Zabala Innovation strengthens its presence in Europe with the incorporation of Polish company ECDF

Zabala Innovation continues to advance its international growth strategy with the incorporation of ECDF, a Polish consultancy with more than 20 years of experience and over 50 professionals specialising in public funding for investment and innovation.

Poland represents a strategic opportunity for Zabala Innovation due to the growth of its business landscape, the development of its innovation ecosystem and its relevance within the European agenda. This incorporation is aligned with the group’s ambition to continue growing with an international, long-term vision, adding a team with in-depth knowledge of Poland’s national and regional funding ecosystem.

The operation also brings together two organisations that share the same approach to consultancy: close client relationships, technical expertise, a commitment to innovation and a long-term vision of sustainable growth.

Shared values, a common vision

ECDF’s track record, built over more than two decades, is founded on its knowledge of the Polish business landscape, the trust of its clients and its ability to support investment and innovation projects. These values are fully aligned with Zabala Innovation’s model, which is based on excellence, collaboration, responsibility and the generation of positive impact through innovation.

The incorporation will expand the capabilities of both organisations by combining ECDF’s local knowledge with Zabala Innovation’s international experience in European public funding, R&D&I tax incentives and end-to-end innovation management. Clients will progressively gain access to a broader range of services, new funding and grant opportunities, and an international network with a presence in Europe’s leading innovation ecosystems.

The operation also opens up new possibilities for collaboration between teams, knowledge exchange and participation in international projects. The aim is to harness the complementary strengths of both companies to provide increasingly comprehensive support, from identifying funding and grant opportunities to preparing, implementing and managing innovation projects.

An alliance for continued growth

“ECDF brings exceptional knowledge of the Polish market and a highly qualified team. Together, we will be able to offer even more value to our clients by combining local expertise with our international network and new capabilities,” says Erik Zabala, CEO of Zabala Innovation.

For her part, Izabela Soboćko, CEO of ECDF, says: “Becoming part of Zabala Innovation allows us to retain what best defines ECDF: our team, our close relationships and our experience in the Polish market, while at the same time opening up new opportunities to continue delivering greater value to our clients.”

With this incorporation, Zabala Innovation now has a team of nearly 700 people, consolidating its leading position and strengthening its internationalisation project, which is based on local talent, relationships of trust and sustainable growth. The integration of ECDF also reinforces a shared corporate culture in which specialist knowledge, a commitment to service and dedication to innovation are the main drivers for growth and the creation of new opportunities for clients and teams.

This operation also comes in a particularly significant year for the company, as it celebrates its 40th anniversary and reaffirms its commitment to sustainable, international growth focused on delivering greater value to its clients.

In the image, Izabela Soboćko, CEO of ECDF, and Erik Zabala, Business CEO of Zabala Innovation.