Two days
structured for outcomes

Matchmaking & 1:1 Meetings (Day 2)

Throughout the day, investors, founders, corporates, and ecosystem stakeholders take part in curated one-to-one meetings designed to accelerate fundraising, partnerships, and business development.

Official Opening: Europe Needs a Stronger Innovation Engine

Europe produces world-class research, engineering talent, and industrial innovation, yet continues to lag behind the US and Asia in creating global technology leaders. Join policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to discuss what must change for Europe to strengthen its innovation capacity and remain globally competitive.

• Krzysztof GuldaPolish Agency for Enterprise DevelopmentKrzysztof GuldaPresident, Polish Agency for Enterprise DevelopmentKrzysztof Gulda is a graduate of physics from the University of Warsaw, specializing in nuclear physics. He is an entrepreneur and strategist active in both the public and private sectors, as well as a consultant for advisory firms and international organizations. From the beginning of his professional career, he has been affiliated with the University of Warsaw. He co-founded the University Technology Transfer Centre at the University of Warsaw. Since 2016, he has been a management board member of UWRC sp. z o.o. – the University of Warsaw’s special-purpose vehicle supporting the creation and development of academic spin-off companies. He has participated in the establishment and management of over 20 technology companies originating from the University of Warsaw. From 2020 to 2024, he was a member of the Expert Group for the Coordination of European Partnerships. He also served on the Council of the National Centre for Research and Development (2007–2009, 2016–2020). He held the position of Director of the Strategy Department at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (2009–2012), and earlier worked at the Ministry of Economy (2002–2009). He has collaborated on projects with the World Bank, PwC Poland, and the National Centre for Nuclear Research. For over 20 years, he has been actively involved in building the innovation system in Poland, fostering collaboration between science and business, developing business models and growth strategies for innovation-supporting organizations, raising capital for enterprise development, and implementing support instruments at both national and regional levels. He also applies his experience in working with the European Commission and advisory firms, carrying out projects in countries of the former Soviet Union and the Western Balkans.Read full bio →
• Izabela Najda-JędrzejewskaMinistry of Science and Higher EducationIzabela Najda-JędrzejewskaDeputy Director of the Department of Innovation and Development, Ministry of Science and Higher Education
• Sławomir OlejnikPoland Innovative FoundationSławomir OlejnikPresident of the Management Board, Fundacja Polska Innowacyjna; Co-founder & CEO, Deep Tech CEE, Poland Innovative FoundationSławomir Olejnik is President of the Management Board of Fundacja Polska Innowacyjna (Poland Innovative Foundation), a social entrepreneur, an adviser to startups and SMEs, and an intermediary in investment transactions between startups and investors. He is Co-founder & CEO of Deep Tech CEE, the largest matchmaking platform for deep tech startups, corporations, and investors in Central and Eastern Europe. He represents Hello Tomorrow Global Summit in Poland and the CEE region. He is also a board member of TechPL, an organisation bringing together representatives of Poland’s innovation ecosystem.Read full bio →
• Zbysław ZiemackiMinistry of Economic Development and TechnologyZbysław ZiemackiDirector of the Department of Innovation and Space Policy, Ministry of Economic Development and Technology

High Level Discussion: How Do You Like the Public Funding of Your Startup? A Conversation of the Roles and Responsibilities for State-funded Companies in Europe

Governments and public institutions invest billions in research and innovation every year. But how effective are these programmes in creating globally competitive companies?

• Panel

• Ogbogu KaluESMTOgbogu KaluDirector, Next Gen Computing Stream, Creative Destruction Lab Berlin, ESMTOgbogu Kalu is the Head of Natural Capital at DEEP, the Institute for Deep Tech Innovation at ESMT Berlin. He also serves as Director of Partnerships and Director of the Next Gen Computing stream at Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) Berlin. His work focuses on helping transform breakthrough technologies into impactful ventures by building the programmes, partnerships, and commercialisation pathways required to bring them to scale. Over the past decade, Ogbogu has worked at the intersection of engineering, leadership, and policy. His experience ranges from developing nanotechnology-enabled solutions and leading engineering and energy initiatives at Michelin to advancing national and international innovation initiatives. This includes supporting SPRIN-D, Germany’s Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation, in its €40 million Circular Biomanufacturing Challenge and advising the Government of Nova Scotia, Canada, on actionable pathways towards a sustainable, climate-resilient economy.Read full bio →
• Krzysztof GuldaPolish Agency for Enterprise DevelopmentKrzysztof GuldaPresident, Polish Agency for Enterprise DevelopmentKrzysztof Gulda is a graduate of physics from the University of Warsaw, specializing in nuclear physics. He is an entrepreneur and strategist active in both the public and private sectors, as well as a consultant for advisory firms and international organizations. From the beginning of his professional career, he has been affiliated with the University of Warsaw. He co-founded the University Technology Transfer Centre at the University of Warsaw. Since 2016, he has been a management board member of UWRC sp. z o.o. – the University of Warsaw’s special-purpose vehicle supporting the creation and development of academic spin-off companies. He has participated in the establishment and management of over 20 technology companies originating from the University of Warsaw. From 2020 to 2024, he was a member of the Expert Group for the Coordination of European Partnerships. He also served on the Council of the National Centre for Research and Development (2007–2009, 2016–2020). He held the position of Director of the Strategy Department at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (2009–2012), and earlier worked at the Ministry of Economy (2002–2009). He has collaborated on projects with the World Bank, PwC Poland, and the National Centre for Nuclear Research. For over 20 years, he has been actively involved in building the innovation system in Poland, fostering collaboration between science and business, developing business models and growth strategies for innovation-supporting organizations, raising capital for enterprise development, and implementing support instruments at both national and regional levels. He also applies his experience in working with the European Commission and advisory firms, carrying out projects in countries of the former Soviet Union and the Western Balkans.Read full bio →
• Aleksandra IhnatowiczNational Centre for Research DevelopmentAleksandra IhnatowiczExpert, National Centre for Research DevelopmentAleksandra Ihnatowicz is an expert at the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR)'s National Contact Point, specializing in supporting innovators in securing EU funds for R&D. She is a member of the EIC Forum, an expert in the European Innovation Council (EIC) area. As the coordinator of the Innovative Europe team at NCBR, she brings over 19 years of experience in European Research Programmes, including extensive practical experience in project implementation and management. Aleksandra holds a degree in Computer Science and has pursued further studies and research in Canada and England. Since 2010, she has been a key expert at the National Contact Point in Poland, dedicated to helping innovative deep-tech start-ups secure funding for their growth. Her passion lies in fostering the innovation support ecosystem, driven by the enthusiasm and commitment of the companies she supports.Read full bio →
• Eliza KruczkowskaEuropean Innovation CouncilEliza KruczkowskaBoard Member, European Innovation CouncilEliza Kruczkowska is a senior innovation strategist with over fifteen years of experience working at the intersection of public policy, venture capital and startup ecosystems in Europe. For nearly nine years, she served as Director of Innovation Development at the Polish Development Fund, where she helped build the institution from its early stage into a central actor in Poland’s innovation and venture capital ecosystem. In this role, she co-created and led national programmes supporting startups and emerging entrepreneurs, contributed to the development of Poland’s VC market, and supported thousands of founders. She also initiated and developed major entrepreneurship and STEAM education initiatives, including the Central Technology Hub, the PFR Pioneers School, and the Good Idea Programme. Earlier in her career, Eliza led Startup Poland, a leading startup advocacy organisation, where she worked closely with founders, investors and government institutions, contributing to the shaping of innovation policy at both national and European levels. She has advised public institutions and innovation agencies across Europe on innovation governance, ecosystem development and digital transformation, and served as an expert for the European Innovation Council and the European Commission’s Startup Europe initiative. Alongside her policy and programme leadership, Eliza has held advisory and supervisory roles in technology-driven and applied research organisations, including the Łukasiewicz Research Network and a national cloud infrastructure provider. From December 2025, she serves as Managing Director of the Foundation for Entrepreneurship Support, where she is building an entrepreneur-led think tank focused on regulatory reform and deregulation initiatives, including the SprawdzaMY programme. Eliza has completed advanced executive education programmes at Harvard, Singularity University and the Oxford Internet Institute, and brings a cross-sector, execution-focused perspective to innovation and scale-up policy in Europe.Read full bio →
• Frane ŠesnićZagreb Innovation Centre (ZICER)Frane ŠesnićCEO, Zagreb Innovation Centre (ZICER)Frane graduated from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture in Split and completed his postgraduate specialist studies in Financial Institutions and Markets at the Faculty of Economics and Business in Zagreb. He was appointed to the rank of Lecturer by the Rector’s Conference and regularly features as a speaker at numerous tech and entrepreneurship conferences. He is the initiator of several international events, including the Zagreb Connect startup conference and the Startup Europe Regatta—a conference specializing in sustainable greentech and fintech solutions. He established Startup Factory, Croatia’s first acceleration program, initiated Global Growth and Tech Transfer, and launched financial instruments for startup grants and investments. He actively works on connecting stakeholders across society to build a thriving startup ecosystem. Through ZICER, he leads the largest startup hub in the region.Read full bio →

EIT Jumpstarter Grand Demo Day

Watch the next generation of European science-based ventures take the stage. Join us in the Cinema to watch the EIT Jumpstarter Grand Demo Day, with audio available via headphones, and discover emerging ventures developing solutions across food, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, advanced materials and smart cities. See innovators pitch technologies shaped through the programme and discover startups working on solutions with the potential to shape Europe’s next wave of innovation. Throughout the day, connect 1:1 with EIT Community representatives to explore the programmes, networks and opportunities that could help take your innovation further.

