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Dual use grants: support for security and development investments

Dual use solutions are an opportunity to obtain subsidies and faster development of Polish businesses. Learn the details and take advantage.
Filip Samczuk
Author of the article
Published
July 28 2025
Reading time
5 minutes
Grants for dual use - an opportunity for development
Table of contents

Introduction to dual use concept

The dual use subsidy is a modern financial tool that is revolutionizing the approach to modernization of enterprises in Poland. Dual use technologies are characterized by the fact that they can be used for both civilian and military purposes, which makes them strategically important for the benefit of the Polish economy and national security.

Example of drones and other dual use devices

Examples of dual use solutions

  • Drones (UAVs) - used for monitoring, precision agriculture, infrastructure inspection and military reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
  • 3D Printing - manufacturing of spare parts in industry, as well as rapid production of components for the armed forces.
  • Composite materials and lightweight armor - used in automotive and civil aviation and armored vehicles.
  • Cyber security systems - protect corporate data and critical infrastructure, and serve in military and intelligence systems.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) - used in business data analysis and threat intelligence and autonomous defense systems.
  • Satellite communication systems - used by emergency services and logistics, but also in military communications.
  • Crisis management and civil protection systems - Such as alarm applications, warning systems, environmental monitoring.
  • Energy storage and microgrids - support the green transition, but can also act as a safeguard for military infrastructure.
  • Unmanned surface and underwater units (USV/UUV) - used for shoreline and pipeline inspections and in maritime and reconnaissance missions.

Introduction to subsidies

  • Dual-use grants are intended for companies and enterprises that want to invest in dual-use technologies that support national security and the development of the Polish economy.
  • These investments can be directed to civil protection infrastructure, advanced technologies, innovative products and services that enhance the country's resilience and security.
  • As part of the national reconstruction plan, the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy is offering support to companies that want to develop their dual civil-military capabilities.
  • The grants are intended for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that want to invest in new technologies and develop their products and services.

Fund and investments

The Security and Defense Fund is intended for investments in security and defense areas, including the construction of shelters, airfields, bridges and other military infrastructure.

These investments can be supported by the European Commission, under the Military Mobility and Resilience Enhancement Program.

Cyber security as part of dual use

The Minister of Funds and Regional Policy, Katarzyna Pe³czyñska-Na³êcz, stresses the importance of investing in dual-use technologies as a way to increase security and develop the Polish economy.

The grants are intended for companies that want to invest in new technologies and develop their products and services, including cyber security and critical infrastructure protection.

Security fund as a source of funding

The Security Fund is the main source of funding for dual use projects in Poland. Through this mechanism, companies can count on support in the development of technologies that strengthen both economic competitiveness and the country's defense potential. The process of obtaining funding requires meeting certain criteria, but offers significant benefits to beneficiaries.

Key areas of support

Dual use grants focus on the following areas, among others:

Cyber Security - Development of solutions to protect against digital threats that can be used by civilian enterprises and defense structures.

Civil protection infrastructure - Creating systems and technologies to ensure the security of the civilian population while strengthening defense capabilities.

Advanced manufacturing technologies - Modernization of production processes that can serve both commercial purposes and the needs of the defense industry.

Relevance to the defense industry

Dual use grants play a key role in the development of the defense industry in Poland. Thanks to these financial instruments, companies can invest in cutting-edge technologies that strengthen the country's defense capabilities while increasing their competitiveness in civilian markets.

Who can benefit from the subsidy?

The grants are open to companies already operating in the defense sector, as well as civilian companies that are planning to enter this market or are developing solutions that can be applied in the security field. The prerequisite is to meet the eligibility criteria (individual for each program!) and prepare an appropriate application to obtain the grant.

The process of obtaining funding

The procedure for obtaining a dual use grant involves several steps:

  1. Analysis of the project's compliance with dual use criteria;
  2. Preparation of application documentation, taking into account defense and civilian aspects;
  3. Substantive evaluation by defense and economic experts;
  4. Implementation of the project under the supervision of the security fund.

Where to find information on specific grants for dual use projects

To stay up to date and check specific support programs in this area, it is best to sign up for the free grant guide: https://dostepnedotacje.pl ; Grants change frequently and most entrepreneurs miss out on calls tailored to their needs. Therefore, it is necessary to keep abreast of the topic for a long time. So that you don't miss out on support opportunities.

Ways of financing the company

Impact on the modernization of enterprises

Dual use grants contribute to the comprehensive modernization of enterprises through:

  • implementation of innovative technological solutions
  • raising cyber security standards
  • development of civil protection infrastructure
  • increasing export potential
  • Purchase of modern machinery and technology,
  • IT infrastructure development,
  • Implementing solutions to enhance cyber security,
  • R&D work on innovative products for the defense and civilian sectors.

All this not only supports the company's growth, but also has a real impact on improving Poland's civil protection infrastructure and defense capabilities.

Benefits for the Polish economy

The implementation of dual use projects brings multiple benefits to the Polish economy:

Increase competitiveness - enterprises gain access to modern technologies that improve their market position.

Development of innovation - Investment in research and development stimulates the emergence of new technological solutions.

Strengthening security - Dual use projects contribute to building the economy's resilience to external threats.

Job creation - The development of the dual use sector is generating new employment opportunities in high-tech areas.

Development prospects

Dual use grants are a strategic tool to support the transformation of the Polish economy towards greater innovation and security. The Security Fund, by systematically subsidizing dual use projects, contributes to building a strong technology sector that can compete internationally.

Dual use solutions and financing options

Challenges and opportunities

The development of dual use technology in Poland faces various challenges, but also offers significant opportunities:

  • The need to continuously improve procedures for obtaining funding;
  • The need for cooperation between the civilian sector and the defense industry;
  • Developing competence in cyber security;
  • Modernization of civil protection infrastructure.

Summary

The dual use grant represents a forward-looking approach to financing innovation that combines civilian needs with defense requirements. With support from the security fund, Polish companies can implement ambitious modernization projects that strengthen both economic competitiveness and the country's defense potential. The process of obtaining funding, while demanding, opens up new opportunities for companies to develop in strategic technological areas.

Investing in dual-use technologies through the subsidy system is a key part of building a modern, resilient economy that can respond to the 21st century's security and competitiveness challenges.

dual use subsidies

The dual use grant is a unique opportunity for companies wishing to combine business development with national security efforts. Thanks to the Security Fund, Polish companies can not only modernize their operations, but also become a pillar of a resilient, modern and innovative economy. If you are thinking of developing your business and want to work for the defense industry, cyber security and civil protection - now is the best time to reach out for funding.

Remember, too, that grants are not the only financial solution. A potential applicant also has other options to raise additional money. Many private investors (VC funds, business angels) are interested in projects based on dual use. If you want to know all the possibilities in this area - contact us!

About the author

Filip Samczuk
For 12 years, he has provided substantive support to entrepreneurs in realizing their dreams of starting or growing a business. He advises on obtaining financing, business development and legal issues. Privately a fanatic of sports, travel and history of the 20th century.

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