1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program is a key initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC) aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups engaged in deep tech innovation. This program is designed to foster high-risk, high-potential innovations that can drive economic growth and address significant societal challenges. It provides funding in the form of grants and equity, enabling companies to scale their operations and bring innovative products to market.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a unique funding structure that includes both grants and equity options. Companies can receive a grant of up to €2.5 million, which is intended to cover costs related to the development of innovative projects, including research and development, prototyping, and testing. This grant can significantly alleviate financial pressure, allowing startups to focus on technological advancements without the immediate burden of repayment.

In addition to grants, the EIC Accelerator provides equity funding, which was initially available up to €15 million until 2024. However, starting in 2025, this ceiling will adjust to €10 million. This equity funding can be crucial for companies looking to scale quickly, as it allows them to attract private investors and secure additional capital without diluting ownership excessively.

Purpose in the Deep Tech Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in the European deep tech and startup ecosystem by providing a structured pathway for innovative companies to transition from the research phase to commercialization. By supporting high-risk projects that traditional investors might overlook, the EIC Accelerator helps bridge the funding gap often faced by startups in the deep tech sector. This contributes to a more vibrant innovation landscape in Europe, enabling companies to develop solutions that can lead to transformative societal changes.

Role in Scaling and Securing Funding

Through its combination of grant and equity funding, the EIC Accelerator helps companies scale efficiently by providing the necessary financial resources to develop their technologies and business models. The program also facilitates connections with private investors, helping startups leverage additional funding sources. This support is crucial for overcoming the challenges associated with scaling operations, such as manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and market entry.

EIC Accelerator Winner: Vésale Bioscience SPRL

Vésale Bioscience SPRL, a Belgian startup, emerged as a notable winner of the EIC Accelerator program with its project titled Phagediag. This project focuses on developing fast and easy diagnostics for personalized phage therapy, a cutting-edge approach to treating bacterial infections.

Project Overview: Phagediag

Phagediag aims to address the growing problem of antibiotic resistance by providing a rapid diagnostic solution that identifies specific bacterial infections and matches them with suitable bacteriophages—viruses that specifically target and kill bacteria. This personalized approach not only promises to enhance treatment efficacy but also reduces the likelihood of broader antibiotic resistance.

Technology Basics and Background

The technology behind Phagediag is rooted in the field of bacteriophage therapy, which utilizes the natural predatory relationship between bacteriophages and bacteria. Bacteriophages are highly specific, meaning they can target particular strains of bacteria without harming beneficial microbes. This specificity allows for a more tailored treatment approach, potentially leading to more effective outcomes for patients suffering from bacterial infections.

The diagnostic aspect of Phagediag involves developing a platform that quickly assesses the presence of specific bacteria in a clinical sample. By rapidly identifying the bacterial strain, healthcare providers can prescribe the most appropriate phage treatment, thereby optimizing therapeutic results and minimizing the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Phagediag's significance lies in its potential to revolutionize the way bacterial infections are diagnosed and treated, especially in an era where traditional antibiotics are becoming increasingly ineffective. By leveraging the EIC Accelerator's funding, Vésale Bioscience aims to refine and commercialize this innovative diagnostic tool, ultimately contributing to the global fight against antibiotic resistance and improving patient outcomes in infectious disease management.

For more information, Vésale Bioscience can be visited at vesalepharma.com/en/.

2 The Funding Rounds

Financing Raised by Vésale Bioscience SPRL Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Background and EIC Accelerator Grant

Vésale Bioscience SPRL, a Belgian R&D company specializing in phage therapy solutions for antimicrobial resistance, was selected as a winner of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator following the October 5, 2022 cut-off. The company received this recognition for its PhageDiag project—a diagnostic tool for personalized phage therapy.

EIC Accelerator Funding:

At the end of 2022, Vésale Bioscience was awarded a non-dilutive grant of €1.8 million from the EIC Accelerator Fund to support development and scale-up activities related to PhageDiag. This grant is part of Europe’s flagship innovation program supporting game-changing technologies.

Funding Rounds: Timing, Amounts & Investors

Beyond the EIC grant:

Private Investment Round (Late 2022):

In preparation for an anticipated IPO (initially scheduled by year-end 2022), Vésale Bioscience raised a first tranche of €3 million from private investors. Details on specific investors involved in this round have not been publicly disclosed.

