Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the greatest technological breakthroughs in global history. It has already had very significant economic, social and, consequently, geopolitical implications.AI is a so-called General-Purpose Technology – a technology with a wide range of microeconomic and macroeconomic implications. Its impact can be compared to that of the invention of the steam engine or the discovery of electricity.Artificial Intelligence will increase economic output on an unprecedented scale since the times of the Industrial Revolution.
According to PricewaterhouseCoopers forecasts, the use of AI will increase the global GDP by USD 15.7 trillion by the year 2030. Almost half of this economic growth will be apportioned to China (USD 7 trillion) and one fourth to USA (USD 3.7 trillion). In 2020, the investments of Venture Capital funds in AI companies amounted to USD 75 billion (Venture Capital Investments In Artificial Intelligence, OECD 2021) and were one of the most significant investment trends.According to the Polish government’s strategy: "AI development policy in Poland" from Dec. 2020, the development of Artificial Intelligence will increase the GDP by up to 2.65 pp each year.
By 2030, AI will enableto automate about 49 percent of working time in Poland. In the same time it will generate better paid jobs in key sectors of the country’s economy.The Innovatorium Foundation’s strategy emphasizes its involvement in the process of creating the future ecosystem of Polish innovations, with particular focus on the development of the area of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. The SciBiz accelerator project is dedicated to support startups created by academics, universities’ spin-offs, and other business entities of scientific nature.As part of a six-month acceleration program, startups will receive a wide range of support. The most important objective of the program is to increase the knowledge needed for business development and internationalization. There is plenty of highly qualified staff in the Computer Science field in Poland. This is due to the high level of mathematical higher education throughout the country. However, the acquisition of more managerial knowledge would enable more efficient use Poland’s human resources.
This is one of the main factors that prevent Polish startups from international or even global success. During the acceleration program, the startup teams will work on developing their own concepts with the support of mentors (experienced entrepreneurs). The program will end with a Demo Day event, during which teams will present their products (or product concepts) and solutions in the presence of investment funds, mentors, and business representatives (potential partners or clients).
Teams will be selected in an open competition announced in the academic community. The submitted projects will be assessed by mentors working with the SciBiz accelerator before being admitted to taking part in the project.The project is divided in two six-month stages. The first of which is dedicated to preparatory work, promotion, and recruitment of teams and the second to project development and presentation during the Demo Day.