1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program Overview
The EIC Accelerator program is a vital component of the European Innovation Council (EIC), designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups engaged in innovative projects, particularly in deep technology sectors. The program aims to bridge the funding gap that often hinders the growth and scaling of high-risk, high-potential companies.
The EIC Accelerator provides a unique form of blended finance, which combines grants and equity investments. Grants can reach up to €2.5 million, while equity financing can be secured up to €15 million until 2024 and reduced to €10 million from 2025 onward. This funding structure supports companies at various stages of development, facilitating the transformation of innovative ideas into market-ready products and services.
Purpose in the European DeepTech and Startup Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in fostering innovation within the European deep tech ecosystem. By targeting advanced technologies that address significant societal challenges, the program encourages the commercialization of groundbreaking ideas. It aims to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of European industries by enabling startups and SMEs to scale their operations, access new markets, and attract further private investment.
The program also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between businesses and research institutions, thereby promoting a synergistic approach to innovation. By providing financial support and strategic guidance, the EIC Accelerator enables startups to leverage public funding to draw additional private investment, ensuring long-term viability and growth.
Role in Scaling Companies and Attracting Private Funding
The EIC Accelerator not only provides financial resources but also offers mentoring and networking opportunities that are essential for startups seeking growth. By connecting entrepreneurs with experts, investors, and other stakeholders, the program facilitates knowledge transfer and collaboration, which are critical for scaling operations.
The blended financing model allows companies to use the grant funding as a safety net that can attract further private investments. With the backing of the EIC, startups gain credibility in the eyes of investors, who are often more willing to invest when they see that a company has secured a significant amount of public funding. This approach not only enhances the financial stability of startups but also encourages them to pursue ambitious growth trajectories.
Case Study: SAALG GEOMECHANICS SL and the GEORGIA Project
Company Overview
SAALG GEOMECHANICS SL is a Spanish startup recognized as a winner of the EIC Accelerator program for its innovative project titled "GEORGIA," which stands for GEOtechnical deRisk by Genetic Inverse Analysis. Established to revolutionize the geotechnical engineering sector, SAALG GEOMECHANICS focuses on addressing critical challenges related to soil analysis and risk assessment.
Project Description
The GEORGIA project aims to develop a cutting-edge solution for geotechnical risk management by employing genetic inverse analysis techniques. This innovative methodology enhances the accuracy of subsurface modeling, allowing for more reliable predictions of ground behavior in construction and engineering projects. By utilizing advanced algorithms and machine learning, the GEORGIA project seeks to minimize uncertainties in geotechnical assessments, ultimately reducing project delays and costs.
Technology Fundamentals
The technology underpinning the GEORGIA project revolves around genetic algorithms, a subset of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Genetic algorithms mimic the process of natural selection to optimize complex problems, making them particularly suitable for geotechnical applications where multiple variables and uncertainties are involved.
The project utilizes extensive datasets from existing geotechnical surveys and combines them with real-time data from ongoing projects. By applying genetic inverse analysis, the system can iteratively refine its predictions, improving the accuracy of subsurface models. This approach allows engineers to make informed decisions based on reliable data, significantly enhancing the safety and efficiency of construction projects.
Additionally, the GEORGIA project is poised to have a transformative impact on the geotechnical engineering sector by providing a standardized approach to risk assessment. This innovation can lead to more sustainable construction practices, reduced environmental impact, and increased overall project success rates.
Conclusion
The EIC Accelerator program serves as a critical catalyst for innovation within the European deep tech ecosystem. By providing blended finance and support services, it empowers startups like SAALG GEOMECHANICS SL to develop transformative technologies, such as those found in the GEORGIA project. This initiative not only enhances the capabilities of geotechnical engineering but also contributes to the broader goals of sustainability and efficiency in construction and infrastructure development.
2 The Funding Rounds
SAALG GEOMECHANICS SL: Financing and Funding Activity Since EIC Accelerator Award
Company: SAALG Geomechanics SL
Country: Spain
EIC Accelerator Step 2 Submission and Award Date: March 23, 2022
Financing Raised Since EIC Accelerator Award
- Total Known Funding Raised: Approximately $4.93 million (about €4.5 million), including a €3.65 million round in July 2023.
- Funding Round Structure: The €3.65 million round was structured as a co-investment, combining capital investment and grant funding from the European Commission’s EIC Accelerator program.
