SMART Path R&D – Funding for Research and Development Projects

As part of projects carried out under the SMART Path R&D programme, we support companies in the design and development of new or significantly improved products. We work on solutions that require design, prototyping, testing and multiple iterations before reaching their target specifications.

We can support manufacturing companies from the pre-design stage, including market analysis, identifying market niches and strategic planning. We can then develop innovative product concepts needed to apply for funding or join R&D activities already underway within a company. For example, we can help when a product under development requires further improvements to its construction, ergonomics, functionality, components or manufacturing technology.

SMART Path R&D – What is the programme about?

The SMART Path is a funding measure implemented under the European Funds for a Modern Economy programme.

The current call for applications organised by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) is aimed at micro, small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Poland. Its purpose is to support research and development projects and activities related to their implementation.

Applications can be submitted from 29 October to 29 December 2026. The total funding budget is PLN 500 million, and the maximum grant available for a single project is PLN 50 million.

Key information about the SMART Path R&D programme

The current call focuses on R&D projects. Each project must include a research and development component. Additional activities may be carried out as tasks supporting the main project.

What research and development projects are eligible under the SMART Path R&D programme?

The project should lead to the development of:

• a new product,
• a significantly improved product,
• a new service,
• a significantly improved service,
• a new or improved business process related to the production of goods or services.

The work may include industrial research and experimental development or experimental development alone. This means that the project should address a solution that cannot be developed immediately using existing, well-established methods.

During the development process, different concepts must be evaluated, prototypes prepared, tests conducted and the product refined based on the results.

Simply refreshing a product’s appearance or carrying out a standard redesign of an existing solution is not sufficient. The project should address a genuine technical, structural, functional or technological challenge that must be resolved through R&D activities.

When can product development be considered an R&D project?

Not every product modification qualifies as research and development. A standard redesign, changes to the product’s appearance, the use of established construction solutions or adapting a product to a new colour scheme are not sufficient to constitute an R&D project.

The situation is different when product development involves activities such as:

• developing a new product structure,
• solving a technical problem for which no ready-made solution exists,
• testing several alternative solutions,
• developing a new mechanism,
• integrating components in a new way,
• evaluating new materials or technologies,
• creating research prototypes,
• conducting functional or usability tests,
• introducing successive improvements based on research results.

In such projects, industrial design, product design and prototyping can become part of a broader R&D process. We can participate as a partner supporting the development of the solution.

How can Grid support a SMART Path R&D project?

We can participate in successive stages of product development, from initial concepts through preparing different versions for prototyping and testing to getting the product ready for implementation.

Our services may include:

• product concept development,
• designing product form, ergonomics and user interaction,
• developing the functional layout,
• designing housings and components,
• creating 3D models,
• developing alternative design solutions,
• preparing prototypes for testing,
• validating design assumptions,
• implementing modifications based on research and test results,
• analysing materials and manufacturing technologies,
• preparing the product for further development stages.

The scope of our work always depends on the problem that needs to be solved. If the challenge involves ergonomics, construction, component arrangement, component integration or manufacturing technologies, we can translate R&D objectives into specific design solutions and successive product iterations.

How much R&D funding is available under the SMART Path R&D programme?

The funding rate depends on the type of research activities and the size of the enterprise.

Under the current call, the basic aid intensity may amount to:

• up to 50% of eligible costs for industrial research,
• up to 25% of eligible costs for experimental development.

If specific conditions are met, the funding rate may increase to 80% for industrial research and 60% for experimental development.

The maximum grant available for a single project is PLN 50 million.

What requirements must be met to obtain R&D funding under the SMART Path programme?

To qualify for support under the SMART Path R&D programme, a project must meet specific formal and substantive requirements. Most importantly, it must aim to develop a new or significantly improved product, service or process and involve genuine research and development activities.

The project must also align with at least one National Smart Specialisation (KIS). These are areas considered particularly important for the development of Poland’s innovative economy. They include medical technologies, advanced materials, electronics, automation, energy solutions, environmental technologies and advanced manufacturing technologies.

For example, a project involving a new medical device, control system, industrial automation solution or product using innovative materials may fall within one of the current specialisations. However, compliance with KIS requirements must always be verified against the list applicable to the specific call for applications.

In addition, the project should:

• address a clearly defined research or technological problem,
• lead to a solution that is innovative at least at the national level,
• include industrial research, experimental development or both,
• have a clearly defined outcome and a plan for its use after project completion,
• be technically, organisationally and financially feasible,
• comply with eligible expenditure requirements and state aid rules.

Before preparing a funding application, it is therefore important to assess not only the product idea itself but also its level of innovation, the scope of the planned R&D activities and its alignment with the National Smart Specialisations.