1 The EIC Accelerator Project

Overview of the EIC Accelerator Program

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in developing innovative technologies and scaling up their solutions. This initiative is particularly focused on high-risk, high-potential companies that are engaged in deep-tech sectors. The program provides a unique blend of funding and support to help these entities overcome common barriers to innovation and market entry.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a blended finance model that combines grant funding and equity investment. The grant component allows companies to receive up to €2.5 million, which can be used for various activities like research and development, prototyping, and market validation. This non-repayable funding is crucial for early-stage companies that require financial backing to advance their projects without the immediate pressure of repayment.

In addition to grants, the EIC Accelerator offers equity investment, which can go up to €15 million until 2024 and will be capped at €10 million starting in 2025. This equity financing is provided through the EIC Fund, enabling startups to attract the necessary capital for scaling operations, expanding market reach, and accelerating growth. The dual funding structure is designed to reduce the financial risks associated with innovation and to enhance the competitiveness of European deep-tech startups.

Purpose of the EIC Accelerator

The primary objective of the EIC Accelerator is to strengthen the European startup ecosystem, particularly in the deep-tech domain. By providing comprehensive financial and advisory support, the program aims to foster innovation, drive technological advancement, and enhance the global competitiveness of European companies. The EIC Accelerator also seeks to bridge the gap between public funding and private investment, encouraging private sector participation and collaboration.

Role in Scaling Companies

The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in helping companies scale their operations and secure additional funding from private sectors. By providing initial funding and support, the program enables startups to develop their technologies to a stage where they can attract further investment. The backing from the EIC not only enhances the credibility of the projects but also creates a solid foundation for companies to engage with venture capitalists, angel investors, and other financial institutions.

In addition to funding, the EIC Accelerator offers advisory services, mentorship, and access to a vast network of industry experts and potential partners. This holistic approach ensures that companies not only receive financial support but also gain the strategic insights and connections necessary for successful scaling.

Case Study: SPACEPHARMA R&D ISRAEL LTD and the SPACTORY Project

SPACEPHARMA R&D ISRAEL LTD is a notable winner of the EIC Accelerator, having successfully secured funding for its innovative project, SPACTORY. The project focuses on revolutionizing pharmaceutical development and manufacturing through the utilization of microgravity environments.

Project Overview: SPACTORY

SPACTORY aims to leverage the unique conditions of microgravity to enhance the drug development process and improve the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. Traditional pharmaceutical development often faces numerous challenges, including limitations in the effectiveness of drug formulations and the inefficiencies of current manufacturing processes. By conducting experiments in microgravity, SPACEPHARMA seeks to discover new insights and develop more effective drug candidates.

Technology Background

The core technology behind SPACTORY involves the use of microgravity environments, which can be achieved through platforms like the International Space Station (ISS) or specialized parabolic flight systems. In microgravity, the behavior of materials can differ significantly from that on Earth, leading to unique opportunities for scientific exploration. For instance, crystallization processes can be more uniform, potentially resulting in higher purity and improved drug efficacy.

By optimizing the formulation of drugs in microgravity, SPACTORY aims to unlock new therapeutic potentials, address previously unsolvable challenges in drug development, and ultimately lead to the creation of more effective pharmaceutical products. This innovative approach not only has the potential to benefit the pharmaceutical industry but also positions SPACEPHARMA at the forefront of a new era in drug manufacturing.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program plays a pivotal role in nurturing the European deep-tech ecosystem by providing essential funding and support to innovative startups like SPACEPHARMA R&D ISRAEL LTD. Through initiatives such as SPACTORY, the program enables groundbreaking advancements in pharmaceutical development, showcasing the transformative potential of combining technology with microgravity research. The EIC Accelerator continues to be a vital source of support, driving innovation and scalability in the European startup landscape. For more information, visit space4p.com.

2 The Funding Rounds

# SpacePharma R&D Israel Ltd: EIC Accelerator Success and Funding Journey

SpacePharma R&D Israel Ltd, an innovative company specializing in space-based pharmaceutical research, secured significant funding through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in 2024. The company leverages microgravity environments to conduct advanced scientific research using microfluidics-based "lab on a chip" technology, enabling experiments that yield results unattainable on Earth.

EIC Accelerator Funding Details

SpacePharma was among nine Israeli companies awarded funding in the highly competitive March 2024 EIC Accelerator call. The application process concluded with the Step 2 proposal submission deadline on March 13, 2024, with results published on July 15, 2024. This particular funding round was extremely selective, with a combined success rate of only 7% across all stages of evaluation.

