1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program: An Overview

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, particularly those engaged in deep tech innovations. It aims to facilitate the development and scaling of breakthrough technologies and high-impact innovations that hold the potential to create significant economic and societal benefits across Europe.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator provides a unique blended finance model that combines both grant funding and equity investment.

Purpose and Role in the Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a critical role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by providing financial backing and mentorship to high-potential startups. The program not only alleviates the financial burden associated with innovation but also connects companies to a broader network of investors and partners. By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, the EIC Accelerator enhances the potential for scaling successful innovations, thus contributing to Europe's global competitiveness in technology.

SONIO: An EIC Accelerator Success Story

Company Overview

Name: SONIO
Country: France
Website: sonio.ai
EIC Accelerator Project Acronym: d3pm
Project Title: Deep-Learning for Detection and Diagnostic of Prenatal Malformations
Cut-off Date: October 5, 2022

Project Description

SONIO's project, d3pm, focuses on leveraging advanced deep learning techniques to improve the detection and diagnosis of prenatal malformations. The technology aims to enhance prenatal imaging analysis, offering healthcare professionals more accurate and timely information about fetal health.

Technology Overview

The core technology behind SONIO's project revolves around deep learning algorithms specifically trained to analyze sonographic images. These algorithms are designed to recognize patterns and anomalies that may indicate prenatal malformations.

Background

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program, through its blended finance model, plays an essential role in nurturing innovative companies like SONIO. By providing critical funding and support, it empowers startups to bring transformative technologies to market, thereby enhancing healthcare outcomes and contributing to the overall growth of the European innovation landscape. SONIO’s d3pm project exemplifies the potential of deep learning in medical diagnostics, showcasing the intersection of technology and healthcare to address pressing societal challenges.

2 The Funding Rounds

# Sonio: Funding Journey and Growth Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Sonio, a French medtech company specializing in AI-powered prenatal screening solutions, has successfully secured multiple funding rounds since receiving the prestigious EIC Accelerator funding in late 2022. The company's innovative platform uses artificial intelligence to help practitioners analyze and diagnose congenital malformations during prenatal ultrasounds.

EIC Accelerator Funding (December 2022)

On December 20, 2022, Sonio announced that it had secured €10 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program. This funding package consisted of:

• €2.5 million in grants
• €7.5 million in equity investment

Sonio was one of only 78 companies selected out of 1,092 submitted proposals for this highly competitive accelerator program. This funding came after the company had already raised €5 million earlier in June 2022 from investors including Elaia, OneRagtime, and Bpi France.

Series A Funding (July 2023)

Following the EIC Accelerator funding, Sonio continued its successful fundraising trajectory:

• On July 11, 2023, Sonio announced the completion of a $14 million Series A funding round
• This round was led by Cross Border Impact Ventures, a North American impact fund dedicated to women's and children's health, along with Elaia funds, French Tech Seed (managed by Bpifrance), and OneRagtime
• Several business angels also participated, including Dominique Gaillard (former president of France Invest), Alain Decombe (Dechert), and Yann Fleureau (founder of Cardiologs)

Acquisition (May 2024)

In a significant development for the company:

• Sonio was acquired on May 7, 2024
• The acquisition amount and acquiring company details are not fully disclosed in the available search results

Total Funding and Valuation

According to available data:

• Sonio has raised a total of $29.86 million across 6 funding rounds
• The company's enterprise value was estimated at approximately $93 million
• The company's valuation at the time of acquisition in May 2024 is not explicitly stated in the search results

Funding Timeline

Date	Round	Amount	Key Investors
June 29, 2022	Seed VC	€5 million	Elaia, OneRagtime, Bpi France
December 20, 2022	EIC Accelerator	€10 million (€2.5M grant + €7.5M equity)	European Innovation Council
July 11, 2023	Series A	$14 million	Cross Border Impact Ventures, Elaia funds, French Tech Seed, OneRagtime
May 7, 2024	Acquisition	Undisclosed	Undisclosed

Use of Funding

Sonio has strategically utilized its funding to advance several key business objectives:

• Accelerating the release of new features on their AI platform, including embedded image recognition and genomics capabilities
• Initiating commercial development in the United States
• Boosting sales operations in Europe and India
• Adapting their technology for use with portable ultrasound scanners
• Conducting more research and clinical studies to improve their AI technology
• Filing additional patents in Europe

Company Background and Mission

Sonio was founded with the mission of improving access to quality pregnancy monitoring for all. The company developed an AI-powered software that:

• Combines patient medical history, genetic and biological data, and ultrasound semiology
• Helps practitioners analyze and diagnose congenital malformations
• Assists sonographers during prenatal screening scans
• Provides image quality control and detection of potential anomalies

The company has established strategic partnerships with several organizations, including Samsung France (one of the leading women's health ultrasound manufacturers) and specialized distributors like Lifecell in India, Manager Systems in Brazil, and Dynamic Medicals in Nigeria.

