CO-INVEST IN WIELKOPOLSKA DEEPTECHs

Brief description of the ecosystem and differentiation factors

 

 

 

Wielkopolska’s startup ecosystem builds on strong infrastructure, leading universities and active public support. Cross-sector collaboration and a mix of industries fuel innovation, while access to capital is gradually improving, drawing more investors to the region. Strategically located and offering a high quality of life, Wielkopolska serves as a gateway to European markets. A supportive community and rich cultural heritage nurture creativity and founder resilience. Together, these assets make Wielkopolska a rising and steadily strengthening startup hub in Europe.

National and regional framework

National Framework: 

 

Poland’s startup ecosystem stands on solid foundations: supportive public policies, access to financing programmes, and growing collaboration among key stakeholders. The Polish Development Fund and its investment programmes provide capital to young companies at different stages. New Initiative (like Startup Booster Poland) helps teams enter the market, win early customers, and prepare to scale. Cooperation between government, universities, large companies, investors, and startups makes it easier to share knowledge, access resources, and test solutions in real business settings. Entrepreneurs can use tax incentives, grants, and equity financing pathways. Poland’s membership in the European Union opens the door to a larger market, research and innovation projects, and international partnerships, especially through Horizon Europe and the Enterprise Europe Network. A more entrepreneurial mindset, education focused on innovation, and a culture of experimenting with new ideas are strengthening the ecosystem. As a result, Poland is becoming an increasingly strong and internationally connected place to build and grow innovative companies.

 

Invest in Poland: https://www.trade.gov.pl/en/type/invest-in-poland/

 

Wielkopolska framework:

 

In Wielkopolska, the regional framework builds on national programmes with targeted, local support. Regional development agencies, incubators, and innovation hubs provide tailored services, funding opportunities, and networking to help startups grow. A strong talent pool, fed by local universities, supports the ecosystem, alongside access to research facilities, co-working spaces, and accelerators. The region complements national incentives with local investment networks, angel investors, and crowdfunding options. Where helpful, regional policies address local challenges and opportunities to keep conditions founder-friendly. Wielkopolska’s strategic location enhances international connectivity, attracting foreign partners and investment. A pro-entrepreneurial culture, reinforced by education and initiatives that encourage smart risk-taking, fuels a vibrant regional startup scene. Wielkopolska strengthens national support with regional agencies, incubators, and hubs that offer tailored services, funding, and networking. Universities supply talent; labs, co-working spaces, and accelerators speed development. Local investment networks, angels, and crowdfunding complement national incentives. Strategic location boosts international links, and a pro-entrepreneurial culture sustains a vibrant startup ecosystem.

 

Invest in Poznan: https://www.poznan.pl/mim/inwestycje/en/

Main strategic sectors in Wielkopolska

  • ICT Biomaterials & food, based on

Strategic segments:

  • Agribusiness and Food Processing:
    • Precision Agriculture: Wielkopolska implements precision agriculture technologies to optimize crop production and resource management.
    • Food Processing and Packaging: The region’s food processing industry employs innovative techniques for food preservation and packaging.
    • Agrochemicals and Crop Protection: Wielkopolska’s agribusiness sector develops solutions for crop protection and soil management.

 

  • Food Innovation and Research: Collaboration between universities and the food industry drives innovation in food products and production processes
  • Interiors of the future: design & furniture

The furniture and interior design industry in Wielkopolska has strong manufacturing and production potential, while some of its areas, such as industrial design, develop rapidly. In addition, the region specialises in production of wood, paper and their products as well as in paper processing.

  • Industry of tomorrow (machinery, processes & materials)

Strategic segments:

  • Manufacturing and Engineering:
    • Automotive Industry: Wielkopolska’s automotive sector manufactures vehicles and components, contributing to the region’s industrial prowess.
    • Advanced Materials: The region excels in developing advanced materials for aerospace, automotive, and construction applications.
    • Precision Engineering: Wielkopolska’s precision engineering capabilities produce high-quality components for various industries.

