French biotech with advanced expertise in hearing loss tackles ageing ears in Europe and Japan

Hearing loss affects millions worldwide, yet effective treatments remain limited. French biotech Cilcare, founded in 2014 by three women entrepreneurs, set out to change this by pioneering advanced therapies for hearing disorders such as tinnitus and cochlear synaptopathy. 

To realise their global ambitions, Cilcare sought early support from the Enterprise Europe Network a European initiative that helps SMEs grow internationally through tailored matchmaking and strategic advisory services.

Today, Cilcare is recognised as a leader in its niche, thanks to targeted collaborations facilitated by the Network. Their innovative treatments, now moving towards clinical stages, offer hope to millions suffering from hearing impairments.

Targeted international strategy for hearing health innovation

From the outset, Cilcare had global ambitions. "We turned to the Enterprise Europe Network because it offered a structured and trusted pathway to international growth," says CEO Celia Belline. Early Network support included creating and promoting a partner-search profile on the Network database, significantly boosting Cilcare's visibility within the European health sector.

As Cilcare's strategy evolved, the company saw potential in the Japanese market. "Japan was identified as a strategic market very early in Cilcare's development," Belline explains. Their first Japanese client came in 2016, confirming demand for their unique preclinical expertise in ear disorders. Recognising cultural nuances, Cilcare invested heavily in cultural training and joined Club Japon Occitanie, deepening their market insight and relationship-building capabilities.

The EU-Japan Centre’s managed Biotech Missions to Japan and the involvement was pivotal. "Participating in the EU-Japan Biotech Missions significantly influenced Cilcare's expansion in Japan," says Belline. "They provided direct access to key players in Japan's biotech ecosystem, accelerating relationship-building and deal-making."

This targeted approach helped lay the groundwork for impressive strategic outcomes. Cilcare secured a EUR 15 million upfront licensing agreement with Japanese pharmaceutical giant Shionogi in 2024, with potential milestone payments reaching EUR 400 million.

Tailored Network support for sustained success

Bénédicte Ganivet, Cilcare's primary advisor at CCI Occitanie, the local French Network partner, recognised the company's potential from day one. "Cilcare immediately stood out thanks to its strong scientific foundation and the unique positioning of its activities in hearing disorders," Ganivet recalls. "Their proactive mindset made our collaboration highly effective from the very beginning."

Ganivet provided ongoing, tailored support, adapting strategies as Cilcare's goals evolved. Initially focusing on European R&D partnerships, she later guided their successful expansion into Asia. "Japan was a natural fit," she says. "The country's ageing population faces increasing auditory health challenges, which aligns directly with Cilcare's mission."

Coordinating efforts across continents, Ganivet worked closely with Alessandro Perna from the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation. The EEN Japan team helped Cilcare successfully navigate three EU-Japan Biotech Missions, most recently in 2024, boosting their credibility and visibility at BioJapan, Japan's premier biotech event.

Cilcare also received pivotal support for their European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator applications. "The Enterprise Europe Network played a key mentoring role throughout our EIC Accelerator journey, from Step 1 (short version of their proposal) to Step 3 where we were ready to pitch the full proposal," Belline affirms. "Thanks to this support, we were selected twice for presenting our innovations. This confirms the strength of our project and the quality of our preparation."

Looking forward, Cilcare plans further international expansion, including establishing a subsidiary in Japan by 2026. Belline's advice to other biotech SMEs is clear: "Be transparent and precise. Invest in cultural understanding. Be patient, stay ready. Building partnerships takes time, but consistency, persistence and adaptability are essential."

This long-term collaboration illustrates the transformative impact of targeted, strategic support from the Enterprise Europe Network, empowering SMEs like Cilcare to achieve global leadership and deliver tangible improvements to people's health and lives.