1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program is a pivotal initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC), designed to support high-risk, innovative startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe. This program provides financial assistance through a blended finance model that combines grants and equity investments, thereby catering to the diverse needs of ambitious companies aiming to scale their operations and commercialize groundbreaking technologies.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers substantial funding opportunities, which include:

Purpose and Impact on the European DeepTech Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a significant role in nurturing the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem. Its purpose extends beyond mere financial support; it aims to facilitate the transformation of innovative ideas into market-ready products and services. By providing funding, mentoring, and access to a network of industry experts and potential investors, the program empowers companies to navigate the challenges of scaling and commercialization effectively.

Moreover, the EIC Accelerator serves as a catalyst for attracting additional private sector investments. By validating the potential of innovative startups through its rigorous selection process, the program enhances the credibility of these companies, making them more attractive to private investors. This alignment fosters a more vibrant ecosystem where high-risk, high-reward innovations can flourish.

SILK BIOMATERIALS SRL and the KLISBio Project

SILK BIOMATERIALS SRL, an innovative company based in Italy, is a notable winner of the EIC Accelerator program with its project, KLISBio. The project focuses on developing silk fibroin tissue grafting solutions for peripheral nerve repair, an area that has significant implications for medical treatments and patient recovery.

Technology Basics and Background

The KLISBio project leverages the unique properties of silk fibroin, a natural protein derived from silk, known for its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical strength. Silk fibroin has been extensively studied for its applications in tissue engineering due to its ability to support cell adhesion and proliferation, making it an ideal candidate for nerve repair.

Peripheral nerve injuries can have devastating effects on motor and sensory functions, often resulting in long-term disability. Traditional nerve repair techniques, such as nerve grafting, can be limited by the availability of donor tissues and complications associated with the use of synthetic materials. The KLISBio project aims to address these challenges by developing a silk fibroin-based graft that can not only facilitate nerve regeneration but also promote healing without the drawbacks associated with conventional methods.

The innovative approach taken by SILK BIOMATERIALS SRL involves the careful processing of silk fibroin to create scaffolds that mimic the natural extracellular matrix of nerves. These scaffolds encourage the growth of nerve cells and the regeneration of damaged tissue, potentially leading to improved functional outcomes for patients with peripheral nerve injuries.

The project is expected to undergo extensive testing and validation, with the aim of entering clinical applications that could significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals suffering from nerve damage. The financial support from the EIC Accelerator will be instrumental in scaling production, conducting clinical trials, and ultimately bringing this innovative solution to market.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator program represents a crucial mechanism for fostering innovation in Europe by providing comprehensive support to high-potential startups like SILK BIOMATERIALS SRL. Through initiatives such as the KLISBio project, the program not only enhances the capabilities of individual companies but also strengthens the overall landscape of technological advancement and entrepreneurship within the European Union.

2 The Funding Rounds

# KLISBio (SILK BIOMATERIALS SRL): EIC Accelerator Success and Funding Journey

SILK BIOMATERIALS SRL, now operating as KLISBio, is an Italian MedTech company that has established itself as an innovator in the regenerative medicine field through its silk-based technology platform. The company achieved a significant milestone when it secured funding through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in the November 8, 2023 cut-off round, with results announced on February 28, 2024.

EIC Accelerator Funding

KLISBio secured a €2.5 million non-dilutive grant through the EIC Accelerator program, which will support the company's innovative work in silk fibroin tissue grafting for peripheral nerve repair. This grant is part of the EIC's total budget allocation of €285 million distributed among 42 companies in this funding round.

The company was awarded under the "Grant Only" category, which represented just 7% of the funded companies in this particular cut-off. The majority of companies (62%) received blended finance combining grants and equity investments.

Beyond the immediate grant, KLISBio's successful application also opens the door to potential future access to a significant equity matching facility provided by the EIC, offering additional growth opportunities for the company.

Previous Funding Rounds

While specific comprehensive information about all of KLISBio's previous funding rounds is limited in the search results, there is evidence of earlier financing activities when the company operated under different branding:

• In February 2016, when operating as Silk Therapeutics, the company closed a $6 million Series A2 financing round, bringing their total Series A funding to $10.25 million at that time.
• This Series A2 round was led by existing investor The Kraft Group, with participation from new investors including Lear Corporation and Highland Consumer Partners, as well as existing investors including Sheri and Roy P. Disney, Richard Sackler with Summer Road LLC, and others.

Company Leadership and Vision

KLISBio's leadership includes:

• Gabriele Grecchi, CEO and Co-Founder
• Antonio Alessandrino, Chief Technology Officer and Founder

The company is focused on advancing its SILKBridge technology for peripheral nerve repair, with additional applications in development including rotator cuff repair, bone grafting, and vascular grafting.

