1 The EIC Accelerator Project

Overview of the EIC Accelerator Program

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 startups in Europe. The program is designed to provide financial support and strategic guidance to companies developing high-risk, high-potential innovations, particularly in the DeepTech sector. By focusing on breakthrough technologies, the EIC Accelerator aims to strengthen Europe's competitiveness in the global market and foster economic growth.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a unique blended finance model, which combines grants and equity investments. Companies can receive a grant of up to €2.5 million to cover costs related to innovation, research and development, and market entry. This grant is typically aimed at helping companies bridge the funding gap during the early stages of product development.

In addition to the grant, the program also provides equity investments. Until 2024, eligible companies can access equity funding of up to €15 million, which is intended to support scaling operations and further developmental phases. From 2025 onwards, this equity funding will be capped at €10 million. This dual funding approach allows companies to leverage public funding while attracting additional private investments, thereby enhancing their financial sustainability.

Purpose and Impact on the Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by enabling innovative companies to scale their operations and achieve market readiness. By offering substantial financial support, the program helps mitigate the risks associated with pioneering technologies, which often face challenges in securing funding from traditional private sector sources. Furthermore, the EIC Accelerator fosters collaboration between startups and larger corporations, enhancing knowledge transfer and innovation diffusion across industries.

Case Study: Reophotonics and the io600 Project

Company Overview

Reophotonics, an innovative startup based in Israel, is the recipient of the EIC Accelerator funding for its project, io600. The company specializes in cutting-edge technologies aimed at revolutionizing electronics manufacturing processes.

Project Description: io600

The io600 project is centered around the development of a state-of-the-art digital dispensing system designed for next-generation electronics manufacturing. This system promises to enhance precision and efficiency in the application of electronic components, which is critical for the advancement of various electronic devices.

Technology Background

The core technology behind the io600 project leverages advanced algorithms and robotics to automate the dispensing of electronic materials, ensuring high accuracy and minimal waste. Traditional manufacturing methods often involve manual processes that can lead to inconsistencies and inefficiencies. In contrast, the io600 system integrates real-time monitoring and adaptive dispensing techniques, allowing for on-the-fly adjustments based on material properties and environmental conditions.

The digital dispensing system is engineered to support various applications, from consumer electronics to automotive components, positioning Reophotonics as a key player in the rapidly evolving electronics landscape. The technology not only addresses current manufacturing challenges but also aligns with the growing demand for sustainability by reducing material waste and energy consumption.

Funding Journey

Reophotonics submitted its Step 2 proposal for the EIC Accelerator on March 13, 2024, and progressed to the Step 3 interview, ultimately securing funding. The backing from the EIC Accelerator is expected to accelerate the development and commercialization of the io600 project, allowing Reophotonics to expand its market reach and impact.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program represents a crucial initiative for fostering innovation within the European landscape. By providing substantial funding and support for high-risk projects, it empowers startups like Reophotonics to bring transformative technologies to market. The io600 project exemplifies how innovative solutions can address existing challenges in electronics manufacturing, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the industry and promoting sustainable practices.

2 The Funding Rounds

Financing Raised and Funding Rounds

Since Reophotonics (operating as ioTech, website: i-o-tech.com) received EIC Accelerator funding following the March 13, 2024 cut-off, the company has been recognized as a leading deep-tech Israeli venture specializing in advanced additive manufacturing for electronics. The EIC Accelerator results for this round were published on July 15, 2024, with a total budget of €411 million distributed among 68 selected companies from across Europe and Israel.

Amount and Type of Funding

• EIC Accelerator Award: The typical EIC Accelerator award per company in this round was up to €17.5 million in blended finance—this includes up to €2.5 million in grant funding combined with equity investments ranging from €500,000 to over €15 million through the EIC Fund. For most winners (96% of recipients), blended finance (grant plus equity) was awarded; only a handful chose grant-only or equity-only options.
• Timing: The official announcement of selected companies took place on July 15, 2024; funds are typically disbursed within three months after selection for grants. Equity investment timing depends on individual negotiations and company needs.

