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 innovative startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. Focused primarily on deep tech and high-risk projects, the EIC Accelerator offers a unique blend of financial support, including grants and equity investments, to bridge the funding gap that many early-stage companies face. The program aims to nurture breakthrough innovations that can significantly impact the economy and society, thereby fostering a competitive edge for Europe in global markets.
Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator provides a blended finance model, which combines grants and equity investments.
Purpose in the European DeepTech Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in the European deep tech and startup ecosystem by addressing the critical challenges faced by innovative companies. Many startups struggle to secure funding due to the high risk associated with pioneering technologies. The EIC Accelerator mitigates this risk through its financial support, enabling companies to advance their innovations from concept to market. Moreover, it enhances collaboration between startups and established industry players, fostering an environment where groundbreaking technologies can thrive.
Support for Scaling and Private Sector Funding
The EIC Accelerator is instrumental in helping companies scale by providing not just financial resources but also strategic support. The program connects companies with a network of advisors, industry experts, and potential investors, facilitating mentorship and guidance tailored to the specific needs of each venture. By demonstrating the viability and potential of their innovations through EIC funding, companies can attract additional private sector investment, creating a multiplier effect that propels growth.
Stentit B.V. and the EX-STENT Project
Company Overview: Stentit B.V., based in the Netherlands, is an innovative company focused on advancing medical technologies, particularly in the field of vascular interventions. The company aims to revolutionize the treatment of arterial blockages and other vascular conditions.
Project Overview: The EX-STENT project, which stands for "The Next Stent Generation: A First-in-Class Regenerative Nanofiber Stent to Reconstruct Arteries from the Inside Out," represents a groundbreaking approach in stent technology. This initiative seeks to develop a novel regenerative stent that can not only provide structural support to arteries but also promote healing and tissue regeneration.
Technology Background: The EX-STENT project leverages advanced nanofiber technology to create a stent that mimics the natural extracellular matrix of blood vessels. This innovative approach addresses several limitations associated with traditional stents, which often lead to complications such as restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery) and thrombosis (blood clots). By utilizing biocompatible materials and integrating regenerative capabilities, the EX-STENT stent aims to enhance patient outcomes significantly.
The technology's foundation lies in the use of electrospun nanofibers, which provide a high surface area for cellular attachment and promote vascular tissue growth. This regenerative property is expected to enable the stent to dissolve or integrate into the body over time, reducing the need for additional interventions and enhancing the body’s natural healing processes.
The EIC Accelerator's support for Stentit B.V. and the EX-STENT project exemplifies the program's mission to foster innovation in critical sectors such as healthcare. By providing financial backing and strategic guidance, the EIC Accelerator empowers companies like Stentit to develop transformative solutions that can improve patient care and advance medical technology.
2 The Funding Rounds
Financing Raised by Stentit B.V. Since EIC Accelerator Funding
EIC Accelerator Funding (March 2023 Cut-off)
Stentit B.V., based in the Netherlands, was selected as a winner of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program following the March 22, 2023 cut-off. The company received a blended finance package totaling up to €12.5 million, consisting of:
- A €2.5 million grant intended for conducting initial clinical trials.
- Up to €10 million in equity investment from the EIC Fund aimed at supporting extended trials and market introduction efforts.
Seed Funding Prior to EIC Accelerator Award
Before securing the EIC funding, Stentit raised a seed round of €1.8 million in April 2022 from Dutch investors including:
- NextGen Ventures
- Brabant Development Agency (BOM)
- Ten Cate Investment Company
This seed investment supported further pre-clinical development and batch production of its regenerative stent products.
Timing and Amounts of Recent Funding Rounds
Date | Round Type | Amount Raised | Investors |
---|---|---|---|
April 25, 2022 | Seed | €1.8 million | NextGen Ventures, BOM, Ten Cate Investment Company |
Post-March 22, 2023 | Grant & Equity | Up to €12.5 million (€2.5M grant + up to €10M equity) | European Innovation Council / EIC Fund |
The exact closing date for disbursement post-EIC selection is typically within two to three months for grants with investment decisions on equity within two months after announcement.
Investor Information
Seed Round Investors
- NextGen Ventures: Dutch early-stage investor specializing in health tech and life sciences.
- Brabant Development Agency (BOM): Regional development agency investing in innovative companies from North Brabant.
- Ten Cate Investment Company: Private Dutch investment firm.
EIC Fund
The follow-up equity associated with the EIC award comes from the European Innovation Council Fund—a public-private fund managed by the European Commission that provides patient capital investments alongside grants.Information Related to Funding Rounds
Stentit's financing has been strategically aligned with advancing their first-in-class regenerative nanofiber stents through pre-clinical studies into clinical trials and eventual market introduction. The company’s recognition through competitive EU funding underscores both technological validation and high growth potential.
Company Valuations
No explicit public valuations have been disclosed for Stentit B.V., either at seed stage or following their successful acquisition of blended finance under Horizon Europe’s EIC Accelerator scheme.
Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions
As of May 2, 2025:
Sources
- EIC Accelerator winners: March 22 Cut-Off
- STENTiT awarded with €12.5M funding from the European Innovation Council
- MedTech Company STENTiT Raises €1.8 million in Seed Round
- STENTiT raises €1.8 Million in Seed Round - Lifesciences @ Work
- European Innovation Council selects startups—programme details
3 The Press Releases
STENTiT B.V. Secures €12.5M EIC Accelerator Funding for Regenerative Stent Technology The Netherlands-based deep-tech company STENTiT B.V. was awarded €12.5 million in March 2023 through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program, comprising a €2.5 million grant for clinical trials and up to €10 million in equity investment for market entry. The funding will advance the development of its Resorbable Fibrillated Scaffold (RFS), a biodegradable stent designed to restore blood flow while triggering vascular regeneration using the patient’s own blood cells.Technology Advancements
STENTiT’s RFS acts as a temporary support structure that degrades after stabilizing arteries, aiming to reduce restenosis rates and avoid invasive surgeries. The technology targets chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), which affects over 3.5 million patients in the EU and U.S., often leading to amputations due to ineffective existing treatments like balloon angioplasty. Preclinical studies demonstrate its dual functionality: mechanical support during resorption and regenerative stimulation via porous architecture.Strategic Focus
The company prioritizes CLTI as its first clinical application, citing a critical need for solutions that prevent re-occlusions occurring within 3–6 months post-treatment. Future applications include pediatric congenital heart defects and aneurysms, leveraging the stent’s ability to accommodate vascular growth.Team & Partnerships
CEO Bart Sanders and COO Golo von Basum lead STENTiT, emphasizing collaborations with clinical advisors, regulatory experts, and industrial partners to expedite commercialization. Catalyze Group supported their EIC proposal alongside other Dutch winners like Magneto Systems and PamGene.Sources
- STENTiT awarded with €12.5M funding from the European Innovation Council
- EIC Accelerator: Four projects awarded in March 2023 round
- STENTiT - Lifesciences @ Work
- European Innovation Council Accelerator: 51 deep tech start-ups selected
- STENTIT – The next generation in stent technology
4 The Technology Advancements
STENTiT B.V.: Post-EIC Accelerator Advancements and Current Capabilities The Netherlands-based medtech company STENTiT B.V., a spin-off from Eindhoven University of Technology, has made significant strides since securing €12.5 million in March 2023 through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator. The funding comprised €2.5 million in grants for clinical trials and up to €10 million in equity for market preparation.Technology Advancements
STENTiT’s Resorbable Fibrillated Scaffold (RFS) remains its flagship product, combining temporary mechanical support with regenerative capabilities to reconstruct arteries using the patient’s blood cells. While no explicit new features post-2023 are detailed publicly, the EIC funding is earmarked for finalizing safety studies and initiating first-in-human (FIH) trials. The company emphasizes its focus on treating chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), aiming to reduce restenosis rates and prevent amputations by promoting natural vascular repair.
Clinical Progress and Demonstrations
As of April 2024, STENTiT reported plans to begin clinical trials “early in the new year” (likely 2024), though specific trial details or public demonstrations remain undisclosed. Preclinical studies have shown promising results, including proof-of-concept data supporting vascular regeneration in animal models.
Intellectual Property and Publications
No recently filed patents or new scientific publications are explicitly cited post-EIC funding. However, the company’s foundational IP revolves around its biodegradable porous scaffold design, which triggers tissue regeneration via blood-cell interaction. STENTiT collaborates with institutions like Catharina Hospital and TU/e, suggesting ongoing R&D efforts that may yield future disclosures.
Sources
- MedTech Company STENTiT Raises €1.8 million in Seed Round
- STENTiT – Lifesciences @ Work
- EIC Accelerator: Four projects awarded in March 2023 round
- 'In five years we want to help hundreds of thousands'
- STENTiT awarded €12.5M EIC funding
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Overview of Stentit B.V.
Stentit B.V., a Netherlands-based company, has been gaining prominence in the medical device sector, particularly with its innovative regenerative stent technology. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2023, Stentit has continued to advance its mission of redefining endovascular treatments.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Stentit has been actively engaging in partnerships to further develop and commercialize its regenerative stent technology. One notable collaboration is with the Smart BioMaterials Consortium (SBMC), where Stentit, along with Vivolta and Corbion, is working on a regenerative stent for clinical use. This collaboration aims to prevent thousands of amputations worldwide by treating critical limb ischemia.
New Relationships and Customers
While specific new customer names are not detailed in recent reports, Stentit's partnerships and collaborations suggest an expansion in its network within the medical device and biomaterials sectors. The collaboration with SBMC members indicates a focus on developing technologies that can serve a wider patient base, particularly those suffering from chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).
Nature of New Relationships
These relationships are primarily centered on advancing regenerative medical devices and addressing significant clinical challenges. The partnerships facilitate knowledge sharing, regulatory support, and access to a broader network of experts in biomaterials and regenerative medicine. This collaborative environment helps Stentit refine its technology and prepares it for clinical applications by leveraging the expertise of its partners.
