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Grant Analysis

Purpose & Target

This grant, 'Mazovian StartUPolis', aims to transform innovative business ideas from individuals or teams into profitable products or services through a structured incubation program. The primary target recipients are individuals or teams with a new business idea, intending to form a capital company (spółka kapitałowa) in Eastern Poland. They are considered pre-revenue startups at the idea stage. This grant is SECTOR-SPECIFIC, prioritizing certain high-tech industries. Its geographic scope is limited to Eastern Poland (Polska Wschodnia); applicants must be ready to establish their business within this region. Key filtering criteria for initial screening include: the idea must be a product innovation at a national level, currently not an active business, and applicants must have exclusive rights to the idea. A willingness to establish a capital company in Eastern Poland is crucial. This is part of the broader 'Platformy startowe dla nowych pomysłów' (Startup platforms for new ideas) program, with applications accepted in rolling rounds until June 2, 2026.

Financial Structure

Funding Mechanism

This program primarily offers incubation support, which includes mentorship, expert collaboration, and networking.

Direct Financial Support

While the main focus is on non-financial support, the program does mention an average grant amount (średnia wysokość grantu) of 28,000 PLN per startup. This indicates that some direct funding may be provided, likely to support early-stage development during incubation.

Budget Ranges

There are no specific minimum or maximum grant amounts explicitly stated for this specific incubation grant, only the average.

Co-financing/Matching Funds

The grant materials do not specify any co-financing or matching fund requirements for applicants.

Eligible vs. Ineligible Costs

The document does not detail specific eligible or ineligible cost categories. The provided average grant amount implies flexibility for typical startup development costs during incubation.

Currency

All financial figures are in Polish Złoty (PLN).

Financial Guarantees

No financial guarantees are mentioned as being required from applicants.

Eligibility Requirements

Who can apply?

Individuals or teams of individuals (osoba fizyczna lub zespół składający się z osób fizycznych).
Those who possess a new business idea with product innovation at a national level (na poziomie co najmniej krajowym).
Applicants must have exclusive rights to their idea (do którego posiada wyłączne prawo).
The idea must not be and has not previously been the subject of an existing business activity (nie jest i nie był dotychczas przedmiotem działalności gospodarczej).
Applicants must not be participating in or receiving support from another Startup Platform (nie bierze udziału w aplikacji do innej Platformy startowej nie jest objęty wsparciem innej Platformy startowej).
Applicants must be ready to establish a capital company (spółka kapitałowa) in Eastern Poland (Polska Wschodnia).
Applicants must be ready to work on the idea's development within an individual incubation plan.

Age and Inclusivity

There are no age limits for idea originators (Nie ma ograniczeń wiekowych dla pomysłodawców).

Geographic Requirement

The future business must be registered in Eastern Poland. The project implementation location is also Eastern Poland.

Organizational Structure

While applying as an individual/team, the program requires the formation of a capital company during the pre-incubation phase. This is a hard requirement.

Exclusion Criteria

Ideas already part of an existing business are ineligible.
Applicants simultaneously involved with other Startup Platforms are ineligible.

Application Process

Application Submission Window

The application period for this grant is quite long, running from May 29, 2024, to June 2, 2026.

Rolling Applications

Applications are accepted in rounds, meaning you can submit your proposal at your convenience within this window. There is no single, fixed deadline until the final closing date.

How to Apply The process involves several steps: 1. Prepare Documents: Familiarize yourself with the competition rules and funding allocation principles. Prepare all necessary documents required as attachments to your application form. A specific list of documents is mentioned, but not provided in the grant text. 2. Fill out the Application: Complete the online application form using the Generator Wniosków (Application Generator) system. 3. Project Evaluation: Your application will be assessed by the Komisja Oceny Projektów (Project Evaluation Committee). 4. Sign Agreement: If your project is selected, you will be invited to sign an agreement. 5. Implement Project: Once the agreement is signed, you can proceed with project implementation. Submission Platform

Applications must be submitted online through the Generator Wniosków (Application Generator) portal.

Support Offered

Incubation: An average 6-month intensive incubation period focused on developing your idea to the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) phase.
Pre-incubation: A one-month pre-incubation period to help with the formal establishment of your capital company and development of your Individual Incubation Plan (IPI).
Expert and Mentor Support: Collaboration with experts and business mentors.
Incubation Manager: Each startup works with an Incubation Manager to create an individual development plan.
Networking and Promotion: The platform supports and promotes startups among ecosystem entities like software houses, VC funds, scientific and research units, and leading industry enterprises.
Internationalization: Selected startups may receive support for internationalization and networking in the European market, including participation in events like Berlin Bootcamp and matchmaking sessions within EIT Manufacturing and EIT Climate Kic initiatives (e.g., EIT Jump Starter, Climaccelerator).
Demo Day: Each incubation round concludes with a Demo Day.

Project Implementation Timeline

The incubation period averages 6 months.

Post-Award Requirements

The primary post-award requirement is active participation in the incubation program and developing the idea to MVP, leading to the formation of a capital company. Reporting obligations would be part of the Individual Incubation Plan, but details are not provided.

Evaluation Criteria

The grant materials do not provide a detailed scoring system or explicit evaluation criteria with percentages. However, based on the objectives and priorities, the following factors will likely be critical for selection: Innovation Level

The core requirement is a new business idea with product innovation at a national level (na poziomie co najmniej krajowym). This implies a high degree of novelty and potential impact within Poland.

Exclusivity and Readiness

Applicants must demonstrate exclusive rights to their idea.
A strong indication of readiness to establish a capital company in Eastern Poland is crucial.
Commitment to active participation in the individual incubation plan.

Sectoral Alignment (Prioritized)

Priority will be given to startups from high-tech oriented industries including:
- Machinery and equipment manufacturing (produkcja maszyn i urządzeń)
- Energy (energia)
- Ecology, including ecological construction (ekologia – w tym budownictwo ekologiczne)
- Food and agri-food products (żywność i produkty rolno-spożywcze)

Impact and Sustainability

Projects that incorporate sustainable development principles will be prioritized (Premiowane będą projekty uwzględniające zrównoważony rozwój). This suggests that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations will positively impact the evaluation.
The potential for the idea to develop into a profitable product (rentowny produkt) is key, indicating an assessment of market viability and business potential.

Team Potential

While not explicitly detailed, the ability of the individual or team to work effectively within the incubation framework and develop the idea to MVP phase will likely be assessed.

Compliance & Special Requirements

Legal Structure Requirement

A fundamental requirement is the readiness to establish a capital company (spółka kapitałowa) in Eastern Poland. This is a pre-condition for full participation after initial selection.

Intellectual Property

Applicants must confirm they have exclusive rights to the new business idea (posiada ... wyłączne prawo). This ensures that the innovation is proprietary.

No Prior Business Activity

The idea must not have been, nor currently be, part of any existing business activity. This is crucial for defining 'new' startups.

No Dual Incubation

Applicants cannot be simultaneously applying to or receiving support from other Startup Platforms.

Sustainable Development

Projects that incorporate sustainable development are prioritized. While not a strict compliance point, it acts as a strong preference and likely influences evaluation positively.

Geographic Commitment

A clear commitment to implementing the project and establishing the business in Eastern Poland is mandatory.

Risk Management

While not explicitly detailed, the structured incubation process (pre-incubation, individual plans, expert support) inherently includes elements of risk mitigation for the nascent businesses.

Program Specifics

The program culminates in a Demo Day, which is a key milestone for all incubated startups. The opportunity for internationalization support (e.g., Berlin Bootcamp) is a unique benefit, specifically for selected startups within the program, indicating a further selection process.

Grant Details