Financial support for GenAI project implementation

Implementing generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) can significantly streamline key processes in a company, delivering tangible business benefits. However, launching such solutions often requires considerable time and financial investment, a barrier for many organizations that may end up abandoning the project at the planning stage. Is there a way to change this? Absolutely! Thanks to available EU funds, you can implement GenAI solutions effectively while greatly reducing costs.

How to begin planning a GenAI solution?

When considering a GenAI-based solution, it is crucial to define your objectives precisely. Will an AI-powered tool improve critical processes? Will it relieve you from repetitive tasks? Setting clear goals allows you to create a detailed implementation and adoption plan for your organization.

At this stage, you will also need to address questions about the services required to build a customized GenAI solution, where the data will be processed, and the quality of that data.

The next step involves selecting the right technologies and engaging competent specialists. Here, the word “competent” is key. Choosing engineers who have only a superficial understanding of AI or rely solely on tools like ChatGPT can be a costly mistake.

Once you move toward implementing a GenAI project, financing becomes an essential consideration. Government institutions offer grants that can greatly help in this respect. Below, we explore how to obtain such funding.

Grants for GenAI projects

Now that you have a plan, let us discuss financing. The European Union has set an ambitious goal: by 2030, 75% of all enterprises within the EU should use artificial intelligence (AI). To support this process, the European Commission has allocated €35.48 billion for AI-related R&D (research and development) under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Of this amount, €7.11 billion has been earmarked for Poland, enabling businesses to invest in innovative technologies.

It’s worth noting that 2023 has been dubbed the “Year of Artificial Intelligence.” During this period, the adoption of AI in Poland increased by 22% and by 32% across Europe. Organizations that have chosen to implement AI solutions report notable benefits:

• 75% saw revenue growth,
• 75% observed enhanced innovation,
• 56% believe that AI will transform their industry within the next five years.

Companies that do not adopt AI stand to lose ground in innovation, while competitors leveraging AI gain a distinct advantage.

Which projects can receive funding?

Funding levels ranging from 25% to 80% are available for projects that develop new products, services, or processes with an innovative focus. This includes both complex research and simpler implementations, such as:

• process automation,
• cybersecurity,
• AI, ML, or IoT-based solutions.

Projects are further categorized by type and funding level:

• Industrial Research
  • Grants of up to 80% are available.
  • Projects can involve:
    • analyzing technological gaps such as security vulnerabilities,
    • developing new solutions through research and experimentation—for instance, new security algorithms.
• Experimental Development
  • Grants of up to 60%.
  • This category includes:
    • testing prototypes and running simulations,
    • optimizing solutions in near-real-world conditions.

Institutions supporting AI projects

Various institutions support growing businesses, making it easier to implement innovative technology projects and AI or digitization solutions. Below are the key organizations and the scope of their support:

• Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu (Industrial Development Agency) offers loans to finance investments, working capital and contract execution, helping companies stabilize and implement new technologies,
• Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego supports innovative technology projects and assists in tapping EU funds, an essential advantage for companies engaged in advanced R&D endeavors,
• Centrum Projektów Polska Cyfrowa (Central Project Management Office for Digital Poland) facilitates obtaining funding for digitization projects, enabling enterprises to effectively manage digital transformation and implement modern IT solutions,
• Polska Agencja Rozwoju Przedsiębiorczości (Polish Agency for Enterprise Development) aids small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in innovation efforts and regional growth, providing access to financing for new products and services.

Collaborating with these institutions not only makes it easier to secure funding but also helps you effectively implement innovative solutions and achieve your business objectives. This support unlocks new possibilities, contributing to development and competitive advantage. Stay up to date with their ongoing programs and initiatives.

Support from Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services (AWS) also offers assistance in obtaining EU funding through:

• assessing the potential to secure financing from EU funds by reviewing projects for compliance with relevant programs,
• identifying suitable grant programs or competitions for project financing,
• planning and optimizing architecture according to project and budget requirements,
• collaborating with firms experienced in grant writing,
• meeting environmental requirements,
• recommending appropriate R&D institutions and partners to support project execution,
• providing guidance for implementing international projects.

EU funding and support from partners play a pivotal role in the early stages of GenAI deployment, enabling companies to pursue groundbreaking initiatives with less financial burden and stronger market competitiveness. However, you must fulfill formal requirements and properly prepare your project to take advantage of these opportunities.

If you have an idea but are unsure how to move forward, feel free to contact us at kontakt@lcloud.pl. We will provide additional support and help you bring your project to life.