Investor Information

• Main Investor: The European Innovation Council Fund is the primary investor behind these rounds as part of its mission to support high-potential deep-tech startups.
• Other Investors: While the initial financing comes directly from the EIC Fund via blended finance arrangements, these investments often attract additional co-investors at later stages due to increased visibility and validation by the EU’s innovation ecosystem.

Company Valuations

There is no public disclosure regarding specific post-money valuations assigned during or after this funding round for Reophotonics/ioTech. However, given that typical ticket sizes range up to €17.5 million—and considering substantial technological assets like over 50 patents—ioTech would be positioned at an advanced valuation compared to early-stage peers.

Exit Events (IPO/Acquisition)

As of May 2025:

• There have been no publicly reported exit events such as IPOs or acquisitions involving Reophotonics/ioTech since their receipt of EIC Accelerator support.
• The company remains private and continues scaling its proprietary Continuous Laser Assisted Deposition technology aimed at revolutionizing electronics mass-manufacturing.

Additional Context: Company Overview Since Funding

Following their recognition by awards such as Productronica Innovation (2021), Fast Forward (2021), LOPEC Start-up Forum (2022), and now being an EIC-backed scaleup:

• ioTech/Reophotonics has focused on commercializing ultra-fast laser jetting technologies capable of multi-material deposition without reformulation—a key competitive edge in semiconductor miniaturization markets.
• Their portfolio exceeds fifty granted patents—a signifier both for technical depth and potential future value realization.

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Sources

• Latest EIC Accelerator Results - Rasph
• EIC Accelerator March 2024 Results: A Detailed Analysis - Rasph
• EIC – News: Latest Funding Round – European Commission
• EIC Accelerator: Statistics & Results March 24 – Strata Team
• Quantum Transistors secures funding from European Innovation Council – DataCenterDynamics
• ioTech - Reophotonics Ltd., Industry Directory LOPEC Exhibitors

3 The Press Releases

Overview of Reophotonics Ltd, Israel

Reophotonics Ltd, a member of the ioTech group based in Israel, has made significant strides in innovation, particularly after receiving the prestigious EIC Accelerator Award. This award marks a milestone for ioTech, highlighting its impactful contributions, especially in semiconductor innovation.

Technology Advancements

Continuous Laser Assisted Deposition (CLAD) Technology: ioTech is renowned for its patented CLAD technology, a groundbreaking digital manufacturing approach. This technology enables ultra-fast, highly accurate deposition of up to six different materials simultaneously, including polymers, metals, and ceramics. It has been validated by key industry players and is poised to revolutionize micro-electronics and additive manufacturing.

Partnerships and Investments

• Henkel Investment: In 2021, Henkel Adhesive Technologies invested in ioTech, enhancing its capabilities in innovative electronics solutions. This partnership aims to drive miniaturization and unlock mass-manufacturing applications across Henkel's customer base.
• ASM Pacific Technology (ASMPT) Investment: ASMPT also extended its investment in ioTech in 2021, recognizing the company's potential to disrupt industrial 3D printing paradigms in electronics manufacturing.

Awards and Recognition

• LOPEC Start-up Forum Award 2022: ioTech won the award for Most Impactful Technology/Product, showcasing its innovative CLAD technology at LOPEC 2024.
• EIC Accelerator Award: Reophotonics Ltd received the prestigious EIC Accelerator Award, underscoring its innovative contributions in semiconductor innovation.

Patents and Intellectual Property

ioTech holds over 50 patents, most of which are granted, positioning it as a leader in additive manufacturing innovation. Its technology is poised to contribute significantly to industries such as electronics, automotive, aerospace, and more.