The Next Wave of Deep Tech Breakthroughs

Every technology cycle creates new winners. From quantum technologies and advanced materials to synthetic biology and next-generation computing, physical AI including robotics solutions, which innovations are moving from scientific promise to commercial reality? Join this keynote to understand where the next wave of transformative technologies may emerge.

• Walter BugaArendai IncWalter BugaCEO & Founder, Arendai IncDr. Walter Buga is the CEO and founder of Arendai Inc.—a San Diego (U.S.)-based startup with offices in Łódź and Wrocław that automates factories and warehouses, preparing them to work with robots. Previously, he founded and led Arynga Inc. (based in San Diego with an office in Łódź), which was sold to Intel Corporation in 2016, generating more than a 10-fold return on investment for its investors in less than four years. He earned his Ph.D. in engineering from the Wrocław University of Technology and began his professional career at Bell Labs (AT&T/Lucent Technologies), where he developed a plan for AT&T’s successful entry into the Polish and Eastern European markets after 1989. He is an expert in telecommunications and autonomous systems, currently focusing on industrial IoT, robotics, and AI.Read full bio →
• Joanna Makowiecka-GatzaEmployers of PolandJoanna Makowiecka-GatzaPresident, Employers of PolandAn experienced senior executive with many years of leadership experience in listed companies and corporate groups operating in the industrial, infrastructure and real estate development sectors, she has served as CEO of Karmar S.A. (Bouygues Group) and as a Management Board Member of Polimex Mostostal S.A., with responsibility for developing and implementing growth strategies, improving operational efficiency and leading complex business transformation processes. As President of Employers of Poland (Pracodawcy RP) and a member of the Social Dialogue Council, she actively contributes to shaping economic and regulatory policy in Poland, representing the interests of businesses and the wider employer community.Read full bio →

Defence Innovation at the Center of European Tech

Defence and dual-use technologies have become one of the fastest-growing segments of the European innovation ecosystem. Rising security challenges, new funding programmes and growing investor interest are creating opportunities for startups across the continent. Join industry leaders to discuss how innovation is reshaping the future of defence.

• Panel

• Tomasz KowalczykRebels ValleyTomasz KowalczykPartner / Growth & Innovation Designer, Rebels ValleyHe has led large-scale innovation and technology adoption initiatives for organizations including ORLEN Group, P&G, HSBC, Citi, and BNY Mellon, helping businesses identify, validate, and deploy new technologies. As Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Rebels Valley, recognized three times by the Financial Times and Statista among Europe's leading startup hubs, he has been actively involved in building innovation ecosystems across Europe, including projects in the space and defense sectors. Simultaneously, he currently serves as Head of Innovation at the Polish Football Association, leading technology transformation and exploring new applications of emerging technologies in the sports industry. His work focuses on turning technological potential into commercial value, connecting startups, corporations, public institutions, and investors to accelerate innovation adoption and scale.Read full bio →
• Jakub MolskiClean Valley CapitalJakub MolskiCo-Managing Partner, Clean Valley CapitalJakub Molski is a co-founder and Co-Managing Partner of Clean Valley Capital Limited (CVCAP), a London-based investment banking boutique. He has over twenty years of experience in London investment banking. He leads J.P. Molski & Co. Limited, an M&A and capital raising advisory firm focused on the defense sector. He is the CEO of Calden Private Markets Limited, a British advisory firm specializing in transactions involving private growth companies. He co-created the first major institutional green bond and founded Omnio, a banking-as-a-service company; he also managed Hoist Finance’s banking investments in Central Europe.Read full bio →
• TTTomasz TrześniowskiCo-CEO | WIDMO Spectral Technologies
• Sven ZagałaResQuantSven ZagałaCEO, ResQuantSven Zagała is the CEO of ResQuant, a serial entrepreneur, business developer, and business angel with nearly thirty years of experience building technology companies. At ResQuant he leads the development of European hardware chips that implement NIST-compliant post-quantum cryptography for IoT and edge computing devices. He is also a partner at Invento.VC and a mentor to ICT, deep tech, blockchain, and AI projects.Read full bio →

City of Warsaw - Deep Tech Hub

Explore how the City of Warsaw is fostering a thriving ecosystem for deep tech innovation. This session will showcase initiatives, support programs, and partnerships that help startups and scale-ups turn breakthrough ideas into impactful technologies. Attendees will learn how Warsaw is positioning itself as a leading hub for deep tech in Central and Eastern Europe.

• Bartosz GrochowskiCity of WarsawBartosz GrochowskiInnovation Development Specialist, City of WarsawSpecialist at Innovation Division at Economic Development Department. Warsaw Enthusiast and a passionate for its innovation-driven development. I support the city in its cooperation with start-ups and encourage entrepreneurs to "Grow with Warsaw".Read full bio →

Warsaw Booster Pitch - Tachyotec

Meet one of Warsaw Booster’s most promising startups as they present their innovative solution and growth journey. This session offers a glimpse into cutting-edge technology coming out of Warsaw’s vibrant startup ecosystem, highlighting the team’s vision, market potential, and impact. Attendees will gain insights into emerging trends and the next wave of regional deep tech innovation. Tachyotec is a Polish deep-tech startup developing breakthrough technology of long-term storage of data on an ultra thin tape made of silicon glass tape. This solution joins the outstanding durability of the media, a high density of recording and low demand for energy during the archiving process. The company’s ambition is development of a new generation of data carriers, which will enable a safe storage of information for centuries, responding to the growing needs of the global data market, including data centres and AI infrastructure. Tachyotec mission is ensuring that no data is lost for the future generations.

• Jakub DobrzańskiTachyotecJakub DobrzańskiCo-founder & CFO, TachyotecJakub Dobrzański is a finance professional and business advisor with experience in financial management, M&A transactions, fundraising and financial modelling. He holds the international ACMA and CGMA qualifications (CIMA). As Co-founder and CFO of Tachyotec, he is responsible for the company’s financial strategy, funding technology development, investor relations, and financial and operational matters. He has gained professional experience across the energy, technology and investment sectors.Read full bio →
• Marcin StrągowskiTachyotecMarcin StrągowskiFounder, TachyotecMarcin Strągowski is the Co-founder and CEO of Tachyotec, with over 18 years of experience in software engineering, electronics and mechatronics. Throughout his career, he has served as CTO and R&D Director, leading the development of innovative technologies and managing engineering teams. At Tachyotec, he is responsible for the company’s growth strategy, shaping the product vision, coordinating research and development, managing investor relations and commercialising technology for long-term data storage on glass tape.Read full bio →

Accelerating Deep Tech in CEE

• Keynote

• Frane ŠesnićZagreb Innovation Centre (ZICER)Frane ŠesnićCEO, Zagreb Innovation Centre (ZICER)Frane graduated from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture in Split and completed his postgraduate specialist studies in Financial Institutions and Markets at the Faculty of Economics and Business in Zagreb. He was appointed to the rank of Lecturer by the Rector’s Conference and regularly features as a speaker at numerous tech and entrepreneurship conferences. He is the initiator of several international events, including the Zagreb Connect startup conference and the Startup Europe Regatta—a conference specializing in sustainable greentech and fintech solutions. He established Startup Factory, Croatia’s first acceleration program, initiated Global Growth and Tech Transfer, and launched financial instruments for startup grants and investments. He actively works on connecting stakeholders across society to build a thriving startup ecosystem. Through ZICER, he leads the largest startup hub in the region.Read full bio →

Deep Tech Corporate Toolkit: Getting Your Organisation Ready to Work with Deep Tech Start-ups

Emerging technologies are advancing faster than most organizations can adapt to. From AI to advanced manufacturing and new business models, large companies face growing pressure to innovate. Learn how corporations are working with startups, research institutions, and technology partners to remain competitive.

