The Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) and the National Centre for Research and Development have launched new funding opportunities for investment and R&D projects in digital technologies and deep-tech innovations under the STEP initiative. The program is structured into two tracks: “Innovativeness” and “Strategic Independence,” supporting projects that introduce breakthrough or state-of-the-art technologies with strong economic potential for the EU internal market. The funding targets both the development and production of critical digital technologies and the components necessary for their manufacturing.
Track A, “Innovativeness,” focuses on R&D and investment projects that bring innovative or breakthrough elements to the market, enabling businesses to develop cutting-edge digital technologies. Track B, “Strategic Independence,” supports projects that reduce or prevent the EU’s strategic dependencies by increasing manufacturing capacity or securing key components and technologies. Eligible digital technologies include advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced connectivity and navigation systems, detection, robotics, and autonomous systems. Deep-tech innovations must integrate at least two critical technologies from different sectors under the STEP initiative.
Funding is open to SMEs, large enterprises, and their consortia, covering research and development, machinery purchases, acquisition of intangible assets like licenses and know-how, construction work, building materials, and real estate needed for production or value chain operations. Small and medium-sized enterprises may also receive additional support for consulting and advisory services to enhance project development.
The maximum project grant ranges from 140 to 150 million zloty, with each call having a total budget of 150 million zloty. The level of subsidy depends on the chosen state aid scheme and the applicant category. Applications for investment projects are open from 31 July to 2 October 2025, while R&D project submissions are open from 15 September to 29 October for Track A, and from 8 September to 22 October for Track B.
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