1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program: An In-Depth Overview
The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council, serves as a critical funding mechanism designed to support innovative startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. This program is particularly focused on high-risk, high-potential businesses that are developing breakthrough technologies or services. Its overarching goal is to foster innovation and enhance the competitiveness of European companies on a global scale.
Funding Structure: Grants and Equity
The EIC Accelerator provides a blended finance model that combines grants and equity investments to ensure comprehensive support for innovative projects. Under this program, companies can receive a grant of up to €2.5 million, which is aimed at covering early-stage costs associated with the development of their innovations. This grant is particularly beneficial in offsetting expenses related to research, development, and testing.
In addition to the grant component, the EIC Accelerator offers equity investments that can be pivotal for scaling operations. Until 2024, eligible companies can access equity funding of up to €15 million; from 2025 onwards, this amount will be capped at €10 million. This equity investment is designed to facilitate growth by providing the necessary capital for scaling operations, entering new markets, and enhancing product development, ultimately positioning companies for success in competitive landscapes.
Purpose in the European DeepTech and Startup Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator plays a significant role in strengthening the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by addressing the critical funding gap that often exists for innovative ventures. By providing substantial financial resources and expert advice, the program supports the transition from innovative ideas to market-ready products. This support is essential for fostering a culture of innovation within the EU, encouraging entrepreneurship, and contributing to economic growth.
Support for Scaling and Private Sector Funding
One of the key roles of the EIC Accelerator is to assist companies in scaling and obtaining sufficient funding from private sectors. The program not only offers financial resources but also connects startups with a network of investors and industry experts, increasing their visibility and attractiveness to private capital. This is particularly crucial for startups that may struggle to secure funding due to their high-risk profiles, as traditional investors often shy away from early-stage innovations.
Additionally, the EIC Accelerator provides mentorship and coaching, helping companies refine their business strategies, enhance their pitches, and prepare for interactions with potential investors. This comprehensive support system significantly enhances the likelihood of attracting private investment and achieving long-term sustainability.
Case Study: Qubit Pharmaceuticals and the ATLAS Project
Company Overview
Qubit Pharmaceuticals, based in France, is a notable winner of the EIC Accelerator program. The company specializes in leveraging advanced computational techniques to revolutionize drug discovery processes. Their project, known as ATLAS, stands at the intersection of high-performance computing (HPC) and quantum computing (QC), aiming to push the boundaries of in silico drug discovery.
Project Description: ATLAS
ATLAS is designed as a next-generation platform that integrates the latest advancements in HPC and QC to streamline and enhance the drug discovery process. By utilizing sophisticated algorithms and computational models, ATLAS aims to predict molecular interactions and optimize drug candidates with unprecedented accuracy and speed. This platform not only accelerates the identification of viable drug candidates but also reduces the overall costs associated with drug development, which is notoriously high and time-consuming.
Technological Background
The technological foundation of ATLAS leverages high-performance computing, which allows for the processing of large datasets at incredible speeds, and quantum computing, which harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computations that are infeasible for classical computers. This combination enables Qubit Pharmaceuticals to simulate complex molecular systems and interactions more effectively than traditional approaches.
The use of HPC facilitates rapid calculations, allowing researchers to analyze vast amounts of chemical data and model potential drug interactions. Quantum computing, on the other hand, provides a new frontier in computational power, enabling the exploration of molecular configurations and interactions at a quantum level, which can yield insights that were previously unattainable.
The integration of these technologies positions Qubit Pharmaceuticals at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation, promising to significantly shorten the timelines for bringing new drugs to market while enhancing their effectiveness and safety profiles.
Conclusion
The EIC Accelerator program is a vital component of the European innovation landscape, providing essential funding and support to high-potential startups like Qubit Pharmaceuticals. By offering a unique blend of grants and equity, the program not only aids in the development of groundbreaking technologies but also fosters collaboration and investment within the private sector. The success of Qubit Pharmaceuticals and its ATLAS project exemplifies the transformative potential of the EIC Accelerator in driving innovation and enhancing the competitiveness of European companies on a global stage.
