From Cosmetics to Guitars for Stars. Success of the "μGrants R&D for Enterprises" Project
95 grant agreements with a total value of over PLN 18 million – this is the result of the three-year project "μGrants B+R for enterprises". Developing their innovative ideas and products, entrepreneurs were able to benefit not only from financial support but also from the expertise of scientists from Gdańsk Tech, Medical University of Gdańsk, and University of Gdańsk.
95 grant agreements with a total value of over PLN 18 million – this is the result of the three-year project "μGrants B+R for enterprises". Developing their innovative ideas and products, entrepreneurs were able to benefit not only from financial support but also from the expertise of scientists from Gdańsk Tech, Medical University of Gdańsk, and University of Gdańsk.
The “μGrants R&D for Enterprises” project was launched to provide financial and expert support to Pomeranian companies interested in the field of research and development. Through participation in the program, entrepreneurs had the opportunity to benefit from advanced research services that proved crucial for the development of their innovative ideas and products.
The allocation of funding was a significant factor in eliminating economic barriers that often limit enterprises in undertaking research and development projects. By supporting these initiatives, the program created favorable conditions for entrepreneurship development, where ideas could transform into concrete solutions.
– The “μGrants R&D for Enterprises” project is an initiative that has benefited both the academic community and the business sector – says Prof. Krzysztof Wilde, Rector of Gdańsk Tech. – It supported innovation, technological development, and the creation of value for both the university and enterprises. Thanks to this, strong links between them were established, which will result in long-term relationships, opening doors to further joint activities.
– It was three years of hard work. Our goal was to support innovation among Pomeranian enterprises and encourage them to invest in research and development – says Mariusz Machajewski, President of the special purpose company PG Excento, which was the project operator. – Our success, in the form of over 18 million PLN of granted support, is clear proof that such an initiative was needed. Thanks to this project, enterprises gained the opportunity to develop new technologies.
An application calculating carbon footprint, trampoline blocks, and more
Thanks to the grants, enterprises could focus on innovations, which translated into the creation of new products and services. Some of them concentrated on developing new research methodologies that allowed them to develop innovative solutions and technologies in their sector.
Thus, the innovative project for blocks for urban trampolines by Synetik s.c., the line of innovative cosmetics by Skin Science, and an application that calculates energy efficiency and carbon footprint during the construction of modern residential houses by MIDI Architectural Studio were created.
From small to large enterprises
In the video materials, examples of participation in the program were also presented, including the Gdańsk-based boutique brand Mayones s.c., which manufactures handcrafted electric and bass guitars, and Iglotex S.A. – a leader in the frozen food market in Poland. This pairing of a small and a large enterprise illustrates that investments in research and development are a key factor in creating innovative solutions regardless of company size.
A platform for exchanging best practices
Creating an environment where science and business could collaborate effectively is a crucial step in the development of entrepreneurship and innovation. Thanks to the project, a cooperation platform between business and science was developed, based on the exchange of knowledge, experience, and best practices. Scientists had the chance to work on real projects, providing companies with valuable tools and solutions based on the latest scientific achievements. On the other hand, enterprises conveyed their unique challenges to scientists, resulting in research more focused on the practical needs of the market. The project not only influenced the development of specific companies but also entire scientific and business communities, inspiring the creation of innovations and their market introduction. Moreover, the implementation of the project contributed to the overall increase of innovativeness and development in the region.
About the project
The “μGrants R&D for Enterprises” project is a regional program financing R&D services, in which Pomeranian entrepreneurs can apply for non-repayable support to purchase research and development services in projects with a value up to 200,000 PLN.
The project is implemented by the special purpose company of Gdańsk Tech, Excento Sp. z o.o., in partnership with the Regional Chamber of Commerce of Pomerania, the Medical Innovation Centre Sp. z o.o. (a special purpose company of the Medical University of Gdańsk), and Univetum Labs (a special purpose company of the University of Gdańsk).
The project is co-financed by the European Union.