1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support innovative startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high-risk, high-potential projects. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between research and market deployment, particularly focusing on DeepTech ventures that can significantly impact society and the economy.

The EIC Accelerator provides funding through a blended finance model, which combines grants and equity investment. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, enabling companies to fund their early-stage innovations. Additionally, the equity investment can provide up to €15 million until 2024 and is set to decrease to €10 million from 2025 onward. This flexible funding approach allows startups to scale their operations while reducing dependence on traditional venture capital routes.

Purpose and Impact of the EIC Accelerator

The primary purpose of the EIC Accelerator is to foster innovation and technological advancement in Europe. By providing substantial financial resources, the program facilitates the development and scaling of groundbreaking technologies across various sectors, including health, climate, energy, and digitalization.

The EIC Accelerator plays a critical role in helping companies attract additional funding from private investors. By demonstrating the viability and potential of their projects through EIC backing, startups can enhance their credibility, making them more appealing to venture capitalists and other financial institutions. This support not only aids in scaling operations but also contributes to job creation and economic growth within the European Union.

Variolytics GmbH and the VARIO Project

Company Overview: Variolytics GmbH, based in Germany, emerged as a notable winner of the EIC Accelerator program. The company focuses on innovative solutions for wastewater treatment, specifically addressing the need for effective emission control systems.

Project Overview: The VARIO project, which stands for Variability in Emission Control, aims to revolutionize the way wastewater treatment facilities manage and mitigate harmful emissions. Through advanced technology, Variolytics seeks to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of wastewater treatment processes, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations while reducing operational costs.

Technology Background: The VARIO project leverages cutting-edge technologies such as real-time monitoring, machine learning, and advanced data analytics. By integrating these technologies, the system allows for dynamic adjustment of treatment processes based on varying conditions, such as flow rates and pollutant concentrations.

The technology is designed to optimize chemical dosing, aeration, and other critical parameters in wastewater treatment, leading to significant reductions in harmful emissions. It not only enhances treatment efficiency but also enables facilities to respond proactively to changes in wastewater composition, thus improving overall environmental performance.

Funding and Development: Variolytics GmbH submitted its Step 2 proposal on October 5, 2022, and subsequently secured funding through the EIC Accelerator program following a successful Step 3 interview. The blended finance model provides a combination of grant support and equity investment, empowering the company to further develop and deploy the VARIO system in various wastewater treatment facilities across Europe.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator program serves as a vital catalyst for innovation, particularly in the DeepTech sector, by providing essential funding and support to high-potential startups like Variolytics GmbH. The VARIO project exemplifies how advanced technology can address critical environmental challenges, contributing to a more sustainable future.

2 The Funding Rounds

# Variolytics GmbH: Funding Journey and Financial Growth

Variolytics GmbH, a Stuttgart-based technology company founded in 2020 as a spin-off from the Fraunhofer Institute, has successfully secured multiple funding rounds to develop and scale its innovative sensor technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in wastewater treatment plants.

EIC Accelerator Funding

Variolytics was selected for funding in the October 5, 2022 cut-off of the EIC Accelerator program. This highly competitive funding round saw more than 1,000 applications, with only 78 companies (7.14% success rate) receiving approval for funding. The October 2022 cut-off was notably more competitive than previous rounds, with a 10.75% increase in applications compared to the previous call.

As part of the EIC Accelerator program, Variolytics received:

• A conditional equity commitment in October 2022
• Support from the EIC Accelerator until May 2025
• Funding as part of the €470 million allocated to the selected companies in this cut-off

Funding Timeline and Rounds

Seed Funding (July 2022)

Just months before their EIC Accelerator success, Variolytics secured a seven-figure seed funding round. This investment was led by:

• High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF)
• Fraunhofer Technology Transfer Fonds (FTTF)
• Dr. Jörg Gebhardt
• Additional angel investors

This seed funding was intended to help Variolytics scale operations, expand production, and grow in the European market, with plans to increase their team from 9 to 12 employees.

Growth Financing Round (January-February 2025)

Variolytics announced the closure of a growth financing round on January 30, 2025. This round was:

• Led by Nordic Alpha Partners (NAP)
• Included participation from:

European Innovation Council (EIC) High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) * Fraunhofer Technology Transfer Fonds (FTTF)

While the exact amount of this growth financing round was not disclosed, it represents a significant milestone in the company's development. The funding is aimed at further developing and scaling their sensor technology and AI-based solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in wastewater treatment.

