Grants8 | The most comprehensive grants search on the web

Grant Analysis

Purpose & Target

The 'Startup Booster Poland – Smart UP' program aims to support innovative businesses in their early stages of development. It provides funding and acceleration programs to help startups develop their products or accelerate their growth. - Target recipients: Startups, micro and small enterprises. - SECTOR-AGNOSTIC (with options for sector-specific acceleration via partner accelerators). - Geographic scope: Project implementation in Poland, with international expansion possible through 'Go Global' paths. - Key filtering criteria: Early-stage innovative enterprises, meeting specific SME/startup definitions, selected through accelerator criteria. - Grant frequency: Recurring program, with application rounds managed by individual accelerators, operating under a broader program timeframe.

Financial Structure

Maximum funding: 400,000 PLN per project.
Funding rate: Up to 100% of eligible costs, meaning no own contribution (wkład własny) is required.
Eligible costs include:
Salaries of startup employees involved in the individual acceleration plan (including those on civil-law contracts).
Purchase of services essential for achieving acceleration milestones.
Purchase of tangible fixed assets.
Purchase of intangible assets.
Information and promotional activities.
For the 'Poland Prize' path specifically: Purchase of 'concierge' services (startup guardian/mentor).
Support type: Non-refundable financial support.

Eligibility Requirements

Organization Type & Size

Eligible: Startups, micro-enterprises, and small enterprises.
Definition of startup: An enterprise that is not listed on a stock exchange and has been operating for no longer than 5 years from the date of entry into the relevant register or records (based on Article 22 of EU Commission Regulation No. 651/2014).
Definition of micro and small enterprises: In accordance with conditions specified in Article 22 of EU Commission Regulation No. 651/2014.

Geographic Requirements

Project realization location: Poland.
Territorial scope: Poland and abroad (for global expansion activities).

Project Stage & Technical Requirements

Support targets innovative technology companies.
Specific Technical Readiness Level (TRL) requirements vary by accelerator path. For instance, some paths require solutions at minimum TRL 5 (development to early market), while 'Go Global' paths may require TRL 9 (market-ready).

Selection Process

Applicants must be qualified through a selection process based on the specific regulations and criteria of the chosen 'Program Operator' (accelerator).
Requires signing a grant/acceleration agreement with an accelerator.

Application Process

Overall Program Timeline

Contest announcement: June 2024.
Start of application submission for the program: June 17, 2024.
End of application submission for the program: October 31, 2026.

Accelerator-Specific Application Rounds (SmartUp powered by StartSmart CEE)

Applications are conducted in rounds; applicants can apply in a convenient round.
'PilotReady Booster' 4th round 2025:
Start: September 8, 2025.
End: October 7, 2025.
'GoGlobal Berlin' round:
Start: October 27, 2025.
End: November 13, 2025.

Application Procedure

Application is submitted through the chosen accelerator's specific process and platform.
Further details and links to the accelerator's application page are available on the program's official website.

Project Implementation & Reporting

Programs involve development activities ('programy rozwojowe o charakterze akceleracyjnym i post-akceleracyjnym').
Specific implementation timelines and reporting obligations will be defined in the individual acceleration agreement with the chosen accelerator.

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation criteria are primarily determined by the specific accelerator chosen under the 'Startup Booster Poland – Smart UP' program. For the 'SmartUp powered by StartSmart CEE' accelerator: Project Alignment & Innovation

Solutions must address needs confirmed by 'Technology Recipients' (for 'PilotReady Booster' path).
Demonstrated readiness for international expansion (for 'GoGlobal' path).
Overall innovation potential and technological advancement of the startup's solution.

Strategic Fit

Alignment with the accelerator's specific focus areas, which for SmartUp CEE include pilot implementation with business partners and international market entry (USA/Germany).

Business Potential

Potential for market success and scalability.

Team & Capacity

While not explicitly detailed, successful participation in acceleration programs implies a capable team able to execute the acceleration plan and achieve milestones.

Compliance & Special Requirements

Regulatory Compliance

Grant beneficiaries (startups) must meet conditions specified in Article 22 of EU Commission Regulation No. 651/2014.
Aid provided is subject to 'de minimis' aid conditions.

Accelerator-Specific Criteria

Eligibility and specific requirements are defined by the 'Program Operator' (accelerator) through their selection criteria.

Technical Readiness Levels (TRL)

Solutions must meet certain TRLs, typically a minimum of TRL 5 for many paths, and up to TRL 9 for international commercialization ('Go Global') paths. Exact TRLs depend on the chosen acceleration path and accelerator.

Acceleration Paths

The program offers various acceleration paths:
B2B/B2A Acceleration: Verifying solution implementation with a business/public partner (Technology Recipient).
VC Acceleration: Building investment readiness to secure capital from investors.
Sector-Agnostic Acceleration: Developing startups with market potential without a direct business partner.
Go Global Acceleration: Preparing startups for international expansion.
Poland Prize Acceleration: Component for non-Polish startups interested in soft-landing and developing business in Poland.

Grant Details