The fifth edition of the ING Grant Program addressed to startups and young scientists is underway at ING Bank Poland. This time, the Bank will allocate PLN 1 million (approx. EUR 233,500) for the best solutions that can improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Applications can be submitted until April 25th, 2024.
“In this edition, we discuss issues related to the eleventh UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 11) and look for solutions that will answer the challenge: How can we improve the energy efficiency of buildings? Unfortunately, many buildings in Poland are energy inefficient. This means that it will require modernization in the coming years. That is why this time we are looking for solutions that will help reduce the demand for energy in existing buildings,” – said Joanna Erdman, Vice President of the Management Board of ING Bank Poland.
Improving the energy efficiency of buildings brings benefits not only to the environment but also to real savings. Retrofitting existing buildings can significantly reduce carbon emissions and help cut energy costs by up to half.
The best solutions submitted to the competition will receive grants for further project development of PLN 400,000 (approx. EUR 93,500) for first place; For second place – PLN 300,000 (approx. EUR 70,000), and PLN 150,000 (approx. EUR 35,000) – for third place. It is also possible to award additional prizes worth PLN 150,000 (approx. EUR 35,000) in total, including the audience awards of the grand finale.
The best solutions will be selected by a jury composed of representatives of ING Bank Poland, business, science, and non-governmental organizations. The finalists will be announced on May 27th. The winners will be selected on June 27th during the final gala.
Solutions can be submitted via the online form, which is available here.
In addition to financial prizes, an additional value of participation in the Program is substantive support, promotion, and building partnerships. Finalists will be invited to participate in thematic workshops, e.g.: “Know your customer”, “Business models in practice”, “Experiments, or how do I know that my solution makes sense”, “Pitching, or how to present yourself well”. The winners can count on extensive promotion. Individual mentoring will be available for the best teams.
As a result, over 650 startups and young scientists have applied to the ING Grant Program so far. The Bank has already donated PLN 4 million (approx. EUR 935,000) to support innovative ideas.
Read our latest news on the ING Grand Program for startups and young scientists by ING Bank Poland:
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Source: the Bank’s press release dated Match 04, 2024