• Keynote

• Katarzyna (Kate) WszołaPMC DA VINCIKatarzyna (Kate) WszołaFounder, PMC DA VINCIKate helps large organisations make innovation executable, turning strategy, new technologies and R&D ambition into decisions, processes and projects that actually run inside corporate structures within fast changing environment. She brings 14+ years of hands-on innovation leadership across corporate, start-up and academic ecosystems, including director-level roles at regional and group level, most recently as Director of Innovation at Veolia Energia Polska. Earlier, among others, she headed the R&D Club, connecting more than 60 large corporations and SMEs in Poland around joint innovation initiatives. Today, as an independent consultant, facilitator and trainer, she works with corporate innovation teams, R&D departments and leadership boards on innovation management and corporate readiness within innovation, deep tech commercialization and corporate–start-up collaboration. Kate is a Fellow of the Leadership Academy for Poland and a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, with specialised training at the Fraunhofer Institute, Max Planck Institute, TU Dresden, IBM New York and Lund University. She works in Polish, English and French.Read full bio →

Quantum Revolution?

Is the quantum revolution already here — or are expectations still ahead of reality? Researchers and industry leaders compare the maturity of quantum sensing, computing, communications and post-quantum security, asking what creates value today, what organisations should prepare for now, and what still belongs to the future.

• Panel

• Prof. Michał BeretaPK Krakow University of TechnologyProf. Michał BeretaProfesor PK, Wydział Informatyki i Matematyki, PK Krakow University of TechnologyAssociate Professor Michał Bereta, PhD, DSc, Eng., PK Krakow University of Technology. Vice-Dean for Research at the Faculty of Computer Science and Telecommunications, PK KUT. Lecturer and researcher in artificial intelligence methods. Rector’s Representative for Quantum Computing at PK KUT.Read full bio →
• Grzegorz DobrowolskiCISCOGrzegorz DobrowolskiCTO - Director of Solutions Engineering, CISCOGrzegorz Dobrowolski is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Cisco Poland. He brings over 30 years of IT industry experience, specializing in key domains related to designing, deploying, and securing communication networks and data center infrastructure. For more than two decades, Grzegorz has successfully driven the business development and implementation of innovative technology solutions while leading technical teams across numerous European markets. His international track record spans countries such as Austria, Finland, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, Ukraine, Hungary, the Baltic states, and the broader Central and Eastern European (CEE) region. Grzegorz is an expert in networking, network security, and infrastructure automation systems. He also holds extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in project management, utilizing both traditional (waterfall) and agile methodologies. Prior to joining Cisco, Grzegorz gained professional experience at Ericsson Poland, the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology (PJAIT), and the IT Center of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW). He holds an Executive MBA degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Warsaw. He also earned a Master of Science in Engineering (M.Sc. Eng.) degree from the Warsaw University of Technology.Read full bio →
• Michał DrogoszEmpiriqa sp. z o.o.Michał DrogoszCEO, Empiriqa sp. z o.o.Michał Drogosz is CEO of empiriQa, a spin-off from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń developing quantum communication networks for critical infrastructure, using fibre and satellite links. The technology builds on 20 years of research at the university. He has spent more than 15 years in the European space sector, starting as a design engineer before moving into project management and leading an aerospace team working on ESA missions. He later set up a space electronics company, which he led as CEO, growing the team to 35 people and bringing in a strategic investor. His work with quantum technology began in 2018, when his team developed space-qualified electronics for an entangled photon source.Read full bio →
• dr Aldona MzykHeriot-Watt Universitydr Aldona MzykAssociate Professor, Heriot-Watt UniversityAldona Mzyk is Associate Professor in Quantum Bio-Imaging at Heriot-Watt University, Scotland, a recipient of a prestigious UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, and an associate member of the Q-BIOMED (UK Quantum Biomedical Sensing Research Hub), the UK's flagship programme for developing quantum technologies for healthcare. Her research pioneers the use of nanodiamond quantum sensors to study cellular metabolism, advancing applications in diagnostics and precision medicine. She leads the QuantERA 2025 Quanti-PEP and EU-funded BIO-CAT consortium projects, translating quantum sensing technologies into high-throughput screening platforms for the discovery and development of novel cancer vaccines and next-generation catalytic biomaterials. Alongside her academic leadership, she is advancing the commercialisation of quantum-enabled immune screening and diagnostic technologies for future healthcare applications.Read full bio →
• Marcin SadowskiAIQLabMarcin SadowskiCreator, AIQLabI have managed R&D projects in quantum computing and AI for over 20 years. I participate in key initiatives, such as development of module infrastructure of quantum computers and post-quantum algorithms, resistant to threats associated with progress of quantum computing. I created AIQLAB INSTITUTE - a platform dedicated to innovations in AI and quantum computing. I specialize in design and implementing advanced IT systems, AI solutions for cybersecurity, image analysis and VR simulators. Our collaboration with the top academic and research centres bore fruit to unprecedented solutions for education, industry and defence. My mission is using the newest technologies to foster innovations, which shape the future of science, business and society.Read full bio →

ZICER Presents: Croatian Startups Pitching Session

In this pitching session we present 3 startups: 11:30-11:34 - MyRent 11:35-11:39 - MICROHEX 11:40-11:45 - DEXPIRY

• Neven PalčecMyRentsNeven PalčecCEO, MyRentsExperienced Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. Skilled in Oracle Database, Databases, IT Strategy, Management, and C#. Strong consulting professional with a Master's Degree focused in Specialist graduate professional study in IT Technologies from Zagreb University of Applied Sciences.Read full bio →
• Ivan LasićMicrohexIvan LasićCEO & Co-founder, MicrohexIvan Lasić is Co-Founder and CEO of Microhex, bringing over a decade of engineering experience across telecommunications, automotive, and industrial sectors. Combining tech expertise with a business-oriented mindset, he drives the growth of ARGUS, an AI-powered predictive maintenance solution helping industrial companies reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency.Read full bio →
• Davor MrganDEXPIRYDavor MrganCEO, DEXPIRYDavor Mrgan is a technology entrepreneur focused on blockchain, Web3, and real-world applications of emerging technologies. With 16 years of experience in aviation and air traffic control, he brings expertise in high-precision systems, safety, and reliability.Through DEXPIRY, he is helping build a digital trust infrastructure that connects receipts, warranties, and verifiable product ownership, transforming how businesses and consumers manage products throughout their lifecycle. His work bridges deep technology with practical innovation, making digital ownership more accessible, secure, and usefulRead full bio →

Deep Tech Alliance Panel: Corporate-Start-up Collaboration in Deep Tech: Open Innovation and Venture Clienting Across Europe

Deep tech startups need more than capital: they need industrial partners who can test, buy and scale their technology. Corporates need access to breakthroughs they can’t build in-house. Yet most pilots never make it to real deployment. This panel looks at what actually works when corporations and deep tech startups join forces across Europe. Drawing on concrete cases from energy infrastructure, acceleration programmes and pan-European scouting, the speakers will discuss how venture clienting and open innovation can turn first pilots into lasting commercial partnerships. They will cover what makes a startup “corporate-ready”, how corporates can move faster without taking on excessive risk, and where CEE fits into Europe’s innovation map

• Urban BavcarELESUrban BavcarCommercial Project Specialist, ELESUrban is a Commercial Project Specialist in the Strategic Innovation Division at ELES, Slovenia’s combined transmission and distribution system operator. ELES manages more than 3,000 km of high-voltage infrastructure. He is one of the driving forces behind ELES’s corporate venture capital initiative, building the company’s path to becoming an active strategic investor in Europe’s energy-transition technology ecosystem. He also manages the company’s open-innovation process with startups, which takes early-stage technologies from scouting to pilot deployment on the grid. Urban leads ELES’s participation in EU Horizon projects including SUNRISE and HEDGE-IoT. He holds a master's degree in economics from the University of Ljubljana School of Economics and Business and is an alumnus of UC Berkeley’s VC program.Read full bio →
• Jakob GajšekRUJ VCJakob GajšekCEO of the Ljubljana University Incubator (LUI); Managing Partner of RUJ VC; Partner at Fil Rouge Capital; EIT Community Officer for Slovenia, RUJ VCJakob Gajšek is CEO of the Ljubljana University Incubator (LUI), Managing Partner of RUJ VC, Partner at Fil Rouge Capital, and EIT Community Officer for Slovenia. Over the past decade, he has worked across incubation, acceleration, venture capital and startup ecosystem development, with a particular focus on deep tech, university spin-outs and early-stage financing. Since 2018, he has led LUI, which was ranked by the Financial Times as the leading startup hub in Slovenia and the Adria region. He also serves on the board of the DeepTech Alliance, the network of leading European university-linked innovation hubs. Jakob holds an MSc in Sustainable Energy from the University of Edinburgh.Read full bio →
• Jakob HeibergTHINGSJakob HeibergPartner, THINGS AB; Partnerships, DeepTech Alliance, THINGSJakob Heiberg is Partner at THINGS AB and works on partnerships at DeepTech Alliance. THINGS is the #1 deeptech hub in Sweden, focusing on industry, infrastructure, energy, utilities, and space and defense. It helps corporates navigate the deeptech wave through a hands-on, business-first strategy, matching them with leading deeptech companies globally. THINGS manages a portfolio of projects and programs, the largest of which is DeepTech Alliance, a private association of 18 leading European entrepreneurship hubs from 16 countries. Since 2021, DeepTech Alliance has worked with 60 corporates. It helps open-innovation, tech-scouting, and CVC units find solutions and investment cases among Europe's most promising deeptech startups. Jakob manages corporate and investor relations for the alliance.Read full bio →
• Dr. Digvijay Thakur CEng FIMMMNSG Group (Pilkington)Dr. Digvijay Thakur CEng FIMMMIncubator Director, NSG Group (Pilkington)Dr Digvijay Thakur is Incubator Director at NSG Group, leading the Incubator team within the Group R&D function. He is responsible for identifying emerging technologies, startup collaborations, strategic partnerships and new business opportunities that can create future growth platforms for the company. Drawing on experience across advanced materials and foundation industries, including chemicals, steel and glass, he works at the intersection of industry, innovation and entrepreneurship, helping bridge the gap between breakthrough technologies and industrial deployment.Read full bio →

