Launched in June 2019, the EIC Accelerator, previously known as SME Instrument, is for the first time offering “blended finance” in which startups and SMEs have the opportunity to receive both a grant and a direct equity investment. Through this approach, each startup or SME with a ground-breaking innovation has the possibility to receive up to €17.5 million to accelerate its growth. In addition to funding, the selected companies have access to coaching, networking and business acceleration services to help them build their businesses. With nine startups, Switzerland has the highest number of grant-only projects. Following the announcement of selected beneficiaries by the EU, four Swiss startups have already confirmed the receipt of grants, which were provided under the pilot phase of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator. The four startups are: Daphne Technologies – is developing a catalyst-free scrubber technology to reduce air emissions to the levels that are required by international and national regulations. The startup received €2.5 million in grant to support its development and commercialization of its exhaust gas purification system in the market. Daedalean – the Zurich-based startup developing autonomous dynamic flight control systems received a €2.3 million grant for over a two-year period. The funds will be used for the continued development of the company’s innovative technology and its market launch. This funding adds on top the previous venture capital of more than €15 million that Daedalean has raised so far. Hylomorph – is developing biomaterials to optimize the interface between implantable medical devices and tissues with the aim of transforming the biocompatibility of implantable medical devices to improve the quality of life of patients and the quality of care by healthcare professionals, while reducing overall healthcare costs. The grant will enable the company to complete the first-in-man clinical trial and launch its products in Europe. Novostia – the medtech startup is developing a unique, durable, anticoagulant-free and silent heart valve prosthesis with the aim of improving the quality of life of people suffering from heart valve disease, especially children and young patients. Adding to the CHF 6.5 million raised from last year’s financing round, Novostia will use the EUR 2.5 million grant to accelerate the development of its technology toward the first in human studies.(Press release/ran)