1 The EIC Accelerator Project
The EIC Accelerator program is a pivotal initiative within the European Union's framework aimed at fostering innovation and supporting startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high-growth potential, particularly in the DeepTech sector. This program is part of the European Innovation Council (EIC) and focuses on providing blended finance, which combines grant funding and equity investments to help innovative companies scale their operations.Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator offers significant financial support, with grants available up to €2.5 million. These grants can be utilized for various purposes, including research and development, prototyping, and other activities that facilitate the scaling of innovative technologies. In addition to grants, the program provides equity funding, which can reach up to €15 million until 2024. After this period, the equity funding limit is reduced to €10 million. This dual approach of blended finance is designed to mitigate financial risks and enhance the attractiveness of projects to private investors, thus facilitating access to additional funding sources.
Purpose and Impact
The primary purpose of the EIC Accelerator is to bolster the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by nurturing innovative ideas that can lead to disruptive technologies. By providing substantial funding and resources, the program aims to assist companies in overcoming common barriers to growth, such as lack of access to capital and market entry challenges. The EIC Accelerator plays a critical role in helping companies scale their operations and secure sufficient funding from private sector investors, thereby contributing to economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement within Europe.
Case Study: O11 Biomedical GmbH and the RESPILIQ Project
O11 Biomedical GmbH, a German company, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator program with their innovative project known as RESPILIQ. This project focuses on enteral CO2 absorption as a therapeutic solution for hypercapnic lung failure. The company submitted their Step 2 proposal on November 8, 2023, and subsequently excelled through the Step 3 interview, securing funding to advance their groundbreaking technology.
Technology Overview
The RESPILIQ project addresses hypercapnia, a condition characterized by elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the bloodstream, which can lead to severe respiratory complications. Traditional management of hypercapnic lung failure often involves mechanical ventilation or other invasive interventions, which can be burdensome and carry significant risks. RESPILIQ proposes a novel therapeutic approach involving the absorption of CO2 through enteral means, offering a less invasive and potentially more effective treatment option.
The technology leverages a unique mechanism for CO2 absorption, utilizing biocompatible materials and innovative design to enhance gas exchange within the gastrointestinal tract. This enteral approach aims to reduce blood CO2 levels more efficiently while minimizing the associated complications of mechanical ventilation. The underlying principles of the technology are rooted in advanced biomedical engineering, with a focus on optimizing the interaction between CO2 and the absorptive surfaces.
Conclusion
O11 Biomedical GmbH's RESPILIQ project exemplifies the type of innovative solutions that the EIC Accelerator seeks to support. By providing substantial financial backing and resources, the program enables companies like O11 Biomedical to transform their visionary ideas into viable products that can significantly impact patient care in the field of respiratory medicine. Through initiatives such as the EIC Accelerator, the European Union continues to enhance its position as a global leader in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the DeepTech landscape.
2 The Funding Rounds
O11 Biomedical GmbH: Funding and Financial Events Since EIC Accelerator Award (Germany)
Overview
O11 Biomedical GmbH, a medtech startup from Aachen, Germany, focuses on treating hypercapnia by using the human intestine as an alternative respiratory organ. Since submitting its successful Step 2 proposal for the EIC Accelerator on November 8, 2023, and winning in Step 3 interview rounds shortly thereafter, O11 Biomedical has made significant advances in fundraising and investor engagement.
Financing Raised & Funding Rounds
- Seed Round (Summer 2023):
- In summer 2023, prior to announcement of the EIC funding results but after their application submission at the November cutoff date, O11 Biomedical closed its first seed financing round.
- EIC Accelerator Grant (February 2024):
- In February 2024, following the official publication of results from the November cutoff round for EIC Accelerator applications, O11 Biomedical was awarded a non-dilutive grant of €2.5 million to accelerate development of their RESPILIQ device.
Timing and Amounts of Funding Rounds
| Round | Date | Investors/Source | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seed | Summer 2023 | HTGF (High-Tech Gründerfonds), CARMA FUND I , RWTH Innovation , Business Angels | Undisclosed |
| Grant | February/March 2024 | European Innovation Council | €2.5 million |
The seed round's exact amount was not disclosed publicly but included participation from several notable institutions.
