Grants8 | The most comprehensive grants search on the web

Grant Analysis

Purpose & Target

Core objective: To support startups in implementing solutions with technology recipients, accelerate 'Poland Prize' (for foreign entities establishing in Poland), and facilitate 'Go Global' expansion (for Polish entities in North America).
Target recipients: Startups, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
SECTOR-SPECIFIC with a primary focus on Industry 4.0, but also generally on technology innovation and market expansion.
Geographic scope: Projects can span Poland and international markets (North America). Funding recipients are organizations based in Poland.
Key filtering criteria for initial screening: Innovative solutions, especially those addressing Industry 4.0 needs, potential for market growth and internationalization, and for foreign entities, a clear interest in establishing business operations in Poland.
Grant frequency: This is a multi-round program (6 rounds over 36 months) with recurring application windows until the final deadline in January 2026.

Financial Structure

Total project value (qualified expenses): 17,980,965.00 PLN.
Total amount allocated for grants within the project: 14,400,000.00 PLN.
The average value of an individual grant is approximately 343,000 PLN.
Maximum grant amount for the 'Industry 4.0' and 'Way to North America' paths: 400,000 PLN.
Maximum grant amount for the 'Way to Poland' path: 300,000 PLN.
The support provided is equity-free, meaning the accelerator does not take any ownership stake in the recipient startup.
Grants are specifically intended to finance the implementation and/or development actions detailed in the Individual Acceleration Plan (IPA).
While not explicitly stated as a funding rate, the overall project's European Funds contribution (17,264,772.00 PLN out of 17,980,965.00 PLN) indicates a very high co-financing level for the program as a whole.
Applicants should be aware that the grant falls under 'de minimis' aid rules, which may have implications for the cumulative amount of state aid an enterprise can receive.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Organization Types

Startups: Must offer innovative solutions.
Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Foreign talents/individuals/startup teams interested in establishing and developing business activity in Poland.
Polish startups aiming to scale their business in North America.

Qualifications & Focus

For the 'Industry 4.0' path: Applicants must possess solutions relevant to automation, robotics, production management, IoT, or circular economy. A willingness to validate and/or undertake the first implementation of the solution with a larger business partner (a 'Technology Recipient') is required.
For the 'Way to Poland' path: Intended for foreign entities that have successfully developed a solution and built a business with stable revenue, seeking to commence operations in Poland.
For the 'Way to North America' path: Open to Polish startups demonstrating strong potential for business growth and scaling in North America (specifically the USA, Canada, or Mexico).

General Requirements

All applicants must commit to participation in the designated acceleration program.
(For 'Technology Recipients' partnering with startups in the Industry 4.0 path): Must commit a dedicated team to collaborate with the accelerator and the startup.
(For 'Technology Recipients' partnering with startups in the Industry 4.0 path): Must provide access to necessary infrastructure and know-how for project implementation, such as laboratories, workshops, equipment, software, or conference rooms.
(For 'Technology Recipients' partnering with startups in the Industry 4.0 path): A clear and defined decision-making process regarding the implementation of the startup's solution is expected.

Application Process

Application Period & Rounds

Applications are accepted in multiple, scheduled rounds, with the entire program concluding on a final deadline.
The latest overall application submission deadline is 31 January 2026.
Examples of specific round dates include:
Round III: Start 01.05.2025, End 31.05.2025
Round IV: Start 01.09.2025, End 30.09.2025
Round V: Start 01.01.2026, End 31.01.2026

Application Process Steps

Recruitment: The accelerator actively seeks and recruits suitable companies with development potential.
Pitching Day: Selected projects are invited to present their ideas and solutions to a judging Commission.
Individual Acceleration Plan (IPA) Development: Successful applicants will collaboratively develop a tailored Individual Acceleration Plan with the accelerator's support.
Realization Phase: The core project implementation period. This phase lasts a maximum of 6 months for the 'Industry 4.0' and 'Way to North America' paths, and 4 months for the 'Way to Poland' path.
Demo Day: At the conclusion of each round, a Demo Day is held where participating startups present their achievements and project outcomes.

Program Duration

Individual startup acceleration activities (including the realization phase) are limited to a maximum of 6 months.
The overall SKALAB project, encompassing all acceleration rounds, spans 36 months, from May 2024 to December 2026.

Post-Award & Reporting

Post-acceleration support is provided, including invitations to networking events and access to accelerator experts during dedicated open days.
While specific financial reporting and audit requirements are not detailed, adherence to standard procedures for publicly funded (EU Funds) projects is implied and should be anticipated.

Evaluation Criteria

Selection Process

Recruitment: Initial screening of applications based on outlined criteria and potential.
Pitching Day: Selected projects will be invited to a pitching session, either in-person or online. Applicants (and their teams) must prepare a solution proposal, based on their offering, that addresses a specific need of a Partner (for the Industry 4.0 path).
Commission Selection: A Commission will evaluate presentations and proposed solutions to recommend projects for program participation.

Project Quality & Impact

Innovation: The level of innovation within the proposed solution is a key scoring factor.
Problem Alignment: The degree to which the solution effectively addresses the needs identified by 'Technology Recipients' (for the Industry 4.0 path).
Market Potential: The potential for business development and successful scaling in new markets (Poland for 'Way to Poland', North America for 'Way to North America') is highly valued.
Scalability: Assessment of the business model's inherent scalability and growth prospects.

Team & Experience

Team Capability: Evaluation of the team's composition, expertise, and demonstrated ability to execute the proposed individual acceleration plan (IPA).
Track Record: For the 'Way to Poland' path, prior success in developing solutions and achieving stable revenue is a significant advantage.

Compliance & Special Requirements

Regulatory Compliance

The grant program receives partial funding from European Funds, which means applicants and funded projects must adhere to applicable EU funding regulations.
This support is considered 'de minimis' aid. Applicants must ensure that the total 'de minimis' aid received from all sources over a three-year period (current fiscal year and the two preceding fiscal years) does not exceed 300,000 EUR. It is the applicant's responsibility to track and verify their de minimis aid history.

Project Specifics

Equity-Free Funding: A key feature is that the accelerator does not take any equity or ownership in the participating startups.
Industry 4.0 Path: Requires a collaborative engagement with a 'Technology Recipient' to facilitate the implementation of the startup's solution. This collaboration mandates that the Technology Recipient provides a dedicated team and necessary infrastructure (e.g., labs, equipment) for the project.
Way to Poland Path: Includes a 'soft-landing' phase, typically the first 2 months, specifically designed to help foreign startups formally establish and commence business operations in Poland.
Way to North America Path: Projects under this path are expected to culminate in meetings with potential clients and investors in either the USA or Puerto Rico, indicating a focus on concrete market entry and expansion outcomes.

Risk Management

While comprehensive risk management expectations are not explicitly detailed, the program's phased approach, including recruitment, IPA development, and realization phases, inherently incorporates mechanisms for project validation and progress monitoring.

Grant Details