The company received a substantial grant package consisting of: - A direct grant of €2.2 million

A commitment from the EIC Accelerator to purchase shares worth €7.5 million, contingent on SpacePharma raising an equal amount from investors

If successful in securing matching funds, SpacePharma stands to receive total funding of approximately €15 million to advance its innovative space-based pharmaceutical research.

Funding History and Investors

SpacePharma has attracted several notable investors throughout its development:

The company's business model revolves around providing research-as-a-service (RaaS), charging fees for the use of its microfluidic lab-on-a-chip technology and associated research services. This approach ensures a steady revenue stream while fostering innovation in pharmaceutical research.

Technology and Market Position

SpacePharma has positioned itself as a pioneer in conducting pharmaceutical research in microgravity environments. The company's technology enables:

• Production of monoclonal antibodies in space that target various tumors and skin cancer
• Development of three-dimensional structures impossible to achieve under Earth's gravity
• Acceleration of aging models and disease studies
• Cost-effective and agile platforms for pharmaceutical research

The company primarily serves clients in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic research sectors, helping reduce the time and cost associated with developing new therapies.

Previous Research Collaborations

Prior to its EIC Accelerator success, SpacePharma had already established significant research partnerships. In 2017, the company was selected as part of the Space Florida-Israel Innovation Partnership Program, where it collaborated with Micro-gRx and Sanford Burnham Prebys' Medical Discovery Institute to develop better disease models of muscle-wasting associated with aging. This research incorporated gene analysis of human muscle cells in a microgravity environment using SpacePharma's microfluidic Lab-On-A-Chip system aboard the International Space Station.

Current Status and Future Prospects

As of May 2025, SpacePharma continues to advance its space-based pharmaceutical research. In December 2024, the company announced its selection for the prestigious EIC Accelerator support to revolutionize space-based pharmaceuticals. The company aims to produce two types of monoclonal antibodies in space: one targeting several types of tumors and another specifically designed to treat skin cancer.

With its unique position in the growing space research industry and substantial funding secured through the EIC Accelerator program, SpacePharma is well-positioned to make significant advancements in pharmaceutical development through microgravity research.

Sources: - News - SpacePharma

• EIC Accelerator March 2024 Results - Rasph
• Israeli firm secures major funding for space-age drug - Ynetnews
• €108 Million Awarded to Israeli Startups by EIC Accelerator Program - Israel Science Info
• SpacePharma company information - Dealroom

3 The Press Releases

Overview of SpacePharma R&D Israel LTD

SpacePharma R&D Israel LTD, an Israeli-based company, has been making significant strides in the field of space-based biotechnology. Following its selection for the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in March 2024, the company has received substantial funding to advance its innovative projects.

EIC Accelerator Funding

SpacePharma secured a grant from the Horizon Europe program and an equity commitment from the EIC Accelerator. The funding includes a grant of over €2 million and a potential equity investment of €7.5 million, contingent upon the company raising an equal amount from other investors. This could total €15 million in funding, which will be used to further develop its microgravity laboratory technology for drug manufacturing.

Microgravity Drug Production

The company focuses on producing monoclonal antibodies in space, leveraging microgravity to create purer and more stable compounds. This technology is critical for treating diseases like cancer. SpacePharma aims to produce two types of monoclonal antibodies, one targeting multiple tumor types and the other specifically designed for skin cancer. The antibodies are crystallized in three-dimensional structures that cannot be achieved under Earth's gravity, enhancing their therapeutic potential.

Technology and Operations

SpacePharma's microgravity labs are compact devices, smaller than a shoebox, equipped with sophisticated instruments for remote operation and monitoring from Earth. These labs use the International Space Station (ISS) or other spacecraft for power and communication infrastructure. The company's goal is to produce large quantities of crystalline antibodies, yielding hundreds of thousands of doses per month during space missions.

Partnerships and Market Presence

SpacePharma has partnered with a major pharmaceutical company and has received recommendations from about twenty large pharma companies to purchase the drugs once they are manufactured. The company's valuation is nearing $100 million, and it is in the process of raising additional funds.

Recent Events and Participation

SpacePharma participated in the 3rd Health from Space International Congress in April 2025, where they contributed to discussions on leveraging space environments to transform health solutions on Earth. The company's CEO, Yossi Yamin, also participated in a webinar discussing the future of medicine and biotechnology in space.