2 The Funding Rounds
Qubit Pharmaceuticals, a French company specializing in quantum physics-based drug discovery, has secured significant funding since receiving the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021. The EIC Accelerator funding was part of a €2 million seed round closed on May 11, 2021, which also included investments from Quantonation and XAnge. (parsers.vc)Following the EIC Accelerator funding, Qubit Pharmaceuticals raised an additional €16.1 million in a seed round announced on June 10, 2022. This round was led by XAnge, Omnes Capital, Quantonation, and Octave Klaba, founder of OVH. The funds were allocated to strengthen the company's proprietary Atlas software platform, capable of leveraging supercomputers and quantum computers to accelerate the development of more effective and safer drug candidates. Additionally, the company aimed to build a portfolio of 10 drug candidates in oncology and inflammatory diseases. (omnescapital.com)
In total, since its inception in 2020, Qubit Pharmaceuticals has raised over €23 million, including the initial pre-seed funding from Quantonation Ventures through its fund Quantonation 1. (quantonation.com)
As of June 2024, Qubit Pharmaceuticals employed approximately 62 people and had raised a total of $26.4 million. The company's valuation and post-money valuation details are not publicly disclosed. (pitchbook.com)
The company's website provides further information on its mission, technology, and ongoing projects.
3 The Press Releases
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Qubit Pharmaceuticals, a French deeptech company specializing in drug discovery through simulation and molecular modeling accelerated by hybrid high-performance computing (HPC) and quantum computing, has made significant advancements and announcements.Leadership Appointment
On March 18, 2025, Qubit Pharmaceuticals announced the appointment of Robin Chaudret as Chief Technology Officer. This strategic move aims to bolster the company's technological capabilities and drive innovation in drug discovery processes.
Academic Collaboration
On February 18, 2025, Qubit Pharmaceuticals was selected to join the Cité de l'Innovation at Sorbonne Université. This collaboration is expected to enhance research and development efforts, fostering innovation in pharmaceutical research.
Industry Recognition
In August 2024, Qubit Pharmaceuticals was nominated for the "Best Startup 2024" award by Prix Galien USA. This nomination underscores the company's impact and potential in the pharmaceutical industry. (biospace.com)
Technological Breakthrough
On July 10, 2024, Qubit Pharmaceuticals, in partnership with Sorbonne University, achieved a major scientific breakthrough by simulating quantum calculations at more than 40 qubits on conventional computers. This advancement significantly reduces the number of qubits required to simulate molecules, enhancing the efficiency of drug discovery processes. (globenewswire.com)
Global Recognition
On June 6, 2024, Qubit Pharmaceuticals was selected as one of the 100 Technology Pioneers 2024 by the World Economic Forum. This recognition highlights the company's innovative approach and potential impact on the future of drug discovery. (globenewswire.com)
Strategic Partnerships
In September 2023, Qubit Pharmaceuticals, along with PASQAL and Unitary Fund, was awarded $4.5 million over 30 months under the Wellcome Trust's "Quantum for Bio" program. This partnership aims to develop a new quantum algorithm for drug discovery, leveraging PASQAL's quantum computers. (pasqal.com)
Scientific Collaboration
On January 30, 2024, Qubit Pharmaceuticals, Institut Curie, and the University of Bordeaux announced a collaboration to advance the development of novel cancer therapies. The partnership focuses on developing drug candidates that modulate the immune response of cancer patients and block the development of metastases. (fox16.com)
Website and Social Media Updates
Qubit Pharmaceuticals regularly updates its website and social media channels with the latest news, research publications, and developments. For detailed information on their press releases, blog posts, and updates, visit their official website at qubit-pharmaceuticals.com.
These developments reflect Qubit Pharmaceuticals' commitment to innovation and collaboration in the pharmaceutical industry, leveraging advanced technologies to accelerate drug discovery and development.