Market Positioning and Technology Advancements
Stentit's involvement in these partnerships positions the company as a leader in the next generation of stent technologies. By focusing on regenerative stents that can facilitate natural vascular repair, Stentit aims to offer a more effective and less invasive treatment option for patients. This approach not only enhances the company's market presence but also contributes to advancements in cardiovascular interventions by promoting vascular regeneration without the need for extensive surgery.
Scaling and Growth
The financial support from investors such as NextGen Ventures, Brabant Development Agency (BOM), and the Ten Cate Investment Company has been crucial for Stentit's growth. The company raised €1.8 million in a seed round, which has enabled further development and batch production of its regenerative stents. Additionally, investments like the one from Mibiton for equipping R&D facilities have supported Stentit's capacity to innovate and test its regenerative stents in-house.
Upcoming Events and Visibility
Stentit is set to participate in several significant events in the medical technology sector, including the MedTech Strategist Innovation Summit and The Amputation Prevention Symposium. These events provide opportunities for Stentit to showcase its technology and build further partnerships and collaborations within the industry.
Sources
- STENTiT – The next generation in stent technology
- News & media - Smart BioMaterials Consortium
- News – STENTiT
- Mibiton Investments
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Stentit B.V. Overview and Recent Developments
Stentit B.V., a Dutch MedTech company, has been making significant strides in the field of regenerative endovascular implants since its founding in 2017. As a spin-off from Eindhoven University of Technology, the company focuses on developing innovative solutions for vascular reconstruction, particularly with its Resorbable Fibrillated Scaffold (RFS) technology.
Current Team Size and Hiring Status
As of the latest available information, specific details about Stentit B.V.'s current headcount or team size are not publicly disclosed. However, the company has been actively involved in fundraising efforts, which typically indicates a growing team. In April 2022, Stentit B.V. successfully raised €1.8 million in a seed investment round, which aimed to support further pre-clinical development and batch production of its regenerative stent for peripheral indications.
Regarding hiring, there is no explicit information available on whether Stentit B.V. is currently hiring. However, given the company's growth trajectory and recent funding, it is likely that new positions are being filled to support its expanding operations.
Recent Key Positions and Growth
While specific details about recent key positions are not available, the company's leadership includes Bart Sanders as CEO and Co-Founder. The team is supported by an experienced advisory board and strategic partnerships, which are crucial for its growth and development.
Stentit B.V.'s growth since its inception has been marked by international recognition and significant awards for its innovative approach to regenerative stents. The company's vision is to become the new standard in endovascular interventions, which suggests a significant expansion in both team size and market presence.
Future Impact and Scalability
The hiring of new team members and the addition of strategic partners are expected to play a crucial role in Stentit B.V.'s ability to scale and grow. By expanding its team with diverse expertise, the company can accelerate the development and commercialization of its regenerative stent technology. This could lead to improved treatment options for cardiovascular diseases and a stronger market presence globally.
Management and Founding Team Changes
There is no specific information available on major changes in Stentit B.V.'s management or founding team. However, the company continues to be led by its co-founders, who are driving the company's vision forward with support from its advisors and partners.
Sources
- STENTiT
- About Us - STENTIT
- STENTiT - High Tech Campus Eindhoven
- STENTiT - Lifesciences @ Work
- STENTiT: Regenerative Stents - NWO
- Stentit B.V. Press Release
7 The Media Features and Publications
Stentit B.V.: A Pioneer in Regenerative Stents
Stentit B.V., a Dutch medical device spin-off from the Eindhoven University of Technology, has been pioneering the development of regenerative endovascular implants. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2023, Stentit has continued to make significant strides in advancing its innovative technology.
Media Features and Publications
Stentit has been featured in various media outlets and publications for its groundbreaking approach to vascular treatment. Notable mentions include coverage by Innovation Origins and Life Sciences Europe, highlighting its commitment to developing soluble implants that facilitate natural vascular repair. These publications have underscored Stentit's potential to revolutionize the treatment of vascular diseases globally.
Content from Publications
Publications have emphasized Stentit's unique regenerative stents, which utilize a bioresorbable scaffold to promote vascular regeneration. This technology has been recognized for its potential to treat millions of patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, particularly those with peripheral artery diseases.
Podcasts and Interviews
While specific podcasts or interviews featuring the Stentit team are not readily available in current search results, the company's CEO, Bart Sanders, has been quoted in press releases discussing the company's vision and milestones.
Conferences and Events
Stentit is actively involved in various international conferences and events, including the MedTech Strategist Innovation Summit, The Amputation Prevention Symposium, and Vascular InterVentional Advances. These events provide platforms for the company to showcase its technology and engage with industry stakeholders.
Company Involvement in Events
Stentit's participation in these events underscores its commitment to advancing vascular treatment technologies. The company aims to become a leading standard in endovascular care, with a focus on innovative, minimally invasive solutions that improve patient outcomes.
Sources:
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