The ING Grant Program’s second edition has started, addressing startups and young scientists. ING Bank Śląski in Poland will allocate PLN 1 million (approx. EUR 212 thousand) to the best solutions supporting sustainable consumption and production. The applications can be submitted until October 15th, 2022.
“In the first edition of the ING Grant Program, launched in spring, 197 startups and young scientists responded to our challenge. We were looking for solutions that would improve energy efficiency, increase the use of renewable energy sources, or help in the fight against air pollution. Such a huge response showed how many fantastic innovations are being created in the Polish market. We believe that it is worth supporting and promoting them because they are a real chance for change. Due to the lack of financial or substantive support, many interesting ideas simply do not have a chance for development. It would be a pity if, for this reason, a breakthrough solution did not develop,” – said Joanna Erdman, Vice President of the Management Board of ING Bank Śląski.
In this edition of the competition, the most innovative solutions will be selected that respond to the challenge: How can we ensure sustainable consumption and production? The Bank is looking for solutions that will ensure sustainable supply chains, reduce the level of waste generation, and help reduce the amount of food wasted.
The best solutions submitted for the competition will receive grants for further project development. For the first place, it is PLN 400 thousand (approx. EUR 84,8 thousand), for the second place – PLN 300 thousand (approx. EUR 63,5 thousand), and for the third place – PLN 150 thousand (approx. EUR 31,8 thousand). It is also possible to award additional prizes with a total value of PLN 150 thousand (approx. EUR 31,8 thousand).
“We support innovations in the field of sustainable development through grants for the further development of projects. In addition, we provide support from experienced mentors, the opportunity to establish business contacts with selected Bank customers, and extensive promotion, which was especially appreciated by the winners of the first edition of the Program. Thanks to these activities, the best teams get wind in their sails – they gain recognition, new customers, and investors. By showing eco-innovations, we want to encourage people to be entrepreneurial and take initiative. We also want to inspire to introduce changes that are good for the planet and transform businesses into more environmentally sustainable ones,” – said Małgorzata Jarczyk-Zuber, Chief ESG Innovation Officer of ING Bank Śląski.
The best solutions will be selected by the competition jury composed of representatives of ING Bank Śląski, the world of business, science, and non-governmental organizations. The finalists will be announced on October 31st. The winners will be selected on December 1st during the final gala.
Solutions can be submitted via the online form available at www.ing.pl/programgrantowy. It also contains the competition rules and detailed information.
Our previous news about the ING Grant Program for startups and young scientists by ING Bank Śląski can be found below:
Grant competition of PLN 1 million for green energy by ING Bank Śląski
Source: the Bank`s press release dated September 01, 2022
