A good idea alone is not enough — you also need partners, a strategy, and the courage to think beyond the local context. This was the focus of discussion on January 23 during the Unite! Seed Fund – From Idea to International Project workshops at Wrocław University of Science and Technology.
The event was opened by Prof. Renata Krzyżyńska, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, who presented the goals and operating principles of the Unite! Seed Fund — a seed fund of the nine-university network, supporting innovative ideas at an early stage of development. The special guest was Joanna Sterzyńska-Lindberg, Director of the European Commission’s Regional Representation in Poland.
After a brief introduction, participants had the opportunity to network over coffee before taking part in thematic workshops. Students, guided by Honorata Poturaj and Bartosz Stec, worked on concepts for interdisciplinary initiatives — ranging from technology projects to social actions. Researchers explored how the Seed Fund can serve as a quick “proof of concept” before applying for a larger grant; their workshop was led by Prof. Grzegorz Lesiuk.
The new call for applications to the 2026 Seed Fund runs from January 20 to March 20, with funding available across three tracks: Student Activities, Teaching and Learning, and Research and PhD, with budgets of up to €80,000 depending on the track and number of partners. More details HERE.