Strategic Direction

The EIC Accelerator funding represents a pivotal moment for KLISBio, positioning the company for accelerated growth and increased collaboration opportunities within Europe. The company aims to leverage this support to:

The recognition from the EIC Accelerator Program validates KLISBio's innovative approach to regenerative medicine and provides the financial resources needed to bring its groundbreaking technologies to market.

Market Context

KLISBio operates in the competitive MedTech and regenerative medicine sectors, where innovative approaches to tissue repair and regeneration are highly valued. The company's focus on silk-based technologies provides a unique positioning in this market.

The funding environment for innovative startups has been challenging in recent years, with the time between funding rounds reaching decade highs in 2024. This makes KLISBio's success in securing EIC Accelerator funding particularly significant for the company's growth trajectory.

Sources: - KLISBio Secures €2.5 Million Grant by the EIC Accelerator Program to Propel Growth in Europe

• Unveiling the Latest EIC Accelerator Results: A Comprehensive Analysis
• Latest EIC Accelerator Results - Rasph
• Silk Therapeutics Raises $6 Million In Series A2 Financing

3 The Press Releases

Silk Biomaterials SRL: Post-EIC Accelerator Developments Silk Biomaterials SRL, operating as KLISBio post-rebranding, is an Italy-based clinical-stage regenerative medicine company specializing in silk fibroin biomedical solutions. While specific details about their EIC Accelerator win in November 2023 are not publicly disclosed through the provided sources, their activities and advancements align closely with the EIC’s focus on high-impact innovations.

Key Developments

• Rebranding to KLISBio: In 2022, the company transitioned to KLISBio ("KLIS" being "silk" spelled backward), reflecting its mission to leverage silk’s biocompatibility for tissue regeneration.
• Technology Focus: Their platform develops silk-based grafts for peripheral nerve repair, vascular reconstruction, bone defects, and rotator cuff injuries.
• Clinical Pipeline: Their first product—a peripheral nerve graft—was slated for clinical availability by 2023, aligning with their post-EIC commercialization phase.

Partnerships and Collaborations
KLISBio participated in the EU-funded EURONANOMED III consortium, focusing on antimicrobial nano-functionalized silk matrices for orthopedic and dental implants. This collaboration underscores their role in advancing Europe’s regenerative medicine ecosystem.

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Sources

• Silk Biomaterials ushers in the next evolution of life sciences innovation with rebranding
• Antimicrobial Nano-Functionalization of Silk Fibroin Matrices (EURONANOMED III)

Note: No press releases from silkbiomaterials.com or social media accounts were identified via available data.

4 The Technology Advancements

Overview of Silk Biomaterials S.r.l.

Silk Biomaterials S.r.l., based in Italy, is a company specializing in the development of biomaterials focused on silk-based technologies. The company has been involved in various biomedical applications, including bone regeneration and nerve repair, utilizing silk fibroin, a protein known for its biocompatibility and lack of immune response.

Recent Developments Since EIC Accelerator Funding

As of the latest available information, there is no specific data detailing advancements made by Silk Biomaterials S.r.l. following their receipt of the EIC Accelerator funding on November 8, 2023. However, the company's general focus areas include biomimetic peptides for bone regeneration and silk scaffolds for nerve repair.

Technological Improvements and New Features

While there is no direct information on new features or technological improvements since the funding, the company's ongoing projects likely continue to leverage silk fibroin's unique properties for tissue regeneration and repair. Silk fibroin is noted for its versatility and biological compatibility, which supports its use in various medical applications.

Market Demonstration and Clinical Trials

There is no recent publicly available information on whether Silk Biomaterials S.r.l. has demonstrated their technology in market trials, pilot projects, or clinical trials since receiving the EIC funding. The company's previous work involved developing materials for clinical applications, but specific recent developments are not detailed.

New Patents and Scientific Publications

Silk Biomaterials S.r.l. recently filed a patent application in the USPTO, with the status pending as of early 2025. The application involves biomimetic peptides for bone regeneration. However, there are no recent scientific studies or whitepapers specifically mentioned in the available data.

Conclusion

Silk Biomaterials S.r.l. is actively engaged in developing innovative biomaterials, but detailed information on specific advancements since the EIC Accelerator funding remains limited. The company continues to focus on the medical applications of silk-based materials, with ongoing efforts likely aimed at enhancing these technologies.

Sources

• Silk Biomaterials S.r.l. - IPqwery
• Silk Biomaterials S.r.l. - IPqwery (CIPO)
• Silk Biomaterial Could Regenerate the Brain After a Stroke

5 The Partnerships and Customers

SILK BIOMATERIALS SRL: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments

Company Overview

SILK BIOMATERIALS SRL, based in Italy, has been recognized for its innovative use of silk biomaterials, a field that has seen significant advancements in recent years. Silk biomaterials are highly valued for their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and versatility in biomedical applications, including wound healing, tissue engineering, and drug delivery systems.