Akces NCBR Presents: Deep Tech Startups in Action

See Europe’s most promising deep tech startups take the stage in this fast-paced pitch session. Presented by Akces NCBR, the session highlights breakthrough technologies, bold business ideas, and the innovators driving them forward. Attendees will gain insights into emerging trends and the startups shaping the future of deep tech.

• NSNathalie SobieskaHead of Marketing | Akces NCBR
• Miłosz JamrożyEngineers4medicineMiłosz JamrożyCEO, Engineers4medicinePhD Eng, MD, CEO - Medical Doctor and PhD of Biomedical Engineering and Biocybernetics. He has over 10 years of experience in the management, development and certification of telemedicine products. He held management and leadership positions in companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and NewConnect.Read full bio →
• Piotr MurantyTrue MovesPiotr MurantyFounder & CEO, True MovesPiotr Muranty invests in new-technology companies and is the founder and CEO of Invissp. z o.o. and True Moves sp. z o.o. Invis merges deep tech with fashion in classic smartwearables. True Moves' patented AI Biometric PassKey verifies identity as soon as thedevice is put on, based on wrist skin topography and behavioral biometrics. It replacespasswords and PINs and is FIDO2-compliant. He has extensive international C-level experience in sales and marketing, including atCamel, Żywiec, TNT, Stereo.pl and Smart Digital. He holds an MBA and trained at INSEADand Management Centre Europe. He secured funding for Invis from PARP, Bridge Alfa and the EIC Accelerator Pilot, and haspresented the company at IFA Berlin and GITEX Dubai, among others.Read full bio →
• Marcin PateckiSigmaLabsMarcin PateckiLead Physics & Data Scientist, SigmaLabsDr Marcin Patecki is a physicist and manager who combines experience gained through international research projects with expertise in space technology development. At SigmaLabs, he is responsible for company management, physics, and data analysis, driving the development of solutions for radiation monitoring and enhancing the reliability of electronics in space. He spent seven years conducting research at CERN, specialising in particle accelerator physics. He earned his PhD with distinction from the Warsaw University of Technology and was a Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellow. He is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Physics at the Warsaw University of Technology. He also worked at JPMorgan as a data analyst in the Business Analytics department.At SigmaLabs, he is leading the development of SL-X1, a compact, scalable radiation monitor for satellites that builds on the company’s experience with a device operating aboard the International Space Station. His work focuses on translating scientific expertise into practical solutions that address the needs of the space industry.Read full bio →
• Jakub StojekOrbital MatterJakub StojekCEO, Orbital MatterJakub Stojek is the CEO and co-founder of Orbital Matter, the first company in the world to successfully test 3D printing in the open vacuum of space. He is a serial entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience. Rascal, a company he founded, ranked 22nd among Europe’s fastest-growing companies in 2022, according to the Financial Times FT1000 ranking. He is a graduate of the Warsaw School of Economics (SGH) and was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.Read full bio →
• Konrad SzczukiewiczVET CELL TECHKonrad SzczukiewiczCo-founder & Board Member, VET CELL TECHKonrad Szczukiewicz is a biotech entrepreneur and executive with a global track record in the pharmaceutical and technology sectors. A graduate of Paris Sorbonne University holding an MBA, he built his early career working with leading Big Pharma companies across France, Belgium and the USA. He later co-founded the machine learning startup ShelfWise, which was successfully acquired by a private equity firm in 2021. Currently, Konrad is the co-founder of two biotechnology ventures focused on developing innovative, stem cell-based solutions for the veterinary and dermatology markets.Read full bio →

Beyond Recycling: Green Hydrogen, Circular Carbon and Deep Tech for Net-Zero Industry

As industries strive to achieve climate neutrality while strengthening energy security and competitiveness, the transition to a circular, low-carbon economy requires solutions that go far beyond conventional recycling. This panel will explore the role of green hydrogen, circular carbon strategies, integrated energy systems, and deep-tech innovations in accelerating industrial decarbonisation. Bringing together experts from academia, industry, and innovation ecosystems, the discussion will focus on how cutting-edge technologies can transform sustainable fuels, biofuels, and resource utilization, while shortening the pathway from research to market and supporting the development of resilient, net-zero industrial value chains.

• Panel

• Prof. Izabela CzekajPK - Krakow University of TechnologyProf. Izabela CzekajProfesor, Wydział Inżynierii i Technologii Chemicznej, PK - Krakow University of TechnologyProf. Izabela Czekaj is a researcher and academic leader working at the intersection of green hydrogen, sustainable fuels, catalysis, carbon-neutral chemical processes, and industrial decarbonisation. Her research focuses on technologies enabling the transition from fossil-based value chains to circular and climate-neutral industrial systems, including hydrogen-based processes, renewable feedstocks, carbon utilisation pathways, and advanced materials for clean energy applications. Actively involved in international research collaborations and European innovation initiatives, she brings extensive experience in connecting scientific excellence with industrial needs and policy priorities. Her work addresses key challenges related to the Net-Zero transition, including the deployment of deep-tech solutions for low-carbon manufacturing, resource efficiency, circular carbon management, and sustainable energy systems.Read full bio →
• Janusz KahlSouth Poland Cleantech ClusterJanusz KahlCEO, South Poland Cleantech ClusterJanusz Kahl is an international business leader, entrepreneur, business adviser, start-up mentor, and honorary consul based in Kraków, Poland. Born in Kraków and a Danish citizen of Polish origin, he has dedicated much of his professional career to strengthening economic, institutional, and cultural cooperation between Poland and the Nordic countries. A graduate of Copenhagen Business School, where he specialised in organisation, strategy, and international trade, began working as an independent consultant in Poland in 1992. Through his consultancy activities, he supported Scandinavian companies entering the Polish market, helped establish local businesses and representative offices, and facilitated interregional cooperation between southern Poland and Nordic partners. In 2001, he established NordicHouse, a business and cultural cooperation centre in Kraków. As its president, he works to develop partnerships between companies, public institutions, regional organisations, and other stakeholders from Poland and the Nordic countries. NordicHouse promotes international trade, investment, business development, tourism, and cultural exchange, with a particular focus on creating practical opportunities for cross-border collaboration. Janusz Kahl's leadership also extends to sustainable development and innovation. As president of the South Poland Cleantech Cluster, a non-profit initiative, he supports cooperation around clean technologies and their implementation in industry. His work connects businesses, innovators, and other stakeholders interested in developing solutions that contribute to industrial modernisation and the transition towards a more sustainable economy. Janusz Kahl is also actively involved in supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, serving as a mentor and juror at training programmes, workshops, and hackathons for start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises. His professional interests encompass international business development, foreign investment, cross-border partnerships, innovation, and clean technology. His professional work reflects a sustained commitment to connecting markets, institutions, and people across national borders. By bringing together business, diplomacy, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, Janusz Kahl contributes to the development of international partnerships and to strengthening Kraków and southern Poland as centres of economic cooperation between Poland and the Nordic region.Read full bio →
• Karolina MolskaQemeticaKarolina MolskaExternal Relations Specialist, QemeticaKarolina Molska is an External Relations Specialist within the Strategy Department and the Future Business Unit at Qemetica. She is responsible for supporting the company’s transformation agenda and identifying innovative technologies and business opportunities that contribute to the transition toward a more sustainable and low-carbon industrial future. Her work focuses on building strategic partnerships, fostering innovation, and advancing solutions that enhance industrial competitiveness, circularity, and decarbonization. Through her involvement in Qemetica’s Future initiatives, she contributes to the development of next-generation technologies supporting the energy transition and the transformation of the chemical industry.Read full bio →
• Jacek MurawskiOrlen VCJacek MurawskiPresident of the Board, Orlen VCJacek Murawski is the President of the Board and the Managing Partner of ORLEN VC, a corporate venture capital investing in technologies for the transformation of the energy sector and the industry of the future. For more than a decade he actively participates in the development of a venture capital and innovation ecosystem in CEE. Previously he was a General Partner in Invento VC, the Vice President and CFO of PGNiG, CFO Orange Poland, an Investing Partner of MCI Capital and CEO of Wirtualna Polska. He specializes in technological investments, scaling innovative companies and establishing cooperation between start-ups, science and big industry organisations.Read full bio →
• dr hab. inż. Rafał Ślefarski, prof. PPPolitechnika Poznańskadr hab. inż. Rafał Ślefarski, prof. PPProfessor, Politechnika PoznańskaProf. Rafał Ślefarski is an expert in sustainable energy systems, hydrogen and Power-to-X technologies, low-emission combustion, and thermochemical conversion of biomass and waste. His research focuses on the integration of green hydrogen, alternative gaseous fuels, circular carbon pathways, and advanced energy technologies supporting industrial decarbonization. He has led and contributed to numerous research and industry projects in gas technologies, carbon-neutral fuels, CHP systems, biomass gasification, and waste-to-energy solutions. Prof. Ślefarski is a member of the Board of Polish Institute of Combustion and an active member of the European Turbine Network.Read full bio →

