1 The EIC Accelerator Project

Overview of the EIC Accelerator Program

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups in Europe, particularly those engaged in deep tech. This program aims to facilitate the development and scaling of breakthrough innovations, helping these companies navigate the complex journey from concept to market. The EIC Accelerator provides substantial financial support through grants and equity investments, which can be critical for companies in their growth phases.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a combination of grant funding and equity investment designed to support innovation and commercialization efforts.

Purpose of the EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in the European deep tech and start-up ecosystem by bridging the funding gap that often exists for innovative enterprises. Many promising technologies struggle to secure adequate financing from traditional venture capital sources due to perceived risks or the lengthy timelines associated with R&D. The EIC Accelerator helps mitigate these challenges by providing significant financial backing, validating the business model, and increasing visibility in the market.

By supporting innovative companies, the EIC Accelerator contributes to Europe's competitiveness in global markets, fostering job creation and economic growth. The program also emphasizes sustainability and societal impact, encouraging projects that align with the European Union’s broader goals.

Role in Scaling and Funding

The EIC Accelerator's structured funding approach assists companies in scaling their operations effectively. By providing both grants and equity, the program enables businesses to leverage public funding while reducing the burden of debt. Furthermore, the alignment with private investment enhances the company’s credibility, making it more attractive to potential investors.

The program also offers coaching, mentoring, and business support services, equipping entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and networks to navigate the challenges of scaling their innovations. This holistic support system enhances the likelihood of success for participating companies.

Case Study: Orbem GmbH and the Orbem Genus Project

Company Overview
Orbem GmbH, based in Germany, is a recipient of the EIC Accelerator funding for its innovative project, Orbem Genus. The company specializes in AI-powered imaging technology aimed at revolutionizing object classification and analytics.

Project Description
The Orbem Genus project focuses on the development of advanced imaging solutions that allow for fast, accurate, and contactless classification of objects. This technology has potential applications across various sectors, including logistics, retail, and manufacturing, where efficient object recognition can significantly enhance operational efficiency.

Technology Background
The core of the Orbem Genus technology lies in its utilization of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to analyze visual data. Unlike traditional imaging techniques, which may require direct contact or extensive manual input, Orbem Genus leverages sophisticated algorithms to interpret images in real-time, enabling seamless integration into existing workflows.

The technology operates by capturing high-resolution images of items and processing them through advanced neural networks. These networks have been trained on vast datasets, allowing them to recognize patterns and classify objects with remarkable accuracy. The contactless nature of the system facilitates a non-intrusive approach, making it suitable for environments requiring minimal disruption.

Funding and Milestones
Orbem GmbH submitted its Step 2 proposal to the EIC Accelerator on June 16, 2021, and subsequently advanced to a successful Step 3 interview, securing grant funding that will enable the further development and commercialization of the Orbem Genus technology.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program stands as a key pillar in supporting the growth and development of innovative companies in Europe. By providing substantial funding and resources, it enables firms like Orbem GmbH to advance cutting-edge technologies that promise to transform industries. The impact of the EIC Accelerator extends beyond mere financial support; it fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technological advancement, which is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

2 The Funding Rounds

Orbem GmbH, a Munich-based deep-tech company specializing in AI-powered MRI technology, has successfully secured significant funding to advance its innovative solutions across various industries.

Funding Rounds and Amounts

Orbem has completed multiple funding rounds, raising a total of approximately €30 million. The most recent was a Series A round in October 2023, where the company secured €30 million. (orbem.ai) Prior to this, Orbem raised €5.4 million in a seed funding round in October 2022. (seedtable.com)

Investor Information

The Series A funding round was led by 83North, a global venture capital firm. Additional investors included La Famiglia, The Venture Collective, Possible Ventures, and Dr. Rüdiger Schmidt. Notable individual investors are:

• Hanno Renner, co-founder of Personio
• Roman Schumacher, co-founder of Personio
• Jonas Rieke, COO of Personio
• Rubin Ritter, former CEO of Zalando
• Michael Wax, co-founder of Forto
• Erik Muttersbach, co-founder of Forto
• Dr. Michael Ardelt, COO of Forto
• Dr. Alexander Hüttenbrink, co-founder of Kinexon
• Dr. Oliver Trinchera, co-founder of Kinexon
• Bastian Nominacher, co-CEO and co-founder of Celonis

(orbem.ai)

Company Valuations

Specific valuation figures for Orbem during these funding rounds are not publicly disclosed. However, the substantial investments and backing from prominent investors indicate a strong valuation, reflecting confidence in Orbem's innovative approach to AI-powered MRI technology.

