KPT ScaleUP Booster
Breaking the First Barrier: KPT ScaleUP Booster Empowers Industrial Startups in Poland
For many tech startups, building a great product is just the beginning. The real challenge often comes later—getting that crucial first implementation, especially in traditional, risk-averse sectors like industry. That’s exactly the hurdle KPT ScaleUP Booster aims to overcome.
Run by Krakow Technology Park (KPT), the ScaleUP Booster program helps early-stage industrial tech companies move beyond proof-of-concept and into the realm of real-world application. More than just funding, it offers direct access to some of Poland’s largest corporations including Żabka Group, TAURON, Grupa Azoty, Maspex, ASTOR, and more.
A Rare Opportunity: Funding Meets Real-World Testing
What sets this program apart is its holistic approach. Participants receive:
Up to PLN 300,000 in non-refundable grants,
Access to industrial environments for testing,
Mentorship from industry experts, and
Connections to major corporate partners ready for pilot deployments.
Subscribe to Startup Digest to stay ahead with the latest news, investments, and must-attend events.
Applications are open until April 14, 2025, and the accelerator is backed by PARP (Polish Agency for Enterprise Development) and European Funds for the Modern Economy (FENG).
According to Angelika Popławska, Program Manager at KPT, the program is a response to a recurring startup dilemma:
“Founders often believe that once they have a product, clients will follow. But in industry, decisions take time, and the stakes are high. We help bridge that gap with tailored pilot projects.”
Solving Real Industrial Challenges
Startups in the program work directly with corporations to solve real business problems across several key domains:
Artificial Intelligence: Solutions to enhance production efficiency.
Digitalization & Industry 4.0: Smart production management, robotics, and automation.
Cybersecurity: Detection systems and operational security enhancements.
Green Energy: Innovations for hydrogen, renewables, and energy storage.
Customer Experience: Tools to improve operational workflows and service delivery.
The program focuses on companies with at least a partially developed technology ready for six-month pilot testing. That means even early-stage ventures can apply—if they’re prepared to demonstrate real-world potential.
Proven Track Record
Since its inception, KPT ScaleUP has already supported close to 100 startups, giving them exposure to decision-makers and a real chance to scale within heavy industries.
“The biggest value, according to many founders, is gaining that first commercial partner. It’s a door they couldn’t open alone,” adds Popławska.
Who Should Apply?
If you’re a startup developing solutions that:
Improve energy usage,
Enhance production automation,
Strengthen industrial cybersecurity, or
Enable sustainable practices,
…this program could be your gateway to success.
Visit scaleup.kpt.krakow.pl to apply before April 14 and take your startup to the next level.