Partnerships and Customers

As of the latest available information, specific details about SILK BIOMATERIALS SRL's partnerships, customers, or new entities they have associated themselves with are not publicly disclosed. However, the nature of their business suggests potential collaborations with entities in the biomedical sector, given the focus on silk biomaterials for healthcare applications.

New Partners and Customers

There is no publicly available data on new partners or customers for SILK BIOMATERIALS SRL following their EIC Accelerator funding in November 2023. The company's involvement in the EIC Accelerator program indicates a strong potential for future collaborations and expansion in the field of biomaterials.

Nature of New Relationships and Purpose

Any new relationships or partnerships would likely aim to enhance SILK BIOMATERIALS SRL's technological capabilities, market presence, and scalability in the biomaterials industry. These partnerships could facilitate advancements in product development, regulatory compliance, and access to broader markets.

Market Positioning

SILK BIOMATERIALS SRL's participation in the EIC Accelerator program positions the company as a leader in innovative biomaterials research. This recognition can attract investors, collaborators, and customers, potentially increasing their market share in the biomedical sector.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

New relationships will likely focus on enhancing the company's technology through collaborations with research institutions or other industry players. Scaling efforts might involve expanding production facilities, entering new markets, or developing new applications for their silk biomaterials.

Sources

• Designing Silk Biomaterials toward Better Future Healthcare
• Exploring Silk's Full Potential
• Sustainable Silk-Based Particulate Systems for the Controlled Release of Pharmaceuticals
• Disentangling the Web: An Interdisciplinary Review on the Potential of Spider Silk
• Tuning the Biodegradation Rate of Silk Materials via Embedded Proteases
• EIC Accelerator
• Silk Biomaterials SRL Website
• Note: Specific details about SILK BIOMATERIALS SRL's recent partnerships and collaborations are not publicly available. The provided information focuses on the general context of silk biomaterials and their potential applications.

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Based on available information, specific details about Silk Biomaterials SRL's hiring practices, team size, and organizational structure post-EIC Accelerator funding remain undisclosed in publicly accessible documents. However, insights can be drawn from their translational activities and industry context:

Team Growth & Hiring
While exact headcount figures are unavailable, the company’s focus on clinical translation of silk-based medical devices suggests ongoing recruitment for specialized roles in regulatory affairs, biomaterials engineering, and clinical trial management. The EIC Accelerator funding typically supports scaling operations, which often involves strategic hires to accelerate R&D and commercialization.

Recent Developments & Scaling
Silk Biomaterials SRL has emphasized advancing silk fibroin-based products through preclinical stages toward clinical adoption. Their translational roadmap likely requires interdisciplinary teams to address manufacturing scalability and regulatory compliance. Key positions may include biomaterial scientists with expertise in FDA/CE certification processes and partnership managers for collaboration with healthcare providers.

Management & Strategic Direction
No public changes to the founding team or management have been reported. The company’s trajectory aligns with leveraging silk’s biocompatibility for applications such as wound healing matrices or implantable devices—areas highlighted in broader industry research as growth sectors for natural biomaterials.

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Sources

• A Route to Translate a Silk-Based Medical Device from Lab to Clinic
• Application of silk fibroin-based composite films in biomedicine and biotechnology
• Biomaterials Market Size Booms at 15.63% CAGR by 2034

7 The Media Features and Publications

Media Features and Public Engagement of SILK BIOMATERIALS SRL (KLISBio) While specific media features or podcasts directly involving SILK BIOMATERIALS SRL (rebranded as KLISBio in 2022) are not explicitly detailed in available sources, the company has demonstrated active participation in innovation ecosystems. Its rebranding to KLISBio in early 2022 marked a strategic shift, including redesigned communication targeting stakeholders and life science professionals. The company’s foundational history highlights its origins at ComoNExT Innovation Hub and non-dilutive funding awards, though no direct interviews or podcasts are cited.

Publications and Academic Recognition
KLISBio’s work centers on silk fibroin-based regenerative medicine platforms. While peer-reviewed publications are not directly listed, the company emphasizes patented technologies for peripheral nerve repair, vascular grafts, and bone substitutes. Its focus on biocompatible silk scaffolds aligns with broader biomaterials research trends showcased at events like the Society for Biomaterials Annual Meeting (e.g., 2023 conference), though KLISBio’s specific participation is unconfirmed.

Conference Participation and Industry Events
KLISBio operates within the medtech sector but lacks publicly reported conference presentations or fair participations post-rebranding. The Society for Biomaterials 2023 Annual Meeting focused on translational research, a theme relevant to KLISBio’s clinical-stage assets like vascular grafts, but direct involvement remains unspecified.

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Sources

• KLISBio Company History
• Silk Biomaterials ZoomInfo Profile
• Society For Biomaterials 2023 Conference

Note: No EIC Accelerator-specific announcements were found in available sources.