Recruitment for the 7th edition of the PFR School of Pioneers – an international educational program for technological visionaries is on. The best participants can win prizes from the pool of over PLN 100,000!
The Polish Development Fund, in collaboration with Allegro, is once again seeking aspiring entrepreneurs with innovative business solutions. The theme of this edition revolves around achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being, while utilizing artificial intelligence. Applications can be submitted until June 23, 2024.
300 graduates and nearly PLN 220 million in funding
Since the inception of the PFR School of Pioneers, 300 individuals have completed the program, and startups founded by these pioneers have secured funding totaling almost PLN 220 million. Over six editions, 90 teams were formed, 51 companies were established, and 29 of them continue to develop their projects. Due to the program’s international nature, all sessions will be conducted in English. Additionally, to enhance Poland’s international cooperation, individuals from the Czech Republic and Slovakia are invited to participate, collaborating on solutions within international teams.
– Participating in the PFR School of Pioneers combines innovative thinking with a tangible impact on society. This year, our focus is on using AI to create solutions that improve health and well-being. Leading experts will demonstrate how to transform ideas into functional technologies, and participants will join the ranks of pioneers who have already turned their projects into thriving companies with real venture capital funding. We welcome individuals ready to transition from concepts to real-world startups that capture markets and make a positive difference – says Eliza Kruczkowska, Director of the Innovation Development Department at PFR.
Gifted indivuduals from different branches wanted
As a part of the program, each qualified participant will have the opportunity to attend free workshops held in Warsaw and Prague, led by international experts. The program also includes mentoring sessions with experienced entrepreneurs and innovation design specialists. Anyone, regardless of age, can apply, provided they possess business, technological, creative, or scientific competencies that allow them to join interdisciplinary teams of future co-founders. Building a team, creating a business model, validating ideas, prototyping, selling, and securing funding for projects are just some of the business skills and abilities that participants can acquire. Prizes are reserved for the top teams – PLN 50,000 for the first-place winner and PLN 30,000 each for two honored teams.
– The PFR School of Pioneers is a crutial program for Allegro. Not only does it support innovation and entrepreneurship, but it also addresses market needs and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This year, we are focusing on Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being, leveraging AI. Additionally, we are strengthening the program’s international character to enhance the potential and expansion opportunities for teams emerging from the School of Pioneers. We’re pleased that participants from neighboring countries like the Czech Republic and Slovakia can join the program. We encourage all those with innovative ideas for health tech solutions to apply, even if they’re unsure how to bring their ideas to life. The program’s history has repeatedly shown that the PFR School of Pioneers is the cradle of many startups now making waves in the market.” – says Marta Mikliszańska, Director, Group Public Affairs & ESG at Allegro. The program is implemented by the Polish Development Fund with the strategic support of Allegro.
For more information about the PFR School of Pioneers and participation requirements, visit the PFR School of Pioneers website. https://pfrsa.pl/en/pfr-school-of-pioneers.html or join us on special info Webinar on June 17th. You can sign up for it here: https://www.interankiety.pl/f/noPgG2kJ.
source: Pfr.pl
