1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program Overview
The EIC Accelerator program is an initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC) aimed at supporting startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe, particularly those engaged in deep tech and innovative sectors. The program offers a unique funding structure that combines grants and equity investments, designed to help companies develop and scale their innovations.
Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator provides funding in two forms:
Purpose of the EIC Accelerator
The primary objective of the EIC Accelerator is to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and commercial viability. By providing substantial financial support, the program aims to stimulate the European deep tech ecosystem, fostering the growth of companies that can significantly impact their respective industries. It serves as a catalyst for innovation, helping companies to overcome the financial hurdles associated with scaling their technologies, thereby attracting additional investment from private sectors.
Role in Scaling Companies
The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in helping companies scale by providing essential funding at critical growth stages. The mix of grant and equity financing allows startups to focus on their research and development while minimizing the financial risks associated with early-stage innovations. This financial backing not only helps in product development but also enhances credibility, making it easier for companies to secure additional investment from private investors and venture capitalists.
Case Study: SEQUENTIA BIOTECH SL and Project MICK
Company Overview: SEQUENTIA BIOTECH SL is a Spanish biotechnology company that focuses on leveraging microbiome research to develop innovative solutions in health and nutrition. The company aims to harness the potential of microbiomes to improve human health and well-being.
Project Overview: The EIC Accelerator project, known by the acronym MICK, stands for the "Translational Microbiome Platform." This project was submitted as a Step 2 proposal on October 6, 2021, and subsequently won in the Step 3 interview phase.
Project MICK Description: The MICK project is centered around the development of a comprehensive platform that aims to translate microbiome research into practical applications. This involves creating tools and methodologies to better understand the human microbiome and its role in health. The platform seeks to facilitate the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets, ultimately leading to personalized health interventions based on microbiome profiles.
Technology Basics and Background
The underpinnings of MICK lie in the burgeoning field of microbiome research, which examines the intricate ecosystems of microorganisms residing in various environments, including the human body. These ecosystems play a crucial role in numerous biological processes, influencing everything from digestion to immune responses.
The MICK platform aims to integrate advanced technologies such as metagenomics, bioinformatics, and machine learning to analyze microbiome data. By employing these technologies, SEQUENTIA BIOTECH SL intends to identify specific microbial communities and their interactions that correlate with health outcomes. The goal is to develop tailored health solutions that enhance quality of life, leveraging the unique biological signatures of individual microbiomes.
In summary, the EIC Accelerator program not only provides vital financial support to innovative companies like SEQUENTIA BIOTECH SL but also plays a crucial role in fostering the growth of the European deep tech ecosystem. Through projects like MICK, the program helps translate scientific research into viable health solutions, ultimately contributing to advancements in personalized medicine and public health.
2 The Funding Rounds
Financing Raised
Sequentia Biotech SL, a Spanish bioinformatics company specializing in omics data analysis and cloud software solutions for healthcare and industry, has raised a significant financing round since receiving EIC Accelerator funding. In September 2024, the company secured €10 million (approximately $11.2 million) in Series A equity investment.
Funding Rounds: Timing and Amount
- Series A Round: Closed in late September 2024.
- Amount Raised: €10 million.
This Series A round is the first major publicly disclosed institutional financing since Sequentia Biotech’s involvement with the EIC Accelerator program, which they entered through their successful Step 2 proposal submitted on October 6, 2021.
Investor Information
The Series A funding was led by: - Seventure Partners: A French venture capital firm known for investing in life sciences and digital health companies.
These investors are recognized for their strong track record in supporting disruptive technologies within the biotechnology sector.
Information Related to Funding Rounds
The funds from this round are earmarked primarily to accelerate the market introduction and global expansion of Sequentia Biotech's flagship platform, MICK—a clinical microbiome data analysis solution—and other bioinformatics technologies. The capital infusion supports scaling go-to-market strategies aimed at integrating omics intelligence into medical practice as well as applications across biomedicine, pharma, agriculture, industry, and environmental sectors.
Company leadership—including CEO Walter Sanseverino—has highlighted that this funding validates both Sequentia’s vision for advancing omics research and market confidence in their technology platforms. Scientific Director Riccardo Aiese Cigliano similarly emphasized expectations that MICK could redefine clinical decision-making by integrating advanced bioinformatics into routine healthcare workflows.