PPNT Fund: Meet our portfolio startups. A conversation with byMYCO and TherapySupport

An interview with startups backed by Poznań Park of Science and Technology.

• Ignacy FurmańczakbyMYCOIgnacy FurmańczakCo-founder & CEO, byMYCOCEO, Master’s degree in Biotechnology. Responsible for technology development, oversight of biological processes, selection of cultivation parameters, quality control, and project coordination. Also leads R&D on new material applications and manages client relations.Read full bio →
• Bartłomiej GłowackiTherapy SupportBartłomiej GłowackiCo-founder & CEO, Therapy SupportCo-founder and CEO of Therapy Support, an AI platform that supports psychotherapists with clinical documentation and work with patients between sessions. He builds Therapy Support under an Agent First doctrine, in which the whole team works on making the company's operations autonomous. He combines experience in building technology products with an understanding of the mental health sector, working with researchers from SWPS University and the Polish Academy of Sciences, and with practising CBT therapists. Previously involved in SOLACE, an NCBR-funded project, and in a prefabricated housing company from which he completed an exit. Active member of the Polish startup and AI ecosystem.Read full bio →
• Anna Padewska-OrganPPNTAnna Padewska-OrganLead Innovation Specialist, PPNTAnna Padewska-Organ is an expert in acceleration and incubation programs, with many years of experience in designing and delivering innovation-driven initiatives across Europe, including EU-XCEL, Ready2Scale, and Corporate Innovation Challenge. She combines strategic program development with hands-on support for startups through mentoring and evaluation. Anna also facilitates workshops in both academic and commercial settings. She has been affiliated with the Poznań Science and Technology Park for over a decade.Read full bio →
• Dawid ŻyłabyMYCODawid ŻyłaCo-Founder & CFO, byMYCOCFO, Master’s degree in Accounting and Business Finance, specializing in capital investments and corporate financial strategies. Responsible for the company’s finance, administration, marketing, and operational support. Possesses experience in controlling as well as in working for consulting and audit firms.Read full bio →

CEE Deep Tech: Turning Technical Strength into Commercial Value

Europe has scientific talent, promising technologies and substantial capital. The challenge is connecting them to build commercially viable businesses—and capturing more of the value they create. Drawing on nearly two decades of building an international business, developing spin-outs and completing an exit, Ian Firla will offer an operator’s investment perspective on CEE deeptech. He will examine what has changed since last year’s Summit, how the region’s opportunity compares with Western Europe and North America, and what conversations with investors while building New Wave VC reveal about the distance between technical promise and an investable business. His central argument: CEE’s opportunity rests on its ability to turn scientific strength into customer demand, commercial execution, and credible investor returns. Realizing it will require founders, investors, and institutions to work towards the same commercial outcomes.

• Panel

• Ian FirlaNew Wave VCIan FirlaManaging Partner, New Wave VCIan Firla is an entrepreneur and investor who co-founded OSTC Group and helped build it into an international business over nearly two decades. During that time, he helped develop and spin out businesses in financial education and foreign exchange, and was a finalist in the European Business Awards. Following the sale of OSTC's operating business in 2024, Ian has focused on advising founders and leadership teams on growth, strategy and execution. At New Wave VC, he brings the perspective of someone who has built businesses, navigated their challenges and taken them through an exit.Read full bio →

Break

Deep Tech CEE Challenge: CEE Rising Stars - Pitching session

Big science. Bold founders. One final pitch. Over six months of scouting through the CEE Challenge 2026, supported by a hundred partners across the region. Hundreds of applications from more than 20 CEE countries. Now, the finalists compete for the top honours. Meet the startups that made the cut and be there as the jury chooses the winners. The finalists, who will pitch on the stage are: ÄIO (äio tech OÜ), Alpha Powders, BaBayte OU, Crystals Growing, Faraday Solutions, Fresh Inset, Galochrom, Groundcom, Inoko Vision, Mirores Mining Data Services, Noivion, Resquant, Uhura Bionics.

PK Kraków University of Technology: Pitching Session

PK Kraków University of Technology presents the creme de la creme of Polish startups: 13:00-13:05 - Politechnika Krakowska / Flex And Robust Systems sp. z o.o. 13:05-13:10 - Uniwersytet Mikolaja Kopernika w Toruniu / Empiriqa sp. z o.o. 13:10-13:15 - Politechnika Warszawska / Chipcraft sp. z o.o. 13:15-13:20 - Uniwersytet Gdański / Vaxican sp. z o.o. 13:20-13:25 - Uniwersytet Warszawski / Smarter Diagnostics sp. z o.o.

• Bartosz BoruckiSmarter Diagnostics sp. z o.o.Bartosz BoruckiCEO & Co-founder, Smarter Diagnostics sp. z o.o.Bartosz Borucki is co-founder and CEO of Smarter Diagnostics, a University of Warsaw spin-off in sports medicine and preventive health. A physicist by training, he spent over 15 years at the University of Warsaw, where he led the Artificial Intelligence and Image Analysis for Medical Diagnostics group and co-designed the Faculty of Medicine. He lectures on AI in healthcare at SGH and Kozminski University and is a member of the AI in Health Coalition and the Data Science Summit program board.Read full bio →
• Michał DrogoszEmpiriqa sp. z o.o.Michał DrogoszCEO, Empiriqa sp. z o.o.Michał Drogosz is CEO of empiriQa, a spin-off from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń developing quantum communication networks for critical infrastructure, using fibre and satellite links. The technology builds on 20 years of research at the university. He has spent more than 15 years in the European space sector, starting as a design engineer before moving into project management and leading an aerospace team working on ESA missions. He later set up a space electronics company, which he led as CEO, growing the team to 35 people and bringing in a strategic investor. His work with quantum technology began in 2018, when his team developed space-qualified electronics for an entangled photon source.Read full bio →
• Konrad KwiecieńFAR Systems sp. z o.o.Konrad KwiecieńMember of the Management Board, FAR Systems sp. z o.o.Konrad Kwiecień is a Management Board Member at FlexAndRobust Systems, a deep-tech scale-up originating from the Cracow University of Technology, commercializing its patented Polyurethane Flexible Joint (PFJ) technology for resilient and safer infrastructure. Since 2022, he has been responsible for business development, marketing, and sales, supporting the international growth of the company and representing it in initiatives such as the NCBR-Nevada Acceleration Program (NCBR-NAP), the Polish Silicon Valley Accelerator (PolSV), and Unsung Heroes. His work focuses on bridging the gap between research and market adoption, with a particular interest in advancing engineering solutions that improve infrastructure resilience and help save lives during earthquakes, natural disasters, and other extreme events.Read full bio →
• Paweł NarczykChipcraft sp. z o.o.Paweł NarczykCEO & Co-founder, Chipcraft sp. z o.o.Paweł is an IC Design Engineer with more than 15 years of experience in designing analog and mixed-signal circuitry. He is also experienced in managing large commercial and R&D projects. Paweł has always been focused on financial performance and has been managing ChipCraft since the very beginning.Read full bio →
• Mateusz SaganVaxican sp. z o.o.Mateusz SaganVice President & Co-founder, Vaxican sp. z o.o.Highly experienced visionary Executive Manager and DeepTech Venture builder with executive and non-executive +25 years track record in b2b, public and family owned, local and corporate businesses. Former CEO & MD at several corporate global enterprises, European Innovation Council Ambassador #EICAmbassador Co-Founding and Building Tech/Biotech/MedTech/Life Sciences Start-Ups with Strategies, Commercialization, Fundraising, and hands-on day-to-day management Bridge builder between Science, Startups Co-Founders, Corporate Businesses, and Investors. TEDx Speaker and former MIT Enterprise Forum CEE MentorRead full bio →

Cleantech CEE Demo Day for Administration by FPT

Signing up available soon!

