SynergistEIC: Boosting Synergies between EIC and Startup Europe

Project Information

SynergistEIC

Grant agreement ID: 101073761

DOI

10.3030/101073761

Project closed

EC signature date 15 December 2022

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 31 December 2024

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 1 986 176,25

EU contribution

€ 1 986 176,25

Coordinated by

ASOCIATA SPHERIK
Romania

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SynergistEIC (SynergistEIC: Boosting Synergies between EIC and Startup Europe)

Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Europe is experiencing a wave of significant innovations in sustainability, digitalization, and deep tech, with great potential to address global challenges such as climate change, limited resources, and the shift to a circular economy. Despite these opportunities, many startups, especially from widening countries, struggle to access the necessary support and resources to grow their ideas and compete internationally.

The SynergistEIC project was created to fill this gap, aligning with the European Union's goals of promoting innovation, supporting the growth of tech startups, and achieving Net Zero emissions. By offering practical, personalized support, the project focuses on helping startups in important sectors such as climate-tech, clean-tech, circular economy, and agri-food to scale faster, improve their technologies, and prepare for the market.

This initiative is a partnership between organizations from Romania (Spherik Association), Slovakia (G-Force), Portugal (FastTrack Action), and Ireland (F6S Network), all of which are deeply involved in the European startup ecosystem. Together, they aim to make a meaningful impact by identifying and supporting 30 startups through sub-grants, mentoring, and advisory services. The program focuses on both startups that have previously applied for the EIC Accelerator without securing funding and startups that have not applied, ensuring broad support for innovation.

By connecting startups with key stakeholders, including investors, innovation hubs, and collaborators, the SynergistEIC project aims to strengthen Europe's innovation ecosystem. The main objective is to help these startups contribute to EU priorities, including advancing technology independence and sustainability, while addressing global environmental and social challenges.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The SynergistEIC project supported green-tech startups through tailored acceleration programmes, focusing on green-tech, clean-tech, circular economy, and agri-food sectors. It prioritized widening country representation, gender diversity, and education on EIC Accelerator and EU funding opportunities.
Open Calls and Selection

Two open calls identified startups across two tracks:

EIC Track: Startups with prior EIC Accelerator applications but no funding.
Non-EIC Track: Innovative startups with no prior EIC applications.

KPIs Achieved:

Cohort 1: 192 applications, 15 selected (66% from widening countries, 53% women-led).
Cohort 2: 165 applications, 16 selected (53% from widening countries, 79% women-led).

Acceleration Programmes

Each cohort completed a six-month programme to improve market readiness:

Workshops on strategy, product development, and funding opportunities.
Mentorship: Over 280 tailored mentoring sessions.
Learning Sessions on EU funding, EIC Accelerator applications, and sustainability.

Startup Showcases

Two online Startup Showcase events concluded each cohort, providing visibility and networking with investors and experts. Recordings are available on the SynergistEIC YouTube channel.
Key Success Stories

SmartFarm Robotics (Cohort 1): Developed an autonomous solar-powered weeding robot. During the SEIC programme, the startup secured EIC Accelerator funding in February 2024, supported by tailored guidance and mentorship.

Detailed results are available in the Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 Impact Reports at https://synergisteic.eu/.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The SynergistEIC programme supported green-tech startups in improving technology, scaling businesses, and creating impactful solutions. The project achieved results in four key areas: economic, technological, social, and environmental.

Economic Impact

39 startups received €50,000 each, with 2 additional startups receiving €30,000 and €20,000.
28 startups (90.3%) secured or completed projects during the programme.
16 startups (51.6%) gained new clients post-programme.
21 startups (67.7%) expanded their teams, adding 1–8 members.
22 startups (71%) obtained additional funding from other programmes or competitions.
Many startups improved investment readiness, with 53% in Cohort 1 and 44% in Cohort 2 becoming more prepared.

Technological Impact

28 startups (90.3%) achieved technological advancements, including optimized prototypes, new protocols, improved AI algorithms, enhanced IoT systems, and better product efficiency.
Over 80 new collaborations with industry partners and research institutions were formed, many cross-border, fostering innovation and cooperation.

Social Impact

53 jobs were created through direct hires and outsourced roles.
66% in Cohort 1 and 53% in Cohort 2 were from widening countries.
53% in Cohort 1 and 79% in Cohort 2 were women-led, exceeding targets.
Startups advanced community well-being and sustainable development goals, as reflected in qualitative and quantitative metrics.
Participants improved brand visibility and established investor connections.

Environmental Impact

15 startups developed technologies like AI-driven systems, energy-efficient prototypes, and green manufacturing processes, reducing environmental impact and increasing resource efficiency.
Funding enabled scaling R&D, protecting IP, and advancing clean energy and sustainable manufacturing.
Startups aligned solutions with EIC goals, improving sustainability and market readiness.
The programme supported sustainable agriculture and urban mobility strategies, expanding market reach.

Detailed results are available in the Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 Impact Reports at https://synergisteic.eu/.

SEIC team at EIC Summit 2024

SEIC at EIC Summit 2024

SEIC and sister projects at EIC Summit 2024

SEIC Startup Portofolio cohort 1_2023

SEIC Startup Portofolio cohort 2_2024