Historical Grants:

Prior to its EIC funding success, Vésale Bioscience also secured significant non-dilutive financing through regional grants—raising approximately €10 million in grants from institutions such as BioWin (Walloon Region’s life sciences competitiveness cluster) and other public research entities by 2019.

Date	Type	Amount	Investor(s)/Source
Late 2022	Grant	€1.8M	European Innovation Council
Late 2022	Private Equity	€3M	Undisclosed Private Investors
Pre-2019	Public Grants	~€10M	Walloon Region/BioWin/Research Services

Valuation Information

There are no public disclosures regarding company valuations associated with these rounds or IPO pricing at this stage.

Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions

As of May 2025:

• There has been no completed IPO or acquisition event reported for Vésale Bioscience.
• The company had indicated plans to bring forward an initial public offering (“IPO”) preparation process toward late 2022; however, there is no record confirming that an actual listing or exit event has occurred since then.

Summary Table

Event/Funding Type	Date/Timing	Amount Raised	Notable Details / Investors
EIC Accelerator Grant	End of Dec. '22	€1.8 million	EU-backed; non-dilutive
Private Investment	Late '22	€3 million	First tranche; prepping for IPO; investors undisclosed
Previous Regional Grants & Pre-'19 ~€10 million BioWin/Walloon region/public funds

Key Points

• Since winning the October 5th, 2022 EIC Accelerator cut-off call and receiving funding at year-end '22, Vésale Bioscience raised both EU grant capital (€1.8M) and private equity (€3M).
• No official IPO launch or acquisition exit has been reported as of May 2025.
• Specific investor identities remain undisclosed except where grants were public sector-driven.

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Sources

• EIC Accelerator - October Cut-Off Results
• Vésale Bioscience receives €1.8M grant from European Innovation Council
• EIC Accelerator winners and statistics October  
• Vésale Bioscience receives €1.8M grant for AMR phage project
• Press - Vesale Biosciences: First Tranche Funding & IPO Preparation
• Vésale Biosciences wins R&D Grant: AMR Diagnostic Platform

3 The Press Releases

Vésale Bioscience SPRL: EIC Accelerator Winner

Vésale Bioscience SPRL, based in Belgium, was a recipient of the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022. The company focuses on developing Phagediag, a fast and easy diagnostic tool for personalized phage therapy. This innovative approach aims to provide precise and efficient diagnostics, potentially revolutionizing the field of bacteriophage-based treatments.

Technology and Focus

• Phage Therapy Diagnostics: Vésale Bioscience SPRL's primary focus is on creating diagnostic solutions for personalized phage therapy. This involves developing tools that can quickly identify the appropriate phages for treating bacterial infections, offering a targeted and effective treatment option.
• Innovation Impact: The EIC Accelerator funding supports the advancement of this technology, enabling Vésale Bioscience to further refine and commercialize its diagnostic platforms.

Partnerships and Updates

Currently, there is limited information available on specific partnerships or team updates related to Vésale Bioscience SPRL following their EIC Accelerator funding. However, the grant received is expected to bolster their research and development efforts, potentially leading to future collaborations or announcements.

Press Releases and Updates

Vésale Bioscience SPRL does not appear to have released press releases or updates on their website or social media platforms regarding new partnerships, technology advancements, or team updates since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding.

Future Prospects

With the support from the EIC Accelerator, Vésale Bioscience SPRL is well-positioned to drive innovation in personalized phage therapy diagnostics. This could lead to significant advancements in healthcare, particularly in treating antibiotic-resistant infections.

Sources

• EIC Accelerator winners and statistics October 2022
• EIC Accelerator 5 October cut-off
• Vésale Bioscience SPRL Website

4 The Technology Advancements

Vésale Bioscience SPRL: Post-EIC Accelerator Progress and Capabilities Belgium-based Vésale Bioscience, a spin-out of Vésale Pharma specializing in phage therapy, has advanced its mission to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) since securing €1.8 million in EIC Accelerator funding in January 2023 (awarded following the October 2022 cut-off). While specific updates post-October 2022 are limited, the company’s public disclosures and grant outcomes highlight key developments:

Technology Advancements

• PhageDiag Platform: The EIC-funded diagnostic tool uses AI to match bacteriophages to bacterial infections within 2–3 hours, a significant reduction from traditional methods (4–7 days). The system combines a disposable well-plate kit, luminometer, and AI-driven software to recommend optimal phage combinations.
• Phage Library: Maintains a curated library of 96 bacteriophage references, enabling rapid personalized therapy.

