PFR Deep Tech: PLN 600 million for investments in advanced technologies
The Ministry of Finance, the Polish Development Fund, and PFR Ventures have launched the PFR Deep Tech programme. Its total budget will amount to PLN 600 million — with PLN 300 million provided by PFR and at least PLN 300 million to be contributed by private and institutional investors. The programme will operate as a fund of funds, allocating capital to venture capital managers who will finance the most promising technology projects.
PFR Deep Tech is a new programme managed by PFR Ventures. Capital from the programme will be allocated to venture capital (VC) fund managers with proven experience in financing and scaling projects in advanced technologies, including solutions with dual-use potential (civilian and military). The programme has been structured to allow future expansion in line with the market’s growing potential.
‘In today’s geopolitical context, defence and emerging technologies are key pillars in building a strong state and a competitive economy. Deep tech projects, particularly those with dual-use applications, are becoming especially important. That is why we are consistently building mechanisms that combine public and private capital with know-how into a coherent ecosystem for supporting innovation and investment. PFR Deep Tech is one of the first initiatives of its kind — a step towards building robust technological capabilities and a new impetus for the Polish economy,’
– said Andrzej Domański, Minister of Finance.
‘The state should not and cannot replace market mechanisms, but it ought to support forward-looking projects whose results — especially those with long-term horizons — serve the country’s strategic interests. In today’s geopolitical environment, innovation in the dual-use sector is particularly crucial, and it is vital that PFR backs such developments,’
– said Jakub Jaworowski, Minister of State Assets.
‘The PFR Deep Tech programme aligns with PFR’s core mission, including strengthening Poland’s long-term economic and defence resilience. It marks a key stage in expanding our capital offering to VC fund managers. With this launch, we are joining the ranks of global leaders in promoting the development of deep tech and dual-use technologies, so that new ventures may serve both long-term economic and defence goals,’
– said Piotr Matczuk, President of the Management Board of PFR SA.
‘We expect the first investment decisions to be made in the coming months. We have strong insight into the market, and our experience in managing fund of funds programmes and selecting VC teams enables us to efficiently begin operating in this new strategic area of deep tech,’
– commented Aleksander Mokrzycki, Vice President of PFR Ventures.
The PFR Deep Tech programme was developed by the Ministry of Finance and the PFR Group following an analysis of similar initiatives in France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Ministry of National Defence will also be involved in the project and is already cooperating with PFR Ventures in the context of investments in the NATO Innovation Fund.
The programme’s strategy foresees that funds will be allocated to 3 to 5 specialised VC funds. Capital will ultimately be channelled into 50 to 80 projects focused on developing advanced technologies.
AI, defence, robotics, cybersecurity, and quantum and space technologies are among the sectors that VC funds supported by PFR Deep Tech will be expected to prioritise. Particular importance will be placed on projects with dual-use potential.
‘We must use every available mechanism and tool to support the development of breakthrough technologies in Poland. I believe that the launch of the PFR Deep Tech programme will give an additional boost and create new opportunities for many Polish innovators. I also believe this is just the beginning, and the programme will continue to grow,’
– said Krzysztof Gawkowski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Digital Affairs.