1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support innovative startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high-risk, high-potential projects in Europe. The program aims to foster breakthrough innovations, particularly in DeepTech sectors, by providing financial support through a combination of grants and equity investments.

Funding Structure of the EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator offers blended finance, which typically consists of two components: a grant of up to €2.5 million and equity financing. The equity component can reach up to €15 million until the end of 2024, and thereafter, it is capped at €10 million. This dual funding approach aims to alleviate the financial burden on innovators while also aligning the interests of private investors, thereby facilitating the scaling of innovative solutions.

Purpose and Role in the Ecosystem

The primary purpose of the EIC Accelerator is to bridge the gap between early-stage innovation and market readiness. By providing financial support, the program empowers companies to scale their operations, enhance market presence, and secure additional funding from private investors. The EIC Accelerator plays a critical role in the European startup ecosystem by ensuring that promising technologies can transition from concept to commercialization, thereby boosting economic growth, job creation, and competitiveness within the EU.

Omegga GmbH and the Omegga Project

Omegga GmbH, a notable winner of the EIC Accelerator in November 2023, has developed an innovative solution that addresses a significant ethical and economic challenge in the poultry industry. The project, aptly named "Omegga," introduces the world's first low-cost in-ovo sexing solution aimed at eliminating the practice of chick culling, which has faced increasing scrutiny due to animal welfare concerns.

Project Overview

The Omegga project leverages advanced technology to determine the sex of embryos inside eggs before they hatch. This is a revolutionary approach in the poultry industry, where male chicks, which are not useful for egg production, are typically culled shortly after hatching. By accurately identifying the sex of the embryos at an early stage, Omegga provides a humane alternative that allows for the humane disposal of male embryos before they hatch, thus addressing the ethical issues surrounding chick culling.

Technology Basics and Background

The technology behind Omegga involves sophisticated imaging and analysis techniques that utilize optical systems to analyze the eggs. By employing innovative algorithms and machine learning, the solution can assess the embryos’ characteristics non-invasively. This method not only ensures accuracy but also maintains the integrity of the embryo, aligning with animal welfare standards.

The background of Omegga's technology is rooted in the need for sustainable practices in agriculture. The poultry industry has been under pressure to find humane solutions that comply with evolving regulations and consumer expectations regarding animal welfare. Omegga's solution not only addresses ethical concerns but also presents economic advantages for poultry farmers by reducing operational costs associated with culling and enabling more efficient breeding practices.

In summary, Omegga GmbH's participation in the EIC Accelerator and their project Omegga represents a significant advancement in poultry farming technology. By integrating innovative solutions into traditional agricultural practices, Omegga is poised to make a lasting impact on the industry, driving both ethical standards and economic viability. The support from the EIC Accelerator positions Omegga to scale its operations, further develop its technology, and enhance its market presence, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future in agriculture.

2 The Funding Rounds

Omegga GmbH's Funding Journey: From University Spin-Off to EIC Accelerator Success

Financing Raised & Funding Rounds
Omegga GmbH, a Munich-based biotech startup, has secured multiple funding milestones since its inception. The company successfully obtained an EXIST-Gründerstipendium (a German federal startup grant) in August 2022, followed by participation in the EIT Food Seedbed Incubator Program, BMBF Kick-Start Prototype funding, and a pre-seed funding round. In August 2023, Omegga raised undisclosed seed funding from Rockstart.

The most significant milestone came in February 2024 when Omegga won the highly competitive EIC Accelerator, securing €2.4 million in non-dilutive grants. This grant is part of the EIC’s blended finance program, though Omegga’s specific equity component (if any) remains undisclosed.

Timing & Amount of Funding Rounds

• EXIST Grant: August 2022 – exact amount unspecified but typically ranges up to €150k/year for teams.
• Pre-seed Round: Late 2022/early 2023 – undisclosed amount.
• Rockstart Seed Funding: August 2023 – undisclosed amount.
• EIC Accelerator Grant: Awarded February 28th, 2024 (announced April–May 2024), totaling €2.4 million.

Investor Information
Key supporters include:

• The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) via EXIST grants.
• The European Innovation Council (EIC) through its Accelerator program.
• Agtech accelerator Rockstart as a seed investor.

No corporate investors or venture capital firms beyond Rockstart have been publicly disclosed yet.

Company Valuation & Exit Events
Omegga has not disclosed valuation figures across its pre-seed or seed rounds. There is no indication of exit events such as IPOs, acquisitions, or buyouts—the company remains focused on scaling its AI-powered spectroscopy technology for poultry hatcheries by late 2025.