Market Demonstrations & Collaborations

• Triple Helix Partnership: Since 2020, Vésale has collaborated with the Belgian Army under an industry-government-academia framework to advance phage therapy R&D. This partnership focuses on military medical applications but lacks recent public updates on clinical trials or patient pilots.
• Regulatory Engagement: Positioned as a regulatory “test case” for Europe through close collaboration with Belgian health authorities, though no new trial data or customer deployments have been disclosed post-funding.

Intellectual Property & Publications

No new patents or peer-reviewed studies are explicitly cited in available materials. However, their existing encapsulation technology (Intelicaps® from parent company Vésale Pharma) and PhageDiag’s proprietary AI components suggest ongoing IP development.

Current Capabilities Overview

| Aspect | Details | Source Citations | |----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------| | Diagnostic Speed | Reduces phage susceptibility testing from days to hours | labiotech.eu, ala.associates | | Therapeutic Scope | Targets multidrug-resistant infections using personalized phage libraries | phage.health, phage.health | | Industry Recognition | Awarded “Europe’s most innovative life sciences startup” at BioFit Congress 2021 | ala.associates |

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Sources

• Vésale Bioscience - Official Site
• About Us - Vésale Pharma
• Labiotech Article on EIC Grant
• European Biotechnology News Update

Additional Relevant Sources

Note: Some sources below may predate Oct 2022 but provide foundational context: -EIC Grant Press Release PDF](https://ala.associates/wp-content/uploads//01/-Vesale-Bioscience-EIC-[EN.pdf]) (Link formatting issue; correct URL requires verification) -FINSmes Funding Announcement (Link contains typographical errors; correct source is likely `finsmes.com` archives)

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Overview of Vésale Bioscience SPRL

Vésale Bioscience SPRL, a Belgian biotech company, has been making significant strides in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022. Founded in 2018 as a spin-out of Vésale Pharma, the company specializes in phage therapy, focusing on personalized treatments for multi-drug resistant infections.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Vésale Bioscience SPRL has established strategic partnerships with various entities to further its mission. These include collaborations with university researchers, Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), hospitals, and reference centers across Europe. Notable partnerships involve:

• Queen Astrid Military Hospital (Belgium): Collaborative research in phage therapy.
• Laboratory of Brussels University Hospitals (Belgium): Joint research initiatives.
• Eliava Institute (Georgia): International collaboration enhancing phage therapy capabilities.
• Belgian Military: Collaboration under the 'Triple Helix' Convention, combining industry, government, and academia efforts.

New Partnerships and Customers

While specific new partners or customers are not detailed in the available information, Vésale Bioscience SPRL continues to seek commercial partnerships for its current assets. This includes licensing and distribution agreements across several territories.

Nature and Purpose of New Relationships

The company's partnerships aim to enhance its phage therapy solutions by leveraging advanced diagnostics and AI-driven decision tools. These collaborations are designed to increase access to personalized treatments for patients with complex infections, positioning Vésale Bioscience SPRL as a leader in combating AMR.

Market Positioning

The new relationships will strengthen Vésale Bioscience SPRL's market presence by expanding its network of collaborators and customers, enhancing its technological capabilities, and scaling its operations. The company's goal is to treat over 10,000 patients across 100 European reference centers by 2030, marking a significant expansion in its impact.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

Vésale Bioscience SPRL's strategic partnerships and funding will accelerate the development of its phage therapy diagnostic platforms, such as the PhageDiag project. This project, supported by a €1.8 million grant from the European Innovation Council, focuses on decentralized diagnostics and personalized treatments using AI. These advancements will enable Vésale Bioscience SPRL to scale its operations rapidly, providing tailored treatments within a shorter timeframe and increasing the success rate of AMR treatments.

Sources

• Vesale Bioscience
• About Us - Vesale Bioscience
• Vésale Bioscience named most innovative start-up in life sciences in Europe
• VESALE BIOSCIENCE - BIO International Convention
• About Us - Vésale Pharma
• Vésale Bioscience receives €1.8M grant from European Innovation Council for PhageDiag project

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Vésale Bioscience: Growth and Team Development

Vésale Bioscience, a Belgian biotechnology company, has been at the forefront of innovative phage therapy since its founding in 2018. The company's mission is to develop personalized, evidence-driven therapies to combat antimicrobial-resistant infections, one of the most pressing global health challenges. After receiving €1.8 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in late 2022, Vésale Bioscience has continued to expand its capabilities and team.

