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Grant Analysis

Core objective: Provide funding to Polish micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MŚP) whose innovative research and development (R&D) projects have previously received a 'Seal of Excellence' certificate from the EIC Accelerator (Horizon Europe) but did not receive funding due to budgetary limitations.
Explicit identification of target recipient type and size: Polish micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MŚP).
MUST state if grant is 'SECTOR-SPECIFIC' or 'SECTOR-AGNOSTIC': SECTOR-AGNOSTIC.
Geographic scope and any location requirements: Limited to enterprises registered and operating in Poland.
Key filtering criteria for initial grant screening:
Must possess a 'Seal of Excellence' certificate from the EIC Accelerator instrument of the 'Horizon Europe' program.
Certificate must be no older than 18 months prior to the application date to NCBR.
Project must involve R&D activities (industrial research and experimental development, or only experimental development) within TRL 5 to 8.
Project must align with at least one National Smart Specialisation (KIS).
Grant frequency and program context: This is part of the 'European Funds for Modern Economy' (FENG) program, suggesting a recurring or programmatic funding stream focused on innovation.

Total budget for the call: 15,000,000 PLN.
Maximum grant amount per project: Cannot exceed 2,500,000 EUR.
Funding rate: Maximum 70% of eligible costs for the qualified R&D works.
Eligible costs: Categories, maximum amounts, and calculation methods for eligible costs are analogous to those in the EIC Accelerator instrument of the 'Horizon Europe' program. Specific details are outlined in the 'Types of Eligible Costs in Seal of Excellence' document.
Co-financing requirements: A 30% co-financing contribution from the applicant is implied, as the grant covers a maximum of 70% of eligible costs.
Payment schedule and mechanisms: Not explicitly detailed in the general overview, but governed by the grant agreement template ('Wzór umowy o dofinansowanie').

Organizational Type

Eligible organization types: Polish micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MŚP).
Definition: Eligibility will be determined using the official 'Kwalifikator MŚP' (SME Qualifier).

Geographic Location

Geographic location requirements: Applicants must be enterprises based in Poland.

Project-Specific Qualifications

Prior certification: Project must have received a 'Seal of Excellence' certificate under the EIC Accelerator instrument of the 'Horizon Europe' program.
Certification timeframe: The 'Seal of Excellence' certificate must have been issued not earlier than 18 months prior to the date of submitting the application to the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR).
Project scope: Support is exclusively for research and development (R&D) work, which includes industrial research and experimental development, or solely experimental development.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL): R&D activities must be within TRL 5 to 8.
Thematic alignment: The project must align with at least one 'National Smart Specialisation' (Krajowa Inteligentna Specjalizacja - KIS).
Funded components: Only the parts of the project that were assessed by the European Commission and are related to R&D activities are eligible for this non-dilutive grant funding.

Application Deadlines and Timeline

Competition announcement date: 2025-05-07.
Application submission window opens: 2025-06-06.
Application submission window closes: 2025-09-19, 16:00:00+02:00.
Expected results approval: Within 80 days from the application closing date.
Publication of ranking list: Within 7 days of the approval of evaluation results.

Submission Process

Application method: Applications must be submitted exclusively via the Implementing Authority's (IP) IT system.
Required documentation and materials: Applicants are required to submit:
A completed application form ('Wzór wniosku o dofinansowanie').
An analysis of the applicant's financial capacity to implement the project ('Analiza zdolności do finansowej realizacji projektu').
All other supporting documents detailed in the 'Competition Announcement' and 'Project Selection Regulations'.
Application instructions: Detailed instructions for completing the application form ('Instrukcja wypełniania wniosku o dofinansowanie') are provided.

Post-Award Requirements

Grant agreement: A template for the grant agreement ('Wzór umowy o dofinansowanie') is available for review.
Information and promotion obligations: Compliance with information and promotion guidelines ('Podręcznik w zakresie informacji i promocji - wyciąg') is required, with potential reductions in funding for non-compliance.

Assessment Process

Evaluation is a single-stage process.
Applications are assessed by a panel consisting of at least three experts.
An applicant meeting is a mandatory component of the evaluation, providing an opportunity to address questions and concerns from the experts.

Selection Factors

Quality of previous assessment: Priority is given to projects that have already undergone and successfully passed the rigorous evaluation process of the European Commission under the EIC Accelerator, as evidenced by the 'Seal of Excellence' certificate.
Thematic relevance: Strong alignment of the proposed project's R&D activities with at least one 'National Smart Specialisation' (KIS) is a key criterion.
Project maturity: The R&D work must clearly fall within Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 5 to 8, demonstrating a certain level of development and potential for further progression.
Scope fidelity: The proposed project must faithfully reflect and seek funding only for the R&D components originally assessed by the European Commission.

Regulatory Compliance

Financial aid regulations: Compliance with regulations concerning the provision of financial aid by NCBR within the framework of FENG.
European Union regulations: Adherence to relevant EU regulations such as Regulation 651/2014, Regulation 1060, and Regulation 1058/EFRR, as specified in the additional documents.
National legislation: Compliance with the 'Ustawa wdrożeniowa' (Implementation Act) for 2021-2027.

Intellectual Property Policies

This funding is 'non-dilutive grant funding', implying that intellectual property rights developed during the project generally remain with the beneficiary.

Special Considerations

Pre-vetted projects: This grant is a unique opportunity for projects that have already demonstrated high quality and innovation by receiving a 'Seal of Excellence' from the EIC Accelerator, effectively streamlining the national evaluation process.
National strategic alignment: Projects must not only be excellent but also contribute to Poland's strategic development goals by aligning with 'National Smart Specialisations' (KIS).
Project scope limitation: Funding is strictly limited to the R&D components of the original EIC Accelerator application, ensuring focused investment in technological advancement.