HPCC System and the EIC Accelerator: A Digital Knitting Machine

HPCC System, a precision machining workshop in Calenzano near Florence registered in 2008, developed NbyN, a circular knitting machine in which each needle is driven by its own miniature stepper motor instead of a fixed mechanical cam, so a machine can switch patterns and textures in software. It was selected in the EIC Accelerator's March 2023 cut-off and received an EU grant of €1.53 million for a €2.19 million project that ran from October 2023 to September 2025, according to CORDIS. The goal was to take the concept from the laboratory to an industrial-grade prototype for sock and technical knitting.

The final report says the project "delivered a fully operational prototype" with 156 individually controlled actuators, which produced wearable socks with elastic zones, terry and jacquard patterns in pilots, and that "purchase commitments for initial production units were received", according to the CORDIS reporting page. It claims the machine reached technology readiness level 8 and is "ready for market launch". A year later, the NbyN website shows only a menu, with no product, price or customer.

Where HPCC System Stands Now

HPCC System reported revenue of €2.02 million in 2025, up 14.7%, a net profit of €284,200 and 21 employees, according to register data summarised by aziende.it. Its main website presents it as a precision mechanical workshop for milling, turning and assemblies, and does not describe the knitting machine. No partner, distributor or buyer of NbyN machines has been named in public.

The Technology: One Motor per Needle

Conventional circular knitting machines move all needles along a fixed cam track, so changing a design means changing parts and runs must be long to pay for the setup. NbyN drives each needle through a spiral cam and lever, with electronics in the rotating head and a rotary collector for power and data. The report says changeovers take minutes instead of hours, with less yarn waste, but gives no production speed compared with commercial machines from established makers.

What the EIC Award Promised, and What the Record Shows

The award promised an industrial-grade prototype ready for commercial deployment. By the report's account that was built and piloted, with the complex electronics and software a 150-plus actuator rotating head needs. The report is the only evidence: no independent test, trade-fair launch or customer statement is public, and the reported purchase commitments are not quantified.

1. Industrial prototypeDelivered156 actuators, per report.
2. Pilot productionDeliveredSocks and technical knits.
3. Purchase commitmentsUnverifiedNot quantified.
4. Market launchNot announcedEmpty product site.

The Money

The EU paid 70% of the project. The grant equalled about three quarters of HPCC's 2025 revenue, a large bet for a small workshop. HPCC remained profitable through the project. Whether it has invested in producing NbyN machines, or plans to license the design, as the report mentions, is not public.

What Cannot Be Checked

Why Europe Should Care

Brands are moving towards personalisation, sustainability and shorter delivery cycles, the report says, which fixed-cam machines serve poorly. A knitting machine that changes patterns in software would help European makers compete. HPCC has built one with EIC money; the value to the European industry depends on it being sold and used.

The Verdict

HPCC System and the EIC have not been asked for comment for this article. It is based entirely on public records and published statements, linked throughout.