PFR Deep Tech: PLN 600M for dual-use and frontier technologies
PFR Deep Tech launches with PLN 600 million to supercharge Poland’s innovation in AI, defence, and frontier technologies
The Polish Development Fund (PFR), PFR Ventures, and the Ministry of Finance have officially launched the PFR Deep Tech programme — a fund of funds with a total budget of PLN 600 million aimed at financing breakthrough technologies. The initiative will combine PLN 300 million from PFR with at least an equal contribution from private and institutional investors, targeting ventures at the cutting edge of fields like AI, defence, cybersecurity, robotics, and space tech.
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Managed by PFR Ventures, the programme is designed to back experienced VC fund managers capable of scaling projects with advanced technical readiness and commercial potential. Special emphasis is placed on dual-use technologies — those applicable in both civilian and military contexts. The strategy involves deploying capital through 3 to 5 specialised VC funds, with an expected pipeline of 50 to 80 supported ventures.
Andrzej Domański, Minister of Finance, stressed the programme’s alignment with national strategic interests: “In today’s geopolitical context, defence and emerging technologies are key pillars in building a strong state and a competitive economy. Deep tech projects, particularly those with dual-use applications, are becoming especially important. PFR Deep Tech is one of the first initiatives of its kind — a step towards building robust technological capabilities and a new impetus for the Polish economy.”
Jakub Jaworowski, Minister of State Assets, added: “The state should not and cannot replace market mechanisms, but it ought to support forward-looking projects whose results — especially those with long-term horizons — serve the country’s strategic interests.”
According to Piotr Matczuk, President of the Management Board at PFR SA, the programme helps position Poland alongside global leaders in supporting deep tech innovation. “It marks a key stage in expanding our capital offering to VC fund managers. We’re aiming for long-term economic and defence resilience.”
The Ministry of National Defence will participate as a strategic partner and has already worked with PFR Ventures in the context of NATO Innovation Fund allocations. The programme’s design is influenced by global benchmarks, drawing on best practices from France, the UK, and the US.
Aleksander Mokrzycki, Vice President of PFR Ventures, confirmed the programme is ready to move quickly: “We expect the first investment decisions to be made in the coming months. Our prior experience with fund of funds models and strong market insight give us the edge to act fast and smart.”
The sectors prioritised for investment include artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and space technologies — all within the scope of projects with high TRL levels (3–8). The programme also offers a built-in expansion model, allowing its scale to grow in line with market and strategic demand.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski emphasized the broader significance of the initiative: “The launch of the PFR Deep Tech programme will give an additional boost and create new opportunities for many Polish innovators. I believe this is just the beginning.”
By merging public funding with market expertise and private capital, PFR Deep Tech seeks to fill a long-standing gap in Poland’s innovation pipeline and strengthen its role in the international technology landscape. Read more: https://pfrventures.pl/en/program-dla-vc/pfr-deep-tech