 

  • Renewable Energy Technologies: the manufacturing sector in Wielkopolska includes renewable energy solutions such as wind turbines and solar panels.
  • ICT (Information and Communication Technology):

ICT industry in Wielkopolska develops based on the well-educated manpower and several academic institutions providing teaching and research in the area and developed infrastructure. There almost 9000 ICT companies active in the region. Yearly 1500 of IT students graduate the region’s universities. In recent years many international ICT companies decided to locate their centres here. Among the most promising sectors there are:

Strategic segments:

  • Software Development: Wielkopolska is a hub for software development, offering tailored solutions for businesses across various industries.
  • Cybersecurity: The region specializes in cybersecurity solutions, protecting digital assets and infrastructure from evolving threats.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Wielkopolska leads in AI innovation, leveraging machine learning and data analytics for intelligent applications.
  • IoT (Internet of Things): Companies in Wielkopolska develop IoT technologies, connecting devices and systems for smarter solutions.
  • Gaming sector
  • Logistics solutions & processes

Due to location in the midway between Berlin and Warsaw the logistics, transport and warehouse management are one of the strengths of Wielkopolska, whereas the development of the logistics industry is based on favourable location of the region which increases its investment attractiveness. The Specialised logistics processes area concentrates on using the said potential for the development of specialised logistics services and products and of sustainable supply chains that improve the level of business customer service.

  • Medical Technologies

The region is a home to many companies producing and selling medical products and equipment on foreign markets, the export is constantly growing. The collaboration between the medical university, Poznan Supercomputing Centre, university of technology brings development of new products based on big data and IOT.

  • Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)/ Shared Service Center (SSC):

Wielkopolska is a hub of business shared services centres in the capital of Wielkopolska. Out of 115, 30 of them are related to the area of information and communications technologies. They employ over 8,000 employees. Companies have here access to the highly qualified workforce and attractive office space offer, as well as City’s support at every step of the investment.

Key actors of the Wielkopolska ecosystem

Public Universities

Adam Mickiewicz University : One of the largest universities in Poland, offers a comprehensive range of academic disciplines.

Poznań University of Technology (Politechnika Poznańska – PP): Specializing in engineering and technical fields, it is renowned for its research and innovation.

Poznań University of Economics and Business (Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny w Poznaniu – UEP): Offers economics, finance, and business studies, known for its applied research.

Poznań University of Life Sciences (Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Poznaniu – UP): Focuses on agricultural, environmental, and natural sciences.

Poznań University of Medical Sciences (Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Karola Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu – UMP): A leading institution for medical education and research.

Poznań University of Physical Education – Poznań University of Physical Education is the oldest sport university in Poland and the third oldest in Europe. Apart of sport teaching and science for physiotherapy, neurobiology and tourism.

University of the Arts Poznan – outstanding teaching of artists, architects and designers.

Academy of Music –  teaches composers, conductors and musicians.

 

16 private universities and higher education institutions, among them:

 

SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities offers a range of programs in psychology, law, cultural studies, and more.

Poznań School of Banking: Focuses on finance, management, and related fields.

Collegium Da Vinci: Provides education in IT, design, and management.

Higher School of Security offers security and public safety-related education programs.

Poznań School of Logistics teaches managers and engineers of transport, Supply Chain Engineering

 

Start-up support entities:

In Poznań, several organizations and institutions offer support to startups. Here are some key entities:

 

Poznań Science and Technology Park (PPNT): an innovation hub that provides office space, mentorship, and networking opportunities. It also offers R&D facilities and access to funding for innovative startups.

SpeedUp Venture Capital Group: a venture capital firm based in Poznań that invests in early-stage startups and supports them through funding, mentoring, and strategic guidance.

Invest in Poznań: An initiative by the Poznań City Council that helps startups establish their businesses, offering information on grants, investment incentives, and local market insights.

YouNick Mint: provides seed funding and helps startups grow through its mentoring and networking services.

Concordia Design: business support organisation focused on design

Business Well Incubator: training, mentopring and space

Lab150 – design, prototyping, advice &  incubator space

Coworking Spaces:

Plus Jeden Coworking: Offers a creative workspace for freelancers and startups.

Poznań Business Link: coworking and office space

Concordia Design: coworking Offices in Poznan

 

Financing Entities:

Public financing entities in Poznań primarily include government agencies and public financial institutions that support individuals, businesses, and research projects. Here are some key public financing entities:

 

Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP): offers grants, loans, and advisory services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR): Supports research and development projects through grants and programs, focusing on innovative and technological advancements. While headquartered in Warsaw, it collaborates with regional partners.

Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK): A state-owned development bank that provides funding for infrastructure projects, SMEs, and local governments. It also manages governmental financial programs and guarantees.

Wielkopolska Agency for Enterprise Development offers loans for SMEs.um

Poznań City Council and Wielkopolska Regional Government: offer financing programs, grants, and loans, particularly for entrepreneurs, cultural projects, and community development.