1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is a funding initiative designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, particularly in the DeepTech sector. This program focuses on high-risk, high-potential projects that can contribute significantly to the European economy through technological advancements and innovative solutions.

The EIC Accelerator offers two types of funding: grants and equity. The grant component can provide up to €2.5 million, which can be used for various project-related expenses such as research and development, prototyping, and testing. This non-repayable grant is particularly beneficial for companies needing to validate their innovative ideas without the immediate pressure of financial returns.

In addition to grants, the EIC Accelerator provides equity financing, which allows companies to secure up to €15 million until 2024 and up to €10 million from 2025 onwards. This equity funding is designed to help companies scale their operations, attract further investment, and reach market readiness. The blended finance model of the EIC Accelerator combines these two forms of funding, providing a comprehensive financial solution for high-potential startups.

Purpose and Impact of the EIC Accelerator

The primary purpose of the EIC Accelerator is to enhance the competitiveness of the European startup ecosystem, particularly by fostering innovation in DeepTech sectors such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable technologies. By providing funding and support, the program aims to bridge the gap between the initial stages of a startup and the scale-up phase, enabling companies to transition from concept to market-ready products.

The EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in helping companies scale by providing access to substantial funding, which is often difficult to obtain from private investors, especially for high-risk projects. The program also offers mentorship, coaching, and networking opportunities that connect startups with potential investors, partners, and markets. This multifaceted support system encourages innovation and accelerates the growth of cutting-edge technologies across Europe.

Case Study: LITHOS CROP PROTECT GMBH

Company Overview
LITHOS CROP PROTECT GMBH, based in Austria, emerged as a notable winner of the EIC Accelerator program. The company’s project, titled "Micro Dispensers for Sustainable Plant Protection" (acronym: MDSP), focuses on utilizing mineral carriers for pheromones to implement an ecologically friendly mating disruption method aimed at protecting crops against pests on a large scale.

Project Description
The MDSP project aims to revolutionize crop protection by using pheromones, which are naturally occurring chemicals used by insects for communication, to disrupt mating patterns among pest populations. By preventing pests from mating, this method reduces the need for traditional chemical pesticides, providing a sustainable alternative that aligns with increasing environmental regulations and consumer demand for eco-friendly agricultural practices.

The innovative aspect of this project lies in the development of micro dispensers that efficiently and effectively deliver pheromones over a large area. Using mineral carriers ensures that the pheromones are released gradually, maximizing their impact while minimizing waste and environmental contamination.

Technology Background
The technology behind the MDSP project combines principles from biochemistry and materials science. By encapsulating pheromones in mineral carriers, the project leverages the unique properties of these materials to create a controlled release system. This approach not only enhances the stability of the pheromones but also ensures their effective distribution in agricultural settings.

The use of mineral carriers allows for a longer-lasting effect, which is critical in agricultural applications where continuous pest management is necessary. This method supports integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, promoting biodiversity and reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides.

Conclusion
The EIC Accelerator program, through its blended finance model, provides essential support for innovative companies like LITHOS CROP PROTECT GMBH. By funding projects that focus on sustainable technologies, the program not only accelerates the growth of startups but also contributes to the broader goal of fostering environmentally friendly practices within the agricultural sector. The MDSP project exemplifies how cutting-edge technology can be harnessed to create sustainable solutions for real-world challenges in crop protection.

2 The Funding Rounds

Financing Raised by Lithos Crop Protect GmbH Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Lithos Crop Protect GmbH, an Austrian biotech startup focused on sustainable crop protection, has raised notable financing rounds following its successful application and award under the EIC Accelerator in June 2022.

Funding Rounds and Timing

• EIC Accelerator Grant (June 2022): Lithos Crop Protect secured a €1.4 million grant from the European Innovation Council as part of its initial acceleration funding.
• Equity Investment Round (Announced October 2023):
• In October 2023, Lithos Crop Protect announced new investments from both Invest AG and the European Innovation Council Fund (EIC Fund). This round was specifically aimed at accelerating market rollout for their plant strengtheners, biostimulants, and natural crop protection products. The exact amount of this equity investment is not explicitly disclosed in available sources; however, this round marked a significant milestone for scaling operations and supporting further research.
• Ongoing Seed Round (€4.5M Target):
• As of late 2023 into early 2025, Lithos Crop Protect is actively raising a seed round with a target size of €4.5 million. The close date for this round is set for December 15, 2025. Details suggest that this capital will support final product approvals and broader market entry.