Total Funding

According to available information, Variolytics has raised approximately €2.7 million in total funding across its various rounds. This includes the seed funding and EIC Accelerator support, though the exact breakdown between equity investments and grants is not specified in the search results.

Investor Information

Variolytics has attracted a diverse group of investors across different funding rounds: Early Investors (Seed Round - July 2022):

• High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) - A German seed investor focusing on innovative technologies
• Fraunhofer Technology Transfer Fonds (FTTF) - Supporting deep-tech entrepreneurs from Fraunhofer
• Dr. Jörg Gebhardt - Individual investor
• Various angel investors

Growth Round Investors (January-February 2025):

• Nordic Alpha Partners (NAP) - Lead investor who had been collaborating with Variolytics since August 2024 to implement a new de-risking strategy
• European Innovation Council (EIC) - Through the EIC Fund
• High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) - Continuing their investment from the seed round
• Fraunhofer Technology Transfer Fonds (FTTF) - Continuing their investment from the seed round

Company Valuation and Exit Events

The search results do not provide specific information about Variolytics' company valuation or any exit events such as IPOs, buyouts, or acquisitions. As of May 2025, the company appears to be in a growth phase, having recently secured additional financing to expand its operations and market reach.

Since its founding in 2020, Variolytics has focused on developing and commercializing its EmiCo (Emission Control) system, which has already been implemented in wastewater treatment plants. With the recent growth financing, the company is positioned to continue scaling its technology that can reduce emissions by up to 50% and energy consumption by up to 20% within 12 months of installation.

Sources: - EIC Accelerator winners and statistics October 2022 - Strata.team

• Variolytics Growth Financing - High-Tech Gründerfonds
• Variolytics receives seven-figure seed funding for climate-neutral wastewater treatment plants
• Variolytics Raises Growth Financing Round with Nordic Alpha Partners
• Variolytics company information, funding & investors | Portugal
• About us - Klimaneutralität für Kläranlagen - Variolytics

3 The Press Releases

Variolytics GmbH: Innovating Wastewater Emission Control

Variolytics GmbH, based in Germany, is a prominent recipient of the EIC Accelerator funding, recognized for its innovative emission control system for wastewater treatment. The company successfully submitted its proposal on October 5, 2022, and secured funding through the highly competitive EIC Accelerator program.

Technology Advancements

Variolytics has developed cutting-edge sensor technology capable of detecting, analyzing, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in wastewater treatment plants. Their system, known as EmiCo, provides accurate real-time measurements of nitrous oxide (N2O) levels using advanced sensors and AI, enabling operators to adjust processes and prevent harmful emissions. This technology is pivotal in supporting the global transition towards climate neutrality, as wastewater treatment plants are significant contributors to CO2 emissions, comparable to the aviation industry.

Partnerships and Funding

Variolytics has secured significant funding through various partnerships. In 2022, the company received seven-figure seed funding from investors including High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) and Fraunhofer Technology Transfer Fonds (FTTF). More recently, Variolytics closed a growth financing round led by Nordic Alpha Partners (NAP), also involving the European Innovation Council (EIC), HTGF, and FTTF. This financing supports the company's mission to decarbonize the wastewater sector and expand its operations across Europe.

Team Updates

Since its inception, Variolytics has demonstrated rapid growth. Initially founded with a focus on developing and commercializing its emission control technology, the company has expanded its team and operations. From a base of nine employees, Variolytics plans to grow its team to twelve in the coming months, focusing on production, service, maintenance, and sales to meet its aggressive growth targets.

Press Releases and Updates

Variolytics' success has been highlighted in various press releases, focusing on its technological innovations and funding achievements. The company's website and related press releases emphasize its commitment to reducing emissions and contributing to a climate-neutral future for wastewater treatment. Variolytics' technology has been praised for its potential to significantly reduce emissions by up to 50% and energy consumption by up to 20% within a year of installation.

Website and Social Media

While specific details about Variolytics' press releases on their website or social media accounts are not available, the company's focus on innovation and climate-centric solutions is evident through its partnerships and technological advancements.

Conclusion

Variolytics GmbH is at the forefront of wastewater emission control technology, leveraging its EIC Accelerator funding to drive innovation and expansion. With strong partnerships and a commitment to sustainability, Variolytics is poised to make a significant impact in the global transition towards net-zero emissions.

Sources

• EIC Accelerator winners and statistics October 2022
• Variolytics Growth Financing
• Variolytics receives seven-figure seed funding

4 The Technology Advancements

Variolytics GmbH: Current Capabilities and Advancements

Variolytics GmbH, a high-tech startup from Germany, has been at the forefront of innovation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment plants. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, the company has made significant strides in advancing its technology and expanding its market presence.

Current Capabilities

Variolytics specializes in real-time analytics, providing operators with precise insights into their treatment processes. The company's flagship product, EmiCo, utilizes advanced sensor technology and AI to measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. This technology enables wastewater treatment plants to achieve up to 50% reduction in emissions and up to 20% in energy consumption.

Advancements

Since the EIC funding, Variolytics has secured additional growth financing from investors like Nordic Alpha Partners, European Innovation Council (EIC), High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), and Fraunhofer Technology Transfer Fonds (FTTF) in January 2025. This financing round supports the company's mission to decarbonize the wastewater sector through its EmiCo technology.

New Features and Improvements

The company has introduced EmiCo lite, designed to meet new regulations on monitoring greenhouse gas emissions. This solution provides operators with new insights into their treatment processes, ensuring regulatory compliance and market adoption. Variolytics has also developed partnerships with key industry players to scale operations across Europe.

Market Demonstration

Variolytics has successfully demonstrated its technology in the market through pilot projects and deployments. For instance, EmiCo was tested in the first wastewater treatment plant, and the company secured paying pilot customers and pre-orders for VARIO lite across Europe. Additionally, Variolytics partnered with Glanua to integrate its advanced measurement systems into Glanua's network of wastewater treatment facilities, enhancing process optimization and emissions reporting.

Patents and Scientific Studies

While specific details on new patents filed or scientific studies published are not readily available, Variolytics' technological advancements, such as the multiplexing feature of the VARIO analyzer, indicate ongoing innovation in greenhouse gas monitoring and process optimization.

Sources

• About us - Klimaneutralität für Kläranlagen - Variolytics
• EmiCo lite
• Variolytics Growth Financing - High-Tech Gründerfonds
• Variolytics GmbH - Stuttgart, Germany - Bionity
• Periodic Reporting for period 1 - VARIO (Emission controll system for wastewater treatment)
• Variolytics receives seven-figure seed funding for climate-neutral wastewater treatment plants
• Glanua and Variolytics announce strategic alliance to monitor greenhouse gas emissions in wastewater treatment plants and support net-zero targets

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Variolytics GmbH's Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

Since securing EIC Accelerator funding, Variolytics GmbH has expanded its partnerships and customer base significantly, focusing on scaling its emission-control technology for wastewater treatment plants. Below is an analysis of key collaborations, customers, and market impacts:

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Key Partnerships

• Role: Acquired a significant minority stake in Q1 2025 through NAP Fund II.
• Collaboration: Since August 2024, NAP has worked with Variolytics to refine pricing strategies, validate international market expansion (e.g., pilot projects in England), and co-develop product roadmaps.
• Impact: Provides operational expertise in watertech scaling and accelerates commercialization of EmiCo solutions globally.

• Role: Long-term investors supporting technical development since 2022.
• Collaboration: Enabled early-stage R&D for EmiCo’s sensor technology and AI-driven process optimization tools.

• Role: New investor aiding commercialization under the EU’s climate-neutrality goals.
• Focus: Supports market entry across Europe via grants and network access.

• Nature: Strategic alliances to integrate EmiCo into broader industrial automation ecosystems.
• Purpose: Enhance distribution channels for software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings linked to emission monitoring.

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Customers & Pilot Projects

Pilot Customers: Seven paying clients across Europe by March 2024, including sites in Germany and England, with pre-orders for EmiCo lite recorded during this period. Specific names are undisclosed due to confidentiality agreements. Notable deployments include Stuttgart-based plants referenced in earlier trials (as of 2022) .

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Market Positioning & Future Trajectory

• Competitive Edge: The “BCSA” framework—Better, Cheaper, Simpler integration, Available at scale—positions EmiCo as a leader in reducing energy use (20%) and emissions (50%) post-installation within 12 months . International pilots validate scalability beyond EU markets .
• Technology Advancements: Partnerships with Schneider Electric aim to enhance AI-driven predictive maintenance features , while NAP’s operational support accelerates R&D cycles for new product variants like EmiCo lite .
• Scaling Strategy: Targeting production ramp-up from nine employees in 2022 to expanded teams focused on sales/service by leveraging EIC-backed financial tools .

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Sources Used:

Variolytics Growth Financing | Nordic Alpha Partners Takes Leading Position | CORDIS Periodic Report | HTGF Investment Preview

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Variolytics GmbH: Team Expansion and Growth Trajectory Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, Variolytics has demonstrated significant growth in team size, technical capabilities, and market reach. As of March 2024, the company reported a team of 13 professionals, including engineers, data scientists, environmental experts, and software developers. By early 2025, this headcount likely expanded further following a growth financing round led by Nordic Alpha Partners (NAP), with participation from the European Innovation Council (EIC), High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), and Fraunhofer Technology Transfer Fonds (FTTF).

Key Hiring Trends and Team Growth

• Recent Hires: The company emphasizes roles in AI-driven sensor technology, data analytics, and international commercialization. While specific hires are not detailed publicly their job postings prioritize expertise in emissions monitoring software development and environmental process optimization.
• Scaling Strategy: The addition of operational specialists aligns with plans to triple international presence by 2026 across Europe using EIC Accelerator funds to scale its EmiCo emissions monitoring platform.
• Management Stability: Founding members Dr. Matthias Stier (CEO), Johann Barlach (CFO), and Steffen Görner (CTO) remain core leadership figures as of January 2025, with Fine Wolff joining as Chief Administrative Officer to oversee HR operations during expansion.

Future Impact of Team Expansion

New hires bolster Variolytics’ ability to address wastewater treatment plants’ emissions—responsible for ~2% of global CO₂ output—by enhancing real-time N₂O detection accuracy through AI integration. The combination of technical talent and strategic investors like NAP positions the company to meet regulatory demands while targeting municipalities aiming for climate neutrality.

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Sources

• Team - Klimaneutralität für Kläranlagen - Variolytics
• Variolytics Growth Financing - High-Tech Gründerfonds
• The SET100 List 2025 - Startup Energy Transition

7 The Media Features and Publications

Variolytics GmbH: Media Presence and Industry Engagement Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

Media Features and Publications
Variolytics GmbH, a German high-tech startup specializing in emission control systems for wastewater treatment, gained visibility through its EIC Accelerator win in October 2022. While direct media features are not extensively documented in available sources, the company’s inclusion in the EIC Accelerator winner lists across EU platforms and innovation blogs highlights its recognition as a climate-tech innovator. Its patented EmiCo analyzer technology, which monitors greenhouse gas emissions at wastewater plants, positions it as a key player in sustainable industrial solutions.

Podcasts and Interviews
No publicly available podcasts or interviews featuring Variolytics’ team members were identified in the search results. The company’s website emphasizes technical milestones over media engagements but references partnerships with entities like Fraunhofer Technologie-Transfer Fonds, suggesting potential behind-the-scenes collaborations that may not yet be publicly documented.

Conference Participation and Events
While specific conference appearances are not detailed, Variolytics operates within Germany’s robust environmental tech ecosystem. Notably:

• Environmental Technology Prize: Variolytics is eligible for Baden-Württemberg’s Umwelttechnikpreis, awarded biennially for innovations in measurement and control technologies (though no explicit mention of winning this award appears).
• Climate Innovation Networks: The company benefits from Stuttgart’s Climate Innovation Fund (Europe’s largest municipal fund of its kind), indicating potential involvement in related industry events or grant cycles.
• Ecosystem Collaborations: As an EIC Accelerator grantee until May 2025, Variolytics likely participates in EU-organized innovation forums or investor matchmaking events tied to Horizon Europe programs.

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Sources

• EIC Accelerator October 2022 Winners
• EIC Official Winner List (PDF)
• Variolytics Company Profile