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Grant Analysis

Purpose & Target

The core objective of the 'Hub of Talents 3' program is to transform innovative business ideas into market-ready Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and scalable business models. This is achieved through a structured, professional incubation program designed to foster the creation of new technology-based startups. This grant targets individuals or teams of individuals who possess new, innovative business ideas and are prepared to establish a capital company (a 'startup') in Eastern Poland upon successful qualification for incubation. The program is primarily SECTOR-AGNOSTIC, meaning it welcomes ideas from all industries. However, it explicitly offers a preferential scoring point for ideas originating from the 'metal and machinery industry'. The geographic scope is strictly Eastern Poland. Applicants must commit to establishing their business within this region. The incubation services themselves are delivered in specific locations within Eastern Poland: Białystok, Łomża, or Suwałki. Key filtering criteria for potential applicants include the innovation level of their idea (it must be at least at a national level), their readiness to formally establish a capital company in Eastern Poland, and the assurance that their idea has not been previously commercialized or received support from other startup platforms. This is a recurring incubation program, running through multiple cycles until September 2026, and is part of a larger European funding initiative for Eastern Poland.

Financial Structure

The financial support provided by the 'Hub of Talents 3' program is structured as follows:

Funding Amounts:
- The primary form of support is through incubation services, which are provided as 'de minimis aid' and are valued at up to 130,000 PLN per startup.
- In addition, a supplemental grant of up to 70,000 PLN is available. This specific grant is intended to cover the cost of specialized services that cannot be directly provided by the program's partners.
- It's important to note that the total project value of 23,592,002.20 PLN and the co-financing amount of 22,312,850.00 PLN refer to the overall program budget, not the funding allocated per individual startup.
Co-financing Requirements: There are no explicit matching fund or co-financing requirements imposed on the applicants for either the incubation services or the specialized services grant.
Eligible Cost Categories:
- For Services (up to 130,000 PLN value): This includes essential operational support like legal assistance, accounting services, office space, and marketing support (e.g., visual identity and marketing strategy development). It also covers specialized services such as 3D modeling and printing, UX/UI application design, IT/ICT support, market research, business strategy development, RODO (GDPR) documentation, intellectual property protection, public speaking and pitching workshops, internationalization training, guidance on funding sources, HR strategy, and sales and negotiation training.
- For the Grant (up to 70,000 PLN): This grant is specifically for acquiring specialized services from external providers when the program's partners cannot fulfill those particular service needs.
Ineligible Cost Categories: While not exhaustively detailed, the grant is strictly for external specialized services, implying that general operational costs or other undefined expenses are ineligible.
Payment Schedules and Mechanisms: The various services are delivered throughout the approximately 6-month incubation period. The grant for specialized external services follows a specific disbursement process governed by separate grant regulations, which typically involves submitting a request and receiving funds upon approval for eligible services.
Financial Guarantees: For the grant portion, applicants are required to provide a blank promissory note ('weksel in blanco') along with a corresponding promissory note declaration ('deklaracja wekslowa'). These serve as financial security for the grant provided.
Tax Implications: The support received, particularly the services valued at up to 130,000 PLN, is classified as 'de minimis aid'. Applicants should consult tax professionals regarding the specific tax implications for their future capital company.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the 'Hub of Talents 3' incubation program, applicants must meet the following hard, non-negotiable criteria:

Applicant Type: The application must come from individuals or teams of individuals.
Idea Requirements:
- The proposed business idea must be new and must not have been previously the subject of any business activity.
- It must demonstrate product innovation at a level considered significant at least on a national scale.
- Applicants must hold exclusive rights to their innovative idea.
Participation Status:
- Applicants must not be simultaneously applying to, or currently receiving support from, any other 'startup platform'.
Commitment to Company Formation:
- Applicants must be ready and willing to formally establish a capital company ('spółka kapitałowa') in Eastern Poland once they are successfully qualified and accepted into the incubation program.
Geographic Commitment:
- The project's implementation and the future business operations must be based in Eastern Poland.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Individuals who are employed by, or have specific relationships (e.g., family members, business partners, board members as defined by Art. 61 ust. 5 of the implementing act and Art. 6c ust. 2 of the PARP act) with the project leader (Białostocki Park Naukowo-Technologiczny) or any of its partners, are ineligible.

Organization Type: While individuals or teams apply, the program's goal is to transition them into STARTUP entities, requiring the formation of a capital company. Therefore, it effectively targets aspiring startups. Legal Structure: A commitment to forming a 'spółka kapitałowa' (capital company) in Eastern Poland is a mandatory requirement post-selection. Technical Expertise: Although specific formal qualifications are not detailed, applicants are implicitly expected to possess or demonstrate the capacity to develop their innovative product. The program itself provides significant expert support to bridge knowledge gaps.

Application Process

Applying for the 'Hub of Talents 3' program involves a continuous intake process with specific deadlines for each round. The program aims to provide comprehensive support to help innovative ideas reach the market.

