BioChem Start
The BioChem Start support program for young scientists is an initiative aimed at young PhDs in chemistry and biotechnology who want to develop their innovative ideas outside the walls of the university. The best projects submitted will receive up to 200,000 PLN in financial support and the opportunity to work with PPNT experts on the implementation and commercialization of their research results. Unlike traditional research grants, the program does not impose topics – participants decide for themselves in which direction they want to develop their project.
200 000 PLN
for the development of ideas by young doctors of chemistry and biotechnology
We invest in ideas and people
BioChem Start is an original program of the Poznań Science and Technology Park of the Adam Mickiewicz University Foundation in Poznań. Unlike traditional research grants, it does not impose topics—the participants themselves propose the direction they want to take.
PPNT invests in scientists and their ideas, providing annual financial, mentoring, and infrastructure support to jointly assess the project’s development potential and prepare it for market implementation.
"We want young scientists to not have to choose between science and business. Many of them have excellent ideas that never leave the laboratory—often due to a lack of funds, facilities, or support for commercialization. BioChem Start is a space where they can safely test their ideas, develop them, and check their market potential, using the experience of the PPNT team and our laboratories. It is an investment in people who want and are able to combine the world of science with business practice – because that is where true innovation is born."
What do we offer?
Participants selected for the program will receive:
- funding of up to PLN 200,000 for the implementation of their own research and implementation project,
- the opportunity to work in PPNT’s technological and biotechnological laboratories,
- substantive support from experts in the field of research, commercialization, and intellectual property,
- market validation of the idea, i.e., assessment of its technological and business potential,
- preparation of a commercialization path and implementation plan,
- employment for the incubation period.
Who is this program for?
The following individuals are eligible to participate in the program:
- those with a PhD in chemistry, biotechnology, or a related field;
- authors of innovative ideas with implementation or market potential;
- scientists who want to develop their projects outside of academia, in a real business environment.
What is the process like?
The program is divided into two stages:
Recruitment – selection and preliminary evaluation of submitted ideas by the Evaluation Team based on forms and meetings with candidates.
Incubation, during which:
1) PPNT FUAM supports Participants in the business and technological verification of ideas and in the development of a commercialization plan.
2) Participants are employed by the UAM Foundation and develop their ideas as part of their project responsibilities.
How to apply?
Applications for the BioChem Start program are submitted using the form below:
The deadline for submitting applications is February 15, 2026.
All details regarding the recruitment rules, project evaluation, and incubation rules can be found in the Regulations.
Why is it worth participating in the program?
For over 30 years, PPNT has been supporting the development of innovation in Poland – from the idea, through the prototype, to implementation. BioChem Start is the next step in building a bridge between science and business – with an emphasis on real results and the practical application of research findings.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
As a doctoral student, can I participate in the program?
No. Participation in the program is open to individuals with a PhD in chemistry or biotechnology who have an innovative idea with implementation or market potential. The program is aimed at young scientists who want to develop their research in a practical, business environment.
Can I submit a team idea?
No. The applicant must have full rights to the idea.
What can the funds be used for?
Funding of up to PLN 200,000 can be used for research, testing, and implementation activities, including the purchase of materials, equipment, analyses, expert services, and the performance of experiments in PPNT laboratories.
Is the program participant employed by the Poznań Science and Technology Park?
Each qualified participant is employed by the Adam Mickiewicz University Foundation in Poznań, under which the Poznań Science and Technology Park operates.