1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program Overview
The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Europe, particularly those innovating in deep technology. The program aims to facilitate the growth of high-impact and high-risk projects through a combination of grants and equity financing, thus addressing the funding gap that many emerging companies face during their scaling phase.
Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator provides blended finance, which includes both grants and equity investments:
Purpose and Impact on the Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in the European deep tech and startup ecosystem by fostering innovation and supporting companies that tackle significant societal challenges. By providing both financial and mentorship resources, the program helps startups refine their business models, enhance their technological capabilities, and implement strategies for market entry. This support not only aids individual companies but also contributes to the overall competitiveness of the European economy.
Additionally, the EIC Accelerator facilitates connections between startups and private investors, enhancing the likelihood of securing additional funding. The program's focus on high-impact innovation aligns with the European Union's broader objectives of sustainability and digital transformation.
Reliefed AB and the Reliefed Project
Company Overview: Reliefed AB, a Swedish startup, has emerged as a notable winner of the EIC Accelerator program. The company specializes in innovative solutions for thermal management in electric vehicle (EV) battery systems.
Project Name: Reliefed
Project Description: The Reliefed project focuses on developing a 3D tab-cooled battery pack solution. This innovative approach utilizes a unique 3D extrusion manufacturing process to enhance the thermal regulation of EV batteries, addressing one of the critical challenges in battery performance and safety.
Technology Background
The technology underpinning the Reliefed project involves advanced manufacturing techniques that allow for the integration of cooling channels directly into the battery pack structure. By employing a 3D extrusion method, Reliefed is capable of designing and producing battery packs that feature optimized thermal management solutions.
Key Technical Features:
- 3D Extrusion Process: This manufacturing process enables the creation of complex geometries that traditional manufacturing methods cannot achieve. The ability to incorporate cooling features directly into the battery design ensures more efficient heat dissipation.
- Enhanced Thermal Regulation: Effective thermal management is crucial for the performance and safety of EV batteries. The Reliefed solution helps maintain optimal operating temperatures, thereby extending battery life and enhancing overall vehicle performance.
- Scalability: The manufacturing process is scalable, allowing for mass production of the battery packs without significant increases in cost or complexity.
Project Outcomes and Significance
By securing funding through the EIC Accelerator, Reliefed AB is poised to advance its innovative technology and bring it to market. The project not only aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and efficient energy solutions in the automotive sector but also contributes to the broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting electric mobility.
The successful implementation of the Reliefed project could pave the way for improved battery systems in electric vehicles, potentially revolutionizing the industry by enhancing performance and safety while addressing thermal management challenges. Overall, the EIC Accelerator’s support positions Reliefed AB to significantly impact the EV market, showcasing the program's effectiveness in nurturing groundbreaking technological advancements.
2 The Funding Rounds
Reliefed AB (Reliefed Technologies) – Funding and Financing Details Since EIC Accelerator Win
Financing Raised & Funding Rounds
Since submitting its successful Step 2 proposal for the EIC Accelerator on June 15, 2022, Reliefed AB (operating as Reliefed Technologies) has raised significant non-dilutive and equity financing:
Timeline & Amounts
| Date | Round/Source | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2020 | Almi Invest et al | SEK19m (€1.8m) | Equity |
| Jun–Nov 2022 | EIC Accelerator | €6m | Grant + Equity |
| Feb 2024 | Swedish Energy Agency | €1.7m | Public Support |
Investor Information
Key investors since June 15, 2022:
- European Innovation Council: Provided both grant and direct equity investment.
- Swedish Energy Agency: Offered public sector funding in early 2024.
Company Valuations
No precise public valuation figures are disclosed for any of these rounds or subsequent periods up to April 30th, 2025.
However: - Receipt of substantial non-dilutive grants alongside multi-million euro direct equity from EIC typically suggests valuations in line with early-growth industrial tech startups backed by institutional innovation funds.
Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions
As of April-end 2025:
- There are no reports or announcements regarding an Initial Public Offering (IPO), acquisition/buyout deal, or other exit events for Reliefed AB/Reliefed Technologies.
- The company remains privately held with active development initiatives funded by EU innovation bodies and national agencies.
Summary Table: Major Fundraising Events Since June '22
| Date | Source | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jun–Nov ’22 | European Innovation Council (€3.5m equity + €2.5m grant) | €6M |
| Feb ’24 | Swedish Energy Agency | €1.7M |
</em>EIC award announced November; submission/cut-off was June.
No further major private venture rounds or exits have been disclosed during this period.
