1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program Overview
The EIC Accelerator program is a key initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC) aimed at supporting innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups in Europe, particularly within the DeepTech sector. The program is designed to provide financial support through grants and equity investments, encouraging the development and commercialization of groundbreaking technologies.
Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator offers funding that can take the form of grants and equity investments.
Purpose in the Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by facilitating the transition of innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. It targets high-risk, high-potential projects that may struggle to secure funding through traditional channels. By providing financial resources and support, the program enhances the competitiveness of European companies in the global market, fosters innovation, and contributes to economic growth.
Support for Scaling Companies
The EIC Accelerator not only provides financial resources but also offers advisory services and access to a network of investors and industry experts. This support is invaluable for companies looking to scale their operations. The backing from the EIC can enhance a company’s credibility and visibility, making it more attractive to private investors. The program aims to bridge the funding gap that often exists for innovative startups, enabling them to grow and succeed.
Case Study: Qfluidics and Project QFLUIDICS
Company Overview: Qfluidics, based in France, is the EIC Accelerator winner that has developed an innovative solution in the field of continuous flow reactors. The company was awarded funding through the EIC Accelerator for their project known as QFLUIDICS.
Project Description: The QFLUIDICS project is centered around the development of the first non-clogging continuous flow reactor technology. This groundbreaking technology addresses a significant limitation in conventional reactor designs, where clogging can hinder efficiency and productivity.
Technology Background
Continuous flow reactors are essential in chemical and process industries for their ability to enhance reaction efficiency, reduce waste, and improve safety. Traditional continuous flow reactors often face challenges related to clogging, which can result in downtime and increased operational costs.
Qfluidics' technology introduces a unique design that minimizes the risk of clogging, thus ensuring uninterrupted operation. This innovation not only boosts the reliability of chemical processes but also enhances scalability, allowing for increased production rates without compromising quality. The technology is particularly beneficial for industries such as pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and materials science, where precision and efficiency are paramount.
The QFLUIDICS project represents a significant advancement in chemical engineering, with the potential to revolutionize how reactions are conducted in various sectors. By securing funding from the EIC Accelerator, Qfluidics is poised to further develop and commercialize this innovative technology, solidifying its position in the competitive landscape of DeepTech innovations.
Conclusion
The EIC Accelerator program serves as a vital resource for innovative companies like Qfluidics, providing essential financial support and facilitating access to networks that can propel their growth. With its focus on high-impact projects, the program contributes to the broader objective of enhancing Europe's position as a leader in innovative technology development. As seen with Qfluidics and the QFLUIDICS project, the EIC Accelerator not only fosters innovation but also plays a crucial role in transforming ideas into actionable solutions that can significantly impact various industries.
2 The Funding Rounds
# Qfluidics: EIC Accelerator Winner - Funding and Financial ProfileQfluidics, a French company founded in 2019, specializes in manufacturing continuous flow chemistry reactors for the fine chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. Based in Strasbourg, France, the company has developed innovative solutions for solid handling in flow processes, addressing a significant challenge in chemical manufacturing.
Funding History
Qfluidics has successfully raised approximately $1 million in total funding since its inception. The company has gone through several funding rounds, including:
EIC Accelerator Funding
Qfluidics was selected as a winner in the EIC Accelerator program following the November 8, 2023 Step 2 cut-off date, with results published on February 28, 2024. The company was among 42 companies selected from a competitive pool, with the EIC Accelerator program having an overall success rate of only about 3.9% for combined Step 2 and Step 3 applications.
France was well-represented in this funding round, with 6 companies receiving funding out of the 15 countries represented in the results. The total budget allocated by the EIC Accelerator for this funding round was €285 million, distributed among various financing types including grants, blended finance, and equity.
Previous Funding
Prior to the EIC Accelerator funding, Qfluidics raised €920,000 in a financing round announced in May 2023. This funding was intended to support recruitment efforts and improve the technology of their liquid-walled tube designed for the pharmaceutical industry.