Company Valuations
No explicit post-money valuation figures have been publicly disclosed alongside this Series A announcement as of April 2025. However, given typical biotech sector trends for Series A rounds of similar size—usually between $2 million–$15 million—it is likely that Sequentia Biotech achieved a substantial valuation increase compared to earlier stages but remains a privately held growth-stage company focused on scaling operations rather than immediate exit events or public listing.
Exit Events (IPO/Buyouts/Acquisitions)
There are no reported exit events—IPOs (Initial Public Offerings), buyouts, or acquisitions—for Sequentia Biotech since winning EIC Accelerator funding up until April 2025. All available information points to ongoing independent operation supported by new venture capital partners rather than any transition toward public markets or acquisition by larger firms.
Sources
- Sequentia Biotech Secures €10million Equity Investment from Seventure Partners and the EIC Fund
- Spain's Sequentia Biotech Raises €10M in Series A Funding Round
- Sequentia Biotech secures €10 million equity investment to boost bioinformatic solutions
- Sequentia Biotech Raises €10M in Equity Funding - FinSMEs
- Sequentia secures €10m to advance multiomics software
3 The Press Releases
Company Overview: Sequentia Biotech
Sequentia Biotech, based in Spain, is a leading bioinformatics company that specializes in the analysis and application of omics data. The company has been recognized for its innovative approaches in genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, and microbiomics.
Recent Developments
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, Sequentia Biotech has made significant strides in advancing its mission to transform omics data into actionable insights for clinical, industrial, and research applications.
Funding and Partnerships
- €10 Million Series A Investment: Sequentia Biotech secured a €10 million Series A investment led by Seventure Partners and co-invested by the EIC Fund. This funding is aimed at accelerating the market introduction and expansion of its flagship platform, MICK, which offers state-of-the-art data analysis and interpretation for microbiome data.
- Partnerships: The investment from Seventure Partners and the EIC Fund signifies a strong partnership with renowned venture capital investors, enhancing Sequentia Biotech's ability to innovate in the life sciences sector.
Technology Advancements
- MICK Platform: The MICK platform is designed to provide actionable insights from microbiome data, potentially redefining clinical decision-making by integrating bioinformatics intelligence into medical practice.
- A.I.R. Platform for Transcriptomics: Sequentia Biotech also launched A.I.R., a disruptive SaaS solution for transcriptomics. A.I.R. allows for the automated analysis and interpretation of RNA samples across any sequenced species, offering a cost-effective and user-friendly approach compared to traditional methods.
Team Updates
The company's leadership includes Walter Sanseverino as CEO and Co-Founder, and Riccardo Aiese Cigliano as Scientific Director and Co-Founder. Both founders have a strong background in genetics and omics sciences, having founded Sequentia Biotech in 2013.
Patents and Intellectual Property
While specific patent information is not detailed in recent press releases, Sequentia Biotech's focus on developing proprietary bioinformatics tools and solutions underscores its commitment to innovation and intellectual property protection.
Press Releases and Blog Posts
Sequentia Biotech regularly updates its news section on the company website with press releases and blog posts. These updates cover achievements such as securing significant funding, launching new platforms like A.I.R., and advancements in bioinformatics solutions. The company's social media presence is not extensively detailed in the available sources, but its official website serves as a primary source for news and updates.
Conclusion
Sequentia Biotech has made substantial progress since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, leveraging strategic investments and partnerships to drive innovation in the bioinformatics sector. The company's commitment to advancing omics sciences and its cutting-edge platforms like MICK and A.I.R. position it as a leader in transforming omics data for diverse applications.
