Defence industry

Under the FORT Krakow brand – a joint initiative of the Krakow Technology Park and the AGH University of Science and Technology – we work to support companies developing dual-use and defence technologies. We offer support through a competitive process, tailored to specific initiatives and needs.

At FORT Krakow, we focus on connecting innovators with end-users. We provide mentoring support for teams, advise on the next steps in business development, and help adapt products to customer requirements. We act as an intermediary between the Ministry of National Defence and defence industry entities on the one hand, and start-ups and developers of new technologies on the other.

We are the only Polish NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) accelerator centre; from 2023, in cooperation with the Polish Development Fund, we will be running the national IDA Bootcamp programme. We mobilise talent around the theme of defence, including by organising hackathons on military topics (under the European Commission’s EU Defence Innovation Scheme – EUDIS) and space-related topics (as part of the Cassini initiative). Together with our partners, we achieve business objectives, respond to challenges and create a competitive edge.

NATO DIANA is an alliance-wide ecosystem of defence accelerators. Upon qualifying for the programme, you will receive a grant of €100,000 to develop dual-use technologies. Participation in the programme offers the opportunity to test your idea in real-world conditions, develop your solution in collaboration with specialists not available on the civilian market, reach end-users and raise capital.

Who is it for: start-ups, technology companies

What you gain: financial support of at least €100,000, technical support, access to an extensive network of contacts and test networks

IDA (Investments Dual-use Adaptation) is a programme organised by the Polish Development Fund aimed at preparing participants to collaborate with the defence sector. Taking part in the three-day IDA Bootcamp gives you direct access to representatives from the armed forces, industry and venture capital funds, as well as the opportunity to discuss your solutions and identify their potential applications.

Who it’s for: start-ups, technology companies

What you gain: one-to-one discussions with experts, verification of applications and requirements, recommendations for next steps (testing, pilot schemes, certification) and a network of contacts in the military, industry and VC.

In collaboration with the EUDIS and Cassini initiatives, we organise hackathons focusing on military and space themes – these are an excellent opportunity to test your technological and business ideas against the expertise of mentors. Intensive work on solutions is accompanied by expert presentations and meetings with specialists and end-users of the products.

Who it’s for: students, PhD students, start-ups

What you gain: accelerated proof of concept, feedback from specialists, a chance to develop your skills, an opportunity to network.