In the last two years 29 pioneering projects were implemented. They included a device for the microwave drying of foundations, walls and archival collections, an automatic line for production of containers for the collection and storage of blood, aseptic containers for transporting food, a virtual laboratory for designing machine parts. In offering financial assistance the Agency is not interested in whether the applicant is a private or state-owned firm. However, the assistance of the Agency may not exceed one million zloties and 40 percent of the costs of the project.
Financial assistance is granted as a result of a competition of offers held twice a year.
The Agency is also the initiator of the Polish Product of the Future prize awarded to the research project of most value for the economy. In the course of two years the Agency has expended 18 million zloties to support Polish technical thought. This money returns to the Agency, because it is only lent. An example of a technological niche in which Poland is competitive is a blue laser, which the government recently singled out as a product that deserves a separate strategic programme. This device may have virtually unlimited application in electronics, informatic and medicine.