Orbem's strategic funding and partnerships position it to expand its AI-driven MRI solutions across sectors such as agriculture, construction, and healthcare, aiming to enhance sustainability and efficiency in these industries.

3 The Press Releases

Orbem GmbH, a German deep-tech startup specializing in AI-powered MRI technology, has achieved several significant milestones since its inception in 2019. The company focuses on scanning and classifying biological samples across various industries, including food, construction, and healthcare.

Partnerships and Collaborations

In May 2022, Orbem announced a strategic partnership with Vencomatic Group, a family-owned supplier of innovative solutions for the poultry industry. This collaboration aimed to jointly market and provide the "Genus Focus," a fully automated end-to-end system for in-ovo sexing of poultry eggs. The system utilizes MRI-based technology to non-invasively determine the sex of embryos between days 12 and 13 of incubation, with a throughput of up to 24,000 eggs per hour. The partnership also included financing facilitated by Vencomatic Group, allowing hatcheries to deploy the combined solution without upfront investment, based on a performance fee per egg. (medium.com)

Technological Advancements

Orbem's flagship product, the Genus Focus, represents a significant advancement in non-invasive in-ovo sexing technology. By combining accelerated MRI with advanced deep learning algorithms, the Genus Focus enables hatcheries to determine the sex of an egg in just one second per egg, eliminating the need for human intervention and ensuring compliance with animal welfare standards. To date, over 21 million eggs have been scanned using this technology. (orbem.ai)

Funding and Financial Growth

In October 2023, Orbem successfully closed a €30 million Series A funding round, led by 83North, with participation from La Famiglia, The Venture Collective, Possible Ventures, and Dr. Rüdiger Schmidt. Prominent German entrepreneurs, including Hanno Renner, Roman Schumacher, Jonas Rieke, Rubin Ritter, Michael Wax, Erik Muttersbach, Dr. Michael Ardelt, Dr. Alexander Hüttenbrink, Dr. Oliver Trinchera, and Bastian Nominacher, also backed the round. The funding is intended to expand operations and business reach, enabling Orbem to deploy AI-powered imaging solutions across various sectors, including agriculture, construction, and healthcare. (orbem.ai)

Team and Leadership

Orbem's team comprises a diverse and multidisciplinary group of scientists and engineers, many of whom are alumni of the Technical University of Munich. The leadership team includes Dr. Pedro Gómez, CEO, who holds a PhD in Biomedical Imaging from TUM and has expertise in accelerated MRI; Dr. Maria Laparidou, Chief Scientific Officer, a veterinarian with a PhD from LMU; and Miguel Molina, Chief Technology Officer, who earned a PhD in Biomedical Imaging from TUM. (orbem.ai)

Patents and Intellectual Property

While specific patent details are not publicly disclosed, Orbem's innovative use of MRI technology combined with AI algorithms for scanning biological samples suggests the development of proprietary technologies. The strategic partnership with Vencomatic Group for the Genus Focus system further indicates the commercialization and protection of their technological advancements. (medium.com)

Press Releases and Blog Posts

Orbem maintains an active presence on its blog, sharing success stories, press releases, and valuable insights. Recent blog posts include:

• "Orbem Has Successfully Closed a 30 EUR Million Series A Funding Round" (October 11, 2023)
• "Deep Tech - The Next Frontier of Innovation"
• "Let's Imagine New Frontiers"
• "Why We Exist"

These posts provide updates on the company's growth, technological innovations, and strategic initiatives. (orbem.ai)

For more detailed information, you can visit Orbem's official website at orbem.ai.