Investor Information
- High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF): A major German seed-stage investment fund specializing in high-tech startups.
- CARMA FUND I: An early-stage investment fund focused on life sciences and healthcare technologies based in Munich/Frankfurt am Main.
- RWTH Innovation: The innovation arm associated with RWTH Aachen University.
- Business Angels: A pool of unspecified private investors participated alongside institutional backers.
Additional Information Related to Funding Rounds
The company’s initial funding efforts were closely tied to its academic origins as a spin-off from BioTex Institute at RWTH Aachen University. The combination of public grant support through the EIC Accelerator and venture capital reflects a strategy aimed at rapid clinical development—specifically for their flagship product RESPILIQ.
FFUND provided consultancy support for securing the EIC Accelerator grant by assisting with proposal preparation.
Company Valuations
No public information is available regarding specific company valuations during or after these funding rounds.
Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions
As of May 6, 2025:
Summary Table
| Event | Date | Details/Investors |
|---|---|---|
| Seed Round | Summer 2023 | HTGF, CARMA FUND I , RWTH Innovation , Business Angels; amount undisclosed |
| EIC Accelerator Grant | Feb/Mar. 2024 | European Innovation Council; €2.5 million non-dilutive |
There is currently no evidence available about subsequent funding rounds beyond those listed above nor about any formal valuation disclosures or exit transactions.
Sources: - HTGF Seed O11
- Dealroom – O11 biomedical company info
- FFUND – O11 Biomedical secures €2.5M from EIC
- CARMA Fund Portfolio: O11 biomedical
3 The Press Releases
O11 Biomedical GmbH: Breakthrough in Hypercapnia Treatment with EIC Accelerator Funding Aachen-based O11 biomedical GmbH, a spin-off from RWTH Aachen University's BioTex Institute, has emerged as a key innovator in respiratory therapy after securing EIC Accelerator funding. The company’s flagship product, RESPILIQ, represents a paradigm shift in treating hypercapnia (elevated blood CO₂ levels) by leveraging the gut as an alternative respiratory organ.Key Developments and Technology
- Funding Milestones:
- Seed Financing: Closed a seed round in mid-2023 with High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), CARMA FUND, RWTH Innovation, and business angels.
- EIC Accelerator Grant: Awarded €2.5 million in February 2024, followed by blended finance support under the November 8th, 2023 cutoff.
- Technology Advancements: RESPILIQ™ employs enteral CO₂ absorption via oral/rectal administration to reduce reliance on invasive mechanical ventilation. This minimally invasive approach aims to improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with acute or chronic lung failure.
- Clinical Progress: The funding accelerates clinical validation and regulatory approvals for market entry.
Strategic Partnerships and Team Growth
- Collaborators: HTGF and RWTH Innovation provided early-stage support alongside specialized consultants like FFUND, which assisted in proposal development.
- Team Expansion: The company operates from its Aachen facility with six employees (as of March 2024) and plans to scale further post-funding.
Press Release Highlights (External Sources)
While no direct press releases from o11-biomedical.com were identified via the provided results:Sources
4 The Technology Advancements
O11 Biomedical GmbH: Current Capabilities and Advancements
O11 Biomedical GmbH, a visionary medical technology start-up from Germany, has made significant strides since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in November 2023. The company is renowned for its innovative approach to treating hypercapnia, a condition characterized by abnormally high CO2 levels in the bloodstream, by utilizing the human intestine as an alternative respiratory organ.
Current Capabilities
O11 Biomedical has developed a groundbreaking technology called RESPILIQ, which offers a minimally invasive, complementary therapeutic approach to hypercapnia. This technology allows for extrapulmonary CO2 elimination via the gut, enabling the lungs to recover without additional damage from aggressive ventilation techniques. RESPILIQ is user-friendly, safe, and easy to administer, either orally or rectally, ensuring good patient compliance in both acute and chronic hypercapnia settings.
Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding
Since securing the EIC Accelerator grant, O11 Biomedical has been focused on accelerating the development of RESPILIQ. The company successfully closed a seed financing round in summer 2023 with participation from High-Tech Gründerfonds and other investors, further bolstering its financial position to drive innovation. The EIC Accelerator funding has been instrumental in enabling O11 Biomedical to gather clinical evidence for RESPILIQ’s effectiveness, paving the way for its market approval.
Improvements in Technology and New Features
While specific new features have not been detailed in recent publications, O11 Biomedical's technology continues to evolve with a focus on improving survival rates and quality of life for patients with severe respiratory distress. The use of the intestine as an alternative respiratory organ remains a core innovation, with ongoing efforts likely centered on optimizing this approach for clinical applications.
Demonstration in the Market
Although detailed information on specific customer deployments, demonstrators, pilots, or clinical trials is not readily available, O11 Biomedical is well-positioned to advance RESPILIQ towards market approval. The company's participation in prestigious events, such as the BIO International Convention, highlights its commitment to engaging with the broader healthcare community and potentially facilitating future deployments.
New Patents, Scientific Studies, or Clinical Trials
There is no publicly available information on new patents filed or scientific studies published by O11 Biomedical since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding. However, the successful completion of the EIC Accelerator project is expected to provide clinical evidence supporting RESPILIQ's effectiveness, which could lead to future publications and clinical trials.
Sources
- [O11 biomedical GmbH - BIO International Convention 2025](https://convention.bio.org/exhibitors/o11-biomedical-gmbh" class="inline-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Latest EIC Accelerator Results - Rasph
- O11 Biomedical Secures €2.5M From The EIC Accelerator
- Breathing through the gut: MedTech startup O11 biomedical secures EIC Accelerator Grant and seed funding to accelerate growth
5 The Partnerships and Customers
O11 Biomedical GmbH: Partnerships and Growth
O11 Biomedical GmbH, a pioneering medical technology startup based in Aachen, Germany, has been making significant strides in the healthcare industry. The company gained international recognition after securing the EIC Accelerator Grant in February 2024, following a successful Step 2 proposal submission on November 8, 2023.
Partnerships and Customers
- High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF): One of O11 Biomedical's key partners, HTGF contributed significantly to the company's seed financing round in summer 2023. This partnership has been instrumental in accelerating O11 Biomedical's growth and product development.
- CARMA FUND: Another significant investor in O11 Biomedical's seed funding round, highlighting the company's ability to attract diverse funding sources.
- RWTH Innovation and Business Angels: These entities also participated in the seed funding, showing a strong network of academic and entrepreneurial support for O11 Biomedical.
New Partnerships and Customers
While there is no specific information available about new partnerships or customers as of now, O11 Biomedical's involvement with the EIC Accelerator Grant suggests potential future collaborations with EU-based organizations and research institutions.
Nature of Relationships
The partnerships established by O11 Biomedical, particularly with HTGF and RWTH Innovation, are designed to facilitate technological advancements and scale-up efforts. These relationships provide both financial and strategic support, enabling the company to push forward with its innovative therapy, RESPILIQ.
Positioning in the Market
O11 Biomedical's pioneering approach to using the gut as an alternative respiratory organ positions it uniquely in the market. Its technology has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of severe respiratory distress, improving survival rates and quality of life for millions of patients worldwide.
Technology Advancements and Scaling
The EIC Accelerator Grant and seed funding have been crucial in driving the development of RESPILIQ towards market approval. This financial backing allows O11 Biomedical to expand its team and enhance its production capabilities, ensuring a robust pathway for scaling its innovative therapy.
Conclusion
O11 Biomedical GmbH's strategic partnerships and funding successes have set it on a trajectory for significant growth and innovation in the medical technology sector. As the company continues to develop and commercialize RESPILIQ, its position in the market is likely to strengthen, offering new treatment options for patients with severe respiratory conditions.
