NCBR launches new programme for ICT sector

The National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) has announced the launch of e-Pionier, a new programme dedicated to the ICT sector. NCBR along with specialised accelerators will finance innovative projects in the PCP model (pre-commercial procurement). The budget of the first competition amounts to PLN 50 million, while the total budget is PLN 100 million. "E-Pionier is the first ever programme in Poland where the financing of technological solutions will be carried out using PCP formula. This model differs from the standard public procurement procedures, where the specification of the product or service ordered is made up front. Under PCP, the contracting authority reports a specific problem to which there is no answer yet on the market in the form of solutions identified. The application of this mechanism to funding R&D projects has been the cornerstone of e-Pionier," NCBR announced. The call for proposals in the first competition will take place from August 16 to September 15, 2016.