Let science and business join forces! Recruitment for the city’s Mozart program has started

16.03.2023

As of Wednesday (March 15), applications can be submitted for funding of scientific and business projects. The cooperation may result in innovative solutions, products or services. Read how cooperation between scientists and entrepreneurs works, what both sides gain, and where to apply.

This is the 12th and last edition of the Mozart program in this form. This year, up to 20 scientific and business partnerships will receive funding from the Wroclaw budget. At the same time, the city does not impose either the scope of the project or its final shape. It can be a solution, product or service.

Shoulder to shoulder science and business

Under the Mozart program, a partnership is established by two parties: a scientist and an entrepreneur.

The scientist must have at least a doctoral degree and be employed at a university or institution belonging to the higher education system.

In turn, the basic condition for the entrepreneur is the place of business – it must be Wroclaw. Both large companies and micro-enterprises can join the program if they employ at least two employees under an employment contract, a contract of mandate or on a B2B basis.

This combination gives both parties a chance to grow.

Who infects an idea?

There is no rule. Both an entrepreneur and a scientist can come up with a collaborative initiative. Dr. Agnieszka Bronowicka-Szydełko of the Medical University of Wroclaw came up with the idea of creating a liquid against viruses that attack cats – this project is being carried out in the 2023/2024 edition of Mozart. She proposed the cooperation to Daniel Strub, a Liquid Technologies board member.

“Our main business is the production of air conditioning cleaners. Disinfectant against cat viruses is undoubtedly a niche, but it fits into our profile.”
– Daniel Strub says.

As part of the Mozart project, Agnieszka Bronowicka-Szydełko and Daniel Strub managed to:

refine the composition of active substances that will act on selected pathogens, and detergents, so that the agent is safe for human and animal health;
determine the potential proportions of ingredients;
select methods for verifying the effectiveness of the agent and compliance with veterinary standards;
establish cooperation with certified laboratories that will carry out accreditation analyses.

Currently, the product is at the stage of obtaining permits and certificates.

What was important to me in this project was that I create a product with which I solve a specific problem. The COVID-19 pandemic made us all aware that viruses are capable of so-called species jumps. Prevention is therefore important. Leveling viruses not only reduces morbidity, but also prevents virus mutations, thus protecting other animal species and even humans.
- says Dr. Agnieszka Bronowicka-Szydełko of the Medical University of Wroclaw

The idea is to create two preparations, one for daily hygiene carried out at home, the other for disinfecting places where infected cats may have stayed: clinics, temporary homes, shelters.

Everyone cares about the same

The detailed rules of cooperation, of course, within the guidelines of the program, the parties set independently. By definition, the scientist’s involvement should be such that he can combine project tasks with work at the university. However, it is not the working time that is a source of conflict, but the approach to research.

“In science, both positive and negative results of work are important. In business it is different. The value is only in success.” – Daniel Strub, Liquid Technologies board member

If this difference is not clarified beforehand, misunderstandings can arise.

Time is also an issue at the interface between business and science. It’s a known fact: in business, every moment counts, while science – especially learning from the results – takes time.

“You need to be able to put yourself in the other party’s place and work out common priorities. The timeframe of the Mozart program is enough to do a small research project. On top of that, you need to allow time for lapping and planning the work.” – Daniel Strub, Liquid Technologies board member

Business that benefits everyone

The premise of the Mozart program is to create a space for business and academia to work together. And as it turns out, in the case of the partnerships participating in the program, working on practical solutions brings satisfaction to both parties.

“Collaboration with a scientist provides a unique opportunity to realize an original idea for the development of a company. But for me, the bigger advantage is the prestige and credibility that the company gains from partnering with academia.” – says Daniel Strub

For Dr. Agnieszka Bronowicka-Szydełko, experience is more important:

“Cooperation with an entrepreneur broadens horizons. Before, I didn’t know how complicated and time-consuming are the procedures for approving a new product before it hits the market.” – Agnieszka Bronowicka-Szydełko from the Medical University of Wroclaw

How to join Mozart?

Find a partner who meets the program’s conditions.
Together, establish the project’s objectives.
Between March 15 and May 31, using the application, apply for funding.

All information, rules and regulations and forms are available on the Academic Wroclaw website (tab Wroclaw Academic Center – Mozart Municipal Support Program).