Sources: - O11 Biomedical GmbH - BIO International Convention 2025
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
O11 Biomedical GmbH: Growth and Team Expansion
O11 Biomedical GmbH, a biotechnology firm based in Aachen, Germany, is a recent winner of the EIC Accelerator funding. The company received this prestigious funding in November 2023, marking a significant milestone in its journey.
Current Team Size and Growth
As of the latest available information, O11 Biomedical GmbH has a team size of 1 to 10 employees, which positions it as a small but dynamic startup in the pre-seed stage, founded in 2022. Given its current stage, the company is likely focused on expanding its team to further develop its innovative therapies.
Hiring and Expansion Plans
While specific hiring plans or current job openings are not detailed in the available information, startups at this stage typically have aggressive hiring strategies to scale up operations and leverage new funding. Winning EIC Accelerator funding often enables companies to expand their teams quickly, focusing on key positions in research, development, and business strategy.
Key Positions and Future Impact
New team members at O11 Biomedical GmbH would likely be critical in advancing the company's proprietary technology, such as RESPILIQ™, a disruptive therapy aimed at addressing widespread health issues. As the team grows, these additions will be pivotal in enhancing research capabilities, driving business growth, and scaling the company's operations to meet the demands of its innovative therapies.
Management and Founding Team Changes
There is no specific information available on recent changes in management or the founding team of O11 Biomedical GmbH. However, it is common for companies receiving significant funding to maintain or enhance their leadership structure to ensure effective strategic execution.
Future Outlook
The EIC Accelerator funding is expected to significantly boost O11 Biomedical GmbH's capabilities, enabling it to accelerate its therapeutic developments and market entry strategies. As the company expands, new team members will play a crucial role in navigating regulatory approvals, clinical trials, and commercialization processes, ultimately driving the company's growth and success in the competitive biotech landscape.
Sources
- O11 Biomedical | HTGF Job Board
- O11 biomedical GmbH - BIO International Convention 2025
- O11-biomedical GmbH
7 The Media Features and Publications
O11 Biomedical GmbH: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Visibility and EngagementsSince securing the EIC Accelerator grant in February 2024 (submitted November 2023), O11 Biomedical GmbH has gained recognition for its breakthrough innovation RESPILIQ™, a minimally invasive therapy targeting hypercapnia by utilizing the gut as an alternative respiratory organ. Below is a synthesis of media features, publications, and public engagements related to the company:
Media Features and Publications
- FFUND News Coverage: The Dutch funding consultancy FFUND highlighted O11’s €2.5 million EIC Accelerator grant in November 2024, emphasizing RESPILIQ’s potential to transform hypercapnia treatment through extrapulmonary CO₂ elimination.
- HTGF Seed Announcement: High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) detailed O11’s seed financing round closure in March 2024, noting partnerships with CARMA FUND, RWTH Innovation, and business angels.
- RWTH Aachen University Profile: The university featured O11 as an interdisciplinary spin-off from its BioTex Institute, underscoring its mission to improve survival rates for patients with acute/chronic respiratory failure.
Podcasts & Interviews
No publicly available podcasts or interviews from the team were identified in the provided sources. However:- CEO Richard Ramaker acknowledged Filipa Marques (FFUND Project Lead) for her critical role in refining their EIC proposal during post-award communications.
- Prof. Dr. Stefan Jockenhövel, associated with O11’s development team, emphasized RESPILIQ’s clinical significance in HTGF’s press release.
Conferences & Fairs
While no specific conferences or presentations are listed:- EIC Accelerator Network: As a grant recipient, O11 gains access to EU-sponsored networking events and investor forums to promote RESPILIQ™.
- Local Academic Engagement: Ongoing collaboration with RWTH Aachen University suggests participation in regional biotech/MedTech symposiums hosted by academic partners.
Event Involvement
Post-funding activities focus on scaling operations:- Team Expansion: Announced plans to grow its workforce beyond six employees following seed funding and EIC support.
- Production Facility Development: Established dedicated production/development infrastructure in Aachen alongside clinical validation efforts for market approval.
Sources
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