Press Releases and Social Media

While specific press releases on SpacePharma's website or social media accounts are not detailed in the available information, the company's achievements, such as the EIC funding, are highlighted through various media outlets.

Sources

• News - SpacePharma
• Israeli firm secures major funding for space-age drug - Ynetnews
• SPACTORY, revolutionising pharmaceutical development

4 The Technology Advancements

Current Capabilities of SpacePharma R&D Israel Ltd

SpacePharma R&D Israel Ltd is a pioneering company specializing in microgravity research and development. It offers comprehensive services for planning, developing, and executing experiments in microgravity environments. The company's capabilities include designing experiments, developing miniaturized lab systems, and providing real-time remote control through advanced software.

Advancements Post EIC Accelerator Funding

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2024, SpacePharma has continued to advance its technology and expand its services. In March 2025, the company announced a successful funding round of $2.5 million, which will be used to enhance its microgravity research services and expand the capabilities of its ground station in Switzerland. This funding supports the company's mission to democratize microgravity research, enabling scientists and innovators worldwide to conduct experiments under microgravity conditions without the constraints of Earth-bound experimentation.

Technology Improvements and Market Presence

SpacePharma has demonstrated significant technological advancements, particularly in the development of SPACTORY, the first fully automated microgravity space factory. This project aims to transform pharmaceutical manufacturing by leveraging the unique conditions of space to produce purer, more stable compounds such as monoclonal antibodies. The company has successfully launched several space-based experiments, including a recent mission aboard SpaceX's Fram-2 crewed polar orbit flight, marking its 11th mission.

Clinical Trials and Scientific Publications

While specific details on new patents or published clinical trials are not readily available, SpacePharma has been actively engaged in advancing its innovative approaches to drug production. It has secured additional funding to develop monoclonal antibodies for cancer treatment by leveraging microgravity conditions, which yield smaller, more stable doses without the need for refrigeration. Preliminary tests on the ISS have shown promising results, with plans to scale up production and seek FDA approval within the next three years.

Conclusion

SpacePharma R&D Israel Ltd continues to push the boundaries of space-based biotechnology and microgravity research. Its participation in prominent events like the Health from Space International Congress and its ongoing technological advancements position it as a leader in transforming traditional R&D pipelines.

Sources:

• News - SpacePharma
• SpacePharma
• SpacePharma Secures $2.5M in Funding
• Middle East Space Roundup: 7 to 13 April 2025
• Israeli drug experimental system launched to space

5 The Partnerships and Customers

SpacePharma R&D Israel Ltd: Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Following its 2024 EIC Accelerator grant, SpacePharma R&D Israel Ltd has reinforced its position as a leader in microgravity-based pharmaceutical research through strategic collaborations and technological advancements.

Key Partnerships and Customers

• ISIS – Innovative Solutions In Space B.V.: A long-standing partner responsible for building the satellite platform and payload integration for SpacePharma’s DIDO-3 mission, following the successful proof-of-concept DIDO-2 satellite that tested miniaturized labs in space.
• CadW Therapeutics: Collaborated on a “lab-on-a-chip” system to study DNA damage during spaceflight under a grant from the Space Florida-Israel Innovation Partnership Program.
• NCATS (National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences): Partnered with CASIS to refine tissue chip technology for biomedical research aboard the International Space Station (ISS), though direct involvement with SpacePharma is implied through sector alignment.

New Relationships and Objectives
While recent post-EIC partnerships are not explicitly detailed in available sources, the company’s selection as an EIC grant recipient signals enhanced credibility to attract collaborators in drug discovery, material science, and biotechnology. The EU funding likely supports scaling its miniaturized lab systems (e.g., mGnify) for broader commercial use, particularly in accelerating drug development timelines through microgravity experiments.

Market Positioning and Technological Advancements
SpacePharma’s relationships with aerospace engineering firms like ISIS ensure access to cutting-edge satellite deployment capabilities, enabling frequent microgravity experiments at reduced costs. Its participation in initiatives such as Creation-Space—an Israeli deep-tech hub—positions it within emerging lunar economy projects, including dual-use technologies applicable on Earth and in space. The EIC funding directly aids technological scaling by supporting advanced R&D cycles, remote-controlled experiment automation, and potential expansion into EU markets alongside existing U.S. operations via subsidiary SpacePharma Inc..

