INNOAGH

INNOAGH, the Krakow Centre of Innovative Technologies, is a special purpose vehicle established in 2010 and wholly owned by the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Poland. The company’s primary mission is to facilitate the commercialization of scientific research and development work conducted at AGH by creating and nurturing technology-based startups. Its operations focus on bridging science and business by supporting inventors and researchers in transforming their ideas into viable market products through spin-off and spin-out companies.

The business model centers on three core pillars: creating technology startups, conducting development work and innovative projects, and acting as a technology business competence center. For startups, INNOAGH provides comprehensive support, including assistance in developing business models, intellectual property protection strategies, and securing relationships with financial and industry partners. As a partner in science-industry cooperation, it carries out commissioned research and offers pro-innovation services for businesses, leveraging the university's expert knowledge and laboratory facilities. Furthermore, INNOAGH delivers specialized training, workshops, and pre-acceleration programs like "STARTER" to build entrepreneurial competencies among students, doctoral candidates, and university staff. The company takes an equity position in the spin-offs it helps create and supports them in securing further investment.

The company was registered on March 29, 2010. Since its inception, INNOAGH has been instrumental in bringing numerous innovative companies to the market. The company is led by CEO Dominik Kowal. It collaborates with investment funds, such as INNOventure, to co-finance early-stage R&D projects and enhance their attractiveness to investors, thereby providing a clear pathway for AGH-born innovations to reach the market.

Keywords: technology transfer, academic spin-off, commercialization, university startups, research and development, venture building, pre-acceleration, science-industry collaboration, intellectual property, innovation services, deep tech, AGH University, Krakow, technology incubation, R&D projects, business model development, investment readiness, startup support, entrepreneurial training, knowledge-based business