Pomeranian Special Economic Zone – PLN 17 million to support startups

“Acceleration Zone” is a program for startups that will provide financial support, mentoring, and opportunities to establish business contacts – recruitment will start soon.

The Pomeranian Special Economic Zone (PSSE) was among the accelerators of the Startup Booster Poland – Smart UP program of the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development, thanks to which it obtained nearly PLN 17 million for the implementation of the Acceleration Zone project. The comprehensive startup support program implemented by PSSE includes two main acceleration paths, tailored to different needs.

The first path is focused on cooperation with renowned business partners, such as Northvolt Systems Poland, PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, Polpharma Biologics, PZU Lab, the Port of Gdansk Authority and the Port of Gdynia Authority. Startups will receive up to PLN 400,000 for test implementations and development of their solutions. zloty. This is a unique opportunity for startups to obtain not only financial support in the form of a grant, but also to establish strategic cooperation with experienced partners, which can significantly accelerate the development of their projects.

The second path focuses on the internationalization of startups. The zone offers financial and mentoring support, helping startups prepare for expansion into foreign markets, including through partnership with PAIH, Tehnopol and Kainos. For this purpose, startups will be able to receive support of up to PLN 200,000. zloty.

The funds received for the acceleration are a great honor for us, especially since we came first in the PARP program, scoring the maximum number of points. The Polish Agency for Enterprise Development recognized that the Acceleration Zone project is distinguished by its attractiveness, effective startup acceleration concepts and access to a valuable ecosystem of institutional partners. In our acceleration program, we focus mainly on three areas – the maritime industry, industry 4.0 and life science. Thanks to cooperation with companies such as Polpharma Biologics, PGZ Stocznia Wojenna and PZU Lab, we create a platform for cooperation between startups and large entrepreneurs. Such cooperation can bring significant benefits to both parties. For companies starting their business, this means access to financial resources, contacts and specialist knowledge, while large corporations have a chance to introduce innovations in their activities through access to new ideas – informs Przemysław Sztandera, President of the Management Board of the Pomeranian Special Economic Zone.

The aim of the Startup Booster Poland – Smart UP program is to provide comprehensive support for innovative enterprises at the early stage of their development, through professional acceleration and post-acceleration development programs offered by experienced operators. Entities promoting innovation and implementing acceleration programs, such as innovation centers, technology incubators, academic business incubators or technology parks, could apply for financing for accelerators. The program is financed by the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG) program.

We have solid relationships with renowned organizations, both domestic and international, such as Tehnopol, PAIH, Kainos, CRIDO, DevopsBay, Code:me, Rebels Valley, JWP Patent Attorneys, which provides comprehensive substantive support. Therefore, by joining our program, startups have a chance for unique development in a mature ecosystem, using the experience and resources of partners. During the recruitment process, we will be waiting for ideas from startups that will respond to specific challenges identified by business partners. Each participant will have 6 months to implement business challenges, including carrying out a test implementation on the technology recipient’s infrastructure – says Radosław Wika, Director of the Science and Technology Parks Department of the Pomeranian Special Economic Zone.