The 3rd edition of the Mazovian Startup accelerator program has begun. The program offers support to positive impact startups, i.e., those that combine a social mission with innovative technology. Current recruitment to the program will focus on solutions that help prevent climate change and support the responsible development of the agri-food sector. Submitted projects may include green technologies, sustainable production and cultivation, organic food, responsible production, and reduction of carbon footprint. The executor of the program, financed from the budget of the Mazovian Voivodeship, is Youth Business Poland.
The Mazovian Voivodeship, in its current action strategy, focuses on strengthening the region’s role in the area of implementing technological and industrial innovations, especially those relating to the agricultural and food sectors. Previous editions of the program have featured many solutions in the area of food tech and sustainable production.
Mazovian Startup is accelerating and collaborating with program partners. They act as recipients of technology as well as share their expert knowledge through mentoring and meetings with startups. This helps significantly accelerate solution testing and project development. Strategic partners of the program are RohlingSuus, Kronenberg Foundation at Citi Handlowy, Carrefour. Content partners are PwC, StepWise, Startup Hub Poland, CIC Warsaw, Foodtech.ac. Regional partners are Płock Industrial and Technological Park (PPP-T), and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of the Radom Area. Media partners are WP and Mam Startup.
Many educational and promotional initiatives are also organized as part of the program. In June, workshops for students and entrepreneurs were held in Plock and Radom. Their goal was to bring opportunities for innovative and socially responsible projects closer to startups from all over the region; both those based in the metropolis and smaller cities. Participants of the meetings had the opportunity to validate their business idea using the Lean Startup methodology. Three more meetings and webinars are planned for startups interested in participating in the program.
Recruitment for the program has started. In September, the program’s jury will select 30 projects to participate in the acceleration. During the program, which lasts 3 months, startups will receive support from leading mentors of the Polish startup scene and a chance to attract investors and funding for development. What’s more, in the final stage of the program its participants will compete for prizes worth a total of PLN 75 thousand. They will be able to allocate them for, among other things, the purchase of technology, the creation of prototypes, research and development of products and other needs related to the development of their startups. The finalists will also receive attractive additional prizes from partners. Applications for the program are accepted until August 31, 2022, at: mazovianstartup.ybp.org.pl.