According to Cécile Brosset, CEO and Co-Founder of Sonio, the funding has enabled the company to pursue its mission of improving access and quality of care for women and children worldwide, particularly in regions where healthcare access is limited.

Sources: - https://sonio.ai/news/10-million-secured-eic/

• https://www.elaia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sonio-Funding-Announcement-Press-Release.pdf
• https://sonio.ai/news/series-a-funding/
• https://siliconcanals.com/sonio-raises-10m/
• https://www.eu-startups.com/2022/12/paris-based-sonio-has-raised-e10-million-to-enhance-prenatal-care-and-close-the-health-gap/
• https://www.cbinsights.com/company/sonio-1/financials
• https://tech.eu/2023/07/11/french-based-femtech-sonio-raises-14-million-to-kick-off-commercial-development-of-its-ai-prenatal-screening-solution-in-the-us/
• https://app.dealroom.co/companies/sonio

3 The Press Releases

Sonio: A French AI Startup Empowering Fetal Medicine

Sonio, a French AI startup, received €10 million in funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in October 2022. This significant investment reflects Sonio's innovative approach to improving fetal medicine through AI-powered ultrasound analysis.

Technology Advancements

Sonio's technology is designed to enhance fetal anomaly detection during pregnancy ultrasounds. The company has developed AI models that improve the detection of congenital malformations, addressing a critical gap where up to 51% of anomalies are not detected during standard prenatal screenings. Recently, Sonio's AIassistant

Sonio, a French AI startup, received €10 million in funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in October 2022. This significant investment reflects Sonio's innovative approach to improving fetal medicine through AI-powered ultrasound analysis.

Technology Advancements

Sonio's technology is designed to enhance fetal anomaly detection during pregnancy ultrasounds. The company has developed AI models that improve the detection of congenital malformations, addressing a critical gap where up to 51% of anomalies are not detected during standard prenatal screenings. Recently, Sonio's AI model, Sonio Suspect, received FDA clearance for detecting fetal anomalies, showing a 22-point improvement in reader performance and enabling earlier diagnosis and better maternal-fetal health outcomes.

Partnerships

Sonio has established partnerships with several key players in the healthcare sector, including Samsung France, Lifecell in India, Manager Systems in Brazil, and Dynamic Medicals in Nigeria. These partnerships aim to expand Sonio's reach and improve access to its AI solutions for healthcare providers globally.

Products and Services

Sonio offers two main products: Sonio Diagnostics and Sonio Pro. Sonio Diagnostics is designed for expert diagnostic ultrasounds and has quickly found clients in the market. Sonio Pro, launched in October 2022, focuses on securing and streamlining routine pregnancy ultrasounds, already gaining traction among European customers.

Press Releases and Updates

Sonio's website features press releases detailing its funding achievements and technological advancements. The company announced its €10 million funding from the EIC Accelerator, highlighting the strategic use of this investment to accelerate feature development and expand market entry into the USA and other regions. Additionally, Sonio shares updates on its AI model's FDA clearance and its impact on fetal anomaly detection.

Team and Mission

Sonio's team combines expertise in fetal medicine, AI, software development, and ultrasound imaging. The company is led by Co-founders Cécile Brosset (CEO) and Rémi Besson (Chief Scientific Officer). Their mission is to leverage AI to improve pregnancy care worldwide, focusing on early and accurate detection of congenital malformations.

Press Release Structure

For social media and traditional press releases, Sonio follows a structured approach, including key details such as funding announcements, technology advancements, and company mission. This structure typically includes a clear headline, subheader, dateline, body text, quotes from significant team members, and company information.

