1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program Overview
The EIC Accelerator is a flagship funding initiative by the European Innovation Council (EIC) aimed at supporting high-risk, high-potential small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups. It primarily focuses on breakthrough innovations in the deep tech sector, which encompasses advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, green energy, and more.
Objectives of the EIC Accelerator
Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator provides two main types of funding:
Purpose in the European DeepTech and Startup Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in fostering a competitive European landscape for deep tech startups by: - Encouraging Innovation: It incentivizes entrepreneurs to invest in high-risk, transformative technologies that can address global challenges.
- Supporting Sustainability: Many projects funded under the EIC Accelerator focus on sustainability and climate change, aligning with the EU’s broader goals for a greener economy.
- Enhancing Collaboration: The program promotes networking and collaboration among startups, investors, and research institutions, thus creating a robust innovation ecosystem.
Role in Scaling Companies and Securing Private Funding
The EIC Accelerator not only provides financial support but also: - Offers Business Coaching: Through mentoring and advisory services, it helps companies refine their business models and strategies, making them more attractive to private investors.
- Improves Investor Confidence: By providing initial funding and validating the business potential, the EIC Accelerator enhances the credibility of startups, making it easier for them to secure additional funding from venture capitalists and other private sources.
- Facilitates Market Entry: The program assists in navigating regulatory environments and market dynamics, helping startups bring their innovations to market more effectively.
Wi-Charge Ltd and the WI-CHARGE Project
Company Overview: Wi-Charge Ltd is an innovative company based in Israel that focuses on developing advanced wireless power technologies.
Project Acronym: WI-CHARGE
Project Description: The WI-CHARGE project represents a paradigm shift in wireless power systems, specifically designed to overcome existing limitations in wireless power transfer. Wi-Charge's technology enables devices to be charged over the air with a range of up to 10 meters, delivering power that is 100 times greater than conventional battery systems. This capability opens up new possibilities for powering various devices without the constraints of physical connections, enhancing user experience and convenience.
Funding Type: The funding provided under the EIC Accelerator for Wi-Charge is equity only, allowing the company to scale its operations while maintaining control over its innovations.
Website: For more information, visit wi-charge.com.
Country: Israel
Submission Date: Wi-Charge submitted its Step 2 proposal on June 16, 2021, and successfully advanced through to the Step 3 interview, where it secured funding.
Technology Basics and Background
Wi-Charge’s technology revolves around wireless power transfer (WPT), a method that allows electrical energy to be transmitted from a power source to an electrical load without the need for physical connectors. Key components of this technology include:
In summary, the EIC Accelerator serves as a pivotal program for nurturing innovation in Europe, particularly in the deep tech sector, while companies like Wi-Charge Ltd exemplify the type of transformative technologies that the program seeks to advance.
2 The Funding Rounds
Wi-Charge Ltd, an Israeli company specializing in long-range wireless power technology, has engaged in several funding activities since receiving €13.4 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC) on June 16, 2021. Here's a detailed overview:1. EIC Accelerator Funding (June 16, 2021): Wi-Charge was awarded €13.4 million by the European Commission’s European Innovation Council (EIC) to accelerate the development and commercialization of its wireless power technology. (news.europawire.eu)
2. Regulation CF Offering (2021): In 2021, Wi-Charge initiated a Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) offering, selling 9,232,512 shares of common stock at $0.59 per share, totaling approximately $4.84 million in gross proceeds. After accounting for fees and expenses, the net proceeds were approximately $4.06 million. A portion of these funds was placed in escrow and distributed to the company in February 2022. (sec.gov)
3. Regulation A Offering (2022): On March 1, 2022, Wi-Charge commenced a Regulation A offering, selling 1,199,323 shares of common stock and issuing 84,055 bonus shares, amounting to approximately $1.89 million in gross proceeds. After fees and expenses, the net proceeds were approximately $1.55 million. A portion of these funds was placed in escrow and distributed to the company in the near future. (sec.gov)
4. Secondary Private Transaction (July 18, 2023): Wi-Charge engaged in a secondary private transaction on July 18, 2023. Specific details regarding the amount and investors involved in this transaction are not publicly disclosed. (pitchbook.com)
5. Investors: Wi-Charge has attracted investments from several venture capital firms and individual investors, including:
- Lightspeed Venture Partners Israel
- AdTay Ventures
- Champel Capital
- Maverick Ventures Israel
- NJF Capital
- Eyal Gura (individual investor)
These investors have participated in various funding rounds, contributing to Wi-Charge's growth and technological advancements. (pitchbook.com)
6. Company Valuation: As of the latest available data, Wi-Charge's valuation is not publicly disclosed. The company remains privately held, and specific valuation figures are typically confidential. However, the substantial investments from reputable venture capital firms and the significant funding raised indicate a positive market perception of Wi-Charge's technology and business prospects.