4 The Technology Advancements

Orbem GmbH, founded in 2019 as a spin-off from the Technical University of Munich, specializes in AI-powered imaging solutions that combine accelerated MRI with advanced deep learning algorithms to scan, classify, and sort biological samples such as eggs, nuts, seeds, and plants. (orbem.ai)

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Orbem has achieved several significant milestones:

• Technological Enhancements: The company has developed the Genus Focus system, a contactless in-ovo sexing solution that determines the sex of a chicken embryo in just one second. This technology operates without impacting hatchability and complies with German regulations. (orbem.ai)
• Market Demonstrations: In November 2023, Orbem installed the Genus Focus system at LOHMANN Deutschland's hatchery in Dorum, Germany, marking the first German installation for in-ovo sexing. This collaboration demonstrates the practical application of their technology in the poultry industry. (orbem.ai)
• Intellectual Property: Orbem has filed multiple patents related to their AI-powered MRI technology. Notably, they have applications pending for "Direct inference based on undersampled MRI data of industrial samples" in Europe, Australia, and Canada, indicating ongoing innovation in their field. (pitchbook.com)
• Scientific Collaborations: In January 2022, Orbem entered into an exclusive license agreement with BayPAT, a technology transfer service provider, to commercialize AI and MRI technologies developed by scientists at the Technical University of Munich. This partnership aims to advance non-invasive methods for determining the sex and fertility status of chicken embryos. (baypat.de)
• Funding and Recognition: In October 2023, Orbem secured €30 million in a Series A funding round led by 83North, with participation from notable investors such as Hanno Renner, co-founder of Personio, and Bastian Nominacher, co-CEO of Celonis. This substantial investment underscores the confidence in Orbem's technology and its potential impact across various industries. (pitchbook.com)

These developments highlight Orbem's commitment to advancing AI-powered imaging solutions and their successful integration into real-world applications, particularly in the poultry industry.

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Orbem GmbH, a Munich-based deep-tech startup specializing in AI-powered MRI technology, has established several strategic partnerships and collaborations since its inception in 2019. These alliances have significantly enhanced its market position and technological capabilities.

Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations

• Vencomatic Group: In July 2024, Orbem announced a broad and long-term partnership with Vencomatic Group, a family-owned supplier of innovative solutions for the poultry industry. This collaboration focuses on integrating Orbem's Genus Focus system for in-ovo sexing into Vencomatic's hatchery automation solutions, aiming to provide a fully automated and non-invasive method for determining the sex of poultry embryos. (orbem.ai)
• Hendrix Genetics: In April 2023, Orbem and Hendrix Genetics, a global leader in multi-species breeding and genetics, successfully launched the Genus Focus system in Hendrix Genetics' laying hen hatchery in Mûr-de-Bretagne, France. This implementation marked a significant step in adopting AI-powered MRI technology for in-ovo sexing on a commercial scale. (orbem.ai)
• LOHMANN Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG: In November 2023, Orbem partnered with LOHMANN Deutschland to install the Genus Focus system at their hatchery in Dorum, Germany. This installation represents the first German deployment of the Genus Focus for in-ovo sexing, aligning with German regulations and offering a contactless solution that does not impact hatchability. (orbem.ai)

Nature and Purpose of New Relationships

These partnerships aim to revolutionize the poultry industry by providing sustainable and humane solutions for sex determination in embryos. The primary objectives include:

• Eliminating Male Chick Culling: By accurately determining the sex of embryos before hatching, these technologies prevent the culling of male chicks, addressing ethical concerns and improving animal welfare. (orbem.ai)
• Enhancing Efficiency and Automation: Integrating AI-powered MRI technology into hatchery operations streamlines processes, reduces labor costs, and increases throughput, leading to more efficient production. (orbem.ai)
• Ensuring Regulatory Compliance: The solutions comply with animal welfare regulations in various countries, such as Germany and France, facilitating smoother market entry and acceptance. (orbem.ai)

Market Positioning and Technological Advancements

These collaborations position Orbem GmbH as a leader in sustainable and humane poultry production technologies. By partnering with established industry players like Vencomatic Group and Hendrix Genetics, Orbem enhances its credibility and expands its market reach. The integration of AI-powered MRI technology into hatchery automation represents a significant technological advancement, setting new industry standards for efficiency and animal welfare.

Impact on Technology Advancements and Scaling

The strategic partnerships have facilitated:

• Product Development: Collaborations with Vencomatic Group and Hendrix Genetics have led to the refinement and scaling of the Genus Focus system, making it suitable for large-scale commercial applications. (orbem.ai)
• Market Expansion: Successful implementations in France and Germany have opened doors to other European markets, demonstrating the scalability and adaptability of Orbem's technology. (orbem.ai)
• Financial Growth: The partnerships have contributed to Orbem's financial success, including a €30 million Series A funding round in October 2023, led by 83North, which supports further technological development and market expansion. (orbem.ai)

Through these strategic alliances, Orbem GmbH continues to advance its mission of transforming the poultry industry with innovative, AI-driven solutions that promote sustainability, efficiency, and animal welfare.

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Orbem GmbH: Team Growth and Hiring

Orbem GmbH, a Munich-based AI-powered imaging technology company, received EIC Accelerator funding in June 2021. Since then, the company has shown significant growth and development in various areas.

Current Headcount and Team Size

As of the available data, Orbem's team size is not explicitly detailed. However, in a 2021 interview, the company mentioned a plan to double its team size to 16 full-time employees within a year, indicating a small but growing team structure.

Hiring and Current Open Positions

Orbem is actively hiring for various positions, as evident from their career page. Some key positions include Director of Field Operations, which highlights their focus on expanding customer site operations worldwide.

Growth and Recent Hires

Orbem has seen significant growth since receiving the EIC funding, including an increase in its financial backing. The company raised a total of $41.81 million, with its latest round securing $31.8 million. This financial support has likely contributed to team expansion and technological advancements.

Key Positions and Future Impact

New team members, particularly in roles like Director of Field Operations, will play a crucial role in propelling Orbem's global expansion and service delivery. These hires are essential for scaling the company's operations across different geographies and industries, ensuring high-quality service and customer satisfaction.

Changes in Management or Founding Team

There are no reported major changes in the management or founding team of Orbem GmbH. The core leadership includes Dr. Pedro Gómez (CEO), Dr. Miguel Molina (CTO), and Dr. Maria Laparidou (CSO), who have maintained their roles since the founding.

Future Scaling and Growth

Orbem's team growth and new hires are pivotal for the company's mission to leverage AI-powered imaging solutions across various sectors, including agriculture and medical environments. This strategic expansion aims to enhance their position in the market by providing innovative, sustainable solutions that can transform industries.

Source URLs

• cbinsights.com
• app.dealroom.co
• orbem.ai
• en.munich-startup.de
• orbem.recruitee.com
• orbem.ai
• orbem.ai

7 The Media Features and Publications

Overview of Orbem GmbH

Orbem GmbH is a Munich-based company that specializes in AI-powered imaging solutions, particularly in the poultry industry. Founded in 2019 as a spin-off from the Technical University of Munich, Orbem combines advanced imaging technologies like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with artificial intelligence to provide fast, accurate, and accessible solutions for various industries, including food processing and agriculture.

Media Features and Publications

Orbem GmbH has been featured in several publications and media outlets due to its innovative technology and achievements in in-ovo sexing, which helps prevent the culling of male chicks in the poultry industry. For instance, Orbem's technology has been noted for its use in Switzerland and Norway to adopt non-invasive in-ovo sexing methods. The company has also received recognition for winning the Bavarian Innovation Award.

Podcasts and Interviews

While specific podcasts or interviews featuring the Orbem team are not highlighted in the available data, Orbem is mentioned in discussions related to investments and exits in startup ecosystems.

Conference and Fair Visits

Orbem participates in various industry events, though specific details about their conference visits or presentations are not readily available. However, their involvement in projects like the Omelette Project highlights their engagement with broader sustainability and animal welfare initiatives.

Event Involvement

Orbem's participation in events such as the Omelette Project showcases their commitment to promoting laying hens' longevity and ensuring their welfare. The company's collaboration with other industry players and its strategic partnerships, such as with the Vencomatic Group, underscore its active role in shaping the poultry industry through innovative technologies.

EIC Accelerator Funding

Orbem GmbH received EIC Accelerator funding in June 2021, which marked a significant milestone in the company's growth and development. This funding supports Orbem's mission to enhance its AI-powered imaging solutions and expand its impact in the industry.

Conclusion

Orbem GmbH is at the forefront of innovation in AI-powered imaging, particularly in the poultry sector. Its in-ovo sexing technology has been widely adopted, and the company continues to grow and expand its influence in sustainability and efficiency in food production.

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