The government's Technology Initiative program, IniTech, has set aside zl.300 million to fund projects undertaken by even the smallest and most recently created private firms, provided they utilize new technology and can turn a profit. Several firms have already benefited from the program's first year of operation.

IniTech was set up by the Ministry for Science and Higher Education to develop modern technologies based on Polish scientific and technological achievements. The program is aimed at businessmen, particularly those managing small to medium-sized firms, as well as scientists and research teams that have direct links with industry. Where did this idea come from? Prof. Michał Seweryński, minister of science and higher education, said, "We want to provide optimal conditions for young scientists to blossom in Poland and to facilitate the participation of Polish academics in international research programs. We are keenly aware of how important it is that science and business work together and we want to foster this relationship so as to build a vibrant and innovative economy. We are determined to continually improve the higher education system and give our youth the best education we can."

IniTech was personally launched by Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński.

Boost for research
Businessmen and industrial scientists have always had to compete with researchers in the humanities, natural sciences and astronomy for grants. Now a budget has been set up especially for them.

"Research firms and scientific institutions can apply for funding at present. Scientific institutions need to demonstrate some business relevance and provide either a contract or letter of intent as evidence of this," says Leszek Grabarczyk, director of the Strategy and Scientific Development Department at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

"Funds are available for both research and implementation. We want to get new technology out there in the marketplace," he adds.

The only funding restrictions that apply to innovation, broadly defined as creating new or improved products or introducing new or improved processes, are those provided for by EU regulations. Most applications are expected to be in the several hundred thousand to several million zloty range. This program is a big win for young Polish scientists, who are long on initiative and ideas but, above all, have the courage to bring them to fruition.

The Polish economy is losing the technology battle to its Western European rivals. The government's IniTech program is a counteroffensive designed to turn this situation around. IniTech deploys a two-pronged strategy that promotes modernization and to encourages firms and scientific institutions to devise and introduce innovative technologies into the economy. The ministry has allocated zl.300 million this year to finance research into new technologies that can improve the Polish economy.

IniTech's first beneficiaries were apprised that their applications had been accepted at Warsaw's Bankers' Club on June 12. During IniTech's first year, the Science Ministry received 491 funding applications, of which 434 were for scientific research and 57 were from firms involved in transferring knowledge from the laboratory to the shop floor. The program is being given another year on account of the interest it has generated.

And the winners are...
A 15-person panel of experts was formed in March this year. "The panel comprises scientists, business-school lecturers, successful businessmen, stock-exchange experts and patent holders," says Grabarczyk. Application selection and contract signing took some three months. Each application was evaluated by two independent experts from both a scientific-technological and a business standpoint.

What follows is a list of the six successful applicants and a brief description of the projects that will receive funding:
1) E.C. System Sp. z o.o. in Cracow for its Diagnostic Center's use of data-processing technology to support diagnostic services.
• This is expected to result in the automated collection of data from monitoring and diagnostic systems and the automated storage and analysis thereof.
• The implementation will enhance security, lengthen equipment life and increase productivity.
• The project is being carried out in conjunction with the AGH University of Science and Technology in Cracow.
• The estimated annual revenue from commercial use is zl.3.75 million.

2) Branżowy Ośrodek Badawczo-Rozwojowy Maszyn Elektrycznych KOMEL in Katowice for an electric aircraft motor system for paragliders.

• This is expected to result in improved safety, increased passenger comfort, longer engine life and significantly lower operating costs.
• This project will be the forerunner for future work on electric engines for ultralight training airplanes.
• Estimated annual revenue from commercial use is between 1.2 million and zl.2 million.

3) Centralne Laboratorium Przemysłu Obuwniczego in Cracow for manufacturing special footwear for people with foot disabilities and for the development of modern technology and line production using modern materials.
• This is expected to improve the quality of life of people suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes and joint inflammations.
• Estimated revenue from commercialization is zl.5.5 million over three years.

4) The Mechanical Department of the Opole University of Technology for producing a modern and ecologically friendly aliphatic solvent that can be applied as a coalescent agent as well as a source of raw materials for artificial plasticizers and surfactants.
• This is expected to modernize the paint and lacquer industry.
• Zakłady Azotowe Kędzierzyn S.A. is the strategic partner in this project.
• Estimated revenue from commercialization is zl.27 million over three years.

5) Energocontrol Sp. z o.o. in Cracow for constructing a PEM fuel cell and for constructing and implementing a prototype portable energy generator that uses it to generate electricity.
• This is a first for Poland and another step closer to replacing conventional energy sources with renewal ones, thereby reducing the economy's dependence on fossil fuels.
• The internal rate of return is 26.11 percent.

6) Euroimplant Sp. z o.o. in Raszyn for devising and implementing technology to manufacture products made of composite collagenic materials composed of several layers of membranes, sponges, fibers and tubes.
• This is expected to result in a prototype series of products made from composite collagenic materials.
• These products will benefit the medical and cosmetics industries and will aid research into in vitro toxicology as well as other scientific research.
• There exists a gap in the market for such products worth more than 500 million euros.
• Estimated revenue from commercialization is zl.7 million over three years.