The #StartUP Małopolska 2026–2027 Acceleration Program, organized by the Małopolska Regional Government in Poland, supports innovative startups that have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) and are ready to accelerate their growth. The program provides tailored mentoring, specialist services, expert guidance, and business networking opportunities to help young companies improve their products, validate solutions, reach new customers, and scale their operations.
Application Window and Program Track
- Application deadline: 23 November 2026, 23:59 GMT+1.
- Program edition: 2026–2027.
- Program track: Acceleration.
- Organizer: Województwo Małopolskie (Małopolska Regional Government).
- Application process: Applications are submitted through a common registration form covering both incubation and acceleration. This opportunity specifically concerns the acceleration track.
Application and Confirmation Requirements
- Applicants must complete the electronic registration form with company information, business activities, and required declarations.
- After submission, applicants must confirm their registration using a verification link sent to their registered email address.
- Confirmation window: The verification link remains active for 60 minutes.
- If confirmation is not completed within this period, applicants must submit the registration form again.
Eligibility Conditions
To qualify for the acceleration program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Company age: Operating for no more than five years at the time of application.
- Product maturity: Have an existing prototype or minimum viable product (MVP) ready for further development, testing, and market validation.
- Company size: Qualify as a microenterprise or small enterprise.
- Geographic eligibility: Have their registered headquarters or principal place of business in the Małopolskie Voivodeship, Poland.
- Sector alignment: Operate within at least one of Małopolska's regional smart specialization areas, including ICT, life sciences, creative and leisure industries, sustainable energy, chemistry, metals and materials manufacturing, or electrical and mechanical engineering.
- Innovation alignment: Conduct activities related to Industry 4.0 or the circular economy.
The program does not specify eligibility through formal investment-round classifications such as Seed or Series A.
Selection Preferences
Additional preference during application assessment is given to:
- Younger companies: Businesses operating for no more than three years.
- Women-led businesses: Companies led by women or developing products and services specifically benefiting women.
- Inclusive innovations: Businesses developing solutions that promote equality, social inclusion, and nondiscrimination.
These preferences provide advantages during evaluation but do not replace the mandatory eligibility requirements.
Acceleration Support and Benefits
The program offers an intensive, individualized acceleration process lasting several weeks, organized into two main phases.
Phase 1 – Business Assessment and Planning
- Two-day introductory workshops to assess business needs, growth opportunities, and development challenges.
- Up to five hours of individual consultations with an assigned acceleration manager.
- Preparation of an Individual Acceleration Plan outlining objectives, activities, and expected outcomes.
Phase 2 – Acceleration and Growth Support
- Six specialized workshops covering business development, marketing, sales, international expansion, team building, and financing.
- Up to 30 hours of individual mentoring with selected industry experts.
- Access to specialized services worth up to PLN 20,000, including technical consulting, product testing, research, and strategic development.
- Coverage of participation costs for selected startup and industry events in Poland and internationally, up to PLN 4,000.
- Opportunities to engage with corporate partners, technology experts, investors, and potential customers.
- Potential participation in an international study visit, subject to engagement and selection.
- Continuous guidance from a dedicated acceleration manager.
- A concluding Demo Day to present business solutions and growth achievements.
Funding and Support Structure
- Estimated total support value: Approximately PLN 65,000 per participating company.
- Support type: In-kind services, mentoring, workshops, expert consulting, event participation, and business development assistance.
- Direct cash funding: No direct cash grant is specified for participating startups.
- Equity requirement: Not specified in the available program information.
- Investment stage: No formal funding-round stage is required or explicitly defined.
The program focuses on providing professional services and practical growth assistance rather than direct startup investment.
The #StartUP Małopolska 2026–2027 Acceleration Program offers a structured opportunity for innovative micro and small enterprises in Poland's Małopolska region to develop existing products, strengthen their business models, and accelerate market growth. With approximately PLN 65,000 in service-based support per company, the program combines expert mentoring, tailored workshops, specialized services, industry networking, and potential international exposure. Eligible startups with an existing MVP and no more than five years of operating history must submit their applications by 23 November 2026 at 23:59 GMT+1, ensuring timely completion of the mandatory registration confirmation process.