PARP allocates nearly €230M to boost Polish startups
PARP to inject almost €230 million into Polish startups through incubation, acceleration, and impact programs
The Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) has announced plans to channel nearly €230 million into Poland’s startup ecosystem through a series of programs under the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG) and Eastern Poland (FEPW). The support spans startup incubation, acceleration, and development of impact-driven solutions, with several initiatives already accepting applications.
According to Marcin Seniuk, Director of the Startup Development Department at PARP, the agency aims to shape a mature innovation pipeline from early-stage incubation to investment readiness. Key components of this effort include new green and impact accelerators, scale-up support, and funding for early-stage ventures. Up to €70 million will be earmarked from FENG for a green technology accelerator, with the operator set to be selected in 2025.
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Among existing efforts, Startup Platforms in Eastern Poland are actively recruiting. In 2024, startups that successfully complete incubation may apply for grants of up to €135,000. Two rounds totaling around €13.5 million will be decided by August. Startups not selected in the first round are encouraged to reapply after refining their business models.
In addition to this early-stage support, PARP is preparing a third-stage component to bridge the funding gap between incubation and VC-readiness. Startups demonstrating strong market validation may be invited to apply for up to €450,000 in additional non-dilutive funding, provided they also secure capital from private investors.
The programs emphasize supporting solutions aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in the upcoming impact accelerator planned for 2026. Meanwhile, 17 accelerators under the Startup Booster Poland initiative are already distributing over €60 million in funding — with up to €90,000 available per startup based on milestone achievements.
The platform support programs have already led to over 700 companies receiving direct funding, following over 1,700 incubations. In total, PARP has assessed more than 11,000 applications since launching the program.
Startup Booster Poland, supported by FENG, has attracted a diverse cohort of partners including global corporations, banks, telecoms, and public institutions. These stakeholders act as technology recipients and collaborators in commercialization processes. According to Seniuk, the increasing professionalism of accelerators allows for better selection of startups and technology partners.
PARP highlights that its initiatives complement rather than compete with investment programs run by PFR Ventures. The agency focuses on founders at the beginning of their journey, helping them reach the point where private funding becomes viable. Notably, one of Poland’s unicorns reportedly used early PARP support over 15 years ago.
The programs have also adapted: startups now receive a portion of their incubation support as direct grants, enabling them to better tailor products to market needs. Moreover, legal reforms have allowed PARP to collaborate more flexibly with ecosystem stakeholders, not just formal service providers.
While each startup's support path varies, PARP aims to help 500 of the most promising ventures reach full commercialization under the current multi-year budget through 2027.
A few figures that stand out:
Over 11,000 applications to Startup Platforms
More than 1,700 completed incubations
Over 700 grants awarded
Around 600 startup contracts in acceleration programs
Nearly 300 international startups supported via Poland Prize
Approx. 270 accelerations completed in the ScaleUp Pilot
Up to €600,000 available for top-performing startups at later stages
