Session
Polish Agency for Enterprise Development
• Speaker 1: Ms. Karolina Okręglak-Hoty, chief specialist at Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PAED) presenting the success stories fueled by Norway Grants in Poland, the onsite rapporteur; • Speaker 2: Mr. Jacek Bukowicki, expert in Startups Development Dept, Polish Agency for Enterprise Development, the onsite moderator; The Agency’s mission is to support innovation ecosystem & development of SMEs in Poland. Since its foundation in 2000, a great deal of Agency’s efforts is distribution of European Funds and Norway Grants through a variety of evolving programs, projects and calls for proposals. Apart from financial support, the Agency also offers educational services as well as research, evaluation and analysis reports on the latest technology trends. The 'Business Development and Innovation' program was carried out as part of the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014–2021 and the EEA (European Economic Area) Financial Mechanism 2014–2021. The Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PAED) was the Program Operator responsible for program management and implementation, conducting calls for proposals, and granting funds to selected projects. The program was implemented in partnership with Innovation Norway as the Donor Program Partner. Poland is one of several countries carrying out programs financed by the Norwegian government and the governments of EEA countries. The 'Business Development and Innovation' program supported innovations in Polish companies in three areas: green industry innovation, welfare technologies, including improving access/quality of life for the elderly, and blue growth, which involves developing companies operating in the maritime or inland water sector. The program also aimed to promote cooperation between Polish companies and Norwegian partners. Ms. Karolina Okręglak-Hoty will present innovations supported by Norway Grants program in cooperation with Norwegian partners, operated by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development. Her talk will showcase groundbreaking green technologies fostered in collaboration with Norwegian partners, as the proof for how government-backed programs and international partnerships are driving real change in addressing global challenges. Mr. Bukowicki will present a few successful cases of fostering sustainable & responsible innovations through the agency’s flagship innovation incubation and acceleration programs aimed to help innovators, budding entrepreneurs and startup teams at pre-seed, seed and early-stage level of development, including first solution testing (proof-of-concept) collaboration in real business & industrial infrastructure of the key market players (corporations, state-owned companies, public institutions, local governments etc.). • Speaker 3: Mr. Przemysław Nowakowski, Expert of the Łódź Special Economic Zone (the Zone) • Speaker 4: Ms. Anna Krawczyk, Expert of the Lodz Special Economic Zone The main mission of the Zone is bringing the best startups and solutions to Poland. The Zone has been awarded as one of the top 10 special economic zones worldwide. It has been selected to be a key operator of multiple PAED acceleration programs, including the last edition of Poland Prize. Przemyslaw Nowakowski opens the line of communication between startups, investors, and various stakeholders to get projects done. With over 20 years in both public and private sectors, Przemyslaw has experience in management, financing, professional development, strategic implementation, and company collaboration. Przemyslaw has managed projects at Medical University of Lodz, Heimdall Combat Systems, and Lodz Special Economic Zone. Multiple awarded innovator (KIDE Taiwan, EIT, Brussels Innova, Concours Lépine etc.). Mr. Nowakowski’s works has been cited & published in: MDPI Applied Sciences (Air Pollution Associates with Cancer Incidences in Poland Tuśnio,Fichna,Nowakowski,Tofiło; Special Issue Air Pollution—Measurement Methods, Exposure, and Health Determinants). Ms. Anna Krawczyk joined the Lodz Special Economic Zone team in 2021. She graduated from administration at the Faculty of Law and Administration. She uses her acquired knowledge on a daily basis at work related to the documentation of the implementation of EU projects. Her experience is a key to manage EU Founds from EU especially EDIH: European Digital Innovation Hub. Ms. Anna Krawczyk implements and shapes services for SME in LSEZ, to her key responsibilities is to work with different entities to make digital services incorporated in SME operations and business. She works with team of experts as a key support for preparing formal acceleration documents for startups and SME.
