Modern infrastructure and cooperation instead of risk. At WPT, ideas become technology

For almost three decades, Wrocław Technology Park (WPT) has been supporting entrepreneurs, especially from the SME sector, in developing ideas into real products and services. Thanks to this cooperation, they not only have access to infrastructure, but also to a network of contacts, development projects, and specialist advice.

Access to infrastructure that cannot be built “from scratch”

WPT offers entrepreneurs access to laboratories, R&D facilities, specialized equipment, and office and production space. This means:

• lower costs of entering into research and testing work,
• the possibility of product development without multi-million dollar investments,
• a safe environment for testing, validating, and optimizing solutions.

An equally important element is the flexible offer of offices and space, which can change as the company grows. From a single workstation, through larger teams, to their own headquarters within the Park—many companies that started their operations at WPT have already gone down this path and now operate globally, such as Scanway and Materialise.

Entrepreneurs do not have to make risky investment decisions right away. They can develop their product and team at a pace that suits their real business needs, using infrastructure that would be beyond the reach of many SMEs to build on their own.

Michał Kowalski, Director of Customer Service at Laboratories

You don't need your own laboratory to conduct research

WPT also has laboratory stations that enable research and development work to be carried out in conditions that meet quality and safety requirements. For companies, this means the opportunity to work with access to professional facilities without having to set up their own laboratories from scratch.

“For many entrepreneurs, it is the availability of infrastructure and flexibility of development that make the difference between a good idea and a finished, marketable product.” notes Michał Kowalski.

A priceless network of contacts

Currently, nearly 200 companies operate within the WPT, which promotes the exchange of experiences and the establishment of cooperation. In practice, this means quick access to technology partners, suppliers, customers, experts, and companies facing similar challenges.

Regular, free networking meetings are also organized here, as well as industry conferences and thematic community meetings, which promotes relationship building and the launch of joint projects.

We create conditions in which entrepreneurs can meet, exchange experiences, and actually start working together. This often shortens the path to partnership by many months.

Dominik Marzec, Director of the Entrepreneurship Support Department

WPT also coordinates cluster initiatives, such as the NUTRIBIOMED Cluster, a platform connecting business, science, and institutions around the development and commercialization of solutions for the food, nutraceutical, and life science industries, among others.

Access to development projects and financing

Companies cooperating with WPT have easier access to programs that reduce development costs and accelerate implementation. It is not just about individual grants, but about the entire ecosystem of development projects and services - from incubation, through consulting, to testing solutions.

Entrepreneurs can take advantage of, among other things:

• incubation and acceleration programs, such as Startup Hub or BuildUp Innovation Program,
• national and European projects offering expert, partnership, and financial support,
• consulting on financing, grants, and digital transformation, tailored to the stage of development of the company and its industry.

From idea to financing

The WRO4digITal EDIH (European Digital Innovation Hub) offer is also key for SMEs. As part of this offer, companies can take advantage of free services supporting digitization and technology implementation, such as:

• digital maturity audit and assessment,
• consulting on technology selection, including AI, automation, cloud solutions, and cybersecurity,
• workshops and implementation support,
• team competence development through training and educational activities.

These are complemented by instruments that help combine the financing of consulting and development services, including subsidy vouchers and de minimis aid, which for many SMEs means the opportunity to use professional services at a significantly reduced cost.

We help companies find the right program faster, prepare their projects better, and safely go through the entire process—from idea to financing and implementation.

Dominik Marzec

Thanks to WPT's support, projects with a total value of over PLN 43 million have been completed. As part of the “Grant Voucher” program, over 90 agreements have been signed, and the value of the projects has exceeded PLN 290 million.

Support in competence development

WPT acts as an intermediary between business, science, and support institutions. Entrepreneurs are not left alone with procedures, formalities, and technological decisions. They receive support in the selection of technologies and competencies, find it easier to establish cooperation with scientists and experts, and the process of transition from prototype to implementation is significantly shorter.

At the same time, WPT develops the competencies of teams through training, workshops, and educational activities. Companies can strengthen their technological, managerial, and digital competencies without having to look for external suppliers.

Magdalena Jaśkiewicz-Czajka, Quality Department Manager

The Wrocław Technology Park is an important link in the local innovation ecosystem. It facilitates companies' access to knowledge, infrastructure, and cooperation networks, helping them to effectively move from idea to implementation.