Sources:

• Sonio Secures €10 Million From EIC
• French Startup Sonio raises €10M through the European Innovation Council Accelerator
• Sonio Receives €10M Through the EIC Accelerator Fund
• Company Archives - Sonio AI
• FDA clears Sonio Suspect AI for fetal anomaly detection
• Advances in AI — February 2025
• Social Media Press Release Guide

4 The Technology Advancements

Sonio's Post-EIC Accelerator Growth: AI Innovations in Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Since securing €10 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in December 2022, Sonio has accelerated its mission to improve prenatal care through AI-driven ultrasound solutions. The French startup has expanded its technological capabilities, commercial reach, and clinical impact globally.

Technological Advancements

• Sonio Detect: Received FDA 510(k) clearance in 2023 as the first machine-agnostic AI assistant for real-time fetal ultrasound reporting and image quality control[^4^][^5^].
• Portable Ultrasound Integration: Adapted its SaaS platform for portable devices to address medical deserts and underserved regions, particularly targeting sub-Saharan Africa where maternal mortality remains high[^9^].
• Multimodal Platform Development: Advanced integrations of genomics data and enhanced image-recognition AI to automate anomaly detection during ultrasounds[^6^][^9^].

Market Demonstration & Commercialization

• Global Partnerships: Collaborated with Samsung Healthcare France (since 2021), LifeCell (India), Manager Systems (Brazil), and Dynamic Medicals (Nigeria) to deploy solutions worldwide.
• U.S. Market Entry: Launched commercially in 2023 after raising $14 million in Series A funding led by Cross Border Impact Ventures.
• Regulatory Milestones: Secured CE mark for Sonio Detect in Europe following FDA clearance, enabling broader adoption across diagnostic centers.

Intellectual Property & Clinical Validation

While specific patents are not detailed publicly, Sonio emphasized expanding its IP portfolio post-EIC funding through collaborations with institutions like Necker Hospital and Ecole Polytechnique. The company also highlighted ongoing clinical studies to validate AI performance across diverse patient populations, though no new whitepapers or trial results were explicitly cited.

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Sources

Sonio At SMFM 2025: Advancing AI In Maternal-Fetal Medicine Samsung Medison buying French ultrasound AI startup for $92M Sonio Receives CE Mark Samsung to acquire ultrasound artificial intelligence firm Sonio Sonio raises €10M through EIC Accelerator Sonio Raises $14 Million Series A Socio Receives EIC Funding for Fetal Care AI

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Sonio's Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Sonio, the French femtech specializing in AI-driven prenatal ultrasound solutions, has significantly expanded its partnerships and market reach since securing €2.5 million in grants and €7.5 million in equity investment through the EIC Accelerator in December 2022.

Key Partnerships and Collaborations

• Samsung Medison Acquisition: In May 2024, Samsung Medison announced a $92.7 million acquisition of Sonio to integrate its AI-powered ultrasound workflow tools into Samsung’s global medical imaging ecosystem. Despite the acquisition, Sonio will operate independently and maintain compatibility with all ultrasound manufacturers, ensuring its technology remains agnostic.
• Portable Ultrasound Manufacturers: Sonio has actively partnered with manufacturers of portable ultrasound devices to equip non-expert practitioners (e.g., general practitioners, midwives) in medical deserts globally. These collaborations aim to standardize prenatal care quality while addressing maternal mortality rates disproportionately affecting regions like sub-Saharan Africa.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

• AI-Driven Workflow Tools: The company’s FDA-cleared Sonio Detect software uses deep learning for real-time image quality control during fetal ultrasounds, reducing diagnostic errors. Its multimodal platform integrates imaging and genomics data to enhance anomaly detection.
• Global Commercial Expansion: Post-acquisition, Sonio plans to leverage Samsung Medison’s distribution networks to accelerate adoption in underserved markets while maintaining focus on developed countries facing specialist shortages (e.g., U.S., France).

Market Positioning

The Samsung partnership positions Sonio as a leader in AI-enhanced prenatal diagnostics by combining its SaaS expertise with Samsung’s hardware scale. Its commitment to interoperability ensures accessibility across healthcare systems—critical for low-resource regions lacking specialized personnel.

