Ścieżka SMART – FENG.01.01-IP.02-002/25

Ścieżka SMART is a flagship funding opportunity under the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG) program in Poland. Managed by PARP (Polish Agency for Enterprise Development), it supports innovative projects by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through a modular approach. Applicants may combine different areas like R&D, innovation implementation, digitization, green transformation, internationalization, and more. The call is open until 26 June 2025.

A project is admissible if it meets the following conditions:

• Includes at least one mandatory module: either B+R (R&D) or Innovation Implementation.

• Addresses well-defined innovation needs or research challenges.

• Contains clearly structured work plans, budget, and measurable outcomes.

• Aligns with at least one National Smart Specialization (KIS).

• Project implementation starts no earlier than the application date and ends by 31 Dec 2029.

• Includes only activities carried out in Poland.

• Meets all formal, eligibility, and content completeness requirements.

Examples of Eligible Projects:

• Development and market introduction of an AI-based diagnostic medical device.

• Construction of a new R&D center focused on sustainable materials and its integration into company processes.

• Implementation of a circular-economy solution involving new product lines and digitized supply chain.

Depending on the selected module(s), the following expenses are eligible:

• Costs of industrial research and experimental development

• Purchase or depreciation of R&D equipment and infrastructure

• Personnel costs related to R&D or innovation implementation

• Costs of external expertise, subcontracted research, or technical services

• Licenses, patents, and intellectual property rights

• Software and digital infrastructure

• Training, certification, and upskilling under the Competence module

• Marketing and international promotion (under Internationalization module)

• Costs of energy-efficiency or CO₂-reduction investments (under Green Transformation)

• Indirect costs (lump-sum or flat-rate depending on module)

Total budget of the grant: 1,000,000,000 PLN

Co-financing rate: Varies by module, company size, and aid type (typically up to 70% for SMEs)

Maximum value per operation: 25,000,000 PLN

Minimum value per operation: 500,000 PLN

Min: 500,000 PLN, Max: 25,000,000 PLN”

To be eligible, the applicant must meet all of the following:

• Be a micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise (MSME) with operations registered in Poland.

• Be in good financial standing (no bankruptcy, restructuring, or arrears with public obligations).

• Not fall under exclusion grounds such as conflict of interest or prior misconduct.

• If applying as a consortium (optional), the lead partner must meet the above criteria and provide documentation on internal arrangements.