Investment in innovation

Norway grants were destined for the development, implementation, and commercialization of innovative technologies, solutions, processes, products (goods and/or services). The collaboration on innovation and exchange of knowledge between Polish and Norwegian companies, research units, and other entities led to greening industrial and maritime companies, as well as green, blue, and welfare product development in the proposed projects. The program involved a call for proposals in three thematic areas, i.e. submitted projects had to be eligible in at least one of the following schemes:

• Green industry innovation – the support aimed at the introduction of innovations in technological solutions to SMEs to increase their competitiveness and value creation with less overall environmental impact.
• Blue growth – dedicated for applicants of projects in blue growth operating in the maritime or inland water sector. The projects supported the development of such enterprises by introducing innovative processes and/or products for maritime and/or inland waters and coasts, including environmental improvement.
• Welfare technologies – these projects focused on developing and launching products that facilitate the functioning of the everyday life of vulnerable social groups, such as the elderly.

In addition, the Small Grants Scheme was available in all three thematic areas for female enterprises.

Financial support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to develop and strengthen research and innovation capabilities, implement product or process innovations and to facilitate digitization and transformation towards sustainable development, as well as internationalization of enterprises and broadening of personnel competencies.

In our pursuit of projects geared towards enhancing the research and innovation capacities of Polish businesses, we prioritize catering to the needs of individuals with special needs. Smart Path - Accessibility program fosters initiatives tailored to implementing cutting-edge product or process innovations, driving digitalization and transformation towards sustainable development, while also facilitating the international expansion of enterprises and fostering skill growth among staff competencies.

Financial support for cluster coordinators to develop innovative service offers for companies in R&D&I, as well as in the areas of digital transformation, CE, low-carbon economy, education or internationalization.

Professional mentoring programs tailored to validate the business assumptions of individual originators – independent innovators keen on developing innovative technological products.

Businesses in Eastern Poland have the opportunity to receive funding for conducting technology audits or assessing their digital maturity, aiming to identify areas within manufacturing, services, or business processes suitable for automation or robotics. Such data will enable the development of a roadmap for transitioning the company to Industry 4.0. Additionally, the program offers financing options for acquiring and implementing the requisite technologies.

A program dedicated to entrepreneurs in Eastern Poland to support the transition to a circular economy. Within its framework, funding may be received for the development of a business model for the operation of an enterprise based on the principles of circular economy, and then implementing the developed business model.

Financial support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises from Eastern Poland for the purpose of conducting an audit and creating a design strategy, based on which an innovation will be implemented within the enterprise.