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Grant Analysis

Purpose & Target

The 'Strefa Akceleracji' (Acceleration Zone) grant aims to support innovative micro and small startups in Poland by providing specialized knowledge, experience, tools, and financial grants. Its core objective is to accelerate the development and implementation of innovative business ideas, particularly through technology test deployments or expansion into global markets. This grant is primarily for startups, specifically defined as micro and small enterprises. It is SECTOR-SPECIFIC, focusing on areas such as the Marine Industry, Industry 4.0, and Life Science. While the program is based in Poland and managed by Polish entities, the applicant's company location (headquarters) is not a strict barrier for eligibility. The 'Go Global' track explicitly encourages international market expansion, targeting beneficiaries worldwide, though the funding mechanism is managed locally. Key filtering criteria for initial screening include being an innovative micro or small enterprise, generally registered for less than 5 years, and operating within the specified focus sectors. Projects must demonstrate a specific Technology Readiness Level (TRL) or market traction depending on the chosen acceleration path. The grant is recurring, with multiple application rounds planned.

Financial Structure

The 'Strefa Akceleracji' program offers financial support in the form of a grant, classified as de minimis aid. The financial structure is as follows: Grant Amounts

Maximum grant amount: The grant size depends on the chosen acceleration track:
- Up to 400,000 PLN for the 'Business Partner' track.
- Up to 200,000 PLN for the 'Go Global' track.
Minimum grant amount: Not specified; the grants are 'up to' the stated maximums.

Eligible Costs

There is no rigid 'catalog of eligible costs'. The grant is intended to finance the test implementation of your solution. This broadly includes:
- Salaries for personnel involved in the project.
- Purchases of fixed assets (e.g., equipment, machinery).
- Acquisition of intangible assets (e.g., software licenses, intellectual property).
- Business travel expenses.
The guiding principle is that expenses must be directly related to and necessary for the 6-month test implementation phase of the project.

Co-financing Requirements

No explicit co-financing requirement is stated. The grant is provided as de minimis aid.

Payment Schedule and Mechanisms

The grant is disbursed in three installments, tied to the achievement of specific project milestones:
- First milestone: 40% of the total grant amount upon its achievement.
- Second milestone: 30% of the total grant amount upon its achievement.
- Third (final) milestone: 30% of the total grant amount upon its achievement, marking the conclusion of the acceleration process.

Currency

All financial amounts are denominated in Polish Złoty (PLN).

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the 'Strefa Akceleracji' program, your organization must meet the following hard, non-negotiable criteria: Eligible Organization Types and Definitions

Startup: Defined as a micro-enterprise or small enterprise that meets the conditions outlined in Article 22, Paragraph 2 of the Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 of June 17, 2014. This typically means:
- It is not listed on a stock exchange.
- Less than 5 years have passed since its registration.
- It has not distributed profits.
- It was not formed as a result of a merger.

Specific Track Qualifications

For the 'Business Partner' track: Your technology must be at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 (experimental proof of concept) or higher.
For the 'Go Global' track: Your company must have been registered for a minimum of 3 years and possess non-incidental sales or documented cooperation in the domestic (Polish) market, demonstrating existing market traction.

Geographic and Other Requirements

Geographic Location: The location of your company's headquarters does not matter for eligibility, meaning companies from various countries may apply, assuming they can comply with Polish legal and administrative requirements. However, the program is run by Polish organizations (PARP, GPN-T).
Excluded Entities: Your enterprise (and any related or affiliated enterprises) must not be excluded from recruitment based on the Polish Act of April 13, 2022, concerning special solutions to counteract support for aggression against Ukraine and to protect national security.
Excluded Activities: Certain types of business activities are excluded from participation. While the specific list is not provided in the materials, it is advised to check the full program regulations for details.

Application Process

Applying for the 'Strefa Akceleracji' grant involves a clear process with defined timelines and required materials. Application Timeline and Deadlines

Competition Announcement: October 16, 2024
Application Submission Window: Applications can be submitted starting December 1, 2024, with the final acceptance deadline being January 31, 2026.
Specific Round Deadlines (within the overall window):
- Round III (Business Partner track):
  - Start: May 1, 2025
  - End: July 31, 2025
- Round IV (Go Global track):
  - Start: July 1, 2025
  - End: August 31, 2025
- Round V (Business Partner track):
  - Start: December 1, 2025
  - End: January 31, 2026

Required Documentation and Submission Materials

Applications are submitted via an online application form. You do not need to print anything.
You may submit multiple different forms if you have various project ideas.
Required documentation for formal verification will be specified in the recruitment documents, which are available for download.