Investors
Qfluidics has attracted investment from several sources:
- EIC Accelerator
- Alsace Business Angels
- Bpifrance
- Yeast
The company was also recognized in the first edition of the Next Innov regional awards sponsored by Banque Populaire Lorraine Alsace Champagne, receiving a "special mention" for its fundraising efforts.
Business Model and Value Proposition
Qfluidics' business model centers around its patented "liquid tube" technology, which offers significant advantages for pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturers:
- Up to 100% reduction in solvent use
- 50% reduction in carbon footprint for active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing
- 20-40% reduction in operational expenses (OPEX) for manufacturers
The company's technology is particularly valuable for handling challenging chemical processes involving viscous slurries that cannot be implemented in conventional reactors. This aligns with European Commission policies to relocate drug production to Europe and achieve carbon-neutrality goals by 2050.
Current Status
Qfluidics is currently operational ("Alive") and continues to develop its technology and market presence. The company is based at 8 allee Gaspard Monge, Strasbourg, France, and is positioned to capitalize on increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective chemical production processes.
The company has joined the EIC Ecosystem Partnerships and Co-Investment Support Programme community, which may provide additional opportunities for networking and growth.
No information about company valuations, IPO plans, buyouts, or acquisition events was available in the provided search results.
Sources: - Qfluidics - Products, Competitors, Financials, Employees
- Qfluidics – Continuous flow chemistry reactor manufacturer
- Qfluidics | EuroQuity
- EIC Accelerator Results - Rasph
3 The Press Releases
Qfluidics: Innovating with Non-Clogging Continuous Flow Technology
Qfluidics, a French company, achieved a significant milestone by winning the EIC Accelerator funding in November 2023. This funding supports their groundbreaking non-clogging continuous flow reactor technology, marking a significant advancement in chemical processing and manufacturing. The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council, aims to foster deep-tech innovations across Europe, and Qfluidics' success highlights their role in this effort.
Technology Advancements
Qfluidics' technology addresses a critical issue in chemical processing by developing a continuous flow reactor that does not clog. This innovation can significantly enhance the efficiency and reliability of chemical reactions, making it a crucial development for industries reliant on continuous chemical processing. The non-clogging feature ensures smoother operations, reduces downtime, and increases overall productivity.
Funding and Partnerships
While specific details about new partnerships or team updates related to Qfluidics are not readily available, the EIC funding is a testament to their potential for growth and collaboration. The European Innovation Council's blended finance model often involves both grants and equity investments, which can attract additional investors and support long-term scalability. This funding approach can facilitate strategic partnerships and collaborations that further accelerate Qfluidics' technological advancements.
Press Releases and Updates
Currently, there are no specific press releases or updates available on Qfluidics' website or social media accounts regarding their recent funding success or technological developments. However, the company's participation in the EIC Accelerator program indicates their commitment to innovation and growth, which may be detailed in future communications.
Future Prospects
With the EIC funding, Qfluidics is poised to further develop and commercialize its technology. The support from the European Innovation Council not only provides financial backing but also validates the company's innovative approach. As Qfluidics continues to advance its non-clogging continuous flow reactor technology, it is likely to attract more attention from potential partners and investors in the chemical processing industry.
Sources:
- Unveiling the Latest EIC Accelerator Results: A Comprehensive Analysis
- Latest EIC Accelerator Results
- EIC Accelerator 8 November Cut-Off
4 The Technology Advancements
Qfluidics: Capabilities and Advancements
Qfluidics, a French startup specializing in innovative flow reactor technologies, has been making significant strides in the field of continuous flow chemistry. Since its founding, the company has focused on developing non-clogging continuous flow reactors, particularly adept at handling solid-liquid reactions.
