1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program is a flagship initiative of the European Innovation Council (EIC) designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, particularly those engaged in deep tech innovations. The program aims to foster the development of breakthrough technologies and business models, enabling companies to scale up and bring their innovations to market. The EIC Accelerator provides both financial support and mentoring to help these companies achieve their growth objectives.

Funding Details

The EIC Accelerator offers two types of funding: grants and equity investments.

Purpose in the European DeepTech and Startup Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in the European deep tech and startup ecosystem by addressing the funding gap that often exists for innovative companies. Traditional investors may be hesitant to invest in high-risk, high-reward projects, particularly in sectors like biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. The EIC Accelerator mitigates this risk by providing substantial financial backing and facilitating connections with private investors and venture capitalists. This support helps companies not only to develop their technologies but also to attract additional investment necessary for scaling.

Support in Scaling and Funding Acquisition

The EIC Accelerator offers more than just financial resources; it provides strategic guidance and networking opportunities. By connecting startups with experienced mentors and experts, the program helps them refine their business models and improve their market strategies. This combination of funding and mentorship aims to create a robust support system that increases the likelihood of success for innovative companies.

Momentum Bioscience Limited and the SepsiSTAT Project

Company Overview: Momentum Bioscience Limited, based in the United Kingdom, has emerged as a notable winner of the EIC Accelerator program. The company focuses on developing cutting-edge diagnostics for critical medical conditions, particularly those that require rapid and accurate detection.

Project Overview: The SepsiSTAT project is a disruptive diagnostic initiative aimed at identifying bacterial infections directly from whole blood samples in patients suffering from sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition triggered by the body’s response to infection, and early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

Technology Background: The SepsiSTAT project leverages advanced molecular diagnostics to provide rapid and reliable results. Traditional methods for diagnosing bacterial infections often involve lengthy laboratory processes that delay treatment. In contrast, SepsiSTAT utilizes innovative technologies that enable the detection of specific bacterial signatures within a patient's blood sample. This approach not only speeds up the diagnostic process but also enhances accuracy, allowing healthcare providers to tailor treatments more effectively based on the identified pathogens.

The technology is designed to operate at the point of care, which means that it can be used in emergency settings, significantly improving patient outcomes. By addressing the critical need for timely and precise diagnostics in sepsis management, the SepsiSTAT project positions itself as a game-changer within the healthcare landscape.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program, through its grant and equity funding mechanisms, plays a transformative role in supporting innovative companies like Momentum Bioscience Limited. By facilitating the development of groundbreaking technologies such as SepsiSTAT, the program not only enhances the capabilities of startups but also contributes significantly to the advancement of healthcare solutions in Europe. The success of such projects underscores the importance of targeted funding and strategic support in driving innovation in the deep tech sector.

2 The Funding Rounds

# Momentum Bioscience Limited: Funding Journey and Financial Overview

Momentum Bioscience Limited is a UK-based healthcare company specializing in the development of rapid diagnostic technologies for sepsis and bloodstream infections. The company has made significant strides in securing funding to advance its innovative SepsiSTAT® product, a disruptive diagnostic test that processes blood samples directly from sepsis patients.

EIC Accelerator Funding

In September 2023, Momentum Bioscience announced that it had successfully secured £2 million in funding through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Horizon Europe Guarantee. This funding was awarded following the company's successful application to the European Innovation Council's (EIC) Accelerator competition, where Momentum was one of only 32 companies selected from 476 applicants in a highly competitive evaluation process.

The funding is specifically allocated to develop the company's SepsiSTAT® product, which utilizes proprietary methods to capture low levels of circulating organisms from whole blood, purify, concentrate, and grow these organisms into a bespoke inoculum ready for identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and next-generation sequencing.

Sumi Thaker, Chief Executive Officer of Momentum Bioscience, expressed delight at winning the EIC competition and receiving grant funding support from UKRI.

Funding History

Momentum Bioscience has raised a total of $3.68 million throughout its funding journey. The company's funding rounds include:

• Most recent funding: $2.58 million raised approximately 11 years ago (as of 2024)
• Current funding stage: Unattributed VC

Investor Information

The company has attracted investment from several notable investors, including:

• Development Bank of Wales
• The FSE Group
• Wren Capital
• Longwall Venture Partners
• Newable Ventures

Additionally, the company has previously participated in investment rounds with other significant investors such as Novartis Venture Fund and Cycad Group. In subsequent rounds, funding has typically been obtained from Nextech Invest, Cycad Group, and Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy.

Company Background and Structure

Momentum Bioscience was established in 2005 and is headquartered in Cardiff, Wales. The company's primary focus is on improving the management of sepsis patients and antibiotic stewardship within the healthcare industry. Its main product, SepsiSTAT®, offers rapid screening technology that can provide identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing results in a matter of hours.

The company was founded by Bill Mullen and is currently led by CEO Sumi Thaker.

Intellectual Property

Momentum Bioscience has filed 11 patents, with the most recent being granted on September 5, 2023, for a "Method and kit of detecting the absence of micro-organisms." The company's patent portfolio primarily focuses on areas such as infectious diseases, microbiology, and cell biology.