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Sources Used

3 The Press Releases

Omegga GmbH: A Breakthrough in Poultry Industry with EIC Accelerator Funding

Omegga GmbH, a Munich-based biotech startup from Germany, made headlines in the European innovation scene by winning the EIC Accelerator funding. This achievement occurred after submitting their proposal on November 8, 2023, and successfully passing through the competitive selection process.

EIC Accelerator Funding

Omegga GmbH received €2.4 million in funding from the EIC Accelerator, marking a significant milestone in their journey to revolutionize the poultry industry. This funding is part of the larger €285 million budget allocated to support 42 innovative companies across Europe in the November 2023 cut-off.

Technology Advancements

Omegga is pioneering the world's first low-cost in-ovo sexing solution, leveraging AI-powered spectroscopy to determine the sex of chicken embryos before they hatch. This technology aims to end the practice of male chick culling, making the poultry industry more ethical and resource-efficient. The solution is designed to be non-invasive and economical, addressing a critical ethical issue in poultry farming.

Mission and Impact

Omegga's mission is clear: to end male chick culling globally by providing early, cost-effective sexing technology. By achieving this, they not only contribute to animal welfare but also enhance the sustainability of the poultry sector. Additionally, Omegga is committed to promoting gender diversity in the founder scene.

Press Releases and Updates

While specific press releases on Omegga.eu are not detailed in the available information, the company's success was widely covered by news outlets and startup platforms. Key updates are shared through various media channels highlighting their innovative technology and the significance of the EIC Accelerator funding.

Partnerships and Collaborations

There is no specific information available on new partnerships or collaborations resulting directly from the EIC funding. However, the funding itself is an indicator of Omegga's integration into the European innovation ecosystem, potentially opening doors for future collaborations with other EIC-backed companies or partners within the network.

Team Updates

There are no specific team updates mentioned in the available sources. However, the success of Omegga GmbH is a testament to the dedication and expertise of their team in developing innovative solutions for the poultry industry.

Patents

No specific information on new patents related to Omegga GmbH's technology is available in the provided sources. However, their in-ovo sexing solution is highlighted as a breakthrough in the industry, suggesting potential intellectual property developments.

Sources:

• Unveiling the Latest EIC Accelerator Results: A Comprehensive Analysis
• Omegga wins the eicAccelerator and receives 2.4 million €
• Latest EIC Accelerator Results
• Omegga erhält Förderung von EIC Accelerator

4 The Technology Advancements

Omegga GmbH: Pioneering Sustainable Poultry Technologies

Omegga GmbH, based in Germany, has gained recognition for its innovative approach to in-ovo sex detection of chicken embryos using a non-invasive, optical method powered by machine learning. This technology aims to address the ethical and economic issues associated with raising male chicks in the egg-laying industry.

Current Capabilities

Omegga's technology focuses on early sex detection, which can significantly reduce resource waste and align with evolving legal regulations and consumer preferences. The company's solution is designed to be cost-effective and sustainable, enabling egg-laying farms to implement more ethical practices.

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Following their success in the EIC Accelerator funding in November 2023, Omegga received 2.4 million EUR as part of the program. This funding marked a significant milestone for the company, acknowledging its dedication to revolutionizing the poultry industry with ethical and resource-efficient practices.

Technology Improvements and Market Demonstration

Omegga plans to undergo large-scale industry testing with pilot hatcheries in 2024. This step is crucial for validating their technology in real-world settings and preparing for market entry. The company aims to launch its solution in the German market in 2025.

New Features, Patents, and Publications

While specific details on new features, patents, or scientific publications since the funding are not available, Omegga's focus on refining and scaling its in-ovo sexing technology suggests ongoing R&D efforts. The company's mission to end male chick culling worldwide underscores its commitment to advancing its technology.

In summary, Omegga GmbH has made significant strides in developing a pioneering technology for poultry farming. With EIC Accelerator funding, the company is poised to further refine and demonstrate its innovations in the market, contributing to a more sustainable and ethical agricultural practice.

Sources

• Omegga | Pioneering sustainable poultry technologies
• Omegga | Pioneering sustainable poultry technologies
• Omegga wins the eicAccelerator and receives 2.4 million €
• omegga | EU-Startups

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Omegga GmbH, a German biotech company and EIC Accelerator winner, focuses on addressing the ethical and economic challenges of male chick culling in poultry farming through its non-invasive, optical machine learning solution for in-ovo sex detection. While specific customer names remain undisclosed in available sources, the company has strategically aligned with key industry players to advance its technology and market positioning.