Types of Support Offered Beyond the financial grant, participants receive comprehensive support, including: - Financial Grant: Up to 400,000 PLN or 200,000 PLN, depending on the track. - Business Mentoring: Intensive one-on-one guidance from experienced professionals. - Training and Workshops: Focused sessions to enhance business competencies. - Networking Opportunities: Access to a broad network of potential investors, large corporations, and local government representatives through events and matchmaking sessions. - Resources: Access to the 'Space4makers' prototyping lab to develop and test products in professional conditions. Project Implementation Timeline and Reporting

The acceleration process and project implementation duration are 6 months.
The project plan is divided into at least 3 milestones.
Reporting obligations: Payments of the grant are directly tied to the successful achievement of these milestones. Formal and substantive evaluations occur throughout the program, and project progress is continuously tracked.
Post-award requirements: After completing the acceleration, participants are integrated into an alumni ecosystem, potentially engaging in further activities related to the Gdańsk Science and Technology Park (GPN-T) or Pomeranian Special Economic Zone (PSSE).

Evaluation Criteria

The selection process for the 'Strefa Akceleracji' program is designed to identify the most promising and innovative projects that align with the specific needs of the 'Technology Recipients' (business partners) or demonstrate high potential for global expansion. The evaluation involves a three-stage process: 1. Formal Assessment

This is the initial stage where applications are checked for completeness of documentation and adherence to basic qualification requirements. Only applications that pass this stage proceed to substantive evaluation.

2. Substantive Assessment Stage I

Conducted by an 'Investment Committee' comprising representatives from the accelerator, Technology Recipients, and industry experts. This stage focuses on a detailed analysis of your application based on the following criteria:
- Consistency with the challenge: How well your proposed solution addresses the specific needs or 'challenges' identified by the Technology Recipients (for the Business Partner track).
- Attractiveness and feasibility: The overall appeal and practical viability of your innovative idea.
- Team experience: The qualifications, skills, and track record of your team.
- Development level: The current stage of development of your product or service.
- Development potential: The future growth potential and scalability of your project.

3. Substantive Assessment Stage II (Pitching Session)

Shortlisted startups are invited to present their solutions directly to the Investment Committee. This session typically includes a 5-minute presentation followed by a 10-minute Q&A. The final evaluation is based on:
- Innovation potential: The originality and groundbreaking nature of your solution.
- Feasibility: The practicality and likelihood of successful implementation of your project.
- Implementation possibilities: The potential for your solution to be effectively deployed and integrated, especially within the context of the Technology Recipient's needs.

Projects are ultimately selected based on their ability to be highly innovative, feasible, and directly address the stated needs of the program's partners.

Compliance & Special Requirements

Compliance with specific regulations and unique program features are crucial for applicants to the 'Strefa Akceleracji' grant. Regulatory Compliance Requirements

Applicants must comply with Polish law, specifically:
- Article 41, Paragraph 3 of the Act of April 28, 2022, on the principles of implementing tasks financed from European funds in the 2021-2027 financial perspective.
- Article 22, Paragraph 2 of the Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 of June 17, 2014, which defines eligible micro and small enterprises (startups).
- The Act of April 13, 2022, concerning special solutions to counteract support for aggression against Ukraine and to protect national security (ensuring the applicant is not excluded under this act).
The financial grant is provided as de minimis aid, which means it is subject to EU rules on state aid, and recipients must ensure they do not exceed their de minimis aid ceiling (currently 300,000 EUR over any three-fiscal-year period for most sectors).

Unique Aspects and Strategic Opportunities

Two Distinct Acceleration Tracks:
- Business Partner Track: Focused on fostering collaboration between startups and specific 'Technology Recipients' (large companies or organizations). A key requirement is to propose a solution that directly addresses a challenge presented by these partners, with the goal of a test implementation within the partner's operations.
- Go Global Track: Designed for startups aiming to scale their solutions internationally. This track specifically requires proven domestic market traction (non-incidental sales or documented cooperation) and a minimum of 3 years since company registration.
Test Implementation Focus: The grant's primary purpose is to finance the 'test implementation' of a technology or solution. This means funding is geared towards practical application and validation rather than pure research.
Access to Prototyping Lab: Participants gain access to 'Space4makers', a specialized prototyping facility, which can be a significant advantage for developing and testing physical products or hardware solutions.
Strong Partnership Network: The program emphasizes direct engagement with 'Technology Recipients' and an extensive network of investors and industry experts, offering substantial strategic alignment opportunities for market entry and scaling.

Grant Details