Timing, Amount, and Details of Funding Rounds
| Date | Round | Amount | Lead Investors/Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2021 | Seed/Early VC | ~€0.5M | Mott MacDonald Ventures (lead), Scale Lab Andorra, CEMEX Ventures |
| July 10, 2023 | Series A-II / Early VC | €3.65M | ACCIONA (lead), European Commission (EIC Fund), Creand Crèdit Andorrà (returning) |
| Oct 2023 | Early VC | €1.1M | EIC Fund (unclear if this is part of or separate from above round) |
Investor Information
Key Investors:
- ACCIONA S.A.: Strategic lead investor in the July 2023 round; brings significant industry expertise and partnership opportunities for scaling technology deployment in tunneling projects.
- European Commission / EIC Fund: Provided both grant funding and equity/capital investment as part of the mixed model typical for top-tier winners of the EIC Accelerator program.
- Creand Crèdit Andorrà / Credit Andorra SA Investment Arm: Participated both in previous rounds (including before March 2022) and reinforced its support in the latest major financing event.
- Mott MacDonald Ventures: Led an earlier seed/early-stage funding round (~€0.5M) prior to the main post-EIC raise; strategic partner integrating DAARWIN software into its Moata digital platform offering for clients.
Additional Early Investors:
- Scale Lab Andorra
- CEMEX Ventures
Company Valuation Information
No public valuation figures have been disclosed for any recent rounds involving SAALG Geomechanics through available sources after their receipt of EIC Accelerator funding.
Exit Events: IPOs, Buyouts, Acquisitions
As of April 30, 2025:
- There are no reports or announcements indicating that SAALG Geomechanics has undergone an IPO.
- No acquisitions or buyout events involving SAALG Geomechanics have been reported since their March 23, 2022 award date.
The company remains active with ongoing efforts to scale operations via strategic partnerships enabled by recent investments.
Summary Table: Post-EIC Funding Activity at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major post-EIC raise | €3.65 million closed July 10, 2023 |
| Lead investor | ACCIONA S.A.; with further participation from EC/EU programs & existing investors |
| Additional target | To expand total raised under this co-investment up to €5 million |
| Other notable investors | Creand Crèdit Andorrà/Credit Andorra; Mott MacDonald Ventures |
| Exits | None reported |
Sources
- SAALG Geomechanics raises €3.65 million in a round led by ACCIONA and the European Commission
- SAALG Geomechanics SL announced that it has received €3.65 million in funding from Acciona
- Dealroom.co – Company information on SAALG including investors & rounds
-Saalg Geomechanics - Products, Competitors, Financials
-Mott MacDonald invests in geotechnical startup SAALG
3 The Press Releases
SAALG Geomechanics: Innovations and Milestones Since EIC Accelerator Funding SAALG Geomechanics, a Spain-based geotechnical engineering firm, has leveraged advanced technologies like machine learning (ML) and cloud computing to transform infrastructure project efficiency and safety post-its EIC Accelerator funding. Below are key developments from their press releases, blog posts, and partnerships:Partnerships & Funding
- €3.65 Million Investment Round (2023): Led by ACCIONA and the European Commission to scale deployment of their DAARWIN platform. The funds aim to democratize big data and AI in construction, particularly in tunneling.
- Strategic Collaborations: Pilots with CEMEX Ventures improved excavation control methodologies, while partnerships with Mott MacDonald enhanced real-time backanalysis for retaining wall designs. Additional collaborations include Deutsche Bahn for European expansion and projects in Latin America (Colombia/Guatemala).
Technology Advancements
- DAARWIN Platform: A cloud-based geotechnical software integrating ML algorithms to link design models with real-time monitoring data. Features include predictive modeling for Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), anomaly detection during excavation, and automated backanalysis.
- AI-Driven Solutions: Focus on reducing geotechnical uncertainty through sensitivity analysis tools hosted on cloud infrastructure, optimizing parameters like soil behavior during construction phases[§1][§2].
Team & Operations Growth
The company doubled its workforce since 2022, now employing over 20 professionals specializing in geotechnics, software engineering, and AI development. Founders Cristian de Santos (CEO) and Ignasi Aliguer (CTO) emphasize bridging geomechanics with autonomous decision-making technologies for tunneling machines.Sector-Specific Applications
- Tailing Dam Safety: Advanced condition monitoring reports address environmental risks using IoT-driven emergency management systems[§2].
- Vibration Monitoring: Real-time stability assessments for tunnels under dynamic loads like high-speed rail projects[§2].
Sources Used:
4 The Technology Advancements
SAALG Geomechanics SL: Post-EIC Accelerator Progress and Technological AdvancementsSince securing EIC Accelerator funding in 2022, SAALG Geomechanics has expanded its technological capabilities and market presence. Below is a detailed overview of their advancements:
1. Technological Improvements and New Features
- Machine Learning Integration: Enhanced predictive modeling for soil mechanics, linking design models with real-time monitoring data through AI-driven backanalysis.