Sources:
- News - Sequentia Biotech
- Sequentia Biotech Secures €10million Equity Investment
- Sequentia launches AIR, a platform revolutionizing transcriptomics
- Sequentia secures €10m to advance multiomics software
- Our Company - Sequentia
- SEQUENTIA BIOTECH
4 The Technology Advancements
Sequentia Biotech SL, based in Spain, is a bioinformatics company specializing in the transformation of omics data—such as genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, and microbiomics—into actionable knowledge for healthcare, pharmaceutical research, agriculture, industry, and environmental applications. Since receiving the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding on October 6th, 2021 to develop their translational microbiome platform MICK, Sequentia Biotech has significantly advanced its capabilities and market presence.Current Capabilities
Sequentia Biotech offers a comprehensive suite of bioinformatics services including:
- Cloud-based user-friendly bioinformatics software
- Custom pipelines designed to handle large volumes of omics data
- Bioinformatics consulting services aimed at maximizing the value extracted from biological datasets
Their expertise covers multiple omics disciplines: - Genomics: Innovative tools for reliable genome assembly.
- Transcriptomics: Detailed gene expression analysis under specific conditions.
- Metagenomics: Pipelines for shotgun and selective amplification sequencing data.
- Epigenomics: Understanding gene regulation beyond genetic sequences.
Advancements Since EIC Funding Award
Development and Market Introduction of MICK Platform
The flagship product post-funding is MICK—an AI-powered decision support platform that automates microbiome analysis. It enables healthcare providers to interpret complex microbiome data at the point of care with high accuracy and personalization. This platform translates taxonomical and functional microbiome characterization into actionable clinical insights intended to improve patient-specific care decisions.
Since receiving EIC funding: - Sequentia has accelerated MICK’s development towards clinical readiness by performing further clinical validations as part of their roadmap over two years following the grant award.
Financial Backing & Growth Strategy
In late 2024, Sequentia secured an additional €10 million Series A equity investment led by Seventure Partners with co-investment from the EIC Fund. This capital infusion aims to further scale up MICK’s adoption globally along with enhancing their "Best-in-Class Bioinformatics Enabling Technologies". The investment reflects strong market confidence in both their vision for democratizing precision multi-omics research and commercial potential.
Walter Sanseverino (CEO) highlighted that this funding will accelerate innovation efforts enabling researchers and healthcare professionals worldwide to adopt MICK comprehensively. Scientific Director Riccardo Aiese Cigliano emphasized its potential across diverse health applications—from precision nutrition to developing novel microbiome-based therapies.
Demonstration & Market Validation
Sequentia Biotech has demonstrated its technology publicly through: - Participation in major events like Mobile World Congress 2023 presenting live demonstrations of MICK alongside other deep tech innovators selected by EIC programs.
While explicit details about ongoing or completed clinical trials were not found directly linked with public disclosures since funding receipt, statements on advancing clinical validations indicate progress towards regulatory compliance needed for broader medical adoption.
Intellectual Property & Publications
No direct references were located regarding newly filed patents or published scientific papers/whitepapers specifically after October 2021 within available sources. However:
Given their deeptech profile combined with active participation in EU-funded R&D projects, it is reasonable they maintain intellectual property activity typical for fast-growing biotech firms although no public patent announcements surfaced recently.
Summary
Since obtaining EIC Accelerator funding on October 6th, 2021:
- Sequentia Biotech has enhanced its technological capabilities focusing heavily on its AI-driven translational microbiome platform MICK which provides automated high-resolution interpretation of complex microbial community data applicable primarily within healthcare but also pharma/agriculture/industrial sectors.
- They have moved beyond prototype stage toward market introduction reinforced by a €10 million equity round co-led by the European Innovation Council Fund supporting scaling efforts globally.
- The company has actively showcased technology at international events confirming initial market interest while working towards further clinical validation stages necessary for healthcare integration.
No recent patent filings or new academic publications have been explicitly reported post-funding; however internal development remains robust given investor confidence.
Sources
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, SEQUENTIA BIOTECH SL, a Spanish bioinformatics company specializing in omics data analysis and application, has developed notable partnerships and customer relationships that have positioned it strongly in the market and supported its technological advancements.Partnerships and Customers
SEQUENTIA BIOTECH's portfolio includes collaborations with prominent research centers such as CRAG (Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics), IRTA (Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology), CSIC (Spanish National Research Council), IGB CNR, IGV CNR, UAB (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona), and UNINA (University of Naples Federico II) . These partnerships reflect a robust engagement with leading academic and research institutions across Europe.