Recent Activities

In 2024, ioTech exhibited at LOPEC, showcasing how its CLAD technology can enhance production efficiencies and deliver previously impossible designs in a sustainable manner. The company has attracted orders from industry leaders in sectors like microprocessors and e-Mobility power devices.

Conclusion

Reophotonics Ltd and the ioTech group have marked significant advances in additive manufacturing, particularly with their CLAD technology. The EIC Accelerator Award further underscores their innovative impact in the semiconductor sector.

Sources:

• News & Press Releases | ioTech
• Press Release | ioTech
• ioTech shapes a flexible future for visionaries at LOPEC 2024
• Henkel invests in technology start-up ioTech
• ASM Pacific Technology Extends Investment In IoTech, A Flexible ...
• ioTech - Reophotonics Ltd. at LOPEC 2024

4 The Technology Advancements

Reophotonics: Current Capabilities and Advancements

Reophotonics, a member of the ioTech group based in Israel, has recently gained significant recognition by winning the prestigious EIC Accelerator Award. The company specializes in developing innovative technologies, particularly focusing on digital dispensing systems for electronics manufacturing.

Current Capabilities

Reophotonics is involved in creating cutting-edge technologies that enhance manufacturing processes in the electronics sector. Their digital dispensing systems are designed to improve efficiency and precision in electronics production, which can be critical for industries requiring high-quality components.

Advancements Since EIC Funding

While specific details about Reophotonics' advancements since receiving the EIC funding in March 2024 are not widely published, the company's involvement in the EIC Accelerator program indicates a strong potential for growth and innovation. The funding typically supports startups in refining their technologies and expanding their market reach.

Technology Improvements and New Features

There is no publicly available information on specific new features or technology improvements made by Reophotonics since the EIC funding. However, the company's participation in such programs often leads to enhanced product development and market readiness.

Market Demonstration and Trials

Reophotonics has not released information on recent market demonstrations, customer trials, or pilot projects. The company's focus on electronics manufacturing suggests that any such developments would be aligned with industry needs for precision and efficiency.

Patents, Scientific Studies, and Clinical Trials

There is no available data on new patents filed, scientific studies published, or clinical trials initiated by Reophotonics since the EIC funding. The company's focus is more aligned with industrial technology rather than clinical or scientific research.

Conclusion

Reophotonics, with its innovative approach to electronics manufacturing, has positioned itself as a promising player in the industry. While specific advancements and developments since the EIC funding are not publicly detailed, the company's participation in the program underscores its potential for future growth and technological enhancement.

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Sources:

• ioTech's io600 Wins Prestigious EIC Accelerator Award for Innovation
• Home page - iserd
• Latest EIC Accelerator Results
• €108 Million Awarded to Israeli Startups by EIC Accelerator Program
• ioTech

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Reophotonics' Strategic Position Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Reophotonics, an Israel-based member of the ioTech group, secured a prestigious EIC Accelerator Award in 2024, positioning it as a key innovator in photonics and related technologies. While specific details about new partnerships or customers remain undisclosed in publicly available records, the EIC Accelerator recognition typically enables recipients to expand their technological footprint and forge collaborations.

• Partnerships & Collaborations: No direct mentions of new partners or customers for Reophotonics are identified post-funding. However, EIC funding often facilitates engagements with research institutions, industrial players, or EU-backed consortia focused on advanced photonics applications.
• Market Positioning: The award strengthens Reophotonics’ credibility in high-impact sectors like telecommunications, medical devices, or quantum computing—areas where photonics solutions are critical. Affiliation with the ioTech group suggests potential synergies within its parent organization’s ecosystem.
• Technology Advancements & Scaling: The grant likely supports R&D acceleration for proprietary photonic systems, such as optical sensing or laser-based technologies. Scaling could involve expanding manufacturing capabilities or entering pilot projects with industrial adopters leveraging EU networks.