Current Capabilities
Qfluidics excels in converting traditional batch processes into continuous flow systems, offering services such as heterogeneous catalysis and continuous flow crystallization. Their technology is designed to reduce solvent consumption, decrease production footprints, enhance safety, and accelerate time to market. The company's liquid-tube technology enables the handling of complex chemical processes involving viscous slurries that current reactors struggle with.
Advancements Post-EIC Accelerator Funding
Although specific details regarding the advancements made by Qfluidics since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on November 8, 2023, are not directly available, the company's ongoing focus on innovation suggests continued development of its non-clogging reactor technology. This technology is crucial for increasing efficiency and reducing clogging issues in chemical processes, allowing for smoother transitions from batch to flow systems.
Technology Improvements and Demonstrations
Qfluidics' breakthrough liquid-tube technology has been highlighted for its ability to address clogging issues, which is a significant challenge in continuous flow reactors. While there is no specific information on new features or demonstrations post-funding, the company's technology is designed to be scalable from laboratory settings to industrial applications.
Patent Filings and Scientific Publications
As of the latest information, Qfluidics has been involved in research related to non-clogging liquid-walled continuous flow reactors, which indicates continuous scientific contribution in the field of flow chemistry. However, specific details on new patent filings or published studies directly linked to advancements since the EIC funding are not available.
In summary, Qfluidics continues to advance in the field of flow chemistry with its innovative reactor technology, focusing on sustainability and efficiency. The company's capabilities in handling complex chemical processes and its ongoing research efforts are key to its position in the industry.
Sources
- Qfluidics – Continuous flow chemistry reactor manufacturer
- About Qfluidics
- The first non-clogging continuous flow reactor technology
- Biotech Cell Aligner Based on Ferrofluid Technology from French Spin-off Qfluidics
- Our business
- Nonclogging Liquid-Walled Continuous Flow Reactors
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Qfluidics' Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in late 2023, Qfluidics has solidified its role as a leader in continuous flow reactor technology through key collaborations and product advancements. While specific customer names remain undisclosed, the company’s partnerships reveal a focus on industrial scalability and technological innovation.Key Partnerships
- Elvesys Group: A Paris-based microfluidic instrument maker partnered with Qfluidics to develop ultra-low-shear cell aligners for bioscience applications. This collaboration leverages Qfluidics’ biocompatible liquid-tube technology to enable precise cell manipulation without mechanical stress.
- Academic Institutions: Continued collaboration with the University of Strasbourg’s Institut de Science et d’Ingénierie Supramoléculaires (ISIS), where co-founder Thomas Hermans serves as CSO, ensures access to cutting-edge research in microfluidics.
Technology Advancements
Qfluidics’ proprietary liquid-walled reactors, highlighted in a peer-reviewed ACS journal article (February 2025), address clogging issues in multiphasic chemical processes. These reactors combine pipe-flow efficiency with continuous stirred-tank mixing, enabling long-duration reactions (≥3 hours) critical for pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.Market Positioning
By transitioning industries from batch to continuous flow systems, Qfluidicus targets enhanced operational efficiency, reduced footprint, and improved safety—key selling points emphasized in their CORDIS reporting. Their presence at CPHI Frankfurt 2025 and VivaTech 2025 further underscores their focus on global pharma markets and deep-tech commercialization.Sources
- The first non-clogging continuous flow reactor technology - CORDIS
- Biotech Cell Aligner Based on Ferrofluid Technology from French Spin-off Qfluidics
- Nonclogging Liquid-Walled Continuous Flow Reactors - ACS Publications
- QFLUIDICS | Viva Technology
- QFLUIDICS - CPHI Online
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Qfluidics Overview
Qfluidics, a French company specializing in continuous flow chemistry reactors and innovative microfluidics, has been gaining traction since its founding in 2019. The company is based in Strasbourg, France, and has recently received EIC Accelerator funding on November 8, 2023.
Current Headcount and Team Size
As of recent data, Qfluidics is reported to have a small team size, but specific details about the current headcount are limited. The company's size was noted to be only four employees in some mentions related to broader startup topics, though this figure might not directly pertain to Qfluidics specifically. However, this information may not accurately reflect Qfluidics' current team size.