• Speaker 1: Ms. Karolina Okręglak-Hoty, chief specialist at Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PAED) presenting the success stories fueled by Norway Grants in Poland, the onsite rapporteur; • Speaker 2: Mr. Jacek Bukowicki, expert in Startups Development Dept, Polish Agency for Enterprise Development, the onsite moderator; The Agency’s mission is to support innovation ecosystem & development of SMEs in Poland. Since its foundation in 2000, a great deal of Agency’s efforts is distribution of European Funds and Norway Grants through a variety of evolving programs, projects and calls for proposals. Apart from financial support, the Agency also offers educational services as well as research, evaluation and analysis reports on the latest technology trends. The 'Business Development and Innovation' program was carried out as part of the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014–2021 and the EEA (European Economic Area) Financial Mechanism 2014–2021. The Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PAED) was the Program Operator responsible for program management and implementation, conducting calls for proposals, and granting funds to selected projects. The program was implemented in partnership with Innovation Norway as the Donor Program Partner. Poland is one of several countries carrying out programs financed by the Norwegian government and the governments of EEA countries. The 'Business Development and Innovation' program supported innovations in Polish companies in three areas: green industry innovation, welfare technologies, including improving access/quality of life for the elderly, and blue growth, which involves developing companies operating in the maritime or inland water sector. The program also aimed to promote cooperation between Polish companies and Norwegian partners. Ms. Karolina Okręglak-Hoty will present innovations supported by Norway Grants program in cooperation with Norwegian partners, operated by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development. Her talk will showcase groundbreaking green technologies fostered in collaboration with Norwegian partners, as the proof for how government-backed programs and international partnerships are driving real change in addressing global challenges. Mr. Bukowicki will present a few successful cases of fostering sustainable & responsible innovations through the agency’s flagship innovation incubation and acceleration programs aimed to help innovators, budding entrepreneurs and startup teams at pre-seed, seed and early-stage level of development, including first solution testing (proof-of-concept) collaboration in real business & industrial infrastructure of the key market players (corporations, state-owned companies, public institutions, local governments etc.). • Speaker 3: Mr. Przemysław Nowakowski, Expert of the Łódź Special Economic Zone (the Zone) • Speaker 4: Ms. Anna Krawczyk, Expert of the Lodz Special Economic Zone The main mission of the Zone is bringing the best startups and solutions to Poland. The Zone has been awarded as one of the top 10 special economic zones worldwide. It has been selected to be a key operator of multiple PAED acceleration programs, including the last edition of Poland Prize. Przemyslaw Nowakowski opens the line of communication between startups, investors, and various stakeholders to get projects done. With over 20 years in both public and private sectors, Przemyslaw has experience in management, financing, professional development, strategic implementation, and company collaboration. Przemyslaw has managed projects at Medical University of Lodz, Heimdall Combat Systems, and Lodz Special Economic Zone. Multiple awarded innovator (KIDE Taiwan, EIT, Brussels Innova, Concours Lépine etc.). Mr. Nowakowski’s works has been cited & published in: MDPI Applied Sciences (Air Pollution Associates with Cancer Incidences in Poland Tuśnio,Fichna,Nowakowski,Tofiło; Special Issue Air Pollution—Measurement Methods, Exposure, and Health Determinants). Ms. Anna Krawczyk joined the Lodz Special Economic Zone team in 2021. She graduated from administration at the Faculty of Law and Administration. She uses her acquired knowledge on a daily basis at work related to the documentation of the implementation of EU projects. Her experience is a key to manage EU Founds from EU especially EDIH: European Digital Innovation Hub. Ms. Anna Krawczyk implements and shapes services for SME in LSEZ, to her key responsibilities is to work with different entities to make digital services incorporated in SME operations and business. She works with team of experts as a key support for preparing formal acceleration documents for startups and SME.
Organization's Website
Speakers
• Speaker 1: Ms. Karolina Okręglak-Hoty, chief specialist at Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PAED) presenting the success stories fueled by Norway Grants in Poland, the onsite rapporteur;
• Speaker 2: Mr. Jacek Bukowicki, expert in Startups Development Dept, Polish Agency for Enterprise Development, the onsite moderator;
The Agency’s mission is to support innovation ecosystem & development of SMEs in Poland. Since its foundation in 2000, a great deal of Agency’s efforts is distribution of European Funds and Norway Grants through a variety of evolving programs, projects and calls for proposals. Apart from financial support, the Agency also offers educational services as well as research, evaluation and analysis reports on the latest technology trends.
