The Foundation for Polish Science (FNP) has announced the launch of new support programs for scientists, which will be financed by the European Funds for Modern Economy 2021-2027 (FENG). The aim of the projects will be to develop scientific research with high innovative and social potential, as well as to support the commercialization of results. FNP plans to support over 250 projects in various fields of science, which will be implemented in research organizations throughout the country. FNP programs are also aimed at stimulating international cooperation, tightening cooperation between science and entrepreneurs, and attracting and supporting the most talented scientists in the Polish research community to Poland.
Proof of Concept (PoC) is a program addressed to scientists working in Polish research organizations who have obtained commercially promising results in their research so far. The program is to allow for the implementation of further research and development works, verification of the implementation potential, and an increase in the level of technological readiness of the solution, which is to facilitate the commercialization of the results. Research teams may apply for the programme, but the program may be implemented in cooperation with enterprises. The total budget of the PoC program is over PLN 102 million, which will allow the financing of approx. 160 annual projects until 2029. The amount allocated to one project will be up to PLN 700,000. zloty.
PRIME is a program for scientists in Polish research organizations who want to introduce the results of their research to the market, with an additionally supported commercialization path in the form of a spin-off. The program enables the creation of professional project teams and the development of their skills in the field of interaction with the market and commercialization. The program supports the development of products that respond to market needs and the preparation of a strategy for the most effective path of introducing a product into business practice. Financial and non-financial support is also provided to newly established spin-offs during the first 12 months of their operation. Projects are selected through a competition. Each edition of the program is divided into 3 phases: team development (6 months), product development (up to 12 months), and spin-off development (approx. 12 months). This program is in the final stages of preparation. Its launch is planned for this year.