Hiring and Growth
Qfluidics has not publicly announced specific hiring efforts or detailed growth metrics since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding. The company's focus on innovative technologies like liquid-walled reactors and ferrofluids suggests a potential for expansion and hiring to support these developments.
Recent Hires and Key Positions
There is no available information on recent hires or specific key positions filled at Qfluidics. The company's growth is likely tied to its technological advancements and partnerships, such as its collaboration with Elvesys Group on microfluidic solutions.
Impact of New Team Members
As Qfluidics scales, any new team members would likely contribute to enhancing its technology offerings and expanding its market presence. These additions would support the company's mission to provide sustainable and efficient solutions in the fine chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.
Management Changes
There are no reported changes in Qfluidics' management or founding team. The company is co-founded by Professor Thomas Hermans, who serves as its Chief Scientific Officer (CSO).
Funding and Growth
Qfluidics has raised a total of $1 million in funding, with investors including the EIC Accelerator, Alsace Business Angels, Bpifrance, and Yeast. This funding supports its development of innovative production equipment, aiming to reduce production costs and enhance sustainability in the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries.
Sources
- Qfluidics – Continuous flow chemistry reactor manufacturer
- Biotech Cell Aligner Based on Ferrofluid Technology from French Spin-off Qfluidics
- Qfluidics - Products, Competitors, Financials, Employees
- Nonclogging Liquid-Walled Continuous Flow Reactors
- Qfluidics | EuroQuity
7 The Media Features and Publications
Overview of Qfluidics
Qfluidics is a French startup specializing in innovative flow reactor technologies, particularly known for its breakthrough liquid tube technology. This technology allows the conversion of any chemical process into continuous flow, offering benefits such as automated production, reduced solvent consumption, smaller footprints, safer processes, and faster time-to-market. Since winning the EIC Accelerator funding in November 2023, Qfluidics has been actively involved in various scientific and industrial events, further solidifying its position in the field of flow chemistry.
Media Features and Publications
Qfluidics has been featured in publications highlighting its innovative microfluidic solutions, particularly in the development of a biotech cell aligner based on ferrofluid technology. This collaboration with Elvesys Group has led to the creation of a unique low-shear cell aligner for bioscience applications, ensuring the integrity of living cells during sorting experiments.
Podcasts and Interviews
There are no specific podcasts or interviews mentioned in the available sources, but Qfluidics' team members are involved in various events and conferences, showcasing their expertise in flow chemistry.
Conference and Fair Visits
Qfluidics' team members actively participate in conferences related to flow chemistry. For instance, Elliot Christ, a Business Developer at Qfluidics, has been a speaker at events like Flow Chemistry Europe, where he discussed the future of flow chemistry using liquid-walled non-clogging continuous flow reactors.
Event Involvement
Qfluidics is involved in showcasing its technology at major pharmaceutical events. The company is listed as a participant in events like CPHI, where it promotes its advanced flow reactor solutions for the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries.
Conclusion
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, Qfluidics continues to innovate and expand its presence in the flow chemistry sector. Its unique liquid tube technology and collaborations with other industry leaders have positioned it as a key player in the field.
Sources: - Qfluidics
- Biotech Cell Aligner Based on Ferrofluid Technology from French Spin-off Qfluidics
- Our Business - Qfluidics
- About Qfluidics - CPHI Online
- Confirmed Speakers - Flow Chemistry Europe
Do you need EIC Accelerator support?
Here is a list of the key service options for the EIC Accelerator:
Full Writing Service
All proposal sections are written by Stephan Segler, PhD.
Advisory Service
You write in-house but receive 1-on-1 support, templates, instructions, and reviews of all documents.
AI Writer & Training
A high-quality AI writer for EIC Accelerator Step 1 and a comprehensive Training program for Steps 1 and 2 including all templates and instructions.