- TBM Data Management: Advanced Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) performance tracking, integrating predictive analytics to detect ground anomalies dynamically.
- Cloud-Based Platform: DAARWIN now centralizes geotechnical data with improved visualization tools and threshold-based alarm systems for proactive risk mitigation.
2. Market Demonstrations and Customer Engagement
- ACCIONA Partnership: Following a €3.65M funding round led by ACCIONA (July 2023), SAALG scaled its technology for tunneling applications, aiming to transform TBMs into autonomous systems.
- Industry Adoption: Clients like Mott MacDonald use DAARWIN to apply the Observational Method at scale, achieving cost and carbon savings on infrastructure projects.
3. Research Outputs and Intellectual Property
While no new patents or peer-reviewed studies are explicitly mentioned in public materials:- Blog Publications: Released technical articles on machine learning in geotechnics (March 2024–2025), climate-resilient infrastructure strategies (January 2024), and FEM applications.
- EU-Funded Research: Continued work under GEORGIA (CORDIS ID:190151860), focusing on genetic inverse analysis for geotechnical risk reduction.
Sources Used
- Geotechnical engineering software l SAALG Geomechanics
- Daarwin - Saalg Geomechanics
- GEORGIA Project - CORDIS
- SAALG's Funding Announcement
5 The Partnerships and Customers
SAALG Geomechanics: Partnerships and Progress Since EIC Accelerator Funding
SAALG Geomechanics, based in Spain, has been a significant player in the geotechnical engineering sector since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022. This funding has been instrumental in enhancing their innovative technologies, particularly their DAARWIN software.
Partnerships and Customers
SAALG Geomechanics has established partnerships with major construction companies and engineering firms. Key partners include ACCIONA, Kajima, Bouygues, Balfour Beatty, Ferrovial, Mott MacDonald, AECOM, WSP, SLR, COWI, and Amey. These partnerships have significantly contributed to the company's growth and international recognition.
Recently, SAALG Geomechanics has formed a strategic partnership with Maxwell GeoSystems, integrating DAARWIN with Maxwell GeoSystems' MissionOS to enhance geotechnical monitoring and design review capabilities. This partnership highlights the company's commitment to leveraging collaborative efforts to advance geotechnical engineering.
New Partners and Customers
While specific new customers or partners are not detailed in recent updates, the partnership with Maxwell GeoSystems is a notable development. This collaboration indicates SAALG's continued expansion and integration within the construction and engineering sectors.
Nature of New Relationships
The partnerships, such as the one with Maxwell GeoSystems, focus on integrating DAARWIN with other leading geotechnical systems. This integration aims to enhance data management, predictive modeling, and real-time monitoring, ultimately improving project efficiency and safety. The relationship with ACCIONA, notably, is aimed at extending DAARWIN's capabilities into the tunneling sector.
Market Positioning and Technology Advancements
SAALG Geomechanics' partnerships and funding have positioned the company as a leader in innovative geotechnical engineering solutions. The EIC Accelerator funding, particularly through the GEORGIA project, supports the development of DAARWIN as an end-to-end digital platform. This platform uses adaptive genetic algorithms to address ground uncertainty, reduce carbon footprints, and enhance safety in construction projects.
The integration of machine learning algorithms with real-time data in DAARWIN accelerates back-analysis and supports the Observational Method on a larger scale, leading to significant project savings in cost, program, safety, and carbon emissions. These advancements in technology are crucial for scaling SAALG Geomechanics' impact globally, especially in high-stakes infrastructure projects like the High-Speed Two rail project in the UK.
Scaling and Growth
The strategic partnerships and technological advancements are pivotal for SAALG Geomechanics' growth. The integration with other systems enhances the company's offering, making it more attractive to clients seeking comprehensive solutions for geotechnical challenges. Additionally, the recognition from prestigious awards and the funding support have opened doors for international collaborations and further market expansion.
Sources
- SAALG Geomechanics' DAARWIN
- SAALG Geomechanics Raises €3.65 Million
- SAALG: Safer, More Efficient, and Sustainable Civil Engineering
- About Us - Saalg Geomechanics
- Partnering for Success with DAARWIN and MissionOS
- Managing Geotechnical Uncertainty in Extreme Terrain Conditions
- Ensuring Slope Stability
- Bridge the Gap – Funds for Your Journey to the Market
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
SAALG Geomechanics: Team Growth and Development
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022, SAALG Geomechanics has been on a path of strategic growth and development. This Spanish engineering firm specializes in advanced numerical solutions and geotechnical engineering software, particularly through its cloud-based platform, DAARWIN.