Application Process Timeline:
- Applications are accepted continuously through multiple rounds. The overall submission window for the program is from May 1, 2024, to September 30, 2026 (this is the latest possible submission date across all rounds).
- Applicants should refer to the detailed 'Harmonogram naboru, oceny i inkubacji' (Recruitment, Evaluation, and Incubation Schedule) for specific round dates, including submission, evaluation, and incubation start/end dates.
Required Documentation and Submission Materials:
- The primary submission is an online application form completed within the PARP's Local Information System (LSI).
- While specific initial documentation is not listed beyond the online form, applicants should be prepared to present their ideas at expert panels and a final 'Demo Day' presentation.
Types of Support Offered:
- Mentorship: Each accepted startup benefits from a dedicated Incubation Manager who guides them through the process and helps create an 'Individual Incubation Plan'.
- Services: Comprehensive services include fundamental support (legal, accounting, marketing, and access to office space in Białystok, Łomża, or Suwałki). Specialized services are also provided, such as UX/UI design, IT/ICT solutions, market research, business strategy development, RODO (GDPR) documentation, intellectual property protection assistance, workshops on public speaking and pitching, individual training on internationalization, and sessions on HR strategy, sales, and negotiation.
- Funding (Indirect): Services provided are valued up to 130,000 PLN as 'de minimis aid'.
- Funding (Direct): A direct grant of up to 70,000 PLN is available to cover specialized services that cannot be delivered by the program's internal partners.
- Networking: Opportunities to connect with industry experts and representatives from capital funds are provided, particularly during 'Demo Day'.
Project Implementation Timeline:
- Each incubation cycle is designed to last approximately 6 months, focusing on intensive work to develop the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and a scalable business model.
Reporting Obligations:
- Startups will work closely with their Incubation Manager, implying ongoing progress tracking. The culmination of the incubation is the 'Demo Day', where progress and outcomes are formally assessed.
Post-Award Requirements:
- Successful completion of the incubation phase and a positive recommendation from the 'Demo Day' are crucial. This positive assessment makes the startup eligible to apply for subsequent, larger non-repayable grants from PARP (Component IIa for initial market entry, up to 600,000 PLN, and Component IIb for further scaling, up to 2,000,000 PLN).
Application Assistance: For any queries or assistance with the application process, applicants can contact the PARP hotline.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications for the 'Hub of Talents 3' program are evaluated based on several key factors, leading to a decision on incubation and subsequent recommendations for further funding:

Innovation Level: A core criterion is the degree of innovation of the proposed product or service. It must represent 'product innovation' that is significant at least at a national level.
Team Competencies: The capability and expertise of the individual or team are assessed, particularly during the 'Demo Day' presentations, to gauge their ability to execute the idea.
Market Potential: The scalability of the business model and the overall market potential of the innovative product/service are crucial aspects evaluated by experts and capital fund representatives during 'Demo Day'.
Progress Achieved: For incubated startups, the progress made during the approximately six-month incubation period towards developing a Minimal Viable Product (MVP) and a scalable business model is a key assessment point.
Sector Preference: Ideas specifically from the 'metal and machinery industry' receive a 1-point advantage during the initial recruitment process, indicating a strategic priority for this sector.

Quality Thresholds: The expected outcome of the incubation process is a 'market-verified MVP' and a 'scalable business model'. A positive assessment at the 'Demo Day' is essential for receiving a recommendation for subsequent funding opportunities. Cross-cutting Themes: The grant documents do not explicitly mention specific cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, social inclusion, or environmental sustainability as direct evaluation criteria impacting the scoring system for this particular incubation program. The primary focus is on technological innovation and business development.

Compliance & Special Requirements

The 'Hub of Talents 3' program emphasizes specific compliance and unique aspects for participants:

Regulatory Compliance Requirements:
- A critical requirement for qualified applicants is the formal establishment of a 'capital company' ('spółka kapitałowa') within Eastern Poland. This is a mandatory step for transitioning from an individual/team to a formal startup within the program.
- The financial support provided through services is categorized as 'de minimis aid', which implies compliance with specific EU state aid regulations.
Data Protection and Privacy Standards:
- The program offers support in developing 'RODO' (Poland's GDPR equivalent) documentation for the newly formed companies.
- Applicants are also required to provide consent for data processing as part of the incubation agreement.
Intellectual Property Policies:
- A fundamental condition is that the applicant must possess exclusive rights to the innovative idea being incubated.
- The program provides valuable support for obtaining industrial property rights protection for the developed innovations.
Risk Management:
- As a notable security measure, applicants receiving the specialized services grant are required to provide a blank promissory note ('weksel in blanco') along with a corresponding declaration. This serves as a financial guarantee to the funder.
Unique Aspects:
- Focus on 'Idea Stage': Distinctively, this program targets individuals or teams at the very early 'idea' stage of their venture, offering a comprehensive incubation environment before they formally establish a company.
- Incubation-First Model: The core of the support is delivered through extensive, structured services (valued up to 130,000 PLN) rather than direct cash injections. This makes it exceptionally well-suited for early-stage ventures that require structured development, mentorship, and practical support more than immediate capital.
- Clear Pathway to Further Funding: A significant strategic advantage is that successful completion of this incubation program (evidenced by a positive recommendation at 'Demo Day') acts as a direct gateway to larger, non-repayable grants from PARP. This includes Component IIa (up to 600,000 PLN for initial market entry) and Component IIb (up to 2,000,000 PLN for further scaling and development).
- Regional Development Focus: The program has a strong explicit emphasis on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship specifically within the Eastern Poland region, contributing to its economic development.
Potential Challenges:
- The strict requirement to establish a capital company in Eastern Poland may present a significant hurdle for innovative teams or individuals whose long-term business strategy does not align with operations in this specific region.
- The incubation program demands a high level of commitment from participants during its intensive approximately 6-month duration.
- It's important for applicants to understand that the direct grant (up to 70,000 PLN) is specifically for external specialized services not provided by the platform's partners, and cannot be used for general operational costs or other discretionary spending.
Strategic Opportunities:
- This grant is an ideal opportunity for innovators who have a strong, novel idea but may lack the structured support, initial resources, or business acumen to bring it to market effectively.
- The clear and substantial follow-up funding opportunities from PARP, contingent on successful incubation, provide a powerful incentive and a clear growth path for promising startups.

Grant Details