According to the Polish Ministry of National Education's "Integrated Skills Strategy 2030”, technological progress increases demand for competencies developed through STEM education, including mathematical thinking, critical information analysis, and programming. STEM education is therefore crucial for developing a knowledge-based economy and society, and projects in this area enhance skills that will be essential in the future job market.
The Amazon Fund is our response to these needs. It will support the development of future competencies, science, and innovation in the communities around our logistics centres and offices in Poland. Applications are open for two pillars: 1) educational projects for children and youth, and 2) PhD research projects at Gdańsk University of Technology in AI and voice technologies.
As Katarzyna Ciechanowska-Ciosk, Country Manager of Amazon.pl, says: "Investing in education is investing in the future. Through the Amazon Fund, we support the development of technological competencies by sharing our knowledge and rich experience. This way, we aim to help Poles prepare for future challenges. This is part of Amazon's long-term commitment to developing the communities where we operate."
STEM education as a springboard to the future
We’re inviting non-governmental organisations, including associations and foundations, seeking funding for educational initiatives with a particular focus on STEM principles. The projects will be evaluated based on several key merit criteria. The justification for the project's need and its quality, including compliance with the STEM method, will be considered. Innovation in activities, including applied methods, techniques, and educational tools, will also be an important aspect. Additional consideration will be given to addressing the needs of different age groups and involving Amazon volunteers. Furthermore, initiatives should target communities in regions where Amazon conducts its business operations.
The Digital Dialogue Association is a partner of the Amazon Fund, providing substantive and formal oversight of the competition.
Barbara Krywoszejew, an expert from the Digital Dialogue Association, says: "For many years, we have been promoting future education based on the STEM method, teaching (and learning) programming, and using technology as tools for developing tomorrow's skills and acquiring knowledge. From experience, we know that such activities allow for strengthening competencies essential in the job market from an early age, thereby increasing chances for professional success and better preparing for future challenges. That's why initiatives like the Amazon Fund are so important. We are pleased to support the company in implementing another educational project, especially since the beneficiaries are smaller, local communities where access to modern education can be limited."
Projects for the Amazon Fund can be submitted through the website here, where detailed information and regulations are also available. Applications are accepted until May 23rd 2025. Winning projects will be announced by June 1st 2025.
Voice of the future
The second pillar of the Amazon Fund is a grant programme directed at doctoral students of the Doctoral School at Gdańsk University of Technology. The choice of this region is not coincidental. This is where Amazon Development Centre Poland, a technology development centre where Alexa was born, is located.
As Lucyna Chwastowska, Global Director, Amazon AGI Vertical Services, adds: "The story of IVONA Software from Gdynia, which became the foundation for Alexa's global success, shows that local innovations can change the world. It's also proof of the strength of Polish technological thought and the potential lying in close cooperation between science and business. As a research center, we see that initiatives like the Amazon Fund can further stimulate the development of new, often breakthrough technologies and inspire the next generation of innovators. From our perspective, this is very important."
The programme aims to support research in AI and speech, image, and video processing. Participants of the Gdańsk University of Technology Doctoral School from their second year of studies can apply for the scholarship. Submitted projects should cover areas including generative AI, speech understanding and synthesis, content detection, and model optimisation.
Foundations for a competitive economy
The Amazon Fund is an opportunity to develop education in local communities and support innovative scientific projects. Through cooperation between business, NGOs, and academia, we can create real foundations for a competitive economy better prepared for future challenges.
For many years, we have been supporting STEM education in Poland, including through the development of the Kindloteka network - modern educational spaces equipped with digital tools and teaching materials. This initiative aims to provide children and youth with access to innovative learning methods that develop skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In January this year, the first STEM Kindloteka in Warsaw and the 106th in Poland was opened.
Another educational initiative is "Girls Do Engineering”, Amazon Development Centre Poland's flagship programme aimed at inspiring and supporting young women in developing their skills in new technologies. Participants gain practical skills in programming, AI, and design thinking, among others. The programme aims to reduce the gender gap in the technology industry and build equal opportunities in access to education; it includes workshops, study visits, and mentoring, inspiring young women to choose an engineering path.
