NCBR launches second INNOSTART call with 60 million PLN budget

The National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) has launched the second call for applications under the INNOSTART program. With a budget of nearly 60 million PLN, the initiative is designed to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have not previously implemented research and development (R&D) projects funded by EU resources.

Qualified companies can receive grants of up to 320,000 PLN to cover the costs of industrial research and development work, requiring a minimum self-contribution of 15 percent. The program aims to help businesses transition from initial ideas to practical innovation by building internal R&D competencies and product development capabilities.

The process begins with a free “Innovation Coach” service provided by the European Union Research Projects Centre at the Institute of Fundamental Technological Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Through this service, entrepreneurs work with specialists to analyze their company's potential and develop innovation concepts before receiving recommendations for further work.