Conclusion: Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2021, Wi-Charge has successfully secured additional capital through Regulation CF and Regulation A offerings, as well as a secondary private transaction. These funding activities, supported by a diverse group of investors, underscore the confidence in Wi-Charge's innovative wireless power solutions and its potential for continued growth and market impact.
3 The Press Releases
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Wi-Charge Ltd has announced several significant developments:1. Partnership with Toho Technology Corporation (April 24, 2023): Wi-Charge partnered with Toho, a leading Japanese manufacturer of electronics for factory equipment, to integrate wireless charging into Toho's solutions, including sensors and radio devices. This collaboration aims to enhance efficiency and productivity for manufacturers by eliminating the need for wired power connections on factory floors. (prnewswire.com)
2. Release of Gen2 Receiver (December 15, 2022): Wi-Charge introduced its Gen2 Receiver, offering a 40% increase in power and a 30% reduction in size compared to the previous generation. This advancement enables device manufacturers to integrate wireless charging into a broader range of products, including those requiring higher power levels. (wcia.com)
3. Launch of 7" Video Display for Retail Environments (May 24, 2023): Wi-Charge unveiled the Wi-Spot 7", a wirelessly powered video display designed for retail settings. This display offers higher resolution and supports a wider range of content management systems, providing retailers with an energy-efficient solution to engage customers at the point of purchase. (prnewswire.com)
4. Partnership with Dolphin Digital for Retail Marketing (February 4, 2025): Wi-Charge collaborated with Dolphin Digital to integrate its wireless power technology into Dolphin Digital's retail displays. This partnership aims to revolutionize retail marketing by enabling the deployment of wirelessly powered digital out-of-home advertising solutions in thousands of stores across the United States. (cw39.com)
5. Introduction of Larger 9" Wirelessly Powered Video Displays (October 15, 2024): Wi-Charge expanded its Wi-Spot product line with the introduction of a 9-inch wirelessly powered video display. This larger display is designed to be easily installed in various retail environments, including store shelves and refrigerator doors, without the need for wires or batteries. (wfla.com)
6. CES 2023 Innovation Awards (November 16, 2022): Wi-Charge received two CES 2023 Innovation Awards for its wireless charging pad, Wi-Qi, and the Track Light Charger (TLC). These awards recognize Wi-Charge's advancements in over-the-air wireless charging technology, highlighting the company's leadership in the field. (prnewswire.com)
These developments underscore Wi-Charge's commitment to advancing wireless power solutions across various industries, including manufacturing, retail, and consumer electronics.
4 The Technology Advancements
Wi-Charge Ltd, based in Israel, specializes in long-range wireless power solutions, enabling devices to receive power over distances of up to 30 feet without the need for wires or batteries. (wi-charge.com)Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding (June 16, 2021):
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2021, Wi-Charge has made significant technological advancements and expanded its product offerings:
- Product Development:
- Wi-Spot 7" Display: In May 2023, Wi-Charge launched the Wi-Spot 7", a wirelessly powered video display designed for retail environments. This display offers higher resolution and supports a broader range of content management systems, enhancing customer engagement at the point of purchase. (wdtn.com)
- Wi-Spot 9" Display: In October 2024, the company unveiled the Wi-Spot 9", a larger wirelessly powered video display for retail settings. This model provides a 300% increase in size from previous versions, allowing for more impactful marketing messages in stores. (lelezard.com)
- Technological Enhancements:
- Gen2 Receiver: In December 2022, Wi-Charge introduced the Gen2 Receiver, which delivers 40% more power and has a 30% smaller footprint compared to its predecessor. This enhancement broadens the range of devices and use cases for wireless charging. (prnewswire.com)
- Partnerships and Market Demonstrations:
- Belkin Collaboration: In April 2022, Wi-Charge partnered with Belkin to integrate its wireless power technology into Belkin's consumer products, aiming to accelerate the adoption of over-the-air wireless charging. (prnewswire.com)
- Dolphin Digital Collaboration: In February 2025, Wi-Charge collaborated with Dolphin Digital to power retail displays with smart sensors, enabling wireless digital-out-of-home advertising in retail environments. (iotm2mcouncil.org)
- Intellectual Property:
- Patents: Wi-Charge has filed several patents to protect its innovations, including a patent for a "Wireless power transmission system with adaptive dynamic safety management" granted in December 2024. (htsyndication.com)
These developments demonstrate Wi-Charge's commitment to advancing wireless power technology and expanding its applications across various industries.
