---

Sources

• Last Mile Semiconductor Company Overview
• EIC Accelerator Results: March 2024 Call
• CORDIS Project Summary: Secure Chipset Development

4 The Technology Advancements

Last Mile Semiconductor GmbH: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments

Current Capabilities
Last Mile Semiconductor, based in Dresden’s Silicon Saxony ecosystem, specializes in ultra-secure, low-cost IoT connectivity solutions. Their flagship LM10XX System on Chip (SoC) integrates a 200 MHz RISC-V processor and an NR+ transceiver operating in the 1.9 GHz DECT band[^4^]. The SoC enables license-free, non-cellular 5G connectivity with mesh networking capabilities for industrial IoT (IIoT), smart energy grids, and smart city applications[^3^][^6^]. Key features include self-healing networks, low latency (<10 ms), and compliance with EU security regulations.

Post-Funding Advancements
While no direct EIC Accelerator announcement was found for Last Mile Semiconductor in the provided sources as of February 2025, their public-facing updates since early 2024 highlight:

• NR+ Standard Adoption: Expanded use of their NR+ protocol for scalable mesh networks in industrial settings, emphasizing ultra-reliability and global license-exempt operation.
• Hardware Refinements: Continued development of the LM10XX SoC to integrate advanced security features and optimize power efficiency for battery-operated IoT devices.

Market Demonstrations & Pilots
The company actively showcased its technology at major trade events:

• Hannover Messe 2024: Demonstrated NR+-enabled IIoT solutions using Nordic Semiconductor’s Thingy:91 X platform to highlight throughput and range capabilities. The demo emphasized use cases like predictive maintenance and asset tracking in industrial environments.
• CES 2025 Participation: While not explicitly named among Saxon exhibitors at CES 2025, Silicon Saxony’s broader presence suggests alignment with regional initiatives advancing AI-enabled IoT hardware (note: this does not confirm direct involvement).

Intellectual Property & Publications
No explicit patents or whitepapers are disclosed publicly. However, their technology relies on proprietary implementations of the NR+ standard—a non-cellular 5G variant designed to compete with protocols like Wi-SUN or LoRaWAN while offering lower latency and higher node density support. Collaboration with entities like the DECT Forum indicates adherence to industry-driven standardization efforts rather than patent-centric strategies based on available data.

---

Sources

• Last Mile Semiconductor Official Website
• NR+ Demo at Hannover Messe
• Startus Insights LM10XX Overview

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Last Mile Semiconductor GmbH: Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Since winning EIC Accelerator funding in March 2024, Last Mile Semiconductor GmbH has focused on advancing its LM10XX System on Chip (SoC) technology while forging strategic alliances to solidify its position in the IoT connectivity market.

Key Partnerships and Collaborations

• NR+ Interest Group: The company collaborates with Legrand, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Nordic Semiconductor, and Wirepas as part of the newly formed NR+ interest group. This coalition aims to standardize and promote the NR+ wireless protocol for industrial IoT applications.
• Semiconductor Ecosystem Alignment: Last Mile works alongside Nordic Semiconductor as a second-source provider of DECT NR+ silicon chips, addressing customer concerns about single-source dependencies and enhancing market confidence in the NR+ standard.

Market Positioning Through Relationships

These partnerships position Last Mile as a critical enabler of secure, low-cost 5G-grade connectivity for industrial IoT. By aligning with industry leaders like Siemens and Schneider Electric—key players in smart infrastructure—the company gains credibility in sectors such as smart energy, building automation, and urban mobility. The NR+ standard’s focus on scalability and zero operator costs directly addresses demands for affordable Massive IoT deployments.

Technology Advancement Pathways

Collaboration within the NR+ ecosystem accelerates interoperability testing and use-case development. For instance:

• Smart Energy: Joint efforts with energy sector partners optimize grid management through reliable device networking.
• Industrial Automation: Integration with Legrand’s systems supports low-latency private networks for manufacturing environments.