The company serves clients worldwide—presently over 65 countries—with more than 1,200 users of its SaaS bioinformatics solutions. They have completed over 800 projects globally involving multinationals, research centers, hospitals, agriculture sectors, pharmaceuticals, healthcare providers, industry players, and environmental organizations .
New Investments Fueling Expansion
In September-October 2024 SEQUENTIA BIOTECH secured a €10 million Series A investment round led by Seventure Partners—a French venture capital firm experienced in life sciences—and co-invested by the EIC Fund. This significant equity injection is aimed at accelerating the market introduction and expansion of their flagship MICK platform as well as scaling their best-in-class bioinformatics enabling technologies .
MICK is designed to provide advanced data analysis for microbiome exploration across clinical decision-making contexts including biomedical research and biopharma applications. The platform’s innovative capabilities are expected to disrupt existing omics workflows by integrating multi-omics intelligence into practical healthcare solutions .
Nature of New Relationships
The relationship with Seventure Partners provides not only financial backing but also strategic mentorship to navigate growth stages. The EIC Fund involvement further validates SEQUENTIA’s vision within European innovation ecosystems focused on deeptech companies advancing life sciences .
Their collaboration network spans academia-industry interfaces where joint R&D projects advance genomics-related tools—for example through an industrial doctorate program linked to Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona focusing on chromatin interactions that underpin precision medicine innovations .
Market Positioning Impact
These new capital partnerships position SEQUENTIA BIOTECH as a key player at the intersection of bioinformatics technology development for healthcare precision medicine as well as agri-food innovation sectors. Their extensive client base combined with innovative software offerings enables scalable deployment across multiple industries including pharma development pipelines; agricultural biotechnology; food safety; environmental monitoring; etc., helping them capture broad market demand for omics-based insights .
Advancement in Technology & Scaling
The funding accelerates R&D efforts to enhance MICK’s cloud software capabilities while expanding custom consulting services tailored to large-scale omics data processing needs. Access to venture capital resources facilitates recruitment talent acquisition alongside infrastructure investments necessary for handling high-throughput genomic datasets efficiently.
Moreover,
- Collaborations with top-tier scientific institutions foster technology validation under rigorous conditions contributing directly to product refinement.
- Partnerships enable access to diverse biological datasets essential for training algorithms improving accuracy.
- Strategic investor input supports go-to-market strategies ensuring rapid adoption by key stakeholders such as researchers & clinicians globally.
Overall,
the enhanced ecosystem around SEQUENTIA BIOTECH post-EIC Accelerator funding has strengthened its competitive edge via expanded scientific collaborations along with influential investment partners who support both technological innovation pathways and global commercial scaling ambitions.
Sources
- Sequentia Biotech Customers Portfolio
- Sequentia Biotech Official Website
- Sequentia Biotech Secures €10 Million Equity Investment
- Biovegen - Sequentia Biotech Profile
- Catalonia Health - Investment News
- FinSMEs Funding Announcement
- Doctorats Industrials - Industrial Doctorate Collaboration Details
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Sequentia Biotech SL, a Spanish bioinformatics company specializing in omics data analysis and software solutions, has experienced notable growth and team development since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021.Team Size and Growth
- The current exact headcount of Sequentia Biotech is not explicitly stated in available sources. However, the company presents a well-rounded team comprising several key scientific and management roles on its website, including CEO & Co-founder Walter Sanseverino, CSO & Co-founder Riccardo Aiese Cigliano, CFO Claudia Carbonaro, Chief Bioinformatician Officer Andreu Paytuví Gallart, CIO Fulvio Vigilante, along with multiple PhD-level bioinformaticians and trainees.
- Since their EIC Accelerator success in late 2021, Sequentia has successfully secured a €10 million Series A funding round in October 2024 co-led by Seventure Partners and the EIC Fund. This influx of capital is aimed at accelerating market introduction of their flagship platform MICK and scaling up their bioinformatics technologies. Such growth financing strongly suggests an expansion phase likely accompanied by increased hiring.
- The company actively promotes career opportunities on its website emphasizing a diverse team culture based in Barcelona. It encourages candidates to follow job postings via LinkedIn but does not list specific open positions publicly as of now.
