2020 highlights
Prompt response to the pandemic
The Centre promptly responded to the outbreak of the pandemic by arranging targeted support in the fight against COVID-19, i.e. “Support for dedicated COVID-19 hospitals in controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and in treating COVID-19” or the Fast Track – Coronaviruses.
New programmes
The “Advanced Information, Telecommunication and Mechatronic Technologies” INFOSTRATEG Strategic Programme has been devised to support the development of Polish artificial intelligence (AI) potential by creating solutions based on AI and blockchain, with direct practical applications. The first competition under the programme was announced in 2020.
The “New Energy Technologies” programme is focused on issues that will allow Poland to achieve climate neutrality by implementing solutions improving the country’s energy security and enhancing the competitiveness of Polish economy.
Work has also begun on the “Water Management and Inland Navigation” programme which is meant as a response to one of the most important ongoing challenges related to the proper management of the ever decreasing water resources.
In the field of international cooperation, a pilot IdeaLab formula was launched with the support from the Norwegian Financial Mechanism. In the first quarter of 2020, a workshop for future contractors – originators of R&D projects – was organised. Then, a competition was announced in which the Polish-Norwegian consortia established during the workshop could apply for co-funding for their ideas developed during the workshop.
STARTER
STARTER is a pilot initiative launched in July 2020. The Centre collects ideas for new support programmes and instruments, as well as identifies new thematic areas, industries and technologies in need of further development. The submitted proposals are subject to formal and substantive evaluation. STARTER allows stakeholders to co-create a programme portfolio so that it is adapted to the changing environment and needs of our customers and partners.
Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI)
Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) is a European mechanism under which co-funding is provided to projects displaying a high level of innovation and strategic importance, from the point of view of the European Commission and the recommending Member States. The projects must be initially evaluated by the EC as having a positive impact on the internal market and society of the entire European Union, and as consistent with the shared European objectives. In 2020, NCBR granted co-funding to the first Polish project under the Fast Track – IPCEI competition. That project received PLN 332 million, which was the highest funding ever granted by NCBR.
Acceleration action with the state of Nevada
In February 2020, NCBR also launched a pilot edition of the acceleration action with the American state of Nevada, under the name of NCBR-NAP: NCBR-Nevada Acceleration Program. Within its framework, representatives of top 10 start-ups operating in industries of key importance for both Poland and Nevada will participate in a one-week-long acceleration programme in Reno and Las Vegas, with an opportunity to commence their activity in the state of Nevada. A formal and substantive evaluation of applications to participate in this initiative was carried out in 2020. Because of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, amendments were made to the agreement concluded with the programme operator, extending its duration until 30 September 2021.
NCBR’s publication cycles – Innovation Landscape
In 2020, NCBR launched its publication series entitled “Innovation Landscape”. The first publication concerned the OP SG and was published under the following title: “Analysis of research trends in the applications for co-financing submitted to NCBR under the OP SG 2016-2019”. The publication focused on the supply of innovations in particular fields based on analysing the applications for co-financing submitted to NCBR under the OP SG 2016-2019.
New website
NCBR’s website was rebuilt and formed part of the gov.pl portal. The new website, which is navigated via the gov.pl portal with two addresses: gov.pl/ncbr and gov.pl/innowacje, displays structured information on NCBR’s offer. With the new website, all data on competitions, initiatives and actions can be conveniently found in one place – the “Financing” tab. They are presented in a comprehensible language and with a transparent layout. For the first time, the website presents VC and CVC funds. Importantly, the site includes a search engine for competitions and funds, being both digitally accessible and responsive.