Investors

The primary investors since mid-2022 include:

• Invest AG: An Austrian investment firm focused on supporting domestic innovation.
• European Innovation Council Fund: The EU’s dedicated deep-tech venture initiative investing in breakthrough startups emerging from the EIC Accelerator program.

Use of Funds

Investment proceeds are being used to: - Obtain regulatory approval for Lithos’ first sprayable pheromone product.

• Accelerate commercialization efforts across European markets.
• Support ongoing R&D into next-generation biostimulants and natural crop protection products.

The backing by high-profile institutional investors also positions the company well within strategic networks essential for scaling within regulated agricultural markets.

Valuation Information

There are currently no public records indicating explicit company valuations associated with these funding rounds. Such details may remain confidential until subsequent financing or exit events occur.

Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions

As of May 1, 2025:

There have been no reported exit events such as an IPO or acquisition involving Lithos Crop Protect GmbH.

The company remains focused on growth-stage activities—including regulatory approvals, market expansion, and technology development—supported by recent investor injections.

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Summary Table: Key Recent Funding Events

Date	Type	Amount	Investors	Purpose
Jun 15, 2022	Grant	€1.4M	European Innovation Council	Initial innovation & scale-up
Oct 10, 2023	Equity/Seed	Not disclosed	Invest AG & EIC Fund	Market rollout & R&D
Dec 15 (ongoing)	Seed Round	Target: €4.5M	To be finalized	Final approval & commercialization

</em>Precise equity investment amounts not publicly stated; ongoing seed round targets €4.5 million.

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Sources

• Lithos Crop Protect company information – Dealroom
• Funding rounds – SpaceTech Dealroom
• Lithos Crop Protect: Invest AG and EIC invest
• Lithos Crop Protect funding news – Munich Startup Insights

3 The Press Releases

Overview of Lithos Crop Protect GmbH

Lithos Crop Protect GmbH, an Austrian company, has been a recipient of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding since June 2022. This support has been instrumental in driving their innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture, particularly through the development of natural plant protection solutions.

Partnerships and Collaborations

One notable partnership is with Syngenta Biologicals. In July 2024, they announced a distribution agreement to supply a sprayable pheromone formulation, specifically the pherolit®-d, to combat the Western Corn Rootworm, a significant pest in European corn fields. This collaboration aims to enhance integrated pest management strategies with more sustainable methods, addressing environmental and regulatory challenges in the EU.

Technology and Innovation

Lithos Crop Protect has developed the patented lithos micro dispenser® technology, enabling the large-scale application of sprayable pheromone formulations. This technology is pivotal for disrupting the mating behaviors of pests like the Western Corn Rootworm without harming the environment.

Awards and Funding

The company was awarded an EU Accelerator grant, recognizing its innovative contributions to sustainable agriculture. This funding supports Lithos in developing and marketing biological crop protection agents and biostimulants, which are crucial for maintaining sustainable agricultural practices.

Products and Updates

Lithos Crop Protect has introduced several products, including Vitisol, a successor to Lithoplant, aimed at providing natural plant protection and biostimulants. Additionally, they offer solutions like Primefit for healthy plants and high-yielding harvests, and Lithos Aza for controlling pests such as the Colorado potato beetle.

Press Releases and Blog Updates

On their website, lithosprotect.at, Lithos Crop Protect publishes updates on their products and innovations. Recent blog posts highlight the importance of sustainable crop protection in challenging agricultural conditions and the benefits of their natural plant protection products.

Sources

• Syngenta Biologicals and Lithos Crop Protect Collaborate to Fight Major Corn Pest in Europe
• Lithos Selects Puro.earth to Certify Its Enhanced Rock Weathering
• Blog Posts | Lithos Crop Protect GmbH
• Lithos Crop Protect: Food Safety Needs Natural Plant Protection

4 The Technology Advancements

Overview of Lithos Crop Protect GmbH

Lithos Crop Protect GmbH, an innovative Austrian company, is dedicated to developing sustainable agricultural solutions that enhance crop protection and biodiversity. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022, the company has continued to advance its technologies and expand its market presence.