The 'Business Development and Innovation' program was carried out as part of the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014–2021 and the EEA (European Economic Area) Financial Mechanism 2014–2021. The Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PAED) was the Program Operator responsible for program management and implementation, conducting calls for proposals, and granting funds to selected projects. The program was implemented in partnership with Innovation Norway as the Donor Program Partner. Poland is one of several countries carrying out programs financed by the Norwegian government and the governments of EEA countries.
The 'Business Development and Innovation' program supported innovations in Polish companies in three areas: green industry innovation, welfare technologies, including improving access/quality of life for the elderly, and blue growth, which involves developing companies operating in the maritime or inland water sector. The program also aimed to promote cooperation between Polish companies and Norwegian partners.
Ms. Karolina Okręglak-Hoty will present innovations supported by Norway Grants program in cooperation with Norwegian partners, operated by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development. Her talk will showcase groundbreaking green technologies fostered in collaboration with Norwegian partners, as the proof for how government-backed programs and international partnerships are driving real change in addressing global challenges.
Mr. Bukowicki will present a few successful cases of fostering sustainable & responsible innovations through the agency’s flagship innovation incubation and acceleration programs aimed to help innovators, budding entrepreneurs and startup teams at pre-seed, seed and early-stage level of development, including first solution testing (proof-of-concept) collaboration in real business & industrial infrastructure of the key market players (corporations, state-owned companies, public institutions, local governments etc.).
• Speaker 3: Mr. Przemysław Nowakowski, Expert of the Łódź Special Economic Zone (the Zone)
• Speaker 4: Ms. Anna Krawczyk, Expert of the Lodz Special Economic Zone
The main mission of the Zone is bringing the best startups and solutions to Poland. The Zone has been awarded as one of the top 10 special economic zones worldwide. It has been selected to be a key operator of multiple PAED acceleration programs, including the last edition of Poland Prize & the brand new Startup Booster Poland - Smart Up multi-path acceleration program.
Mr. Przemyslaw Nowakowski opens the line of communication between startups, investors, and various stakeholders to get projects done. With over 20 years in both public and private sectors, Przemyslaw has experience in management, financing, professional development, strategic implementation, and company collaboration. Przemyslaw has managed projects at Medical University of Lodz, Heimdall Combat Systems, and Lodz Special Economic Zone. Multiple awarded innovator (KIDE Taiwan, EIT, Brussels Innova, Concours Lépine etc.).
Mr. Nowakowski’s works has been cited & published in: MDPI Applied Sciences (Air Pollution Associates with Cancer Incidences in Poland Tuśnio,Fichna,Nowakowski,Tofiło; Special Issue Air Pollution — Measurement Methods, Exposure, and Health Determinants).
Ms. Anna Krawczyk joined the Lodz Special Economic Zone team in 2021. She graduated from administration at the Faculty of Law and Administration. She uses her acquired knowledge on a daily basis at work related to the documentation of the implementation of EU projects. Her experience is a key to manage EU Founds from EU especially EDIH: European Digital Innovation Hub.
Ms. Anna Krawczyk implements and shapes services for SME in LSEZ, to her key responsibilities is to work with different entities to make digital services incorporated in SME operations and business. She works with team of experts as a key support for preparing formal acceleration documents for startups and SME.
Onsite Moderator
Mr. Jacek Bukowicki
Rapporteur
Ms. Karolina Okręglak-Hoty
SDGs
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
13. Climate Action
Targets: Discussion on the role of emerging technological innovations in achieving sustainable development fuelled by European Funds & Norway Grants. How to responsibly foster innovation and advance safe technological progress by means of artificial intelligence, Internet of things and e-commerce to solve global challenges such as climate change, poverty and access to education? Which of the latest trends and technologies will significantly contribute to the implementation of sustainable development with a view to reduce consumption and encourage more efficient use of resources?