Current Headcount and Team Size
While specific details about the current headcount or team size of SAALG Geomechanics are not publicly disclosed, the company's organizational structure includes various departments such as sales, operations, technology, and finance. This suggests a team with a diverse range of skills and expertise.
Hiring and Team Growth
SAALG Geomechanics is actively expanding its team to support its growing operations. The company continues to look for talented professionals in areas like software development, geotechnical engineering, and data science. This growth is crucial as the company aims to enhance its DAARWIN software and expand its market reach.
Recent Hires and Positions
Although specific recent hires are not detailed, SAALG Geomechanics emphasizes recruiting skilled personnel to enhance its product offerings and provide better services to clients. Key positions likely include technical roles such as software engineers, geotechnical engineers, and data scientists who can contribute to the development of DAARWIN and its application in construction projects.
Impact on Company Growth
New team members play a vital role in scaling SAALG Geomechanics. Their expertise helps in refining DAARWIN, integrating more advanced machine learning capabilities, and expanding its use in various construction sectors, such as tunnel boring and excavation projects. This expansion supports the company's mission to reduce geotechnical uncertainties and enhance project efficiency and sustainability.
Management and Founding Team
There are no reported major changes in the management or founding team of SAALG Geomechanics recently. The company's leadership continues to focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, as highlighted by the CEO and CTO's statements on their commitment to transforming the construction industry.
Funding and Strategic Partnerships
In July 2023, SAALG Geomechanics received significant investment from Acciona, a Spanish infrastructure company, under its I'MNOVATION open innovation program. This partnership involves applying DAARWIN analysis software to Acciona's tunnel boring projects, further validating SAALG's growth trajectory and strategic positioning in the industry.
Sources
- SAALG Geomechanics - Geotechnical engineering software
- About us - Saalg Geomechanics
- Saalg Geomechanics SL - Development Aid
- SAALG Geomechanics SL: Company Intelligence Report
- SAALG company information, funding & investors
- Saalg Geomechanics - Products, Competitors, Financials
- SAALG
7 The Media Features and Publications
SAALG Geomechanics SL: Innovations and Achievements
SAALG Geomechanics SL, a Spanish company, has made significant strides in geotechnical engineering, particularly since receiving funding from the EIC Accelerator in March 2022. Their innovative software, DAARWIN, is a cloud-based platform that integrates real-time monitoring data, predictive modeling, and historical information to enhance construction project efficiency and safety.
Media Features and Publications
SAALG Geomechanics has been featured in various publications and media outlets for its groundbreaking work in geotechnical engineering. Notably, the company's collaboration with ACCIONA and its use of machine learning for predicting ground movement during construction projects have been highlighted in news articles and press releases. Their technology has also been discussed in the context of optimizing tunnel boring machine (TBM) performance, showcasing its potential for real-time insights and efficiency improvements in tunnel excavation.
Content from Publications
Publications often emphasize SAALG's innovative approach to integrating machine learning algorithms with geotechnical data to optimize construction processes. For instance, their DAARWIN software is praised for reducing geotechnical uncertainty and enhancing project outcomes economically and environmentally. Additionally, SAALG's participation in prestigious competitions and awards, such as the Santander X Spain Award, has garnered attention for its impact on the construction industry.
Podcasts and Interviews
While specific podcasts or interviews featuring SAALG Geomechanics are not detailed in the available information, the company's engagement with industry forums and webinars is evident. Their involvement in events like webinars on optimizing geotechnical design using artificial intelligence highlights their contribution to educational and technical discussions within the industry.
Conference and Fair Participations
SAALG Geomechanics has participated in several conferences and presentations, including discussions on their DAARWIN-GEMINI system, which focuses on optimizing TBM performance using machine learning. This system has been presented at industry conferences, showcasing its capabilities in real-time data analysis and excavation optimization.
Involvement in Events
The company's involvement in events is marked by its engagement with industry leaders and participation in competitions. For instance, SAALG's success in the Santander X Spain Award not only provided financial support but also opened opportunities for international recognition and further collaboration. Additionally, their collaboration with ACCIONA through the I'MNOVATION program demonstrates their commitment to innovation and industry partnerships.
Sources:
- SAALG Geomechanics
- Blog - SAALG Geomechanics
- News - SAALG Geomechanics
- ACCIONA Invests in Machine Learning for Tunnel Construction
- SAALG: Safer, More Efficient, and Sustainable Civil Engineering
- DAARWIN-GEMINI A Novel Tool to Predict Advance Rate of a TBM
- saalg geomechanics - YouTube
- Discover SAALG Geomechanics
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