“This is the first project of this type in Poland that will combine the knowledge and experience of the technology and defense sector thanks to the national network of mentors, and also create mechanisms for incubation of ideas and developmental acceleration” – emphasizes the message published on the website of the Ministry of Development and Technology.
The program provides three key components supporting innovative projects. The first, called “Venture Building”, is to be directed to teams at the earliest stage of activity. The purpose of this element is substantive support and help in building companies, technology verification and adaptation to the needs of the market.
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Acceleration of dual-use innovation
The second component, entitled “Dual-USE accelerator”, will be intended for startups that already work on their solution, but need support in assessing commercial and technological potential. A special place in this module will take cooperation with the international NATO Diana program, which focuses on innovations relevant to the defense of the North Atlantic Alliance. The ministry indicates that the use of proven models from the NATO program will allow Poland to introduce the best practices in the acceleration process of double application innovation.
The third pillar of the program assumes the creation of a nationwide network of mentors from various sectors – defense, industry, science and investment. Experts will support teams in technology development, construction of business models and acquiring capital. “Mentors will play a key role in the process of technology and cooperation between the private sector and public institutions, which will improve the integration between these environments,” explains the ministry.
Recruitment starts in August
Andrzej Domański, Minister of Finance and Economy, emphasizes the importance of the program: “UMoving the acceleration program is not only an opportunity for the development of innovative technologies, but also a strategic step that strengthens the country's security and our role in NATO“The minister was cited in a statement in which it was recalled that supporting innovation would also contribute to strengthening Poland in international technological structures.
The highest rated projects that will gain the approval of investors will be able to count on financing within the PFR Deep Tech fund. This newly created mechanism is to create a ground for a coherent support system for innovative projects and investments.
The first activities under the program will start in August 2025, when recruitment to the competition will start. In autumn of the same year, pilot activities are planned to assess the effectiveness of the adopted work model. A unique project on a national scale, developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense, seems to be a promising step towards building new technologies with strategic potential for both Poland and its partners.