Current Status and Future Prospects

As of May 2025, Momentum Bioscience continues to operate in the biotech sector, focusing on the development and commercialization of its SepsiSTAT® technology. The recent EIC Accelerator funding represents a significant milestone for the company, providing the necessary capital to advance its innovative diagnostic solutions for sepsis patients.

The company's successful EIC Accelerator application demonstrates the European Innovation Council's recognition of the potential impact of Momentum's technology in addressing critical healthcare challenges. With this funding, Momentum Bioscience is well-positioned to further develop and potentially bring to market its rapid diagnostic solutions for sepsis, a condition where time to result is critical for patient outcomes.

Sources: - Momentum Bioscience accelerates direct-from-blood sepsis diagnostic development with £2M grant from UKRI Horizon Europe Guarantee Extension

• Momentum Bioscience - CB Insights
• Momentum Bioscience – Investors Database – Unicorn Nest

3 The Press Releases

Momentum Bioscience: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments Momentum Bioscience Limited, a UK-based diagnostics company specializing in rapid infection detection, secured EIC Accelerator funding in 2023 through the highly competitive Horizon Europe program. The £2 million grant from UKRI supported the development of SepsiSTAT®, its direct-from-blood diagnostic for sepsis-causing pathogens.

Key Updates Since Funding

• Technology Advancement: SepsiSTAT® aims to reduce microbial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing time from 1–3 days to 5–12 hours by automating sample preparation, purification, and concentration of bloodborne pathogens.
• Leadership: CEO Sumi Thaker emphasized the grant’s role in validating the technology’s potential to combat antimicrobial resistance and reduce healthcare costs.
• No Publicly Announced Partnerships/Patents: Current press releases do not disclose new collaborations or intellectual property filings post-funding.

Note: Momentum Bioscience Limited (momentumbio.co.uk) has not published additional press releases or blog updates on its website regarding subsequent milestones as of early 2025. A separate entity named Momentum Biotechnologies (unrelated) acquired OmicScouts GmbH in March 2025 for proteomics expansion, but this is a distinct company despite naming similarities.

---

Sources
Momentum Bioscience accelerates direct-from-blood sepsis diagnostic development with £2M grant from UKRI Horizon Europe Guarantee
Momentum Biotechnologies Announces Acquisition of OmicScouts

4 The Technology Advancements

Momentum Bioscience Limited: Capabilities and Advancements

Momentum Bioscience Limited, a UK-based biotech company, specializes in developing rapid sepsis diagnostics. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in early 2023, the company has made significant advancements in its technology and market presence.

Current Capabilities

Momentum Bioscience is renowned for its flagship product, SepsiSTAT, an automated system designed for rapid microbial detection from blood samples. This technology enables the identification of infections and informs doctors on appropriate treatments within hours, significantly reducing the time required for test results compared to traditional methods.

Advancements and Improvements

Following the EIC funding, Momentum Bioscience has accelerated the development of SepsiSTAT. The technology utilizes proprietary methods to capture, purify, concentrate, and grow organisms from whole blood, providing a crucial step in diagnosing sepsis and guiding antibiotic treatment. This advancement has been recognized as a disruptive diagnostic test, capable of reducing the identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing time from days to just a few hours.

Market Demonstration and Collaborations

Momentum Bioscience has continued its collaboration with Gradientech, a diagnostics company, to integrate SepsiSTAT with Gradientech’s QuickMIC system. This partnership aims to provide ultra-rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing directly from blood, enhancing the speed and accuracy of sepsis management. The company's relocation to Milton Park in Oxfordshire has also facilitated a collaborative environment, enabling the development and testing of SepsiSTAT in a vibrant innovation community.

New Features and Developments

While specific new features or technologies since the funding have not been detailed, the company's focus on improving SepsiSTAT has been emphasized. The integration with Gradientech's technology highlights an ongoing effort to enhance the diagnostic workflow for sepsis patients.

Patents, Scientific Studies, and Clinical Trials

There is no publicly available information regarding new patents filed or scientific studies published by Momentum Bioscience Limited specifically since the EIC Accelerator funding. However, the company's participation in conferences and its ongoing collaborations suggest a continued commitment to advancing sepsis diagnostics.

Sources

• Momentum Bioscience
• Momentum Bioscience Moves To Milton Park To Develop Time-Critical Sepsis Tests
• Momentum Bioscience | British Business Bank
• Momentum Bioscience accelerates direct-from-blood sepsis diagnostics with £2M grant
• Gradientech and Momentum Bioscience in continued collaboration

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Momentum Bioscience Limited: Recent Developments and Partnerships

Momentum Bioscience Limited, a UK-based biotech company, received funding from the European Innovation Council's (EIC) Accelerator competition in January 2023. This grant supports the development of their flagship product, SepsiSTAT®, which is designed to rapidly diagnose sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Momentum Bioscience has notably collaborated with Gradientech, a Swedish diagnostics company, to develop a next-generation diagnostic workflow for sepsis patients. This partnership combines Momentum's blood-culture-free technology with Gradientech's QuickMIC system for ultra-rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST). The collaboration aims to reduce the time for AST from days to hours, significantly improving patient outcomes and reducing antibiotic resistance.

