Top accelerators and startup programs in Poland

Over the past decade, Poland’s startup ecosystem has grown into one of the most dynamic in Central and Eastern Europe. Startups are increasingly leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence, already used by more than half of Polish companies, according to the latest report by Startup Poland.

Accelerators and startup programs are an important component of this development, as they address key barriers by providing funding opportunities, mentorship, and connections with corporate partners and investors. These programs also support internationalization, giving startups the resources to enter foreign markets and test solutions with established companies. 

In the article that follows, we take a look at some of the most active and popular accelerators and startup programs in Poland, and we invite you to discover them below.

1. Accelpoint

Accelpoint is a smart-tech accelerator based in Warsaw, focused on scaling startups across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Active since around 2018, it operates multiple specialized acceleration and incubation programs, including AccelStart, AccelBoost, and Green Impact, each tailored to different stages of startup development and verticals.

Accelpoint also benefits from strong industry ties, working alongside corporations, investors, and innovation ecosystems. Their partnerships include international players such as the Singapore FinTech Festival and the British Embassy in Warsaw, showing a clear commitment to connecting startups with global opportunities.

2. Akcelerator Innowacji NOT

Akcelerator Innowacji NOT is a Warsaw-based accelerator established in 2009 as a partnership between the Polish Federation of Engineering Associations (NOT) and SATUS Venture Found. It supports innovative entrepreneurs from the early days, offering two key stages of engagement. 

First, there's an incubation phase where startups receive hands-on mentoring and consulting to shape and refine their business ideas. Then, promising ventures can move into a seed funding round, often receiving up to €200,000 in investment to bring their ideas to life.

3. [m]spark

[m]spark, powered by Knowledge Hub Accelerator in partnership with GroupM, is Poland’s first MarTech-focused accelerator, running since 2018. It is aimed at startups working at the intersection of marketing and technology, including areas such as AI, Big Data, chatbots, programmatic advertising, CRM, social listening, influencer marketing, AR/VR, e-commerce, and AdTech.

It also provides sales support in Poland and internationally, tools for building stable cash flow, and business models designed to support growth.

4. Orange Fab Poland

Orange Fab Poland is a corporate accelerator launched in 2015 by Orange Polska, offering startups both business and technical support to pilot their innovations. The program is open year-round, startups can apply at any time, and it focuses on high-growth technologies, including 5G, IoT, AI, Big Data, and enhancing customer experience through innovative, tech-driven solutions.

Orange Fab is also part of the global network of over 18 Orange Fab accelerators, offering startups the opportunity to scale beyond Poland with support in internationalization, business development, and visibility. As a corporate-backed accelerator, it can connect startups to internal Orange ventures, pilot opportunities, and external partnerships, all while nurturing growth in a collaborative innovation ecosystem.‍

5. Startup Booster by Huge Thing

Startup Booster by Huge Thing is a six-month, equity-free acceleration program backed by EU funds through the “European Funds for a Modern Economy 2021–2027” initiative. It’s designed to help 41 innovative micro or small enterprises across Poland upgrade their technologies and business models. Startups can choose from three tailored paths depending on their stage and goals:

• Industry test: Ideal for established startups (TRL 6–9) ready to pilot solutions with corporate partners. Participants receive mentorship and can access a grant of up to €80,000. 
• Go global: Designed for mature, revenue-generating startups (TRL 9) targeting expansion to markets like Germany, the US, or Asia. Offers deep market insights, local partner networks, and grants up to €80,000.
• Sector agnostic: For early-stage innovations (TRL <5), especially those still in prototype or R&D phase. Participants get expert mentorship and up to 200,000 PLN (about €40,000) in support to help transition from lab to market.

Each chosen startup receives a fully customized acceleration plan featuring focused workshops, milestone tracking, and one-on-one guidance from experienced mentors.

6. The Budimex Acceleration Program

The Budimex Acceleration Program is an initiative by Budimex, Poland’s largest construction company, created to work with startups developing solutions for the construction sector. Startups with prototypes in areas such as Construction Technology, Clean Technology, AI in construction, robotics, green energy, or workplace safety are eligible to apply. 