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Wi-Charge Ltd has established several strategic partnerships to advance its wireless power technology and expand its market presence.New Partnerships:
Nature and Purpose of Relationships:
These partnerships focus on integrating Wi-Charge's wireless power technology into various devices and systems, including industrial sensors, retail displays, hospitality solutions, and advertising platforms. The primary objectives are to eliminate the limitations imposed by wired power connections, reduce maintenance costs associated with battery replacements, and provide greater flexibility in device placement and design.
Market Positioning:
By collaborating with established companies in diverse industries, Wi-Charge is positioning itself as a leader in wireless power solutions across multiple sectors. These partnerships enable Wi-Charge to expand its reach into new markets, such as industrial manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and advertising, thereby enhancing its brand recognition and credibility in these domains.
Technology Advancements and Scaling:
The collaborations with Toho, Dolphin Digital, Charter House Innovations, and Glass-Media facilitate the scaling of Wi-Charge's technology by embedding it into a wide range of commercial products and environments. This widespread adoption not only demonstrates the versatility and reliability of Wi-Charge's wireless power solutions but also drives further technological advancements through real-world applications and feedback.
These strategic partnerships collectively contribute to Wi-Charge's growth, technological innovation, and strengthened position in the global market for wireless power solutions.
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Wi-Charge Ltd, an Israeli company specializing in over-the-air wireless power solutions, received EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021. Since then, the company has demonstrated significant growth in its team and operations.Current Team Size and Hiring Status:
As of July 2024, Wi-Charge employed approximately 40 individuals across its global offices. The team is distributed as follows:
- Israel: 27 employees
- United States: 5 employees
- Germany: 1 employee
- Indonesia: 2 employees
- Turkey: 1 employee
The company is actively expanding its workforce, with several key positions currently open. These roles span various departments, including R&D, Operations, Sales, and Marketing. Notable openings include:
- R&D: ATE Team Lead, Embedded Software Team Lead, Embedded Software Engineer
- Operations: NPI Technical Engineer
- Sales: Sales Representative for Smart Retail, Experienced BD/Sales Manager
- Marketing: Marketing Communication Manager, Senior Manager of Demand Generation
Growth and Recent Hires:
While specific data on the company's growth since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding is limited, the active recruitment for diverse roles indicates a strategic expansion to support its technological advancements and market penetration.
Implications of New Hires:
The recruitment of professionals in critical areas such as embedded software development, system integration, and business development is poised to enhance Wi-Charge's capabilities. These additions are expected to accelerate product development, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen customer engagement, thereby facilitating the company's scaling efforts.
Management and Leadership:
As of November 2024, key members of Wi-Charge's leadership team include:
- V. V.: Chief Executive Officer
- O. A.: Founder & Chief Technology Officer
- S. F.: Head of Operations and Engineering
- Y. D.: Head of Product Development
- K. W.: Vice President of Sales
There is no publicly available information indicating recent changes in management or the founding team.
In summary, since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, Wi-Charge Ltd has been actively expanding its team and operations, positioning itself for continued growth and innovation in the wireless power industry.
7 The Media Features and Publications
Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Wi-Charge Ltd from Israel has been featured in various media outlets, participated in industry events, and engaged in strategic partnerships. Below is a summary of their activities and media presence:Media Features and Publications:
- CES 2022 Innovation Award: In January 2022, Wi-Charge received the CES 2022 Innovation Award in the Health and Wellness category for their wireless-powered electric toothbrush charger. This marked the fourth time the company was recognized by CES for its innovations in wireless power solutions. (prnewswire.com)
- Partnership with Toho Technology Corporation: In April 2023, Wi-Charge announced a partnership with Toho Technology Corporation, a leading Japanese manufacturer of electronics for factory equipment. This collaboration aimed to integrate Wi-Charge's wireless charging technology into Toho's solutions, enhancing efficiency and productivity in manufacturing environments. (prnewswire.com)
- Wi-Charge's Expansion in Digital Signage: In October 2024, Wi-Charge introduced a 9-inch wirelessly powered display, expanding its product line for retail environments. This development was covered by industry publications, highlighting the company's growth and innovation in wireless power solutions. (sixteen-nine.net)
- Partnership with Dolphin Digital: In February 2025, Wi-Charge partnered with Dolphin Digital to integrate its wireless power technology into retail displays. This collaboration aimed to revolutionize retail marketing by providing wirelessly powered digital displays for in-store advertising. (fox16.com)
Podcasts and Interviews:
Conferences and Events:
Involvement in Events:
These activities and media features underscore Wi-Charge Ltd's ongoing commitment to innovation and expansion in the wireless power industry.