CO-INVEST IN WIELKOPOLSKA DEEPTECHs

Brief description of the ecosystem and differentiation factors

 

 

 

Wielkopolska’s startup ecosystem thrives on dynamic infrastructure, academic prowess, and government support. Collaborative networking events and diverse industries fuel innovation and cross-sectoral growth. Access to capital is improving, attracting investors and fostering expansion. Geographically strategic, Wielkopolska offers a gateway to European markets with a high quality of life. Its cultural heritage inspires creativity, enhancing the region’s innovative spirit. A supportive community binds entrepreneurs, fostering resilience and success. This vibrant ecosystem positions Wielkopolska as a rising hub for startups in Europe.

National and regional framework

National Framework: 

 

Poland’s startup ecosystem benefits from a robust national framework supported by government policies promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment. Initiatives like the Polish Development Fund (PFR) provide financial support and venture capital for startups. Programs such as Start in Poland and the ScaleUp program offer resources for scaling businesses. Collaboration among stakeholders, including government bodies, universities, corporates, investors, and startups themselves, enhances resource sharing, knowledge exchange, and market access. The national framework encourages investment through tax incentives, grants, and venture capital funds. Regulatory frameworks at the national level aim to support business growth and innovation. Poland’s position within the European Union facilitates access to a larger market and cross-border collaboration, attracting foreign investment and partnerships. Cultural attitudes towards entrepreneurship, coupled with initiatives promoting entrepreneurial education and fostering a risk-taking mindset, contribute to a vibrant startup culture nationally.

 

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

 

Regional Framework – Wielkopolska: 

 

Within Wielkopolska, the regional framework builds upon national initiatives with localized support structures. This includes regional development agencies, business incubators, and innovation hubs offering tailored support, funding opportunities, and networking events to foster startup growth. Wielkopolska benefits from a large pool of skilled professionals, with universities contributing to talent development. Access to research facilities, co-working spaces, and accelerators supports startup development. Regionally, Wielkopolska complements national investment incentives with local investment networks, angel investors, and crowdfunding platforms. Regional regulations may be tailored to address specific local challenges or opportunities, ensuring a conducive environment for startups. Wielkopolska’s strategic location further enhances international connectivity, attracting foreign investment and partnerships. Cultural attitudes towards entrepreneurship play a role in shaping the ecosystem, with initiatives promoting entrepreneurial education and fostering a risk-taking mindset contributing to a vibrant startup culture regionally.

 

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

Invest in Wielkopolska:  https://www.investinwielkopolska.pl/

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.

StartUp Hub Poland: while its main operations are in Warsaw, it extends its reach to support tech startups in Poznań, offering mentoring, acceleration programs, and opportunities to connect with investors.

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.

O4 Coworking: Provides flexible workspace solutions and a collaborative environment.

Poznań Business Link: coworking and office space

 

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): Although headquartered in Warsaw, PARP operates regionally to offer grants, loans, and advisory services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Poznań.

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

Regional Development Agency (Agencja Rozwoju Regionalnego): Helps businesses in the region by offering advisory services, financing options, and support for development projects.

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