SMART Path Grant (FENG)
Which projects qualify for support?
The SMART Path is Poland’s largest grant instrument financing research, development, and innovation (see what R&D means in practice). It serves as the flagship measure under the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG) program for 2021-2027. In the SMART Path, the R&D module is crucial, as projects including this module have the highest chances of securing funding. Within the R&D module, companies can apply for funding for research and development activities aimed at creating a product or technological innovation to be implemented in the market. An R&D project submitted for funding can range from TRL 2 to TRL 8 and may include:
Industrial research (TRL II-VI)
This is work that is innovative, creative, methodical, unpredictable and aimed at practical application in industry, in particular the search for the application of scientific research in new products, services or technologies. Industrial research results in models/prototypes that are tested under simulation or near-real conditions.
Experimental Development (TRL 7-9)
This involves the further development of a technology or product, focusing on the construction of final prototypes and their demonstration in real-world operating conditions. The objective is final validation before market deployment. Experimental development concludes with a full-scale technology demonstrator—representing the target version of the given product or technology.
FENG SMART Path
Who can apply?
The FENG SMART Path program is aimed at both SMEs and large enterprises wishing to execute an R&D project independently or in a consortium with another enterprise or a research organization. In the case of SMART Path grants for consortia submitted to NCBR, the project leader must be an enterprise.
SME'S
Employing < 250 persons
and balance sheet assets < EUR 43 million
or revenues < EUR 50 million
(calculated for the entire capital group and related entities)
Large enterprises
employing > 250 persons
or balance sheet assets > EUR 43 million
and revenues> EUR 50 million
(calculated for the entire capital group and related entities)
Consortia of enterprises
Consortium of large enterprises or SMEs with other large enterprises or SMEs, including associated enterprises - with up to 3 consortium members.
Consortia of enterprises and research entities
Consortium of large enterprises or SMEs with research units - up to 3 members of the consortium with the enterprise as leader.
Securing SMART Path (FENG) Grants
Eligible Costs for Support
The SMART Path grant within the R&D module comprehensively finances the entire innovation process. Costs that do not fall within the specific list of eligible expenses can be financed through indirect costs, which account for a maximum of 25% of the remaining costs (excluding subcontracting). Innology provides advisory services for securing SMART Path (FENG) EU grants, including assessing and advising on which project costs qualify for support and how to justify them to ensure they are approved for funding.
remuneration of the R&D team
subcontracting of R&D work
fixed assets as part of a prototype
purchase of laboratory equipment
research materials and raw materials
depreciation or leasing of research equipment
depreciation or cost of using intangible assets
rental of laboratory space
ancillary external services
indirect costs
SMART Path Funding
What are the grant levels?
The maximum grant amount that can be applied for in the SMART Path is PLN 70 million for large enterprises and PLN 50 million for SMEs. The funding level depends on the material and financial scope of the investment as well as the size of the enterprise. Securing a SMART Path (FENG) grant requires verifying the applicant's ability to finance their own contribution (co-financing). We will advise you on how to demonstrate this so that the evaluators have no doubts regarding your financial capacity.
funding of industrial research
- micro and small enterprises - 80%
- medium-sized enterprises - 75%
- large enterprises - 65%
- scientific entities - 100%
funding for development work
- micro and small enterprises - 60%
- medium-sized enterprises - 50%
- large enterprises - 40%
- scientific entities - 100%
Case studies.
Advisory in SMART Path (FENG) application
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Why
innology?
The R&D application process requires a rare combination of technical expertise, formal regulatory knowledge, and an understanding of evaluation logic. Errors often lead to rejection—rejection rates in the SMART Path exceed 70%.
> PLN 210 Million Secured
Proven track record in securing SMART path grants.
13+ Years of Experience
Deep expertise in instruments like the "Fast Track" (POIR), SMART Path (FENG), and EIC Accelerator.
Ranked #1
Recognized as a leader in efficiency for R&D grant acquisition by Fundusze Europejskie magazine.
We are available
Wondering if your company has a chance for funding? Looking for more information? Contact us
Szymon Łokaj
szymon.l@innology.pro 
501014779 
Szymon Łokaj