Eighteen teams were selected in the first competition under the PRIME Project – a science commercialisation support programme run by the Foundation for Polish Science. This group, made up of dozens of specialists in their respective fields, will now spend the next few months sharpening their knowledge and practical skills in bringing research results to market. The goal is not only to build a highly competent talent pool, but also to develop real-world products with market potential.
PRIME is the only tailored acceleration programme in Poland designed specifically for scientists and their institutions, offering personalized support for commercialising innovative solution. The programme combines capacity-building activities (e.g. training sessions) with hands-on experience (e.g. market discovery interviews). The most promising projects will receive customised support to implement the chosen commercialisation path. The PRIME Project is funded under the programme European Funds for a Smart Economy (FENG).
The first call, launched earlier this year, attracted 67 applicant teams. After a three-stage assessment process, eighteen of them were awarded grants. Each application presented a concept for commercialising existing research outcomes. At the substantive assessment process, experts evaluated innovation potential, scientific and market quality, as well as the feasibility of the proposed idea.
“The first PRIME call demonstrates the growing interest among researchers in the topic of commercialisation. We also see a growing understanding of the need to apply scientific results to address current market and societal challenges. Researchers are more and more open to the process of change and show strong motivation and determination to implement the outcomes of their work,” said Dr Marcelina Firkowska, a science commercialisation expert and PRIME Project Lead at the Foundation for Polish Science.
Each PRIM team consists of the Scientific Leader, Business Leader and Technology Transfer Support. Scientific Leaders are researchers at various career stages – from early-career scientist to PhD candidates. Almost half of the selected teams are led by women. Over PLN 5.3 million from FENG funds has been allocated to the first selection.
The awarded teams will focus on commercialisation ideas mainly in the fields of engineering and biotechnology. Selected solutions include, for example: an advanced AI tool for the early diagnosis of melanoma; a technology for transforming organic waste into valuable chemicals; and a new generation of a droplet bioprinter for fast, precise and high-throughput drug testing in realistic 3D human tissue models.
The PRIME Project consists of three phases. In Phase I (6 months), teams will develop their ideas under the guidance of experienced mentors, participate in training and a bootcamp, and conduct initial market discovery efforts. This phase will conclude with the market validation of the ideas and the selection of the most promising teams for the next phase.
Phase II (12 months) includes continued mentorship, advanced accredited training, an UK-based Bootcamp, and dozens of market interviews. This phase will culminate in an open DemoDay where participants will present their developed products and technologies.
Phase III is dedicated to selected spin-offs established as a result of Phase II. With funding of up to EUR 200,000, they will be able to implement an individual business and product development plan.
The practical nature of the programme is reinforced by a partnership with Oxentia, a UK-based consultancy, which brings in expertise of Oxford’s science commercialisation ecosystem. It is Oxentia’s expert practitioners who will lead the mentoring and training for PRIME participants.
“Together with Oxentia, we have developed a rich and advanced programme that provides both knowledge and practical skills. The opportunity to collaborate with and learn from international experts and mentors is also an immense value of the Project. We hope that PRIME will contribute not only to the creation of new products or solutions but also to the development of a professional community focused on commercialising research outcomes. This, in the long term, can shift how we think about the social impact of scientists and their research in Poland,” concludes Dr Firkowska.
More information on the PRIME Project
