In September 2025 the Polonium Foundation has launched an initiative titled: “Exploring start-up scene: European founders across globe”.

This project seeks to explore the entrepreneurial experiences and challenges faced by scientific diaspora startups, with a focus on innovators and deep tech start up founders and a highlight on Polish startup founders.

Our primary aim is to identify and discuss the most pressing and unresolved issues faced by diaspora scientists who are building or leading startups through:

 i) Focus Study - In-depth interviews with startup founders and aspiring entrepreneurs from the targeted communities has been conducted during the SPP MeetUp Cambridge 2025 (15th of September 2025) (SPP Cambridge 2025 — Polonium Foundation). The study entitled “From Discovery to Disruption: Polish Innovation in the UK” has largely focused on the subject of Polish research diaspora entrepreneurship and startups.

 ii) Survey - a structured survey to collect broader insights from the wider diaspora startup community. The founders has been reached out to though the social media posts and personal invitations to fill in the survey have been sent out though e-mail and social media.

iii) 1:1 interview – online in-depth interviews with startups which agreed to participate to discuss the most relevant issues in detail

 Key results will be delivered via:

• A comprehensive report identifying key barriers, support needs, and policy opportunities.

• An opinion-forming article or policy brief

This project will provide actionable insights into how scientific diaspora contributes to innovation and how the public policy, institutions, and industry partners can better support them.

Take part in the survey!

This survey is dedicated to entrepreneurs, founders, and innovators with European and Polish roots around the globe.  Our goal is to better understand the motivations, experiences, and challenges faced by the European founders working in bio-tech, agri-tech, and deep-tech sectors internationally. Your insights will help shape a clearer picture of this dynamic and impactful community.

Completing the survey should not take longer than 10 minutes. We will be very grateful for your time and help.

The Team