Acceleration and Mentoring Programs

Refining the business model under the guidance of mentors and experts.

Startup Booster by Huge Thing

Startup Booster by Huge Thing is a unique 6-month equity-free acceleration program designed to support startups on different stages of development in upgrading their technology.

It offers three acceleration paths. Industry Test path is where you can meet and collaborate with PZU. It is open to startups from Poland, Europe and the rest of the world.

Who is this programme for?

Technologies from the areas of...

  • Information, communication and geo-information technologies
  • Healthy society
  • Sustainable energy - n/a PZU
 

TRL

(ang. technology readiness level)

6-9

Eligibility criteria for startups:

For a full list, see the regulations on the program’s website.

  • Operating not longer than 5 years SME status
  • Did not exceed the limit for de minimis aid (300k EUR)
  • Has not yet made a profit distribution
  • Has not been formed as a result of a merger

Benefits

Grant

You can receive up to a 80K EUR grant to cover all the expenses related to testing your solution and mentoring services. 

Product development

Thanks to grants and tailor-made workshops, startups can develop their products according to feedback from their customers and top-notch experts working with them during acceleration.

Work with corporate partner

By participating in the industry test path you can establish a solid relationship with corporate, lasting even after the program ends.

Tutoring & Mentorship

Huge Thing is offering you a wide range of mentorship services, including workshops. In Industry Test path, you will participate in the following workshops: pricing, B2B/B2C sales, team management, mindfulness, CSR&ESG, and VC ecosystem. 

Networking

Be connected with corporate partners, mentors, tutors, other founders and key market players. Huge Thing team care about your integration with the startup ecosystem, giving access to our Alumni Club and invitations for our events.

Workshops

Huge Thing’s offer is tailor-made and based on proven experience of working with startups. You can participate in a series of workshops that can expand your knowledge and product readiness such as pricing, B2B/B2C sales, team management, mindfulness, CSR&ESG and VS ecosystem.

SmartUp Booster by StartSmart CEE

SmartUp Booster powered by StartSmart CEE equity-free startup acceleration program affiliated with the world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Work with PZU under #PilotReady track and run a proof-of-concept project. If you’re an established startup from or outside of Poland, this cohort is an excellent choice to make your first steps in the local market.

Who is this programme for?

Technologies from the areas of...

  • Big Data and AI
  • Healthcare and Insurtech
  • Customer Engagement 
  • Media & Content Transformation
  • Retail Tech
  • Social Impact
  • Energy Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability
  • Food & Agritech
 

TRL

(ang. technology readiness level)

#PilotReady cohort is ideal for founders who have a fully functional product or service prototype and want to enter into a commercialization agreement.

Eligibility criteria for startups:

For a full list, see the regulations on the program’s website.

  • Operating not longer than 5 years
  • Team of at least 2 founders
  • Has a registered business activity in Poland (required for the moment of final acceptance to the program)
  • SME status
  • Did not exceed the limit for de minimis aid (300k EUR)
  • Has not yet made a profit distribution
  • Has not been formed as a result of a merger

Benefits

 

Grant

You can receive up to a 90K EUR grant to fund testing and technology development.

Access 220+ Expert Mentors

Receive guidance across all business areas from StartSmart CEE’s diverse team of mentors and experts.

Showcase at Demo Day

Gain marketing exposure by presenting at our Demo Day, connecting with potential investors and innovation leaders.

Expand Your Network

Meet potential business partners and investors to expand your network and gain access to valuable resources.

Compete for €25,000

Stand a chance to win the CVC Young Innovator Award, recognizing social impact in startups.

Alumni Club Access

Join thriving alumni network for ongoing support, investor connections, and exclusive offers and events.

 
Zamknij