Sources:
- Reliefed Technologies company information – Dealroom
- Light Metal Age: Reliefed Technologies Receives Funding for New Technology Center
- Dealroom Startupportugal profile
3 The Press Releases
Reliefed AB: EIC Accelerator Winner
Reliefed AB, a Swedish deep-tech company, made headlines in 2022 when it received significant funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC). This grant marked a pivotal moment in the company's journey to revolutionize manufacturing processes.
Background and Technology
Reliefed is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, with additional offices in Varberg. The company focuses on pioneering a new method for manufacturing flow plates using their proprietary technology. This innovation emerged from observations of natural patterns, leading to a breakthrough that could redefine large-scale production in various industries.
Funding and Technology Advancements
On June 15, 2022, Reliefed successfully secured funding from the EIC. The company received a €2.5 million grant and €3.5 million in equity. This financial support was crucial for accelerating the implementation of its z.trusion® technology in key sectors such as automotive and battery manufacturing.
The z.trusion technology is designed to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve sustainability in production. It has shown promising results, particularly in the development of tab-cooled battery solutions. Tests conducted with the Research Institute of Sweden (RISE) demonstrated significant advantages, including a lightweight and strong design, faster charging capabilities, and lower environmental impact compared to existing battery solutions.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Reliefed Technologies collaborates with several key partners to commercialize its technology. These partners include Fraunhofer IWU, Henkel, and Jönköpings Universitet. These collaborations are crucial for validating the z.trusion technology and integrating it into future battery designs.
Team Updates
The company's leadership team includes Mikael Eklund as CEO, who oversees both engineering and business aspects. Lovisa Högberg serves as the Chief Commercial Officer, specializing in launching innovations to market. The team also focuses on building a strong engineering division to support customer-facing projects.
Press Releases and Updates
Reliefed Technologies does not appear to have a dedicated section for press releases on its website. However, updates about the company's progress and achievements can be found through industry news outlets and announcements related to its funding and technological advancements.
Conclusion
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, Reliefed AB has made significant strides in advancing its z.trusion technology and expanding its reach in the automotive and battery industries. The company's commitment to innovative manufacturing solutions positions it as a leader in the Swedish tech sector.
Sources:
- Reliefed Technologies Receives Funding for New Technology Center
- Reliefed: About us
- How to Write a Press Release That Gets Results
4 The Technology Advancements
Reliefed AB: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding DevelopmentsSince securing €6 million in combined grant and equity funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) in June 2022, Reliefed AB has advanced its proprietary z.trusion® manufacturing technology and expanded its market presence. The Swedish deep-tech company, specializing in extrusion-based flow plate production, has focused on scaling its operations and demonstrating real-world applications of its technology.
Technological Advancements
- z.trusion Tech Center: Established using EIC funding, this facility enables rapid prototyping and technical validation for aluminum-based profiles and other materials. It supports the commercialization of z.trusion® in industries like automotive batteries.
- Battery Cooling Solutions: Reliefed developed a tab-cooled battery system tested with Sweden’s Research Institute (RISE), showing 47% lower temperature rise compared to Tesla’s designs during 6C charging simulations. The solution also extended battery lifespan by 2–3x.
Market Demonstrations
- Automotive Industry Partnerships: Collaborated with Fraunhofer IWU, Henkel, and Jönköping University to commercialize the tab-cooled battery design. Market interest surged due to lightweight integration with vehicle structures.
- Licensing Model: Reliefed offers global licensing for z.trusion®, providing partners access to patented IP for flow plates in hydrogen fuel cells, electrolyzers, and cooling systems.
Intellectual Property & Publications
- Patents: Maintains a "growing global patent portfolio" for z.trusion®, offering licensees indirect IP protection. No new post-2022 patents are explicitly cited publicly.
- Scientific Validation: Partnered with RISE for battery testing but no independent whitepapers or peer-reviewed studies are disclosed post-funding.
Sources
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Reliefed AB: Partnerships and Market Position
Reliefed AB, a Swedish company, gained prominence after winning the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022. The company specializes in innovative 3D mass production technologies, particularly through its patented z.trusion technology. This technology enables the cost-effective and efficient production of non-metallic flow plates and 3D components, offering significant benefits in terms of material savings, energy efficiency, and production costs.
Partnerships and Customers
One of Reliefed's notable partnerships is with Alfa Laval, a leading company in the industry, which has adopted Reliefed's non-metallic flow plates technology. This partnership underscores Reliefed's commitment to delivering scalable and sustainable solutions in manufacturing.
New Partnerships and Customers
Although specific details about new partnerships or customers since June 2022 are not readily available, Reliefed's focus on expanding its customer base and collaborating with forward-thinking companies suggests ongoing efforts to establish new relationships. These partnerships are likely aimed at further integrating Reliefed's z.trusion technology into various industrial applications.