Partnerships and Industry Collaboration

Omegga has engaged with pilot hatcheries for large-scale testing of its technology ahead of a planned 2025 commercial launch in Germany. The Gut Averfeld Hatchery is explicitly mentioned as a collaborator, with their CEO publicly endorsing Omegga’s solution for compliance with evolving regulations. These partnerships aim to validate the scalability of Omegga’s spectral analysis platform under real-world conditions, ensuring compatibility with existing hatchery workflows.

Market Positioning Through Strategic Relationships

By collaborating directly with hatcheries facing regulatory pressures (e.g., EU bans on male chick culling), Omegga positions itself as an enabler of sustainable poultry practices. Its technology addresses both animal welfare concerns and operational inefficiencies—hatcheries currently lose €3.20 per male chick raised due to feed costs. Early adoption by German hatcheries could establish regional dominance before global expansion.

Technology Advancements via Industry Feedback

Pilot partnerships provide critical data to refine Omegga’s machine learning algorithms. By analyzing embryo spectra across diverse egg batches from multiple partners, the system improves accuracy beyond lab-tested parameters. This collaborative R&D model accelerates iteration cycles while reducing development costs through shared infrastructure access.

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Sources

• Omegga | Pioneering sustainable poultry technologies
• Omegga - Strascheg Center for Entrepreneurship

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Omegga GmbH: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Growth and Team Dynamics Based on available information from company resources, Omegga GmbH is a German agri-tech innovator focused on in-ovo sexing technology to eliminate male chick culling in poultry farming. While the exact current headcount and team size are not publicly disclosed, the company has outlined critical operational milestones:

• Growth trajectory: Omegga has progressed toward commercialization, with plans for large-scale industry testing in 2024 and a German market launch in 2025.
• Hiring focus: The development of an optical machine learning-based sex detection system likely requires specialized roles in AI engineering, veterinary science, and agricultural technology. However, no specific job postings or recent hires are listed publicly.
• Strategic scaling: New team members would accelerate the transition from R&D to production-ready solutions, addressing regulatory compliance and global adoption challenges.
• Management stability: No changes to leadership are indicated; collaboration with Gut Averfeld Hatchery suggests continuity in partnerships.

The EIC Accelerator funding (awarded November 2023) positions Omegga to expand its technical and operational teams, particularly as it approaches commercialization phases requiring regulatory navigation and supply-chain integration. Future hires may focus on scaling manufacturing capabilities or securing international certifications.

Sources:
Omegga | Pioneering sustainable poultry technologies

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Notes: The provided website domain appears incorrect (omegga.eu vs. actual omegga.com). Data limitations exist regarding specific hiring metrics due to non-public disclosures by the company. For precise figures or active job listings, direct engagement with Omegga’s leadership is recommended.

7 The Media Features and Publications

Media Features and Public Recognition of Omegga GmbH Omegga GmbH, a German biotech startup developing in-ovo sexing technology to eliminate male chick culling, has gained significant visibility through competitive funding successes and public engagements. While direct media articles about Omegga from major outlets like Spiegel or Tagesschau* are not explicitly listed in available sources, the company’s achievements have been highlighted by institutional and startup-focused platforms.

Publications Naming Omegga GmbH

• Rasph.com: Detailed the company’s inclusion among 42 EIC Accelerator winners (November 2023 cut-off), emphasizing its AI-powered spectroscopy solution.
• SCE.de: Announced Omegga’s €2.4 million EIC Accelerator grant and earlier coverage of its EXIST-Gründerstipendium milestones.
• Munich Startup: Recognized Omegga as one of seven German winners in the EIC Accelerator cohort, underscoring its Munich roots.

Content Featuring the Company
Coverage focuses on Omegga’s mission to end chick culling using non-invasive embryo sexing by day 7 of incubation. The team highlights include securing patents, expanding prototypes for hatchery deployment, and participation in programs like EIT Food Seedbed Incubator and BMBF Kick-Start Prototype funding.

Podcasts or Interviews
No publicly listed podcast episodes or interviews with Omegga’s team were identified in available sources. However, their pitches at events such as AgriFood Demo Day (Munich Urban Co-Lab) and Start Munich Pitch Night received acclaim for clarity and impact.

Conference Participation & Presentations
Omegga actively engaged in pitching competitions:

• Kick-Start Competition (BMBF Future Conference Leipzig) – First-place win (September 2022).
• EIT Food Seedbed Incubator Demo Day – “Best Presentation” award (November 2022).
• AgriFood Demo Day / Start Munich Pitch Night: Showcased prototypes to investors and industry experts.

The team also participated in accelerator programs like the SCE Start-up Certificate Batch #6, collaborating with mentors from Munich University of Applied Sciences.

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Sources Used:

Unveiling the Latest EIC Accelerator Results