Current Capabilities

• Natural Products and Technologies: Lithos Crop Protect specializes in natural products such as fertilizers, plant auxiliaries, biostimulants, and crop protection solutions. A key innovation is the Lithos Micro Dispenser (LMD) technology, which uses natural minerals like zeolite to apply pheromones that disrupt pest mating behaviors.
• Pheromone Technology: The company has developed the first sprayable pheromone product, pherolit-d, designed to protect maize from the Western Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) by disrupting its mating cycle. This product is groundbreaking in its ability to be applied on a large scale using conventional spraying devices.

Advancements Since EIC Funding

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022, Lithos Crop Protect has made significant advancements in its research and development efforts:

• Investments and Partnerships: The company received investments from Invest AG and the European Innovation Council Fund, which has facilitated the market rollout of its plant strengtheners, biostimulants, and natural crop protection products.
• Collaboration with Syngenta: In July 2024, Lithos Crop Protect collaborated with Syngenta Biologicals on a distribution agreement for a sprayable pheromone formulation. This partnership underscores the company's growing presence in the agricultural sector.
• EU Funding and Recognition: Lithos Crop Protect was awarded an EU Accelerator grant, highlighting its innovative contributions to sustainable agriculture.
• Product Portfolio Expansion: The company continues to expand its product portfolio with natural solutions like Vitisol and Aza, enhancing plant resilience and providing environmentally friendly pest control options.

Market Demonstration and Technology Improvement

Lithos Crop Protect has demonstrated its technology in practical applications, leveraging its pheromone products to offer sustainable pest management solutions. The company's focus on customization and sustainable farming practices positions it as a leader in the transition towards more environmentally friendly cultivation methods.

New Patents and Publications

There is no specific mention of new patents filed or scientific studies published since the EIC Accelerator funding. However, the company's ongoing research is aimed at enhancing its LMD technology to improve pheromone adsorption and retention, indicating continuous innovation and development.

Conclusion

Lithos Crop Protect GmbH has made significant strides in sustainable agriculture since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding. Its innovative pheromone technologies and strategic partnerships position the company for further growth and impact in the global agricultural sector.

Sources:

• Lithos Crop Protect GmbH
• Lithos Crop Protect company information
• Syngenta Biologicals and Lithos Crop Protect collaboration
• Periodic Reporting for Micro Dispensers project
• Lithos Selects Puro.earth for Carbon Removal Certification
• Lithos Crop Protect: Invest AG and EIC invest
• Lithos Crop Protect: Food safety needs natural plant protection
• Difficult agricultural year 2024: Sustainable crop protection

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Lithos Crop Protect GmbH: Partnerships and Advancements

Lithos Crop Protect GmbH, an Austrian biotech company, has been making significant strides in the agricultural industry, particularly since receiving the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding in June 2022. The company specializes in developing innovative, natural crop protection solutions, focusing on sustainable agriculture practices.

Partnerships and Customers

One of the notable partnerships for Lithos Crop Protect is with Syngenta Biologicals, a leading company in agricultural biologicals. In 2024, they signed a distribution agreement to supply a sprayable pheromone formulation for mating disruption. This collaboration aims to control the western corn rootworm, a major pest affecting European corn crops, using Lithos' patented Lithos Micro Dispenser® technology combined with naturally derived pheromones like pherolit®-d.

Lithos Crop Protect has also partnered with Invest AG and received investment from the European Innovation Council Fund, which is crucial for accelerating the market rollout of its products and supporting further research and development.

New Relationships and Purpose

These partnerships are designed to enhance Lithos Crop Protect's position in the market by offering sustainable crop protection solutions. The collaboration with Syngenta Biologicals is particularly strategic, as it combines Lithos' innovative technology with Syngenta's extensive distribution network. This partnership will help in large-scale adoption of natural pest control methods, addressing the growing need for environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides.

Market Positioning and Advancements

The new relationships will significantly position Lithos Crop Protect as a leader in sustainable agriculture by providing effective and eco-friendly solutions for pest control. The investment from the EIC and Invest AG will support the company in obtaining regulatory approvals and scaling up its production capabilities. This will enable Lithos Crop Protect to expand its market reach and contribute to the European Union's Green Deal initiatives.

The strategic partnership with Syngenta Biologicals will also help advance Lithos' technology by optimizing the features and benefits of their innovative pheromone formulations. This will ensure that the solutions are not only effective but also safe and efficient for large-scale agricultural use.

