The Lower Silesian Development Fund supports young innovators for the fifth time

Wrocław, 6 November 2025 – The Lower Silesian Development Fund (Dolnośląski Fundusz Rozwoju, DFR) announces the opening of applications for the 5th edition of the “Great Start-up Battle”, one of the most significant initiatives promoting academic entrepreneurship in the Lower Silesia region. For the fifth consecutive year, DFR has been supporting students and young graduates in transforming their innovative ideas into successful business ventures.

This year’s edition introduces a renewed format, offering even more attractive prizes, investment support, and mentoring provided by experienced business practitioners. The total prize pool exceeds 10,000 PLN. The final gala will be held on 11 March 2026 at Triqube – Business Incubator in Wrocław.

Objectives of the competition

The main goal of the “Great Start-up Battle” is to foster the development of entrepreneurship among students and graduates, promote Lower Silesia as a region open to innovation and new technologies, and support young innovators in establishing their own companies. The competition also aims to strengthen cooperation between academia, business, and investors.

It provides a platform for presenting innovative projects before an expert jury, gaining valuable experience, and building business networks that may contribute to the further development of entrepreneurial initiatives in the region.

Eligibility

The competition is open to students of universities located in Lower Silesia, as well as graduates who completed their studies in the 2023/2024 or 2024/2025 academic years.

Application procedure

Applications will be accepted from 6 November 2025 to 31 January 2026. Each applicant is required to submit a pitch deck presentation (up to 15 slides in PDF format), prepared in accordance with the competition guidelines.

The application form and detailed rules of the competition are available at:
https://bitwaostartup.dfr.org.pl/

Patronage and Partners

The Honorary Patronage over the competition has been assumed by Mr. Paweł Gancarz, Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.

Partners:
University of Wrocław, Wrocław University of Economics and Business, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wrocław Medical University, WSB Merito University Wrocław, and Lowercap sp. z o.o. DFR ASI

Key information

• Application period: 6 November 2025 – 31 January 2026

• Final event: 11 March 2026, Triqube – Business Incubator, Wrocław

• Total prize pool: over 10,000 PLN

Summary

The “Great Start-up Battle” provides a unique opportunity for young innovators to present their ideas, gain recognition from experts, and establish valuable business contacts. The initiative continues to play an important role in promoting innovation and entrepreneurial attitudes among the academic community of Lower Silesia.

More information