New Relationships and Market Positioning

The partnership with Gradientech will position Momentum Bioscience as a leader in rapid sepsis diagnostics, allowing for faster and more accurate treatment decisions. This collaboration enhances Momentum's technology by integrating it with cutting-edge AST solutions, thereby improving patient care and reducing healthcare costs.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

The EIC funding and collaboration with Gradientech will help Momentum Bioscience advance its SepsiSTAT technology. This system enables the rapid detection of sepsis-causing infections directly from blood, reducing diagnosis and treatment times from days to hours. The integration with Gradientech's QuickMIC system further accelerates the antibiotic susceptibility testing process, contributing to better patient outcomes and reduced antimicrobial resistance.

Recent Developments

Following the EIC funding, Momentum Bioscience relocated to Milton Park in Oxfordshire, UK. This move consolidates their manufacturing and research operations, allowing for more efficient development and testing of SepsiSTAT. The new facility supports collaboration and growth within a vibrant innovation community.

Conclusion

Momentum Bioscience Limited's partnerships, particularly with Gradientech, and its recent relocation to Milton Park, are strategic steps towards enhancing its position in the sepsis diagnostics market. These developments will contribute to technological advancements, improved patient care, and increased competitiveness in the biotech industry.

Sources:

• Momentum Bioscience moves to develop sepsis tests
• Gradientech and Momentum Bioscience in continued collaboration
• Momentum Bioscience accelerates direct-from-blood sepsis diagnostics with £2M grant

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Momentum Bioscience, a UK-based biotech company specializing in rapid sepsis diagnostics, has undergone significant operational expansion following its relocation to Milton Park in Oxfordshire. While specific hiring figures post-EIC Accelerator funding (awarded during the January 2023 cutoff) are not publicly disclosed, recent developments indicate strategic team scaling:

Team Structure & Growth
The company currently operates with 12 scientists across manufacturing and R&D roles, consolidated into a single facility designed for collaborative workflows. The move to Milton Park included custom-built labs and communal workspaces optimized for interdisciplinary collaboration, suggesting an emphasis on team-centric innovation.

Scaling Strategy
Momentum’s flagship product, SepsiSTAT®, aims to reduce sepsis diagnosis times from days to hours. The integration of manufacturing and R&D under one roof positions the team to accelerate product development while maintaining flexibility for future hires. CEO Sumi Thaker emphasized the site’s capacity for growth, indicating plans to expand operations as demand increases.

Key Positions & Leadership Stability
No recent management changes have been reported. Thaker remains at the helm, driving the company’s mission to combat sepsis-related mortality through faster diagnostics. While exact new roles are unspecified, the focus on molecular diagnostics suggests ongoing recruitment in microbiology, biomedical engineering, and data analytics.

---

Sources

• Momentum Bioscience moves to develop sepsis tests - Milton Park
• MOMENTUM BIOSCIENCE LIMITED overview - Companies House
• Momentum Bioscience Official Website

7 The Media Features and Publications

Momentum Bioscience Limited: A UK-Based Biotech Innovator

Momentum Bioscience Limited is a UK-based biotechnology company that has been at the forefront of developing innovative diagnostic solutions, particularly in the area of sepsis detection. After being recognized as an EIC Accelerator winner in January 2023, the company has continued to advance its groundbreaking technologies.

Media Features and Publications

While specific media features or publications directly naming Momentum Bioscience Limited are not detailed in the available search results, the company's work in sepsis diagnostics has significant implications for healthcare. Momentum Bioscience's flagship product, SepsiSTAT, has been highlighted as a cutting-edge solution for rapid microbial detection, offering a fast alternative to traditional blood culture methods.

Podcasts and Interviews

There is no specific information available regarding podcasts or interviews featuring the team of Momentum Bioscience Limited. However, the company's CEO, Sumi Thaker, has been quoted in case studies discussing the impact of their diagnostic solutions and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conference and Fair Visits

While there are no detailed reports on conference or fair visits by Momentum Bioscience Limited, the company's relocation to Milton Park in Oxfordshire suggests its participation in innovation-focused communities. This move aligns with their mission to develop and test advanced diagnostic systems like SepsiSTAT.

Event Involvement

Momentum Bioscience Limited has been involved in significant events related to biotechnology and diagnostics. The company's participation in funding programs, such as the Future Fund, highlights its engagement with financial and technological advancement opportunities in the UK.

Company Overview

Incorporated in 2005, Momentum Bioscience Limited operates from its registered office in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. The company focuses on research and development in biotechnology and the manufacture of medical instruments. Its commitment to improving sepsis diagnosis and treatment outcomes has positioned it as a leader in the field of rapid diagnostics.

Sources

• MOMENTUM BIOSCIENCE LIMITED overview
• Momentum Bioscience
• Momentum Bioscience Moves To Milton Park To Develop Time-Critical Sepsis Tests
• Momentum Bioscience Limited
• Momentum Bioscience | British Business Bank