A + V

Competition applications are open. Get funds for the transformation of your university

The next episode in A+V’s series “Inspirations for Modernisations” in which we present funding opportunities for technological development, innovation and enhancing digital competence.

From our perspective, AV technology is the foundation of modern education. It is essential for four key reasons:

• The new generation are “digital natives,” and a world without the Internet is unknown to them.
• Today’s students have a shorter concentration span, so multimedia is effective in keeping their attention.
• Education has long since gone global, and AV systems enable hybrid and remote learning.
• Today’s job market requires new competencies, and AV technology supports the development of creativity, collaboration and problem solving.

Implementing audiovisual solutions at universities is therefore becoming a necessary step to remain competitive and attractive to prospective students.

The National Center for Research and Development (NCRD) has launched new competitions for universities, enabling them to obtain significant funding for the modernization of educational infrastructure.

Opportunity for innovative universities

As part of the 2021-2027 European Funds for Social Development (FERS, EFS+), universities can apply for funds to implement advanced technologies to support education in a hybrid model. This is in response to the fundamental transformation in the higher education sector and the growing expectations of today’s students regarding teaching methods and tools.

The funding will allow universities to modernize the teaching process and strengthen their position in the competitive academic environment. Today, investment in modern technologies is becoming a key element in the development strategy of higher education institutions.

Accessibility Knowledge Centers

For universities that want to be leaders in accessibility, NCRD has prepared a program of Accessibility Knowledge Centers. The budget is 100 million PLN, which will support universities in creating new or developing existing centers specializing in universal design and enhancing the accessibility of academic space.

The centers are to play a key role in disseminating accessibility standards and developing innovative solutions to meet the needs of all users of university space. The NCRD’s initiative is an important step towards building a fully inclusive academic environment, where every student can realize their academic potential without infrastructural or technological barriers.

Applications in the program are accepted until December 13, 2024, while the expected date for approval of project evaluation results is in May 2025.

Stop drop-outs at the university

The second program – Effective University Management to Minimize Drop Out – is directed at universities seeking effective solutions to the problem of students dropping out of school early. The project’s budget is as much as PLN 200 million.

The funding will enable universities to implement comprehensive changes in the education process, with particular emphasis on adaptation to the remote and hybrid learning model. Support can cover both university-wide activities and solutions dedicated to specific fields of study. The condition for receiving funds is the submission of a detailed analysis and diagnosis of the planned activities.

Applications in the program are accepted until January 31, 2025, while the expected date for approval of project evaluation results is in June 2025.

Thanks to current NCRD programs, universities can gain AV infrastructure that will serve the entire academic community, enabling hybrid and remote teaching at the highest level. Additionally, the implemented tools will improve the training process and internal communication.

At A+V, we design customized AV systems for our clients and provide advice on solution selection and future purchases. We listen, advise and solve problems. Contact us and we will be happy to help.