There were 219 projects submitted for the 23rd edition of the competition. Presentations of the best projects recognised with awards and distinctions can be found in this catalogue. The aim of the Polish Product of the Future competition is to select and promote innovative products and technologies developed in Poland that have the potential to make a name for themselves not only on the domestic but also on the global market. The undertaking is organised jointly by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) and the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR).

PARP supports the innovative and research activity of small and medium-sized enterprises, while NCBR supports the development of Polish scientifc entities and enterprises. The winners are selected by a Jury composed of representatives of the most important institutions in Poland: the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland, the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Development, Labour and Technology, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Patent Ofce of the Republic of Poland, the Polish Development Fund, the Chief Technical Organisation, the Warsaw University of Technology, the University of Warsaw, and representatives of the media. Awards and distinctions for the most innovative products and technologies are given in three categories: product of the future by a higher education and science institution, product of the future by an entrepreneur, and joint product of the future by a higher education and science institution and an entrepreneur. The award winners receive a fnancial reward of PLN 100,000, while those recognised with distinctions receive PLN 25,000. Moreover, all winners are Awards Catalogue 7 given the right to use the prestigious sign and the words “Polish Product of the Future” in their correspondence and promotional activities.

In the 23-year history of the competition, over 1,200 innovative projects from various sectors of the economy have been submitted, including the medical, pharmaceutical, electronic and electrotechnical, chemical and industrial automation sectors. So far, 59 projects have been recognised with awards, and 137 with distinctions. Last year’s winners have been very successful in the market. The device by StethoMe used for professional examination at home, has already been successfully tried and tested in practice. Although asthma cannot be cured, it can be controlled, and this solution allows parents to perform quick check-ups on their children, monitor the development of the disease and determine medication dosage. Otoimplant, a middle ear prosthesis with bactericidal efect, developed by the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, has already been implanted in the frst patients. HENOLA, an industrial hemp variety unique on a global scale, grown by the Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants, has been commercialised under the Hemp Programme. The Institute has entered into a multiannual contract in the USA, which has allowed the variety to be grown in North and South America, Japan, and Australia. The rise in demand for the industrial hemp seed material ofered by the Institute has made the number of plantations in Poland increase by around 100% annually.