National · Poland · Polski Fundusz Rozwoju S.A. (PFR), in cooperation with PFR Ventures
VC Connect is a free-of-charge accelerator programme run by Polski Fundusz Rozwoju (Poland's state development fund) that supports early-stage Polish startups through sector-specific sprint tracks covering areas such as AI, healthtech, urbantech, agritech/cleantech, and dual-use/defence technology. Each sprint delivers workshops, expert mentoring, and curated one-on-one meetings with VC funds and potential corporate clients, guiding teams from business-hypothesis validation through MVP readiness to investor pitching. The programme is delivered in partnership with PFR Ventures and sector-specific industry partners; participation is free and carries no equity obligation from PFR itself.
For defence-tech and dual-use startups, VC Connect offers a rare state-backed on-ramp to the Polish military, defence-industry primes, and VC funds that have dual-use mandates — all in a single structured programme (the IDA Bootcamp track). Graduates have gone on to secure VC backing and partnerships with NATO-adjacent operators, making it a credible pipeline for companies seeking both validation and first institutional capital in the Polish market.
Danish Ministry of Defence / Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (FMI/DALO)
The single largest pot of near-term Danish defence procurement money, with an explicit invitation for industry to propose what to buy. Speed to fielding is the main selection criterion.
German Federal Government (BMVg and BMI)
One of very few German vehicles paying companies directly for security and defence-relevant research, with multi-million-euro phased contracts. Procurement-law process means longer lead times; watch the partnering events.
Next deadline 6 Oct
Industrial Development Agency (Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu S.A.), Polish state development agency
A flexible state lender willing to bank defence-industry companies that commercial banks often avoid, useful for contract financing and liquidity in scaling defence production. No fixed calls: financing is negotiated case by case.