FENG Smart Path (Ścieżka SMART)

FENG Smart Path (Ścieżka SMART) is NCBR's flagship enterprise R&D route under FENG Priority 1, and NCBR serves as the intermediate body for that part of the programme. It is designed for Polish companies that need a structured path from research and development into commercialisation, rather than a narrow single-topic call. The 2026 schedule shows two large Smart Path pools of 350 million PLN each: one for large individual firms from February to May and one for consortium projects from March to June, followed by a second consortium round from July to October. A separate STEP axis under FENG 05.01 adds digital and deeptech, cleantech, and biotech tracks, and a Seal of Excellence call offers 15 million PLN to companies that scored well in Horizon Europe. The strongest applicants are Polish enterprises that can match the call structure to the work plan: single firms for the individual track, or mixed consortia where enterprise-led R&D needs research partners. The programme is broad, but the public pattern is clear: NCBR uses Smart Path to move high-potential enterprise projects through research, demonstration, and market entry under a fixed European Funds framework.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.