Smart-lab as an example of the incubation and acceleration platform for start-ups – challenges and barriers

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of the article is to indicate the role and importance of acceleration platforms in stimulating the development of the start-up market in Poland, on the example of the Smart-Lab incubation and acceleration platform, as a part of the “e-Pionier” project implemented from EU funds under the “Polska Cyfrowa” Program. Research method – The research methods are: analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, desk research, case study. Results – Five MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) were obtained, constituting an original, innovative Smart-Lab Project solution in response to particular socio-economic problems reported by local government units. Originality /value / implications /recommendations – The article highlights the issues of the start-up market and the role of acceleration platforms in stimulating the development of this market, as part of the perceived need for a wider analysis of this kind of research problem.