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Sources

• News - SpacePharma (Archive)
• SpacePharma SA Launches US Subsidiary - BioPharm International (Archive)
• Nine Israeli startups secure $142 million from EU Horizon program - The Times of Israel (Archive)
• Middle East Space Roundup: 7 to 13 April 2025 - Middle East Space Monitor (Archive)

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

SpacePharma's Team Dynamics and Growth Trajectory Post-EIC Accelerator Funding While specific hiring figures or headcount changes following SpacePharma’s March 2024 EIC Accelerator win are not publicly disclosed, the company’s operational footprint and leadership structure provide insights into its scaling strategy.

• Current Headcount: Estimated at approximately 20 employees globally, based on pre-2024 disclosures.
• Team Structure: Includes specialized roles such as R&D engineers, electronics experts for miniaturized lab development, and pharmaceutical application directors. Key personnel include CEO Yossi Yamin (ex-IDF satellite unit commander) and co-founder Martin Aebi (Swiss entrepreneur with a focus on life sciences).
• Recent Focus Areas: Expansion of microgravity research capabilities through autonomous labs like SPAd-2 and involvement in cultivated meat, antimicrobial resistance, and DNA repair experiments aboard the ISS.
• Growth Indicators: Establishment of European headquarters in Strasbourg (2023–2025) and participation in high-profile space-health conferences, alongside repeated lab launches to the ISS since 2017.

Strategic Hiring Implications
SpacePharma’s emphasis on cross-disciplinary expertise—biomedical engineering, microfluidics, and space logistics—aligns with its mission to commercialize orbital pharmaceutical manufacturing. The addition of specialists like Guy Zeeli (pharmaceutical crystallization expert) suggests a focus on terrestrial drug development leveraging space-derived data.

No major management changes have been reported post-EIC funding. The leadership team remains anchored by its founders, with continued emphasis on partnerships with global space agencies like Axiom Space and ISU.

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Sources

• SpacePharma News
• Wikipedia: SpacePharma
• About SpacePharma
• ISRAEL21c: 9 Companies to Watch

7 The Media Features and Publications

SpacePharma R&D Israel Ltd. Overview

SpacePharma R&D Israel Ltd. is a pioneering company in the field of space-based pharmaceutical research, leveraging microgravity environments to develop innovative drugs and medical solutions. Following its success in securing the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding in March 2024, SpacePharma has continued to advance its mission in harnessing space technology for pharmaceutical advancements.

Media Features

SpacePharma has been featured in several media outlets, including Ynetnews, The Jerusalem Post, and ILTV Israel News. These publications highlight the company's achievements in securing significant funding for drug development in microgravity and its innovative approach to producing monoclonal antibodies for cancer treatments.

Publications and Content

Publications have noted SpacePharma's ability to produce monoclonal antibodies in space, which can form crystals that allow for more efficient drug administration. This reduces the need for hospital visits and lowers manufacturing costs. The company's miniaturized labs have also been recognized for their ability to conduct experiments remotely from Earth, making space research more accessible and cost-effective.

Podcasts and Interviews

Yossi Yamin, the CEO of SpacePharma, has participated in various discussions, including a webinar hosted by Wilson Sonsini on the future of medicine and biotechnology in space. This webinar featured experts discussing how space can revolutionize these fields. Additionally, interviews with The Jerusalem Post and other media outlets have highlighted SpacePharma's vision for the future of pharmaceuticals in space.

Conferences and Fair Visits

SpacePharma has participated in significant events, including the 3rd Health from Space International Congress in Cannes, France. This congress aimed to bridge Earth-based markets with space opportunities in health and life sciences. The company has also been involved in discussions and partnerships during space-related conferences, further solidifying its position in the industry.

Event Involvement

SpacePharma's involvement in events is marked by its commitment to advancing space-based biotechnology. The company has sent multiple sets of experiments to the International Space Station (ISS), demonstrating its capabilities in conducting space-based pharmaceutical research.

Conclusion

SpacePharma R&D Israel Ltd. is at the forefront of space-based pharmaceutical innovation, with a strong presence in media, publications, and industry events. Its EIC Accelerator funding has supported the development of its SPACTORY technology, further positioning the company to drive advancements in biotechnology and medicine.

Sources: - News - SpacePharma

• Israeli firm secures major funding for space-age drug
• About Spacepharma
• Science breakthroughs in space: Israel leads the way
• Israeli experiments in space: The future is here
• Israeli SpacePharma Company Sends Nano-Lab to Space for ...
• Middle East Space Roundup: 25 to 31 March 2024
• Spacepharma wants to manufacture medicine among the stars