How Can European Tech Catch Up with the US and China?

• Keynote

• Tomasz MisiakMizyak Investment FundTomasz MisiakFounder, Mizyak Investment FundTomasz Misiak is a graduate of the Wrocław University of Economics and Business and IESE Business School (a graduate school for managers attached to the University of Navarra). He also completed the Global Leadership Seminar and Global CEO Program at Georgetown University. From 2022 to 2024, he participated in the Owner/President Management Program at Harvard Business School in Boston. He is the founder of Work Service S.A. (established in 1999) – the first and largest Polish temporary employment agency. Over 20 years of activity, he led the company, which started as a student project, to the status of a market leader in HR services in Central and Eastern Europe, listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. From 1999 to 2007, he served as Vice President of the Management Board, and subsequently as a member of its Supervisory Board. From 2012 to 2021, he served as Vice President of Employers of Poland, and is currently a Member of its Council. Since 2014, he has been a member of the Polish Business Roundtable. He is also a member of Corporate Connections. As an initiator and shareholder, he actively focuses on the development of Mizyak Investment Fund LTD. He is also a founding investor in the bValue fund. He began his socio-political experience with student organizations and the Wrocław City Council, where he served as Chairman of the Economic Initiatives Committee. In the years 2005–2011, he served as a Senator of the Republic of Poland, simultaneously acting as Head of the National Economy Committee and participating in the works of the European Union Affairs Committee. Currently, he sits on the supervisory boards of Antal Sp. z o.o. and Personnel Service S.A. In the past, he also served on the supervisory bodies of many other companies, including: Exact Systems Sp. z o.o., IT Kontrakt Sp. z o.o., Finance Care Sp. z o.o., Telakces Com Sp. z o.o., MM Conferences S.A. (listed on NewConnect), Hawe S.A., and IDM S.A. Furthermore, he served as President of the World of Ideas Foundation (Fundacja Świat Idei), publisher of the Polish edition of Project Syndicate. He is a laureate of numerous business awards, including Teraz Polska, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Entrepreneurship Leader, Market Leader, and Manager of the Year. He is passionate about literature and modern technologies. Every day, he shares his acquired knowledge through analyses of new trends, global changes, and the impact of new technologies and AI on our lives and future.Read full bio →

Post-Quantum Cryptography in Hardware – from Regulatory Mandates to Semiconductor Security

Semiconductors have become one of the world's most strategic technologies. While Europe remains strong in research and design, manufacturing capacity remains limited. Join industry experts to discuss how Europe can strengthen its position in a rapidly changing global semiconductor landscape.

• Keynote

• Michał AndrzejczakResQuantMichał AndrzejczakCo-founder & CTO, ResQuantMichał Andrzejczak is a co-founder and CTO of ResQuant, a Polish deep-tech company designing hardware-based post-quantum cryptography (PQC) solutions. He leads the development of ASIC chips and cryptographic IP cores.Read full bio →

Building Your Path to the EIC Accelerator

EIC presents success stories of EIC Accelerator alumnae.

• Maciej SadowskiStartUp Hub PolandMaciej SadowskiCo-founder, StartUp Hub PolandCo-founder of the Startup Hub Poland Foundation (CEO 2012-2022) - Financial Times no.1 CEE tech accelerator and ranked as the first one in mentoring quality (2026). Maciej advocates innovative Central Eastern European high-tech talents in starting up a global/inter-local venture in Poland. An activist of the high-tech startup industry supporting pioneers of innovation in finding investment and scaling up their solutions and the RoI potential. Specialized in IP transfer, RnD commercialisation and in VC pre-investment process, Maciej searches for best early-stagers from all hard-tech and IP-based sectors from 18 countries of the CEE region. For best teams his Non-Profit prepares acceleration with non-equ grants to €85k as well as exclusive VC/industry bootcamps.Read full bio →
• Agnieszka ChłądEuropean Innovation Council (EIC)Agnieszka ChłądCommunications Adviser, EIC & SMEs Executive Agency, European Commission, European Innovation Council (EIC)Agnieszka Chłąd is a communications professional at the European Innovation Council (EIC), where she works at the intersection of deep tech innovation, investment and European policy. She leads communication activities that showcase Europe’s breakthrough innovations and support the growth of European deep tech start-ups and scale-ups. Her work brings her into close contact with entrepreneurs, investors, policy makers and other innovation ecosystem stakeholders, with a particular focus on how Europe can help its most promising technologies reach the market and scale globally.Read full bio →
• Tomasz ĆwikFinqubitTomasz ĆwikCo-founder & CEO, FinqubitPassionate technologist and experienced financial industry executive who loves to shift the borders of what is possible with strong track record of successful innovations merging cutting-edge technologies with practical financial industry challenges. Leader of the first Quantum team in the financial sector in CEE. Recognized as one of the Worldwide Quantum Strategists by Quantum Insider.Read full bio →
• Aleksandra IhnatowiczNational Centre for Research DevelopmentAleksandra IhnatowiczExpert, National Centre for Research DevelopmentAleksandra Ihnatowicz is an expert at the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR)'s National Contact Point, specializing in supporting innovators in securing EU funds for R&D. She is a member of the EIC Forum, an expert in the European Innovation Council (EIC) area. As the coordinator of the Innovative Europe team at NCBR, she brings over 19 years of experience in European Research Programmes, including extensive practical experience in project implementation and management. Aleksandra holds a degree in Computer Science and has pursued further studies and research in Canada and England. Since 2010, she has been a key expert at the National Contact Point in Poland, dedicated to helping innovative deep-tech start-ups secure funding for their growth. Her passion lies in fostering the innovation support ecosystem, driven by the enthusiasm and commitment of the companies she supports.Read full bio →
• NSNathalie SobieskaHead of Marketing | Akces NCBR
• Łukasz SzpaderskiResQuantŁukasz SzpaderskiCOO, ResQuantCOO at ResQuant, responsible for organizing financing and overseeing operations at successive stages of technology development. Before joining ResQuant, he advised technology projects—including dual-use and deep-tech ventures—on securing private and grant funding. These included a company recognized in the “Polish Investments of the Future” competition organized by Poland’s Ministry of Investment and Development.Read full bio →

National Centre for Research and Development | Taking Polish Deep Tech Global: International R&D and U.S. Market Access

Presentation delivered by main Polish organization funding science and innovation.

• Andrzej WajsNational Centre for Research DevelopmentAndrzej WajsProject Coordinator, Department for International Cooperation, National Centre for Research DevelopmentThroughout 20 years of experience in British and Polish government administration, Andrzej has been mainly involved in science and innovation as well as communication and promotion activities, often combining them all. He worked for the British Embassy for over 8 years, and has been with NCBR since 2014. Graduate of Warsaw University and Warsaw School of Economics, Andrzej is Poland’s Deputy High Level Representative and National Project Coordinator for the EUREKA Initiative, the Innovative SMEs partnership, and coordinates NCBR’s acceleration activity with the U.S.Read full bio →

Companies talk about implementations, while teams... simply fail to deliver them

This keynote speech, delivered by one and only Róża Szafranek, is dealing with the world's oldest question - what happens, when you choose a direction and the call to action gets unanswered or does not perform as expected? Is implementation a form of dark magic, or just a metric of adaptability of the team? Let's hear the remedies from Róża.

• Keynote

• Róża SzafranekHR HintsRóża SzafranekFounder & CEO, HR HintsRóża Szafranek is the founder and CEO of HR Hints, which works on an interim model, running 30–40 transformations in parallel. She is the author of the Culturivy® method, published in the United States in the book “Culturivy: the Power of Changing a Workplace”. Her firm has already helped more than 300 organizations operationally with people-side change, transformation, implementing processes, optimizing how teams work, and achieving business goals.Read full bio →

SpaceTech Meet-Up by STARR

Signing up available soon!