Scaling and Technology Advancements

The new investments and partnerships will facilitate significant scaling and technological advancements for Lithos Crop Protect. By leveraging the financial backing and expertise of its partners, the company can accelerate the development of new natural crop protection products, enhancing its product portfolio and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable agriculture practices. The collaboration with Syngenta Biologicals will further enhance the adoption and integration of Lithos' technology into mainstream agricultural practices, contributing to a more sustainable future for farming.

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Sources:

• Lithos Crop Protect: Invest AG and the EIC invest
• EIC-backed Lithos Crop Protect GmbH partners up with Syngenta
• Syngenta Biologicals and Lithos Crop Protect collaborate to fight major corn pest
• Lithos Crop Protect: Food safety needs natural plant protection

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Lithos Crop Protect GmbH: Team Growth and Scaling Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Lithos Crop Protect GmbH, an Austrian agritech firm specializing in natural crop protection solutions, has focused on strategic partnerships and product development since securing EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022. While specific headcount figures remain undisclosed, the company’s growth trajectory is evident through recent milestones:

• Key Hiring and Open Positions: The company lists open roles on its website but does not specify current team size or recent hires[^team]. Leadership includes Dr. Franz Reitbauer (Managing Director) and Adolf Wallner (Senior Advisor for Business Development)[^team][^syngenta].
• Growth Drivers: Lithos’ partnership with Syngenta to distribute pherolit®-d—a sprayable pheromone for corn rootworm control—highlights its commercialization efforts[^syngenta]. Registration of this product in Europe is expected by 2026[^syngenta].
• Funding Activities: A €4.5 million seed round is underway as of late 2025 to advance R&D and market expansion[^funding].
• Future Scaling: New team members would likely support regulatory approvals, field trials, and technology deployment for pherolit®-d and other biocontrol products under development[^products][^funding].

No major changes in the founding team or management have been reported post-EIC funding. The company’s emphasis on biological crop protection positions it to address EU regulatory shifts toward sustainable agriculture[^syngenta][^products].

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Sources

• Lithos Crop Protect Company Information
• Lithos Crop Protect Team Page
• Syngenta Partnership Announcement

7 The Media Features and Publications

LITHOS CROP PROTECT GMBH: A Leader in Sustainable Agriculture

Lithos Crop Protect GmbH, based in Austria, has been at the forefront of sustainable agriculture since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022. The company specializes in developing, registering, and marketing biotechnological crop protection solutions and biostimulants, emphasizing natural and sustainable methods to ensure food safety and biodiversity.

Media Features and Publications

Lithos Crop Protect has been featured in several publications for its innovative approaches to crop protection. Notably, its partnership with Syngenta Biologicals to fight the western corn rootworm through a sprayable pheromone formulation has gained significant attention. This collaboration marks a significant step towards sustainable pest control methods in Europe.

Content from Publications

Publications highlight Lithos Crop Protect's commitment to sustainable agriculture and its role in reducing the environmental impact of traditional pest control methods. The company's patented Lithos Micro Dispenser technology is praised for its efficacy and sustainability, using natural carriers like clinoptilolite-zeolite to apply pheromones that disrupt pest mating behaviors.

Podcasts and Interviews

While there are no specific mentions of podcasts or interviews featuring the team of Lithos Crop Protect GmbH, the company's managing director, Dr. Franz Reitbauer, has been quoted in press releases discussing the company's innovative solutions and partnerships.

Conference and Fair Visits

Although specific conference participations are not detailed, Lithos Crop Protect's engagement in the agricultural innovation sector suggests involvement in related events. The company's focus on sustainable crop protection and partnerships with major industry players like Syngenta Biologicals indicate an active presence in the agricultural technology community.

Events and Involvement

Lithos Crop Protect's involvement in events likely centers around showcasing its innovative technologies, such as the Lithos Micro Dispenser, and discussing the future of sustainable crop protection. The company's EU funding and partnerships underscore its role in advancing sustainable agricultural practices across Europe.

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Sources:

• Lithos Crop Protect News
• Lithos Crop Protect: Food safety needs natural plant protection
• Lithos Crop Protect receives EU innovation funding
• EIC-backed Lithos Crop Protect GmbH partners up with Syngenta Biologicals
• Syngenta Biologicals and Lithos Crop Protect collaborate to fight major corn pest
• Using mineral carriers for pheromones to apply the ecologically friendly mating disruption method