Nature of New Relationships
The nature of Reliefed's new relationships is centered around leveraging its z.trusion technology to enable cost-effective and high-performance manufacturing solutions. By partnering with companies that value sustainable and scalable production methods, Reliefed aims to enhance its market presence and influence in the advanced 3D production industry.
Positioning in the Market
Reliefed's partnerships and technological advancements position the company as a key player in the shift towards more sustainable and efficient manufacturing processes. The adoption of its technology by leading companies like Alfa Laval reinforces Reliefed's reputation as an innovator in the field.
Technology Advancements and Scaling
The relationships Reliefed forms are crucial for advancing its technology and scaling its operations. Collaborations with industry leaders facilitate the integration of z.trusion technology into diverse applications, such as heat exchangers and fuel cells, thereby expanding Reliefed's reach and capabilities. Additionally, these partnerships help in refining the technology to meet specific industrial needs, contributing to Reliefed's growth and market influence.
Sources
- Reliefed: About us
- Reliefed: Non-metallic flow plates
- Reliefed | Find suppliers, processes & material - Manufacturing Guide
- Reliefed AB - FKG
- Reliefed AB | News - Smart City Sweden
- Reliefed AB | Find Swedish Cleantech companies
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Reliefed AB: A Swedish Deep-Tech Innovator
Reliefed AB, a Swedish deep-tech company, has been making significant strides in the manufacturing sector since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022. The company specializes in pioneering a new method for manufacturing flow plates, leveraging a team of engineers, manufacturing experts, and innovators.
Current Headcount and Team Size
While specific details about the current headcount or team size are not publicly available, Reliefed AB continues to expand its operations with a focus on engineering and business development. The company operates from two main locations in Sweden: Varberg, where their tech lab is situated, and Gothenburg, which houses their sales and marketing office.
Hiring Status
There is no explicit information on whether Reliefed AB is currently hiring. However, as the company continues to innovate and scale its operations, it is likely that they are open to talent acquisition to support their growth strategy.
Growth and Expansion
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, Reliefed AB has focused on scaling its patented technology for manufacturing flow plates. This innovative approach has attracted industry leaders like Alfa Laval as customers, indicating significant growth potential for the company. The funding has likely enabled Reliefed to enhance its production capabilities and strengthen its market presence.
Key Positions and Recent Hires
While specific recent hires are not detailed, Reliefed AB's leadership team includes key figures such as Mikael, the CEO, who oversees both the engineering and business aspects, and Lovisa Högberg, the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), who specializes in launching innovations to market. The company's focus on engineering and customer-facing projects suggests that they may be hiring or expanding their team in these areas.
Impact of New Team Members
New team members at Reliefed AB are crucial for scaling the company's operations and driving growth. Their expertise in engineering and business development will help navigate the complexities of large-scale production and ensure that Reliefed AB's innovative technology meets the evolving needs of the flow plate industry. This expansion supports the company's goal of establishing long-term partnerships and delivering sustainable solutions that transform the industry.
Major Changes in Management
There are no reported major changes in the founding team or management since the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022. The current leadership team continues to drive the company's vision forward, focusing on technological innovation and business growth.
Sources:
- Reliefed: About us
- This article is based solely on available information about Reliefed AB. Additional details about the company's hiring status or specific recent hires are not publicly disclosed.
7 The Media Features and Publications
Media Features and Industry Presence of Reliefed AB Reliefed AB, a Swedish cleantech company specializing in flow plate manufacturing, has gained recognition for its patented z.trusion® technology. While specific media features directly naming the company are limited in publicly available records, their partnerships and technological advancements position them as innovators in sustainable manufacturing.Key Publications and Content
Reliefed’s work is highlighted in profiles emphasizing their non-metallic flow plates for heat exchangers, fuel cells, and electrolysers. Their z.trusion® technology is noted for enabling mass production with reduced costs (20–80% savings), material efficiency (20–40% lighter), and improved heat transfer performance. Alfa Laval is mentioned as an early adopter of their solutions.
Podcasts or Interviews
No publicly listed podcasts or interviews featuring Reliefed’s team were identified. However, the company’s leadership—including CEO Mikael and CCO Lovisa Högberg—actively engages in business development, suggesting potential undisclosed industry dialogues.
Conference Participation and Events
While explicit conference visits are not detailed, Reliefed’s collaborations with industrial leaders like Alfa Laval indicate involvement in sector-specific forums. Their Gothenburg office serves as a hub for sales and marketing activities, likely aligning with trade fairs or technical exhibitions relevant to cleantech manufacturing.
Sources
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