1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator is a funding program designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those with innovative, high-risk projects. The initiative aims to foster breakthrough innovations and scale-ups in Europe by providing financial resources and strategic guidance. The program is part of the broader EIC initiative under the Horizon Europe funding framework, which emphasizes the importance of innovation in addressing societal challenges and boosting economic growth.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a unique funding structure that includes both grants and equity investments:

Companies can receive up to €2.5 million in grant funding. This funding is primarily aimed at supporting early-stage development costs, including research and development (R&D), prototyping, and market entry strategies. The grant is non-repayable, making it a crucial resource for startups in their initial stages.

The program also provides equity investments, which can be up to €15 million until 2024 and will decrease to a maximum of €10 million from 2025 onwards. This equity funding is intended for companies that are ready to scale their operations, allowing them to access necessary capital without the immediate pressure of repayment. The EIC takes a minority stake in the company, ensuring that the founders retain significant control.

Purpose of the EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by:

• Encouraging Innovation: It focuses on technologies that can address global challenges, such as climate change, health, and energy transitions. The program targets deep tech sectors, including advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and AI.
• Supporting High-Risk Projects: Many innovative projects are too risky for traditional investors. The EIC Accelerator mitigates this risk by providing substantial funding and support.
• Bridging Funding Gaps: It helps startups bridge the gap between early-stage funding and later-stage investment, ensuring that promising ideas do not stagnate due to a lack of resources.

Role in Scaling Companies

The EIC Accelerator assists companies in scaling by:

• Offering Tailored Support: Beyond funding, the EIC provides mentorship, business coaching, and access to a network of investors and industry experts, which can help startups refine their business models and market strategies.
• Facilitating Private Sector Investment: By securing initial funding, the EIC Accelerator enhances a company's credibility, making it more attractive to private investors. This can lead to further rounds of funding and partnerships that are crucial for growth.

EIC Accelerator Winner: SABI AGRI

Company Overview:

• Name: SABI AGRI
• Country: France
• Website: sabi-agri.com
• Funding Type: Grant first
• Project Acronym: SWARM
• Cut-off Date: June 16, 2021

Project Overview: SWARM

SABI AGRI’s project, SWARM, focuses on revolutionizing crop cultivation through the use of a fleet of electric, agroecological robots. The primary goal is to enhance agricultural practices while preserving soil quality, making farming both sustainable and efficient.

Technology Basics and Background

The SWARM project leverages advanced robotics and artificial intelligence to create a fleet of small, autonomous machines capable of performing various agricultural tasks.

These robots are designed to operate in an environmentally friendly manner, utilizing electricity instead of fossil fuels. This aligns with the growing demand for sustainable farming practices that minimize carbon footprints.

One of the standout features of the SWARM project is its emphasis on soil health. The robots are engineered to work with the soil rather than against it, employing techniques that prevent soil degradation and promote biodiversity.

The robots can autonomously navigate fields, identify crops, and perform tasks such as planting, weeding, and monitoring plant health. Using advanced sensors and machine learning algorithms, these robots can adapt to changing conditions in real-time.

The fleet collects valuable data regarding soil conditions, crop health, and environmental factors. This data can be analyzed to optimize farming practices and improve yield, making agriculture more data-driven and less reliant on traditional methods.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program is a vital player in the European innovation landscape, particularly for deep tech startups like SABI AGRI. By providing substantial financial support, mentorship, and facilitating connections to private investors, the EIC Accelerator enables innovative companies to scale effectively and address critical challenges in their industries. Through projects like SWARM, SABI AGRI exemplifies how technology can transform agriculture, making it more sustainable and efficient for future generations.

2 The Funding Rounds

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, SABI AGRI, a French startup specializing in electric agroecological equipment, has secured additional funding to advance its mission in sustainable agriculture.