• Tomasz KowalczykRebels ValleyTomasz KowalczykPartner / Growth & Innovation Designer, Rebels ValleyHe has led large-scale innovation and technology adoption initiatives for organizations including ORLEN Group, P&G, HSBC, Citi, and BNY Mellon, helping businesses identify, validate, and deploy new technologies. As Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Rebels Valley, recognized three times by the Financial Times and Statista among Europe's leading startup hubs, he has been actively involved in building innovation ecosystems across Europe, including projects in the space and defense sectors. Simultaneously, he currently serves as Head of Innovation at the Polish Football Association, leading technology transformation and exploring new applications of emerging technologies in the sports industry. His work focuses on turning technological potential into commercial value, connecting startups, corporations, public institutions, and investors to accelerate innovation adoption and scale.Read full bio →
• Yelyzaveta LeshchenkoVigo PhotonicsYelyzaveta LeshchenkoMicroelectronics Assembly Engineer, Vigo PhotonicsR&D specialist with a strong focus on space and defence technologies. Combines deep technical expertise with hands-on experience in turning ideas into impactful, real-world solutions. Skilled in managing complex research projects, from early-stage prototyping to full-scale implementation.Actively involved in innovation at the intersection of science, engineering, and strategic development. Recognized for a multidisciplinary approach, systems thinking, and the ability to translate cutting-edge research into real-world solutions.As a woman in technology, advocates for greater diversity in STEM. Supports initiatives that empower women in engineering and science, and promotes inclusive environments where innovation can thrive.Read full bio →

Silicon Meets Steel: Investing at the Crossroads of Semiconductors, Robotics and Manufacturing

Semiconductors, robotics and advanced manufacturing are among the hottest areas in deep tech, and they are increasingly converging. Chips power the robots that are reshaping factories, while new manufacturing capabilities decide who can produce the chips Europe needs. In this panel, a deep tech founder and leading investors debate which of these forces is shaping the market most today, where the real investment opportunities lie, and what it will take for CEE to build global hardware champions.

• Panel

• Igor DeryłoPolish Photonics Technology PlatformIgor DeryłoDyrektor PPTF i Klastra microEPC, Polish Photonics Technology PlatformIgor Deryło is Director of Operations at the Polish Technological Platform on Photonics (PPTF) and coordinator of microEPC, the Cluster of Microelectronics, Electronics and Photonics. He is also a photonics expert at the Industry Contact Point Industry 4.0. Holding an MSc in Photonic Engineering, he has over 15 years of experience in international market entry, startup advisory and deep-tech ecosystem development across photonics, semiconductors, microelectronics and quantum technologies. His work focuses on connecting technology innovators, industry and research organisations to accelerate technology commercialisation and industrial collaboration.Read full bio →
• Jana BudkovskajaBSV VenturesJana BudkovskajaPartner, BSV VenturesJana Budkovskaja is an Estonian innovation leader, angel investor and ecosystem builder working at the intersection of entrepreneurship, impact and early-stage investment. Recently, she joined BSV Ventures, to support ambitious founders building scalable technology companies based on scientific breakthroughs. She is also a member of the management board of the Estonian Business Angels Network, EstBAN, where she is actively involved in syndicate investing, investor collaboration and the development of the Baltic early-stage investment ecosystem. Jana path into investing is deliberately interdisciplinary. Jana began with an academic background in physics and environmental research before moving into sustainability, innovation and startup ecosystem development. Her early work included municipal sustainability projects, including initiatives that helped an Estonian municipality transition fully to renewable energy. That experience continues to shape her investment perspective: Jana looks for founders building practical, scalable solutions to real-world challenges. Jana is also committed to improving access to capital for women founders. She has initiated and led several business angel syndicates designed to channel investment, strategic support and investor attention toward women-led startups.Read full bio →
• Marek KotelnickiVIGO VenturesMarek KotelnickiManaging Partner, VIGO VenturesI chose to invest in photonics not because it is easy, but because it's hard...ware! For over 15 years I have financed and commercialised European deep tech, including 8+ years as Managing Partner of VIGO Ventures, a venture capital fund focused on photonics. I have screened more than 1,000 early-stage companies across Europe, Asia and North America. Our portfolio spans five EU countries and Canada; those companies have raised over EUR 100 million, with 8 of 10 securing follow-on rounds from institutional and corporate investors. Today I am building Photonics Catalyst, an angel & expert network and ecosystem platform that gives investors and corporates early, curated access to photonics companies sourced globally, before they circulate widely. Photonics sits on the critical path of European competitiveness and strategic autonomy: AI infrastructure, sensing, energy, security and defence. The best companies of this transition are being founded now, and my work is making sure the right capital sees them first. I invest personally as well: deep tech companies, from photonic quantum computing to fabless semiconductors, with board and observer seats along the way. I serve on private and public boards of deep tech companies, and as an expert and jury member for European innovation instruments including the European Innovation Council, PhotonHub Europe or Tech Tour. I also share what I've learned as a speaker (Laser World of Photonics, VivaTech, CERN Venture Connect, OPTICA, EPIC and Future of Computing events) and since 2012 mentor to deep tech founders through, amongst others: Creative Destruction Lab, Tech Tour, PhotonHub Scaling Club, EIC Scaling Club, EuroCDP.Read full bio →
• Michał NejbauerFluence TechnologyMichał NejbauerCo-founder and CEO, Fluence TechnologyMichał Nejbauer, PhD, is Co-founder and CEO of Fluence Technology, a Polish company developing and manufacturing femtosecond fiber lasers for industrial applications. Combining a background in physics and optics with experience in commercialising advanced photonics, he has helped take Fluence from academic research to international markets. He brings a founder’s perspective on scaling deep-tech hardware, translating scientific innovation into manufacturing solutions, and building a globally competitive technology business.Read full bio →
• Karol SzubstarskiOTB VenturesKarol SzubstarskiPartner, OTB VenturesKarol is a Partner at OTB Ventures. He boasts over a decade of expertise in the deep tech sector, pursuing opportunities across three continents in traditional and corporate VC firms. Karol specializes in emerging technologies, including fintech infrastructure, data & analytics, and semiconductors. He joined OTB Ventures at its very inception, and prior to that was part of Intel Capital, the Corporate VC arm of Intel where he was focused on investment opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, Africa, and the Middle East.Read full bio →

From Innovation to Impact: Different Paths to Scale with EIT

There is no single route from a promising idea to a solution that reaches the market. In this one-hour session, explore different ways innovators can use the EIT Community to move from research and early-stage innovation towards validation, funding, implementation and scale.

• Panel

• Joanna BroyEIT HealthJoanna BroyHead of Ecosystem Management, EIT HealthJoanna Broy is a professional dedicated to bridging the worlds of business and science. As Head of Ecosystem Management in EIT Health, she focuses on fostering collaboration, connecting stakeholders, and supporting early-career innovators in turning their ideas into reality. She is passionate about helping the next generation of innovators realise their ambitions and shape the world of tomorrow.Read full bio →
• Kamila ChmielewskaNational Centre for Research DevelopmentKamila ChmielewskaNational Contact Point for EIC & EIT, National Centre for Research DevelopmentExperienced innovation and startup support ekspert specializing in technology-driven ventures, innovation financing, and the development of high-impact business models. Polish National Contact Point (NCP) for European Innovation Council (EIC) and European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) programmes, supporting companies throughout the innovation lifecycle. Focused on fostering sustainable growth through ESG principles, facilitating the adoption of innovation in enterprises, and helping startups scale through access to funding, strategic partnerships, and innovation ecosystems.Read full bio →
• Mateusz DworakMedical University of ŁódźMateusz DworakSenior Specialist for International Projects, Medical University of ŁódźMateusz Dworak is a medical doctor working at the intersection of healthcare, innovation and European research funding. At the Medical University of Łódź, he focuses on connecting companies and start-ups with academic expertise, building international partnerships, and developing collaborative R&D projects. His background combines medicine, entrepreneurship and training in psychodynamic psychotherapy. He is particularly interested in helping innovative companies turn their ideas into joint research projects supported by European funding.Read full bio →
• Antonina KurmanowiczEITAntonina KurmanowiczCommunity Officer, EITAntonina Kurmanowicz is an innovation ecosystem professional with experience in acceleration, corporate innovation, venture building and social innovation. As EIT Community Officer Poland, she focuses on connecting innovators, organisations and stakeholders with the EIT network and supporting entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives.Read full bio →
• Bart RoszkowskiProtein ResourcesBart RoszkowskiCo-CEO, Protein ResourcesBart Roszkowski is a 5x founder with 20+ years of experience building companies in both software and deeptech. He is Co-CEO of Proteine Resources, a deeptech pet health & longevity company. He has raised from angels, VCs, Y Combinator (W21) and the EIC Accelerator (€9.5M), and led complex operations such as spinning Vue Storefront (now Alokai) out of a software agency. He builds products hands-on, owns go-to-market and tells the story that sells them.Read full bio →
• Małgorzata SochackaMoodmonMałgorzata SochackaCo-founder, MoodmonMałgorzata Sochacka earned her PhD from Warsaw Technical University in 1993. She has over 20 years of experience in fundamental research in physical optics and more than 25 years in IT industry management. Since 2016, her work has focused on AI applications for monitoring affective disorders. As a co-founder and key driving force behind the MoodMon system, she is dedicated to advancing technology in mental health monitoring.Read full bio →

Rocket Fuel for Startups: Inside the Funding of New Space

Not so long ago space industry was an entirely governmental branch due to the initial costs of production. Currently new space start-ups are popping up like mushrooms and raising funds like never before. During this panel you will hear different strategies of growth from leading Polish space companies and startups.