The involvement of semiconductor veterans (e.g., co-founders with wireless chip design expertise) ensures robust R&D alignment with evolving 5G-NR standards while maintaining cost efficiency—a unique selling point against cellular IoT alternatives.

---

Sources

• Legrand, Schneider Electric & Siemens launch NR+ interest group
• DECT Today video interviews | Mario Orgis
• Last Mile Semiconductor Website

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Last Mile Semiconductor GmbH: Growth and Team Development

Last Mile Semiconductor GmbH, based in Dresden, Germany, is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in wireless system design, RF ICs, digital design, and firmware development for IoT connectivity. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2024, the company has been focused on developing and marketing its innovative LM10XX System on Chip, which enables secure, reliable, scalable, and cost-effective wireless Smart Edge Connectivity for IoT applications.

Current Team Size and Hiring

While specific details about the current headcount or team size of Last Mile Semiconductor are not publicly available, the company's focus on hiring skilled engineers and industry experts to drive innovation in IoT connectivity suggests ongoing team growth. Their involvement in complex projects like NR+ technology development indicates a need for specialized talent, which may lead to further hiring.

Hiring and Team Growth

Last Mile Semiconductor is likely to be expanding its team to support the development and marketing of its cutting-edge technologies. This expansion would be crucial in scaling and growing the company, especially after securing significant funding. Key positions may include engineers with expertise in wireless system-on-chip design and software development.

Key Positions and Recent Hires

While specific recent hires are not detailed, key positions would likely include roles such as system-on-chip designers, firmware engineers, and technical project managers. These professionals would play a crucial role in advancing the company's NR+ technology and expanding its IoT connectivity solutions.

Future Growth and Impact

New team members will be instrumental in helping Last Mile Semiconductor scale and grow by driving technological innovation and expanding its market presence. The company's focus on secure and cost-effective IoT solutions positions it well for future growth in the rapidly evolving IoT market.

Management and Founding Team

Key leadership figures at Last Mile Semiconductor include CEO Christoph Gulich and COO Mario Orgis. Both leaders bring extensive experience in IoT and wireless system-on-chip design, respectively. There are no reported major changes in the management or founding team since the EIC Accelerator funding.

Sources

About Us - Last Mile Semiconductor Last Mile Semiconductor company information, funding & investors

7 The Media Features and Publications

Last Mile Semiconductor GmbH: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Engagement and Public Presence Having secured EIC Accelerator funding in March 2024, Last Mile Semiconductor GmbH has continued advancing its mission to deliver low-cost, secure wireless connectivity for IoT through its NR+ LM10XX System on Chip. While specific media features or podcasts directly involving the company’s team are not publicly documented, the following summarizes their public engagements and visibility:

---

Public Presence and Collaborations

• Industry Positioning: Described as a "deep-tech semiconductor startup" specializing in non-cellular 5G (DECT NR+) chipsets for industrial IoT, smart energy, and smart cities. Their focus on digital sovereignty aligns with EU priorities for secure IoT infrastructure.
• Silicon Saxony Affiliation: Based in Dresden, the company actively participates in Europe’s microelectronics hub, leveraging partnerships with local innovators.

---

Event Participation

While no explicit conference presentations or fair participations are listed post-EIC funding:

• Talent Recruitment: The company emphasizes hiring ASIC designers with tape-out experience, reflecting growth tied to post-funding R&D scaling.
• Community Involvement: Positions itself as part of Dresden’s tech ecosystem by collaborating on IoT and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

---

Content Mentions

Publicly available content focuses on:

No third-party articles or podcasts specifically naming the company were identified beyond corporate profiles.

---

Sources (Format: Title):

• About us - Last Mile Semiconductor
• Last Mile Semiconductor - ZoomInfo Profile
• Last Mile Semiconductor - Odense Seed & Venture
• ITsax.de Partner Profile