Funding Rounds:

• October 2022: SABI AGRI raised €8 million in an early-stage venture capital round. This funding was provided by its existing investors:
• Ui Investissement
• Crédit Agricole Centre France
• Cita Investissement

The company intends to use these funds to strengthen its position in agricultural robotics and to develop autonomous electric tractors, such as the ZILUS robot introduced in late 2022. (biopole-clermont.com)

Investor Information:

• Ui Investissement: A French investment firm that supports innovative companies in various sectors.
• Crédit Agricole Centre France: A regional branch of the Crédit Agricole Group, involved in financing and supporting local businesses.
• Cita Investissement: An investment firm focusing on supporting innovative and high-growth companies.

Company Valuations:

Specific valuations for SABI AGRI during these funding rounds are not publicly disclosed. However, the €8 million raised in October 2022 indicates a significant valuation, reflecting investor confidence in the company's growth prospects.

Additional Information:

SABI AGRI continues to innovate in the field of agroecological robotics, aiming to provide versatile and environmentally friendly electric tractors. Their products, such as the ALPO electric tractor and the ZILUS robot, are designed to meet the diverse needs of agriculture, from viticulture to market gardening. The company emphasizes the importance of sustainable and profitable farming practices through the integration of advanced technology.

As of now, there are no publicly available records of additional funding rounds or changes in company valuation beyond the October 2022 funding.

3 The Press Releases

SABI AGRI, a French company specializing in agricultural machinery, received EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021. Since then, they have published several press releases detailing their advancements and partnerships.

Press Releases Since June 16, 2021:

Key Information from Press Releases:

• Partnerships: The June 2024 press release highlights a significant collaboration between SABI AGRI, Nectar Fresh Limited, and Meadow Foods to enhance Nigeria's agricultural supply chain. This partnership is supported by the Nigerian government and focuses on sustainable agricultural practices. (sabi.am)
• Technology Advancements: The October 2021 announcement details SABI AGRI's progress in developing autonomous tractors, supported by the European Commission's EIC Accelerator fund. This advancement signifies a step forward in agricultural automation and sustainability. (prnewswire.com)
• Team Updates: The press releases do not provide specific details about team updates or new hires.
• Patents: There is no mention of new patents in the available press releases.

Press Releases on SABI AGRI's Website:

The press releases mentioned above are available on SABI AGRI's official website. For more detailed information, you can visit their news section at.

These press releases provide insights into SABI AGRI's strategic initiatives and technological advancements in the agricultural sector.

4 The Technology Advancements

SABI AGRI, a French company specializing in electric agricultural equipment, has made significant advancements since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021. Their current capabilities include the design and manufacture of lightweight, 100% electric tractors and robots that can operate both independently and collaboratively. Their flagship products are the ZILUS autonomous robot, the ALPO electric tractor, and the Volcam compact electric tractor.

In January 2023, SABI AGRI raised €8 million from existing investors and a new partner, Cita, to strengthen its position in agricultural robotics. This funding supports their strategy to transform electric tractors into autonomous machines, aiming to become a leader in agroecological robotics. (biopole-clermont.com)

The company has also introduced "Robotic Harmony," a collaborative fleet of lightweight electric vehicles combining tractors and robots. This innovation allows farmers to work their fields while simultaneously piloting electric robots that perform complementary operations, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. (vivatechnology.com)

SABI AGRI has demonstrated its technology in the market by unveiling the ZILUS autonomous robot in late 2022. This robot is part of their initiative to deploy a new generation of versatile and collaborative robots, facilitating sustainable and profitable agriculture. (biopole-clermont.com)

Regarding intellectual property, there is no publicly available information indicating that SABI AGRI has filed new patents or published scientific studies, clinical trials, or whitepapers since their EIC Accelerator funding.

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, SABI AGRI, a French startup specializing in electric tractors and agricultural robotics, has achieved several significant milestones:

New Partnerships:

Meadow Foods and Nectar Fresh: In June 2024, SABI AGRI partnered with Meadow Foods and Nectar Fresh to address supply chain challenges in Nigeria's Oyo State. This collaboration focuses on managing 250,000 hectares of the Opara Forest reserve to cultivate cash crops like cashew and shea nuts. The initiative aims to create jobs, enhance economic growth, and establish a centralized warehouse for export-ready commodities. (techcabal.com)

New Customers:

Ogun State, Nigeria: In February 2025, SABI AGRI engaged with Ogun State, Nigeria, to develop a modern agricultural hub. This project seeks to boost food production, create employment, and promote sustainable agriculture practices. (thegazellenews.com)

Nature and Purpose of Relationships:

• Supply Chain Enhancement: The partnership with Meadow Foods and Nectar Fresh aims to improve the agricultural supply chain in Nigeria by cultivating cash crops and establishing efficient storage and export facilities.
• Agricultural Development: The collaboration with Ogun State focuses on creating a modern agricultural hub to increase food production, ensure food security, and generate employment opportunities.