• Panel

• Maja StaniewskaSpaciveMaja StaniewskaJunior Project Assistant, SpaciveI am (not yet, but close to) a Mechanical Engineer working in the space industry, with a special interest in the defence applications of this sector. I am conducting my own research in this area, focusing on ISRU and obtaining critical raw materials for military purposes in space. Currently I am an intern at Spacive, a Polish space company specializing in thermal engineering, where I learn what it means to be an engineer (and also I conduct marketing campaigns).My other special interest is event management - I have volunteered and worked at numerous conferences, including Economic Forum in Karpacz, one of the biggest political events in Poland.Read full bio →
• Przemysław DróżdżLifteroPrzemysław DróżdżCo-Founder, LifteroPrzemysław Drożdż is the Co-founder and COO of Liftero S.A., a publicly listed company on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, providing next-generation chemical propulsion systems for satellites. He holds a degree from AGH University of Krakow and Kozminski University in Warsaw.Read full bio →
• Piotr OsicaSpacivePiotr OsicaCEO, SpacivePiotr Osica is the CEO & Shareholder at Spacive, a space-tech company developing advanced thermal control systems and subsystems for satellites and critical spacecraft components. At Spacive, Piotr leads the team in creating proprietary passive and active thermal management technologies designed to meet the rigorous thermal demands of modern space missions. His focus is on delivering robust solutions that enable reliable operations for both current orbital platforms and next-generation, high-power satellites.Read full bio →
• Łucja RugorKosmokŁucja RugorFounder, KosmokAmbitious project manager interested in the space industry, with a strong background in space systems engineering, hardware design of high-reliability circuits and avionic systems. A fan of Star Trek trying to bring these long-lasting, multipurpose starships to life!Read full bio →
• Ewelina ZarembaEntelechiaEwelina ZarembaCo-founder & CTO, EntelechiaChallenging the "pierwszy polski” mindset we currently have in Polish space industry. Making it globally competitive rather than just national.   Co-founder and CTO of Entelechia PSA. Her goal is to commercialize in-orbit factories, her first step is high-power battery system with integrated thermal management.   With highly experienced team, Entelechia keeps balance between ESA/EC strategic goals and commercial market needs, cooperating with both from the very early stage.    Its batteries will power the next industrial space revolution and provide EU with independence from the major outside-EU suppliers.Read full bio →

PK Kraków University of Technology Open Meeting

An open networking event dedicated to representatives from academia, the business sector, and deep-tech companies to discuss development challenges, technological collaboration, and the commercialization of knowledge. Coffee and cake will be served during the networking session.

CEE & UK MedTech Meetup

MedTech meet-up for everyone interested. Opening of the signing platform soon!

• Christian KumarMedTech Makers LabChristian KumarFounder & CEO, MedTech Makers LabMore than 30 years in corporate finance, investment banking, and wealth management. Runs MedTech Makers Lab, a venture builder for medical technology with programmes in the UK and Europe, including Poland, and Capital Kinetics, a corporate finance and private equity firm.Read full bio →
• Erki MölderVerge HealthTech FundErki MölderManaging Partner, Verge HealthTech FundErki Mölder has spent more than two decades in healthcare and life sciences, beginning as Co-Founder and CEO of Quattromed, which he grew over 14 years from a University of Tartu spin-off into the largest regional laboratory group (three countries, 200+ staff) before its acquisition by Synlab in 2013. Since then he has invested in early-stage healthtech, leading investments that produced two further exits, and in 2020 founded Health Founders, the region’s first healthtech-focused accelerator. He is a Managing Partner at Verge HealthTech Fund, which he joined in 2019 as Venture Partner for Europe, investing in healthcare technology globally.Read full bio →
• Anna ProchEduTailorAnna ProchCEO and Co-founder, EduTailorAnna Proch is co-founder and CEO of EduTailor, where teams practise difficult conversations and procedures with AI characters, in a browser or in VR. EduTailor is a direct EIC Accelerator finalist with the EU Seal of Excellence and close to €2M in R&D funding from NCBR. Anna also co-founded dp.vision, a B2B tech studio, and invests as an angel in early-stage companies.Read full bio →

Food & Industrial Biotech Meetup by BioCatalyst

Food & Industrial Biotech Meetup by BioCatalyst

Industry Lab Demo Day by DGA

Signing up available soon!

Defence & Security Meet-Up by Polish Chamber of Dual-Use

Polish Chamber of Dual-Use creates the space for talking about the defence & security aspect of deep tech.

CEE Innovators Gala - Grand Finale

Welcome the winners of the 2026 Deep Tech CEE Challenge!

Warsaw Quantum Computing Group Meetup

Discussion panel between the leaders of quantum computing and presentations of 5 top quantum start-ups. Sign here: https://luma.com/3xtaq8by

• Tomasz ĆwikFinqubitTomasz ĆwikCo-founder & CEO, FinqubitPassionate technologist and experienced financial industry executive who loves to shift the borders of what is possible with strong track record of successful innovations merging cutting-edge technologies with practical financial industry challenges. Leader of the first Quantum team in the financial sector in CEE. Recognized as one of the Worldwide Quantum Strategists by Quantum Insider.Read full bio →
• PGPaweł GoraFounder & CEO | Quantum AI Foundation
• Michał OszmaniecCentre for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of SciencesMichał OszmaniecLeader of the Theory of Quantum Computation Group, Centre for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of SciencesMichał Oszmaniec is a theoretical physicist leading the Theory of Quantum Computation group at the Center for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw. He explores when quantum computers can outperform classical machines—and how to verify that advantage. His work spans photonic quantum computing, benchmarking quantum devices and mitigating errors.Read full bio →
• Marcin SadowskiAIQLabMarcin SadowskiCreator, AIQLabI have managed R&D projects in quantum computing and AI for over 20 years. I participate in key initiatives, such as development of module infrastructure of quantum computers and post-quantum algorithms, resistant to threats associated with progress of quantum computing. I created AIQLAB INSTITUTE - a platform dedicated to innovations in AI and quantum computing. I specialize in design and implementing advanced IT systems, AI solutions for cybersecurity, image analysis and VR simulators. Our collaboration with the top academic and research centres bore fruit to unprecedented solutions for education, industry and defence. My mission is using the newest technologies to foster innovations, which shape the future of science, business and society.Read full bio →
• Michał StęchłyPsiQuantumMichał StęchłyQuantum Software Engineer, PsiQuantumMichał Stęchły is a Staff Software Engineer at Lila Sciences and a consultant at PsiQuantum, where he previously worked as a Senior Quantum Software Engineer. His main interests include designing better abstractions and improving developer experience, with a particular focus on scientific and quantum computing. He is also active in the quantum computing community and is the author of a blog  "Musty Thoughts" and QSEN, a newsletter about quantum software engineering.Read full bio →
• Piotr WcisłoNicolaus Copernicus University in ToruńPiotr WcisłoProfessor, Nicolaus Copernicus University in ToruńProf. Piotr Wcisło, DSc, PhD is an atomic physicist and a graduate of the Interdisciplinary Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Jagiellonian University, specializing in atomic physics. He obtained his PhD from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Poland, where he has been working since 2015. His research experience includes fellowships and research visits at leading scientific institutions, including the Harvard- Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in the United States, JILA (the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics, jointly operated by the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology), and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He has received numerous awards and distinctions, including the Stanisław Pieńkowski Award (2015), the Polish Physical Society Award (2012), the Prime Minister’s Award for an outstanding doctoral dissertation (2016), and the Minister of Science Award (2016 and 2017). He has also received the START scholarship from the Foundation for Polish Science, a scholarship from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education for outstanding young scientists, and an award from the National Science Centre, Poland. His research has been supported by several National Science Centre grants, including SONATA, two OPUS projects, PRELUDIUM BIS, and SONATA BIS, as well as the prestigious ERC Starting Grant. His research focuses on ultra-precise molecular spectroscopy, precision measurements of the properties of the simplest atomic and molecular systems, and tests of fundamental laws of physics. Prof. Wcisło also develops novel methods for searching for dark matter, including those based on optical atomic clocks. His work aims to test quantum theory and search for possible manifestations of physics beyond the Standard Model, potentially paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries in the natural sciences.Read full bio →

DEEPER: Ecosystem Afterparty + VIP Afterparty

After a long day of meetings and conversations, we invite you to the exclusive afterparty! Address: Dom towarowy Bracia Jabłkowscy Bracka 25, 00-021 Warsaw Find on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KMkumGcxK6UmhakW6