Sources

• Reophotonics Ltd Receives EIC Accelerator Award
• Nine Israeli Startups Secure $142M from EU Horizon Program (Note: Reophotonics is not listed here but provides context on EIC funding outcomes.)
• ISERD Horizon Europe Grants (General reference for Israeli EIC grantees.)

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Note: Specific details about Reophotonics’ post-award activities remain limited in public disclosures.

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Reophotonics: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Insights

Reophotonics, an Israeli company specializing in digital manufacturing for electronics, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator funding in 2024. The company submitted its Step 2 proposal on March 13, 2024, and successfully secured funding after advancing to the Step 3 interview.

Current Team Size and Hiring Status

As of now, specific details regarding Reophotonics' current headcount or team size are not publicly available. However, securing EIC Accelerator funding typically indicates a phase of growth and expansion for companies like Reophotonics.

Growth and Hiring

The EIC Accelerator funding is likely to enable Reophotonics to enhance its technological capabilities and expand its operations, potentially leading to an increase in hiring across various departments. This growth would be crucial in supporting the company's innovative projects, such as its cutting-edge digital dispensing system for next-gen electronics manufacturing.

Key Positions and Future Impact

While specific recent hires are not detailed, the addition of new team members, especially in technical and engineering roles, would be essential for Reophotonics as it scales. These new hires would contribute to advancing Reophotonics' technology and facilitating the development of more sophisticated manufacturing solutions.

Management and Founding Team Changes

There is no available information on any significant changes in Reophotonics' management or founding team following the EIC Accelerator funding.

Future Prospects

The EIC Accelerator funding positions Reophotonics for substantial growth in the digital manufacturing sector. By leveraging this investment, Reophotonics can further develop its technologies, expand its market reach, and enhance its position as a leader in digital electronics manufacturing. This growth would not only benefit the company but also contribute to advancements in the broader field of electronics manufacturing.

Sources

• Reophotonics on Startup Nation Finder
• EIC Accelerator March 2024 Results
• Patents by Reophotonics Ltd

7 The Media Features and Publications

Reophotonics: Overview and Activities After EIC Accelerator Funding

Reophotonics, a member of the ioTech group based in Israel, received the prestigious EIC Accelerator Award from the European Innovation Council in 2024. This recognition highlights Reophotonics' innovative contributions to the semiconductor sector.

Media Features

Reophotonics has been featured in various media outlets since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding. Notably, it has been mentioned in news releases related to semiconductor innovation, where it is recognized for its cutting-edge technology within the ioTech group.

Publications

Publications mentioning Reophotonics include announcements of its EIC Accelerator Award, emphasizing its advancements in semiconductor technology. Additionally, Reophotonics is part of a group of Israeli startups that received significant funding from the EIC Accelerator program, with a total of €108 million awarded to various Israeli companies.

Content from Publications

The content typically focuses on Reophotonics' innovation in semiconductor technology and its receipt of the EIC Accelerator Award. For instance, ioTech's io600, associated with Reophotonics, has been highlighted for its semiconductor innovation achievements.

Podcasts and Interviews

There is no specific information available on podcasts or interviews featuring the team from Reophotonics.

Conference and Fair Visits

No detailed information is available on Reophotonics' participation in conferences or fairs specifically related to its EIC Accelerator funding. However, given its focus on semiconductor technology, it may participate in relevant industry events.

Involvement in Events

Reophotonics' involvement in events would likely be related to the broader semiconductor and technology sectors. While specific details on event participation are not available, its association with the ioTech group and its innovative semiconductor technologies suggest potential engagement in industry conferences and seminars.

Conclusion

Reophotonics, as a recipient of the EIC Accelerator funding, continues to be recognized for its advancements in semiconductor innovation. Its association with the ioTech group further underscores its role in advancing cutting-edge technologies within the sector.

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Sources: - ioTech's io600 Wins Prestigious EIC Accelerator Award for Semiconductor Innovation

• €108 Million Awarded to Israeli Startups by EIC Accelerator Program
• Semiconductor Packaging