Current Headcount and Team Size

As of the latest available information, specific details about the current headcount and team size of Vésale Bioscience are not publicly disclosed. However, the company's growth and strategic partnerships suggest an increase in personnel to support its ambitious projects.

Hiring and Team Growth

Vésale Bioscience is actively engaged in hiring and team growth, particularly in research and development, to accelerate its phage therapy projects. The company's focus on personalized phage therapy requires a skilled workforce with expertise in microbiology, diagnostics, and AI-driven solutions. While specific job openings may not be listed publicly, the company's expansion in research and commercial partnerships indicates ongoing recruitment efforts.

Recent Hires and Key Positions

While specific details on recent hires are not available, Vésale Bioscience's leadership team includes key figures such as Gunther Vanwezer, CEO, and Johan Quintens, Chief Scientific Officer. The company's strategic partnerships with universities, hospitals, and industry leaders also suggest that they are building a diverse team of experts in phage therapy and antimicrobial resistance.

Impact of New Team Members on Company Growth

New team members are crucial for Vésale Bioscience's future growth, enabling the company to scale its personalized phage therapy solutions and expand its reach. The addition of skilled professionals allows the company to develop more sophisticated diagnostic tools, like the PhageDiag, and enhance its phage library, which are essential for providing tailored treatments to patients with complex infections.

Major Changes in Management or Founding Team

There are no reported major changes in the management or founding team of Vésale Bioscience since receiving the EIC funding. The company continues to be led by its founding team and key executives who are driving its strategic growth and innovation in phage therapy.

Growth and Scaling

Vésale Bioscience's growth is marked by its successful grant awards, strategic partnerships, and recognition as a leader in personalized phage therapy. The company aims to treat patients with complex infections starting in 2026 and plans to expand its impact to more than 10,000 patients across Europe by 2030. This ambitious plan underscores the company's commitment to scaling its operations and making phage therapy accessible to a broader patient base.

Sources

• About us - Vésale Bioscience
• Vésale Bioscience receives €1.8M grant for AMR phage project
• Vésale Bioscience (Inteliphage)

7 The Media Features and Publications

Vésale Bioscience SPRL: Media Presence and Key Activities Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

Vésale Bioscience, a Belgian biotech specializing in phage therapy for antimicrobial-resistant infections, has gained significant media and industry attention following its €1.8 million EIC Accelerator grant in January 2023 for its PhageDiag project. The company’s innovative diagnostic platform enables rapid phage susceptibility testing within hours, addressing the global AMR crisis highlighted by the WHO.

Media Features & Publications

• PhageDiag Grant Announcements: Multiple outlets covered the EIC funding, emphasizing Vésale’s role in advancing personalized phage therapy. Labiotech.eu detailed how PhageDiag reduces diagnostic timelines from days to hours, while analytica-world.com highlighted its potential to combat multidrug-resistant infections globally.
• BioFIT 2021 Innovation Award: The company was named Europe’s most innovative life sciences start-up at BioFIT 2021 for its Inteliphage technology, which targets multidrug-resistant pathogens. This recognition underscored its credibility in securing subsequent grants and collaborations.

Conferences & Events

• BIO International Convention: Vésale showcased its automated Luminophage® diagnostic tool and GMP phage library at BIO International Convention (Booth 1664), positioning itself as a leader in personalized AMR treatments.
• EIC Accelerator Participation: The company leveraged the EIC grant to advance regulatory dialogues with Belgian authorities, serving as a test case for EU-wide adoption of phage therapy frameworks.

Collaborations & Research

Vésale collaborates with institutions like Queen Astrid Military Hospital and Brussels University Hospitals to validate its therapies. It also partners with Eliava Institute (Georgia) for phage library development, supported by Walloon Region grants totaling €10 million since 2019.

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Sources

• Belgian company Vésale Bioscience has received €1.8 million grant
• Phage therapy diagnostic platform in global fight against multidrug-resistant infections
• Vésale Bioscience named most innovative start-up in life sciences
• VESALE BIOSCIENCE - BIO International Convention