Up to PLN 400,000 in development support for startups. Applications accepted until April 30

Boosters – accelerators supported by PARP funds – assist impact startups, meaning those whose solutions positively contribute to addressing key social challenges and environmental protection. One of the 17 accelerators operating in Poland is based in Wrocław. It enables the implementation of strategic goals related to, among others, sustainable development. Its activities translate into improvements in quality of life, urban aesthetics, public spaces, green space accessibility, site allocation for construction development, and the protection of natural resources.

The Wrocław Startup Booster for Social Impact is run by a team from SWPS University. Recruitment for the next edition is currently underway. Applications for the third round are being accepted until April 30, 2025.

There are three planned acceleration paths available for interested startups:

• Industry Path – where the startup tests its solution in the environment of an industry partner
• Venture Capital Path – which involves close cooperation with a matched VC fund
• Sector-Agnostic Path – focused on the development of startups with appropriate market potential, supported by ecosystem partners. Under this path, startups can receive up to PLN 200,000.

The funds are granted under the de minimis aid rule and are available to micro and small business entities, including foundations and associations.

Startups may apply for acceleration funding if their work involves innovative – digital or hybrid – solutions, such as:

• A virtual urban space enabling modeling of various solutions and scenarios,
  
• Visualization of the impact of actual or potential changes in different areas of city life, considering spatial and socio-economic factors,
  
• A tool supporting public participation, allowing spatial solutions to be visualized, which enhances citizen engagement in planning and decision-making,
  
• A tool for testing different solutions in urban space, improving clarity and understanding of community needs to better align actions with expectations,
  
• A user-friendly tool accessible to all stakeholders, not requiring expert knowledge, and easy to implement,
  
• A flexible solution adaptable to various urban space scales,
  
• Efficient collection of data on resident preferences, key issues, and proposed solutions,
  
• Rapid processing and visualization of data tied to specific urban areas,
  
• Use of AI-based solutions to support spatial planning and decision-making,
  
• Effective cooperation and communication with stakeholders to support Wrocław’s strategic goals related to spatial development and sustainability.

According to Marzena Horak, Director of the Wrocław City Strategy Office, the goal is for the solutions developed within the Booster program to become a platform for collaboration with the city’s residents.

“The interactive tool will allow us, during various participatory processes, to gather information about people’s needs and concerns, their proposed solutions, and enable continuous interaction and smoother development of ideas. We certainly want this tool to foster cooperation with local communities.”
Marzena Horak

So far, six projects have begun their acceleration journeys (AISP, SHIN RAI Robotics, AI-HSEQ, ArtSaas Technologies, Hetalox, Planet Heroes Foundation). They are united by a positive impact mission and a drive to address key human and environmental challenges. Their work aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals – 17 key areas addressing the world’s most pressing issues.

According to Patrycja Radek, Acceleration Lead at SWPS University’s Startup Booster for Social Impact, the university has long supported impact innovation, and thanks to PARP funding, it is now possible to financially and professionally support 30 positive-impact startups

Currently participating in the program:

• AISP Sp. z o.o. – developing Liczbox, a technology that converts video streams into numerical and measurement data. The aim is to create software for embedded platforms that recognizes, tracks, and counts vehicles and pedestrians in real-time from RTSP surveillance video streams. Orange S.A. is the project’s technology partner.
  
• SHIN RAI Robotics Natalia Lemarquis – developing AiBotto, a robotic arm controlled via XR goggles, making robot operation more accessible and improving production process efficiency. The project will be developed in collaboration with industrial partner Orange S.A.
  
• AI-HSEQ Sp. z o.o. – working on BHP-AI, a solution designed to support companies and workplace safety (BHP) and HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) professionals in managing on-site safety. The project will be developed and tested over six months with the industrial partner Wiedza i Praktyka.
  
• ArtSaas Technologies Sp. z o.o. – working to increase accessibility and sales of artworks through digital transformation. The team’s further development will be supported by the investment fund Unfold.vc.
  
• Hetalox Sp. z o.o. – focused on early detection and monitoring of demyelinating and neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer’s, using advanced AI-driven MRI scan analysis. The company is working with the 24 Ventures fund.
  
• Planet Heroes Foundation – developing Green Coins, a loyalty program for B2C brands that rewards customers for eco-friendly actions rather than shopping habits.
  

Interested startups can access practical guidance on how to fill out the application form available on the program’s website. They can also participate in a series of online training sessions aimed at supporting candidates preparing to join the program.

The project is funded by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) under Priority II of the “European Funds for a Modern Economy 2021–2027” (FENG) program.