FNP opens call for proposals under the Proof of Concept programme | Gdańsk University of Technology

The Foundation for Polish Science (FNP) has launched a call for proposals under the Proof of Concept (PoC) programme, funded by the European Funds for a Modern Economy 2021–2027 programme. The call will be open from 5 to 24 March 2026, and applications can be submitted until 16:00.

The programme is addressed to researchers at all stages of their careers, including those who have not yet obtained a doctoral degree. Its aim is to verify whether research results have the potential to be applied beyond academia and may become a starting point for commercialisation. Funding for a single project can be granted for up to 12 months, with a maximum budget of PLN 700,000. Support is awarded through a competitive call.

Research organisations act as formal applicants. They submit the proposal and indicate the Principal Investigator. This person should be the author or co-author of the research results forming the basis of the project and must be employed by the applicant institution for at least half-time throughout the entire project duration.

The funding supports research and development projects aimed at verifying the assumptions described in the proposal and bringing the project closer to implementation or market application. Cooperation with a company is allowed; however, the funding is granted exclusively to the research organisation. The call does not include basic research.

Detailed rules of the call, application documentation and additional information are available online