4 The Technology Advancements
Qubit Pharmaceuticals, established in 2020, specializes in leveraging quantum physics to enhance drug discovery and design. The company employs advanced molecular simulation and modeling techniques, utilizing both high-performance computing (HPC) and quantum computing to develop novel drug candidates for complex targets. (qubit-pharmaceuticals.com)Advancements Post-EIC Accelerator Funding
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Qubit Pharmaceuticals has achieved several significant milestones:
- Hyperion-1 Emulator Development: In December 2023, Qubit Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with Sorbonne University, introduced Hyperion-1, an emulator capable of simulating quantum calculations at over 40 qubits on conventional computers. This advancement sets new standards in quantum research precision. (globenewswire.com)
- Reduction in Qubit Requirements: By July 2024, the company, alongside Sorbonne University, developed algorithms that reduced the number of qubits needed to simulate molecular properties from over 250 to just 32. This breakthrough accelerates the practical application of hybrid HPC-quantum computing in drug discovery. (quantonation.com)
- €8 Million Funding for Hyperion-1: In July 2024, Qubit Pharmaceuticals and Sorbonne University secured €8 million under the France 2030 national plan to further develop Hyperion-1, underscoring the project's significance in advancing quantum computing applications in pharmaceuticals. (quantonation.com)
Technological Improvements and New Features
Qubit Pharmaceuticals has enhanced its technological capabilities through:
- Atlas Platform: The company has developed Atlas, an ultra-high-resolution drug design platform that enables the discovery, optimization, and validation of drug candidates. Atlas integrates polarizable force fields, AI and machine learning solutions, and scalable molecular dynamics software, facilitating complex computations on various hardware infrastructures. (qubit-pharmaceuticals.com)
- Gaia Supercomputer: In collaboration with NVIDIA, Qubit Pharmaceuticals has established Gaia, a 200 GPU supercomputer designed to perform large-scale computations with quantum accuracy, significantly accelerating drug discovery processes. (qubit-pharmaceuticals.com)
Market Demonstrations and Collaborations
Qubit Pharmaceuticals has demonstrated its technology through:
- Partnerships for Cancer Therapies: In January 2024, the company partnered with Institut Curie and the University of Bordeaux to develop novel cancer therapies. This collaboration combines Qubit's simulation and AI capabilities with Institut Curie's immunotherapy expertise and the University of Bordeaux's biochemical characterization, aiming to expedite the identification of effective drug candidates. (globenewswire.com)
- Quantum Computing Initiatives: Qubit Pharmaceuticals has been recognized as one of the 100 Technology Pioneers 2024 by the World Economic Forum, highlighting its contributions to accelerating drug discovery through hybrid HPC and quantum computing. (khon2.com)
Intellectual Property and Publications
The company has advanced its intellectual property portfolio by:
- Scientific Publications: Qubit Pharmaceuticals has published research on quantum algorithms and their applications in drug discovery, including a preprint titled "Quantum Speedup for Nonreversible Markov Chains" in January 2025 and "Velocity Jumps for Molecular Dynamics" in December 2024. (qubit-pharmaceuticals.com)
- Collaborative Research: The company has engaged in joint research efforts, such as the collaboration with Pasqal and the Unitary Fund to win the Wellcome Trust's "Quantum for Bio" program in September 2023, focusing on applying quantum computing to biological research. (qubit-pharmaceuticals.com)
Through these advancements, Qubit Pharmaceuticals continues to position itself at the forefront of integrating quantum computing into pharmaceutical research, aiming to revolutionize drug discovery and development processes.
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Qubit Pharmaceuticals, a French deep-tech company specializing in drug discovery through simulation and molecular modeling accelerated by hybrid HPC and quantum computing, has established several strategic partnerships and collaborations to advance its mission.New Partnerships and Collaborations:
Nature and Purpose of Relationships:
- Institut Curie and the University of Bordeaux: This collaboration combines Qubit's computational drug design expertise with Institut Curie's biological validation and the University of Bordeaux's biochemical characterization to expedite the development of targeted cancer therapies.
- PASQAL and Unitary Fund: The partnership aims to create a quantum algorithm for drug discovery, leveraging PASQAL's quantum computing technology and the Unitary Fund's software optimizations to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of identifying potential drug candidates.
- PINQ² Platform: By accessing advanced quantum computing infrastructure, Qubit Pharmaceuticals seeks to accelerate its research and development activities, particularly in the design and optimization of quantum computing-based chemistry algorithms.
- Sorbonne University: The collaboration focuses on developing hybrid HPC and quantum algorithms to simulate molecular properties more efficiently, potentially reducing the time and resources required for drug discovery processes.