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Sources

• Femtech Company, Sonio Raises $14 Million
• Samsung Medison Acquires Sonio
• Sono's Independence Post-Acquisition
• Sonio's EIC Accelerator Grant

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Sonio: Growth and Team Development Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Sonio, a French health-tech startup specializing in AI-powered ultrasound diagnostics, has experienced significant growth since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022. Here's an overview of their team expansion, hiring status, and strategic developments:

Team Growth and Current Headcount

• Team Size Growth: Sonio doubled its team size from 35 to 70 employees in 2024, marking substantial growth within a short period.
• Current Team Size: As of late 2024, Sonio's team consists of approximately 70 members.

Hiring Status

There is no specific information available about whether Sonio is currently hiring. However, the company's recent acquisition by Samsung Medison might influence future hiring decisions.

Key Positions and Recent Hires

While specific recent hires are not detailed, the expansion suggests that Sonio has filled various roles across AI development, healthcare consulting, and sales to support its growth.

Impact of New Team Members

The addition of new team members is crucial for Sonio's continued innovation and expansion in AI-powered ultrasound solutions. These new hires will likely contribute to enhancing Sonio's diagnostic capabilities, improving product integration, and expanding market reach, especially following the acquisition by Samsung Medison.

Management Changes

Acquisition by Samsung Medison: In September 2024, Samsung Medison acquired Sonio, marking a significant strategic change. This acquisition is expected to enhance Sonio's capabilities by leveraging Samsung's technological prowess and global reach.

Future Outlook

The acquisition by Samsung Medison positions Sonio to play a pivotal role in Samsung's healthcare business expansion. This partnership is expected to enhance Sonio's AI solutions and further integrate them into Samsung's existing medical equipment offerings, contributing to global healthcare innovations.

Sources

• Sonio 2024 Highlights: Growth In AI And Ultrasound Care
• Sonio At SMFM 2025: Advancing AI In Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Sonio company information, funding & investors
• Samsung Electronics' affiliate completes acquisition of French ...

7 The Media Features and Publications

Sonio: Media Features and Public Engagement Since EIC Accelerator Funding Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, Sonio has expanded its global footprint in AI-driven prenatal ultrasound technology, with notable media coverage and public engagements.

Media Features & Publications

• AuntMinnie highlighted Samsung Medison’s acquisition of Sonio, emphasizing its FDA-cleared AI software for prenatal ultrasound analysis[^auntminnie].
• The Next Web reported the acquisition as part of France’s growing AI ecosystem, noting Sonio’s role in advancing fetal care technology[^nextweb].
• VCCircle detailed the completion of Samsung Medison’s acquisition, quoting CEO Yong Kwan Kim on synergies between Samsung’s ultrasound business and Sonio’s AI capabilities[^vccircle].

Podcast Appearances

Cécile Brosset (formerly Dubois), CEO and co-founder, discussed Sonio’s mission-driven approach to improving prenatal care on SciPro Global's Life Sci AI podcast. She outlined the company’s focus on streamlining workflows for sonographers while addressing gaps in women's health innovation[^scipro1][^scipro2].

Conferences & Events

While specific conference participations are not detailed in available sources, Sonio has emphasized collaborations through strategic partnerships. Following its acquisition by Samsung Medison (finalized August 2024), the company continues to operate independently from France while leveraging Samsung's global medical imaging network[^sonioblog][^vccircle].

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Sources

• Samsung Medison to acquire Sonio - AuntMinnie
• French AI toasts $200M for Holistic but gets warning in Sonio sale - The Next Web
• Samsung Medison completes acquisition of AI startup Sonio - VCCircle
• Life Sci AI | The Podcast | S5 Ep 2 - SciPro Global (Episode link 1)

+ Life Sci AI | The Podcast | S5 Ep 2 - SciPro Global (Episode link 2; corrected URL not available; see prior link for direct access). Note: Both links reference the same episode. For clarity, only one is retained below: → Primary source: Life Sci AI Podcast with Cecile Brosset (specific episode URL unavailable; refer to domain-level page). Note: The exact episode URLs are provided above under "Podcast Appearances." + Company updates via official blog: Sonio Blog – 2024 Highlights (Link inferred from search results; actual post may differ). Correct URL per search data: Sonio Highlights Post-Acquisition (Note: Search results reference a blog post titled "2024 Highlights," but no direct URL is provided except domain-level links like `sonio.ai/blog`.) → Use primary URLs above for cited content.

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All references derive from publicly available sources as indexed.