Market Positioning:

• Supply Chain Integration: By partnering with key players in Nigeria's agricultural sector, SABI AGRI strengthens its presence in the African market, positioning itself as a pivotal contributor to agricultural development and supply chain optimization.
• International Expansion: Engaging with Nigerian authorities and companies enhances SABI AGRI's international footprint, showcasing its commitment to global agricultural innovation.

Technology Advancements and Scaling:

• Agroecological Robotics: The partnerships enable SABI AGRI to deploy its electric tractors and robotic solutions in diverse agricultural settings, facilitating the scaling of its technology and demonstrating its adaptability to various farming environments.
• Sustainable Practices: Collaborating on large-scale agricultural projects allows SABI AGRI to advance sustainable farming practices, contributing to environmental conservation and the promotion of eco-friendly technologies.

These collaborations underscore SABI AGRI's strategic efforts to expand its market presence, foster technological advancements, and support sustainable agricultural practices globally.

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

SABI AGRI, a French company specializing in sustainable agricultural equipment, received EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021. Since then, the company has demonstrated significant growth and expansion.

Current Team Size and Hiring Status:

As of January 2023, SABI AGRI employed approximately 35 people. (biopole-clermont.com) The company is actively recruiting for various positions, including:

• Technical Inspector for the Western France region
• Method Engineer
• Assembler/Cabler
• Maintenance Technician
• Software Development Project Manager

(sabi-agri.com)

Growth and Key Hires:

In January 2023, SABI AGRI secured €8 million in funding from investors such as Ui Investissement, Crédit Agricole Centre France, and Cita. This investment aims to strengthen their position in agricultural robotics and support the development of autonomous tractors and collaborative robots. (biopole-clermont.com)

Impact of New Team Members:

The recent hires are expected to enhance SABI AGRI's capabilities in product deployment, customer service, and software development. These additions will support the company's mission to provide sustainable and efficient agricultural solutions, contributing to the growth and scalability of their innovative products.

Management Changes:

There is no publicly available information indicating major changes in SABI AGRI's management or founding team since the EIC Accelerator funding.

For more details on career opportunities and company updates, you can visit SABI AGRI's official website. (sabi-agri.com)

7 The Media Features and Publications

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, SABI AGRI, a French company specializing in electric tractors and agroecological robotics, has been featured in various media outlets. Below is a summary of their media coverage, publications, podcasts, conferences, and event participations:

Media Features:

• October 21, 2021: SABI AGRI announced its selection for the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program, highlighting the European Commission's support for their autonomous electric tractor project. (prnewswire.com)
• January 6, 2023: The company secured an €8 million funding round to advance its position in agroecological robotics, aiming to become a leader in the field. (biopole-clermont.com)

Publications:

• October 21, 2021: PR Newswire featured SABI AGRI's announcement regarding their selection for the EIC Accelerator program. (prnewswire.com)
• January 6, 2023: Biopôle Clermont-Limagne reported on SABI AGRI's €8 million funding round and their plans to lead in agroecological robotics. (biopole-clermont.com)

Podcasts and Interviews:

As of the available information, there are no specific records of podcasts or interviews featuring SABI AGRI's team since June 16, 2021.

Conferences and Fair Visits:

The available information does not specify SABI AGRI's participation in conferences or fairs since June 16, 2021.

Event Involvement:

Details regarding SABI AGRI's involvement in events since June 16, 2021, are not specified in the available information.

For more information about SABI AGRI's products and initiatives, you can visit their official website: