1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), aims to support innovative startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe, particularly those in the DeepTech sector. This initiative focuses on companies with breakthrough innovations that have a high potential for commercialization and scalability. The program provides financial support through blended finance, combining grants and equity investments, to help these enterprises transition from research and development phases to the market.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers funding through two primary avenues: grants and equity investments.

Purpose and Impact

The EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in the European startup ecosystem by facilitating access to funding that might be challenging for early-stage companies to secure through traditional means. The program not only provides financial resources but also offers strategic support, networking opportunities, and mentorship to help companies refine their business models and enhance their market readiness. By bridging the funding gap, the EIC Accelerator enables innovative firms to attract additional investments from private sectors, thereby fostering growth and job creation within the European economy.

VAXDYN SL and the K-VAX Project

Company Overview: VAXDYN SL, a Spanish biotechnology company, has emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator program. The company focuses on developing innovative vaccine solutions to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a pressing global health concern.

Project Acronym: K-VAX

Project Description: The K-VAX project aims to clinically validate a global vaccine platform targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria, specifically the first vaccine against Klebsiella pneumoniae. This bacterium is a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections and is known for its resistance to multiple antibiotics, leading to increased morbidity and healthcare costs.

Technology Basics and Background

Antibiotic Resistance: Antibiotic-resistant infections represent a growing public health crisis, prompting the need for novel therapeutic interventions. Klebsiella pneumoniae is particularly concerning due to its ability to develop resistance mechanisms, making it difficult to treat with existing antibiotics.

Vaccine Development: The K-VAX project aims to harness advanced vaccine technologies to create a robust immune response against Klebsiella pneumoniae. The vaccine platform is designed to stimulate the body’s immune system to recognize and combat the bacterium effectively, thus preventing infections before they occur.

Clinical Validation: The project will involve extensive clinical trials to ensure the vaccine's safety and efficacy. These trials are essential steps in bringing the vaccine from the laboratory to the market, demonstrating its effectiveness in a real-world setting.

Global Impact: Successful development and deployment of the K-VAX vaccine could have a transformative impact on public health, significantly reducing the incidence of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This aligns with global health initiatives aimed at curbing antibiotic resistance and improving patient outcomes.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program serves as a critical funding mechanism for innovative companies like VAXDYN SL, enabling the advancement of groundbreaking projects such as K-VAX. By providing essential financial resources and strategic support, the EIC Accelerator not only fosters innovation in the DeepTech sector but also addresses some of the most pressing health challenges faced by society today.

2 The Funding Rounds

Vaxdyn SL Funding Overview Vaxdyn, a Spanish biotech company developing vaccines against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, secured €14.5 million through the EIC Accelerator in 2024 to advance its Klebsiella pneumoniae vaccine (K-Vax) into clinical trials. The funding included a €2.5 million grant for Phase 1 trials in healthy volunteers and €12 million in equity financing for Phase 2 efficacy studies.

Key Funding Details

• Recent EIC Accelerator Award: Submitted Step 2 proposal on March 13, 2024, as part of the March cutoff cohort, which awarded €411 million total to 68 companies. Vaxdyn’s selection emphasized its preclinical validation and strategy targeting high-risk populations like hospitalized adults and newborns.
• Investor Profile: Prior backers include CARB-X, which provided non-dilutive grants up to $7.3 million, alongside private investors like Bionova Capital, Arquimea Group, and Spain’s Mind the Gap program (Botín Foundation).
• Valuation: While exact post-EIC figures are undisclosed, Dealroom estimates Vaxdyn’s enterprise value between $53–79 million as of earlier reporting periods.

Funding Rounds & Milestones

• 2021 Investment Round: Bionova Capital and Arquimea invested €600,000 collectively (€300k each), supplemented by a €100k milestone-linked tranche from Mind the Gap. CARB-X grants supported preclinical development through first-in-human trials.
• Series A Progression: The ongoing Series A round coincides with K-Vax entering clinical phases, though specifics remain undisclosed pending closure.

Exit Strategy & Future Plans

No IPO or acquisition events are reported to date. Current efforts focus on advancing K-Vax through clinical validation while expanding partnerships for global distribution post-regulatory approval.

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Sources

• Vaxdyn awarded €14.5 Million from the EIC Accelerator
• EIC Accelerator March 2024 Results
• Dealroom - Vaxdyn Company Profile

3 The Press Releases

VAXDYN SL: A Spanish Biotech Innovator

VAXDYN SL, a biotech startup based in Spain, made headlines in early 2024 after securing significant funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program. This achievement is a testament to the company's innovative approach to addressing global health challenges.

EIC Accelerator Funding

VAXDYN SL was awarded €14.5 million to support the clinical phase of its novel vaccine platform, which targets antibiotic-resistant bacteria—a growing concern worldwide. This funding is part of the larger EIC Accelerator initiative, which invests in deep-tech innovations across Europe and Israel.

Technology and Innovation

The company's focus is on developing a global vaccine platform to combat antimicrobial resistance, a critical health threat. By advancing in the clinical phase, VAXDYN aims to bring this platform closer to market, offering new solutions for combating resistant infections.

Partnerships and Business Updates

While specific partnerships or collaborations related to VAXDYN SL are not detailed in recent reports, the EIC funding suggests that the company is poised for growth and potential collaborations within the European biotech ecosystem.

Press Releases and Website Updates

VAXDYN SL's website, vaxdyn.com, does not currently host press releases or blog updates regarding the EIC Accelerator award or its technology advancements. However, such announcements typically appear on company websites or social media platforms following significant achievements like this funding.

Social Media Presence

Social media updates from VAXDYN SL might include announcements about its EIC Accelerator funding, though no specific social media press releases have been highlighted in available sources.

Future Developments

As VAXDYN SL progresses with its vaccine platform, future developments are likely to include clinical trial updates, new partnerships, or further funding announcements. These will be critical milestones in bringing its innovative solutions to the global health market.

Sources: - Vaxdyn awarded €14.5 Million from the EIC Accelerator

• EIC Accelerator – 68 deep-tech start-ups in the latest funding round
• EIC Accelerator: Statistics and Results from the March 2024 call
• EIC Accelerator - Who made it through the last funding call?

4 The Technology Advancements

VAXDYN SL: Current Capabilities and Recent Advancements

VAXDYN SL, a Spanish biotech company, has been at the forefront of developing vaccines against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Founded in 2011 as a spin-off from the Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, VAXDYN works with an international network of collaborators to create multi-valent vaccines targeting high-risk populations worldwide.

Current Capabilities

VAXDYN specializes in using novel technology to boost immunity against dangerous bacterial pathogens. Their vaccines are designed to prevent infections in populations with chronic diseases or in hospital settings. The company's flagship vaccine candidates include AcinetoVax and KapaVax, which aim to combat multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Recent Advancements

Since winning the EIC Accelerator funding on March 13, 2024, VAXDYN has continued to advance its technology and pipeline. Notably, their K-Vax vaccine candidate against Klebsiella pneumoniae is set to enter its first human trials in 2025. This vaccine targets populations undergoing invasive procedures in hospitals and neonates, aiming to significantly reduce antibiotic use and prevent infections.

Technological Improvements

VAXDYN's technological platform allows for the creation of vaccines that target stable surface proteins, providing universal coverage against various bacterial strains. This approach enables immunity against multiple circulating types of bacteria and potential future variants.

Market and Clinical Trials

While specific details on market demonstrations or pilots since the EIC funding are not widely reported, VAXDYN's clinical trial plans for K-Vax are underway. The company intends to partner with major pharmaceutical companies for global distribution following efficacy testing.

Patents and Scientific Studies

VAXDYN's vaccines are backed by international patents, including protection for AcinetoVax in Europe, the USA, Japan, China, India, and Mexico. However, since the EIC funding, there is no publicly available information on new patents filed or scientific studies published specifically in relation to this funding.

Conclusion

VAXDYN SL continues to innovate in the field of antibiotic-resistant infections, leveraging its EIC Accelerator funding to progress its vaccine candidates. The company's focus on multi-valent vaccines and universal coverage technological platforms positions it well for addressing the growing global health crisis of antibiotic resistance.

Sources

• Vaxdyn: Inicio
• The Company - Vaxdyn
• Vaxdyn and the K-Vax Vaccine Candidate Against 'Klebsiella ...
• Vaxdyn SL - Drug pipelines, Patents, Clinical trials
• Our Technology - Vaxdyn
• R&D Programs - Vaxdyn
• A project led by Vaxdyn receives funding from Next Generation EU
• Vaxdyn Readies Vaccines To Target AMR Bacteria

5 The Partnerships and Customers

VAXDYN SL's Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

Following its 2024 EIC Accelerator win (€14.5 million) and CARB-X support ($5.5 million initial, plus potential $5.5 million), VAXDYN SL has fortified collaborations critical for advancing its multi-valent vaccines against antibiotic-resistant pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Key Partnerships

• Laboratorios Reig Jofre: A Barcelona-based pharmaceutical manufacturer involved in vaccine formulation and production scaling.
• National Center of Microbiology (ISCIII): Supports preclinical validation and immunological testing.
• CSIC Institutes: The López Neyra Institute (Granada) contributes to immunology research, while other CSIC groups aid antigen discovery.
• University of Córdoba: Conducts veterinary trials, including porcine models for respiratory infections.
• LEITAT Technology Center: Assists in manufacturing process optimization.

New Collaborations via EU Funding

The 2021–2024 AMReady project (€1.4 million from Next Generation EU funds) expanded partnerships with:

• Bionanoplus: Specializes in intranasal vaccine formulations tested in pigs.
• ADL Bionatur Solutions: Focuses on viral subunit vaccine components for dual-pathogen prevention strategies.

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Market Positioning

VAXDYN’s network positions it as a leader in prophylactic solutions for high-risk populations (immunocompromised patients, chronic disease cohorts). By leveraging CARB-X’s global consortium ties—including BARDA, Wellcome Trust, and the Gates Foundation—the company aligns with international AMR initiatives, enhancing credibility for clinical-stage investments.

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Technology Advancements & Scaling Mechanisms

• Multi-Antigen Platform: Partners enable rapid iteration of LPS-null whole-cell vaccines displaying conserved antigens across pathogens (e.g., KapaVax targets three bacteria simultaneously).
• Non-Dilutive Funding Synergy: Grants from CARB-X and EIC Accelerator reduce equity strain while attracting venture capital like Bionova Capital and Fundación Botín’s Mind the Gap program.

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Sources
R&D Programs - Vaxdyn · The Fight Against Pneumonia · CARB-X Partnership Announcement · For Investors | Vaxdyn · AMReady Project Funding

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

VAXDYN SL: Growth and Team Development

VAXDYN SL, a Spanish biotech company, has recently gained prominence by winning the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2024. The company focuses on developing vaccines against antibiotic-resistant infections, utilizing a novel technology platform to create multi-valent vaccines.

Current Headcount and Team Size

There is no publicly available information on VAXDYN SL's current headcount or team size. However, the company works with an international network of collaborators, which suggests a collaborative and potentially expanding team structure.

Hiring Status

No specific information is available about whether VAXDYN SL is currently hiring. However, the company's technological advancements and participation in global health initiatives suggest a need for skilled professionals in vaccine development and research.

Growth

VAXDYN SL's growth is marked by its innovative approach to vaccine development, particularly in targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The company's success in securing EIC Accelerator funding underscores its potential for expansion and impact in the biotech sector.

Key Positions and New Team Members

While specific details about recent hires are not available, new team members would likely contribute to the company's mission by enhancing its research capabilities and helping to scale vaccine production and distribution. This would be crucial in advancing VAXDYN's goals of combating antibiotic resistance globally.

Future Implications for the Company

New team members and any potential management changes could significantly enhance VAXDYN SL's ability to develop and commercialize its vaccine candidates. This would help the company grow by expanding its product portfolio and increasing its presence in the global healthcare market, particularly in addressing pressing issues like antibiotic resistance.

Major Changes in Management or Founding Team

There is no public information regarding major changes in VAXDYN SL's management or founding team. However, the company's continuous involvement in vaccine development and its recent funding success suggest stability and focus on its core mission.

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Sources: - The Company - Vaxdyn

• Vaxdyn: Inicio
• Vaxdyn SL - Drug pipelines, Patents, Clinical trials
• Vaxdyn and the K-Vax Vaccine Candidate Against 'Klebsiella pneumoniae'

7 The Media Features and Publications

VAXDYN SL: Innovations and Impact

VAXDYN SL, a Spanish biotech company, has garnered significant attention following its successful funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in March 2024. On March 13, 2024, the company submitted its Step 2 proposal and later won in the Step 3 interview, securing €14.5 million to support the clinical phase of its innovative vaccine platform.

Media Features and Publications

VAXDYN SL has been featured in various media and publications, primarily highlighting its breakthroughs in vaccine development. Notably, articles focus on its efforts to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria with its multi-antigen vaccine technology. The company is recognized for its K-Vax vaccine candidate, which targets Klebsiella pneumoniae, a bacterium causing severe types of pneumonia.

Content from Publications

Publications emphasize VAXDYN's commitment to addressing the rising threat of drug-resistant infections. The company's involvement with CARB-X, a global partnership supporting the development of innovative solutions against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, has been a crucial factor in its progress. VAXDYN received funding from CARB-X, which has also attracted additional investors to support its vaccine development.

Podcasts and Interviews

Juan J. Infante, CEO of VAXDYN, has provided insights into the company's vision and progress in interviews. For instance, on World Pneumonia Day, Infante discussed the importance of VAXDYN's K-Vax vaccine candidate in combating Klebsiella pneumoniae. However, there are no specific podcasts mentioned featuring the company's team.

Conference and Fair Visits, Presentations or Participations

While there are no specific conferences or fairs mentioned where VAXDYN SL has participated, the company's involvement in international collaborations and its participation in funding rounds like the EIC Accelerator indicate its active engagement in global innovation events.

Involvement in Events

VAXDYN SL's involvement in events is largely centered around its contributions to scientific and innovation forums. The company's presence is felt through its partnerships with organizations like CARB-X and its participation in funding competitions such as the EIC Accelerator.

Conclusion

VAXDYN SL has emerged as a significant player in the biotech sector, particularly in the development of vaccines against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Its success in securing funding from both CARB-X and the EIC Accelerator underscores its innovative approach to addressing critical health challenges.

Sources: - EIC Accelerator Award to Vaxdyn

• CARB-X Funding for Vaxdyn
• Vaxdyn and the K-Vax Vaccine Candidate