Market Positioning and Technological Advancements:
These strategic partnerships position Qubit Pharmaceuticals at the forefront of integrating quantum computing into pharmaceutical research. Collaborations with leading institutions and access to cutting-edge quantum computing resources enhance Qubit's ability to develop innovative drug discovery solutions, potentially reducing development timelines and costs. The advancements in quantum algorithms and computational efficiency achieved through these partnerships strengthen Qubit's competitive edge in the market.
Support for Technology Advancements and Scaling:
The collaborations provide Qubit Pharmaceuticals with access to advanced computational resources and expertise, facilitating the scaling of its drug discovery platform. By leveraging quantum computing capabilities, Qubit can enhance the precision and speed of molecular simulations, leading to more effective and efficient drug development processes. The support from these partnerships enables Qubit to address complex pharmaceutical challenges and expand its research and development capabilities.
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Qubit Pharmaceuticals, a French deeptech company specializing in quantum-aided drug discovery, has demonstrated significant growth and strategic development since receiving the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021.Current Team Size and Growth
As of June 2024, Qubit Pharmaceuticals employs a team of over 60 experts in quantum chemistry, computational chemistry, machine learning, and medicinal chemistry. This diverse team is based in Paris and Boston, reflecting the company's international presence. (globenewswire.com) The company has experienced substantial growth since its founding in 2020, expanding from a smaller team to its current size, indicating a robust scaling trajectory.
Hiring Status and Key Positions
Qubit Pharmaceuticals has been actively expanding its team to support its ambitious goals. In November 2023, the company announced the appointment of Dr. Alberto Peruzzo, a renowned quantum computing researcher, as the R&D Lead in Quantum Computing. (qubit-pharmaceuticals.com) This strategic hire underscores the company's commitment to advancing its quantum computing capabilities, which are central to its drug discovery platform, Atlas.
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations
The company has formed several strategic partnerships to enhance its research and development efforts. In January 2024, Qubit Pharmaceuticals collaborated with Institut Curie and the University of Bordeaux to advance the development of novel cancer therapies. (thequantuminsider.com) These collaborations aim to leverage Qubit's computational drug discovery platform to identify and optimize new therapeutic candidates, particularly targeting complex diseases like cancer.
Recognition and Awards
Qubit Pharmaceuticals' innovative approach has garnered significant recognition. In June 2024, the company was selected as one of the 100 Technology Pioneers by the World Economic Forum, highlighting its potential impact on the future of drug discovery. (globenewswire.com) Additionally, in August 2024, Qubit Pharmaceuticals was nominated for the "Best Startup" award at the Prix Galien USA 2024, reflecting its growing influence in the biotech sector. (biospace.com)
Management and Leadership
The leadership team at Qubit Pharmaceuticals includes CEO Robert Marino, who has been instrumental in steering the company's strategic direction and growth. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its team and formed key partnerships, positioning itself as a leader in quantum-aided drug discovery. (frenchtechjournal.com)
In summary, since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2021, Qubit Pharmaceuticals has significantly expanded its team, formed strategic partnerships, and achieved notable industry recognition. These developments underscore the company's commitment to revolutionizing drug discovery through advanced computational technologies.
7 The Media Features and Publications
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Qubit Pharmaceuticals, a French deeptech company specializing in drug discovery through simulation and molecular modeling accelerated by hybrid HPC and quantum computing, has achieved significant milestones and garnered notable media attention.Media Features and Publications:
- June 6, 2024: Qubit Pharmaceuticals was selected as one of the 100 Technology Pioneers 2024 by the World Economic Forum. This recognition highlights the company's innovative approach in leveraging quantum computing for drug discovery. (globenewswire.com)
- August 19, 2024: The company was nominated for the "Best Startup" award at the Prix Galien USA 2024. This nomination underscores Qubit's commitment to advancing biomedical and pharmaceutical research, particularly in the U.S. market. (isp.netscape.com)
- December 6, 2023: Qubit Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with Sorbonne University, achieved a major scientific breakthrough by simulating quantum calculations at more than 40 qubits on conventional computers. This advancement positions the company at the forefront of quantum computing applications in drug discovery. (sorbonne-universite.fr)
Podcasts and Interviews:
Conferences and Events:
Involvement in Events:
These developments reflect Qubit Pharmaceuticals' ongoing efforts to innovate in drug discovery and expand its presence in the global pharmaceutical landscape.