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Innovation for STEP. Lower Silesian SMEs have the chance to secure €200,000 for innovation

What is the ‘Innovation for STEP’ project? The project forms part of the EU’s STEP (Strategic Technologies Platform for Europe) initiative. In the face of current geopolitical turmoil and disrupted supply chains, reducing and combating strategic dependence on third countries has become a key challenge for Europe. The Old Continent’s economy needs to be self-sufficient, and this goal is to be achieved by fostering innovation in so-called critical technologies.

In which technological areas can funding be obtained?

It is, amongst others, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Lower Silesia that have the opportunity to become the architects of this technological independence. Funding in our region is targeted at three key areas:

  • digital technologies (including, amongst others, artificial intelligence, deep tech and advanced cybersecurity),
  • clean and resource-efficient technologies (carbon-neutral solutions that protect the environment and resources),
  • biotechnologies (including, amongst others, innovative medicinal products from the EU’s list of critical medicines and their ingredients).

The ‘Innovations for STEP’ project is, above all, a real boost to development for our local entrepreneurs, who can develop modern solutions in collaboration with universities and research institutions. Europe is now focusing on building technological sovereignty and combating dependence on external markets from which we have hitherto imported key solutions.

Magdalena Okulowska, Chair of ARAW, the operator of the grant scheme.

- “It is important to ARAW that it is precisely companies from our region that create innovations of strategic importance for the entire continent. Thanks to non-repayable grants and comprehensive support, we relieve entrepreneurs of the financial risk associated with conducting research and open the door for them to commercialise groundbreaking ideas” emphasises Magdalena Okulowska.

Innovation vouchers: up to 80 per cent funding for research

For many companies, the costs and risks associated with research and development (R&D) act as a barrier to introducing innovations. The “Innovations for STEP” project aims to overcome these obstacles.

Entrepreneurs in Lower Silesia can receive an innovation voucher worth up to 200,000 euros. The support covers as much as 80 per cent of the value of the research service, which means that the company’s own contribution is only 20 per cent.

Under the grant scheme, companies can commission bespoke R&D work from leading research organisations, universities, institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) and accredited laboratories, thereby creating new or significantly improved products, services and production technologies.

Free consultancy – the first step to success

The application process for a financial grant has been designed to make it as easy as possible for companies to prepare a strong application. In parallel with the ongoing grant call, entrepreneurs from Lower Silesia can take advantage of a free consultancy service offered by the grant operator.

As part of 15 hours of individual consultations, experts will help companies, amongst other things, to:

  • verify whether the idea meets the STEP criteria and the objectives of the grant competition,
  • carry out a preliminary technological audit and assess the company’s needs,
  • find suitable research partners and research teams to implement the project.

Participation in the free advisory service is a prerequisite for subsequently applying for funding in the grant competition. The number of places in the advisory programme is limited.

Timetable and contact details for companies

Registration is now open for the free consultancy service, and the rolling call for grant applications will begin on 5 October 2026

Further details, a link to the meeting, the consultancy application form and the application documentation (competition rules, grant application template, grant award agreement template) can be found on the dedicated ARAW website.

Contact details for the team:

  • email: innowacje[at]araw.pl
  • helpline: +48 539 095 063 (Mon–Fri, 9.00 am–4.00 pm)

The project ‘Innovations for STEP – research and development grants for Lower Silesian companies’ is co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund under the regional programme ‘European Funds for Lower Silesia 2021–2027’ (Priority 14: European Funds for Critical Technologies in Lower Silesia, Measure FEDS.14.01: Strategic Technologies for Lower Silesia).