The program provides access to construction sites, mentoring from industry specialists, and the opportunity to test solutions under real-world conditions. It is open to teams from Poland and other countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

7. The Cross‑Border Impact Ukraine

The Cross‑Border Impact Ukraine initiative is a six-month, 100% online and equity-free development program, designed for young Ukrainian leaders eager to become ethical entrepreneurs and drive a modern, impact-driven economy. Each year, 20 passionate participants are selected to engage in a robust blend of expert mentoring and exclusive training, covering leadership skills, public speaking, financial analysis, business etiquette, and more.

Beyond skills development, the program emphasizes humanitarian-tech solutions, encouraging ideas that address food security, water, sanitation, hygiene, and broader humanitarian needs. Startups are guided through validating their concepts with humanitarian organizations and potential partners across seven countries, with tailored workshops, mentoring sessions, and pitch training to refine their models and improve their outreach.

8. The EWA (Empowering Women in Agrifood)

The EWA program is a pioneering six‑month initiative run by EIT Food, with Startup Hub Poland serving as its local operator. It’s crafted to support women entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector, no matter their age, background, or experience level, with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to build innovative and sustainable businesses. 

Participants receive a €1,000 allowance, intensive educational support, one‑on‑one mentoring, access to their network, and the chance to compete for grants of up to €10,000 to bring their ideas to life.

9. The Startup Hub: Poland Booster

The Startup Hub: Poland Booster is an acceleration program designed to help both Polish and international startups grow, scale, and enter new markets. Whether you’re looking to test your product with large enterprises, launch abroad, or establish your business in Poland, this program offers tailored support to match your needs. 

With over 12 years of experience, Startup Hub Poland offers mentoring, networking opportunities, and practical tools that provide founders with a real boost on their entrepreneurial journey. The program is supported by the European Union, the Republic of Poland, and European Funds, and startups can secure grants of up to 400,000 PLN to fuel their growth.

10. The Poland Prize

The Poland Prize, powered by Space3.ac is an accelerator program designed to attract and support international startups looking to grow in Poland. Each selected team can receive up to €65,000 equity-free funding, along with a soft landing package that includes company registration support, guidance on Polish business law, accommodation, and a dedicated visa track for non-EU founders. 

The program is based in Gdańsk, one of Europe’s emerging startup hubs, offering a vibrant ecosystem, office space, and mentoring opportunities. Startups also benefit from close cooperation with leading business partners in Poland, enabling them to co-develop innovative solutions with established companies. 

Throughout the program, each team is guided by a dedicated patron who tracks their progress and helps with organization. Participants gain access to business and technical mentorship, networking opportunities with corporations, investors, academia, and public administration, and ultimately, a Demo Day to showcase their solutions to the broader ecosystem.

11. The Warsaw Booster

The Warsaw Booster is a startup accelerator established by the City of Warsaw to foster innovation and support entrepreneurs in bringing their projects to market. Its mission is to select startups with the highest growth potential, support them in verifying and scaling their ideas, and connect them with Warsaw’s dynamic innovation ecosystem.

Each year, the program follows a structured selection process where 20 projects are shortlisted, and 10 become finalists. During the closing Demo Day, three winning startups are chosen and awarded cash prizes of 50,000 PLN, 30,000 PLN, and 20,000 PLN.

12. ReaktorX

ReaktorX is a startup accelerator designed for founders in their first year of operation, based in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), with ambitions to scale globally. The program offers selected startups €25,000 in SAFE-based funding, €75,000 in partner credits and discounts, a dedicated lead mentor, access to the ReaktorX network, and on-demand expert help.

The accelerator follows a hybrid format: it begins with an in‑person "Week 0" in a different CEE city each batch, followed by eight weeks of online mentorship and weekly sprints. The program concludes with a one‑month immersion in the United States to facilitate customer connections and global growth.

H2: Stay connected! 

This article is part of a series that presents the top startup incubators and accelerators across Europe. Stay tuned!