Hiring Status and Key Positions
- While no immediate open positions or recent hires are detailed publicly at this time beyond general invitations to apply for roles related to bioinformatics software development or consulting, the presence of specialized leadership roles (e.g., Chief Bioinformatician Officer) indicates strategic hires focused on deep expertise areas such as genomics, transcriptomics, metagenomics, epigenomics.
- The Series A investment signifies that future hiring will likely focus on expanding teams that support product development (MICK platform), sales/marketing for go-to-market strategies, R&D innovation teams working across healthcare precision medicine applications as well as agricultural biotech sectors.
Impact on Company’s Future
- New team members with backgrounds spanning omics sciences (genomics through epigenomics), advanced computational biology skills (Python/R programming), business management (including CFO expertise), and IT strategy are critical for scaling both technology advancement and commercial reach.
- Expanding these expert teams enables Sequentia Biotech to enhance its competitive edge by rapidly advancing multi-omic data interpretation tools that can transform clinical decision-making processes globally. This aligns with CEO Walter Sanseverino’s vision post-investment to democratize precision multi-omics applications worldwide through MICK platform adoption.
Management or Founding Team Changes
Summary
Since securing EIC Accelerator funds in October 2021 followed by a substantial €10 million Series A round led by Seventure Partners/EIC Fund in late 2024:- Sequentia Biotech has grown from a solid core founding group into an expanding multidisciplinary expert team.
- They maintain specialized leadership covering science (bioinformatics experts) through finance/IT.
- Active recruitment efforts indicate ongoing hiring aligned with scaling product MICK deployment globally across health/agriculture sectors.
- No known management turnover suggests stability at senior levels while gearing up for rapid growth enabled by fresh capital injection.
This strategic talent buildup supports their mission "to unlock full potential of omics" aiming at significant disruption within biomedical research workflows worldwide.
Sources:
7 The Media Features and Publications
Sequentia Biotech SL: Media, Publications, and Industry Engagement Post-EIC Accelerator FundingMedia Features and Public Recognition
Sequentia Biotech secured a €10 million Series A investment in October 2024 led by Seventure Partners and the EIC Fund to scale its bioinformatics platform MICK, which aims to transform clinical decision-making through omics data integration. The company was also awarded the Premio Emprendedores a la Innovación Agroalimentaria 2024 for its contributions to bioinformatics in agri-food innovation.
Publications Naming Sequentia Biotech SL
While specific third-party publications are not detailed in available sources, Sequentia has authored or contributed to over 70 scientific publications, focusing on genomics, transcriptomics, and precision medicine. Their work includes pioneering research on chromatin interactions and genome organization.
Content from Publications About the Company
Key highlights include:
- MICK Platform Development: Funds will accelerate market expansion of MICK, a platform designed to integrate omics data into clinical workflows.
- Transcriptomics Innovation: The 2017 launch of AIR (Automated RNA-Seq Interpretation) reduced RNA analysis costs by 50x compared to conventional methods.
Podcasts or Interviews with Team Members
No direct podcasts featuring Sequentia’s leadership were identified. However:
Conference Participation and Presentations
- Plant & Animal Genome Conference (PAG): Introduced AIR at PAG XXV in 2017; recent involvement is unspecified.
- Sequentia Disruptive Talks: Hosted events in February 2023 with experts discussing genomics and microbiomics.
- GRAPEDIA Training School: Co-hosted a March 2023 workshop on grapevine genomics in Barcelona.
Event Involvement Beyond Conferences
The company actively engages through:
- Industrial Doctorate Collaborations: Partnered with Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) for genome research projects since 2015.
- Award Ceremonies: Walter Sanseverino presented at the Premio Emprendedores ceremony in November 2024 alongside industry leaders like Vicio and Job&Talent.
Sources Used:
Note: Some citations may reference outdated URLs due to source discrepancies; verified links prioritize official domains like sequentiabiotech.com where possible.*
Do you need EIC Accelerator support?
Here is a list of the key service options for the EIC Accelerator:
Full Writing Service
All proposal sections are written by Stephan Segler, PhD.
Advisory Service
You write in-house but receive 1-on-1 support, templates, instructions, and reviews of all documents.
AI Writer & Training
A high-quality AI writer for EIC Accelerator Step 1 and a comprehensive Training program for Steps 1 and 2 including all templates and instructions.