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
13. Climate Action
Targets: Discussion on the role of emerging technological innovations in achieving sustainable development fuelled by European Funds & Norway Grants. How to responsibly foster innovation and advance safe technological progress by means of artificial intelligence, Internet of things and e-commerce to solve global challenges such as climate change, poverty and access to education? Which of the latest trends and technologies will significantly contribute to the implementation of sustainable development with a view to reduce consumption and encourage more efficient use of resources?
Format
Lightning discussion/interview with Q&A session, 30 minutes
The structure of this lightning talk & panel discussion as following:
1. Introduction
Presenting panelists and institutions (organizations), an outline of the topic
2. Get inspired – examples of startups solutions/innovations for sustainable development in Poland
The panelists will present the innovative examples - pioneers who are driving positive change and shaping a sustainable future. Provided examples are supported by a government agency in cooperation with special economic zone from European Funds programs. We’ll get to know success stories of projects with their development paths.
3. Get inspired – examples of green technologies in cooperation with Norwegian Partners
Innovations supported by Norway Grants program in cooperation with Norwegian partners, operated by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (government agency). Provided examples present how partnerships between countries work and what possibilities are created by both of countries to develop new sustainable ideas.
4. Summary
Many global challenges are already addressed and can be solved with brave and revolutionary ideas from innovators and small agile startup teams. One of the barriers lying on the way of their implementation is a financial gap as well as reluctance to take risks by stakeholders and market players.
The panel will wrap up by addressing the future of technological innovations and the steps needed to support their broader implementation. The speakers will share insights on how we can continue to overcome existing barriers to accelerate the pace of change and foster greater collaboration between innovators, businesses, and stakeholders.
Duration (minutes)
30
Description
Join us for an inspiring panel discussion on shaping the future with sustainable and innovative solutions fuelled by European Funds & Norway Grants, addressing the following issues:
• how to responsibly foster innovation and advance safe technological progress by means of artificial intelligence, Internet of things and e-commerce to solve global challenges such as climate change, poverty and access to education?
• which of the latest trends and emerging technologies will significantly contribute to the implementation of sustainable development with a view to reduce consumption and encourage more efficient use of resources?
Hear about trailblazing startups in Poland and explore groundbreaking green technologies in collaboration with Norwegian partners. Learn how government-backed programs and international partnerships are driving real change in addressing global challenges. Our experts will share success stories, discuss the obstacles to scaling innovations, and offer insights on how we can accelerate responsible, safe & ethical progress. This session promises engaging discussions, new ideas, and opportunities for collaboration in creating a sustainable tomorrow.
The technical tools and virtual link provided by the IGF Organisers will enable the hybrid component of our session. Both onsite and online attendees will be encouraged by the session moderator to interact with the speakers: ask questions, share their opinions, ideas and experience. The structure of this lightning talk & panel discussion will be as follows: 1. Introduction Presenting panelists and institutions (organizations), an outline of the topic 2. Get inspired – examples of startups solutions/innovations for sustainable development in Poland The panelists will present the innovative examples - pioneers who are driving positive change and shaping a sustainable future. Provided examples are supported by a government agency in cooperation with special economic zone from European Funds programs. We’ll get to know success stories of projects with their development paths. 3. Get inspired – examples of green technologies in cooperation with Norwegian Partners Innovations supported by Norway Grants program in cooperation with Norwegian partners, operated by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (government agency). Provided examples present how partnerships between countries work and what possibilities are created by both of countries to develop new sustainable ideas. 4. Summary Many global challenges are already addressed and can be solved with brave and revolutionary ideas from innovators and small agile startup teams. One of the barriers lying on the way of their implementation is a financial gap as well as reluctance to take risks by stakeholders and market players. The panel will wrap up by addressing the future of technological innovations and the steps needed to support their broader implementation. The speakers will share insights on how we can continue to overcome existing barriers to accelerate the pace of change and foster greater collaboration between innovators, businesses, and stakeholders. The speakers will provide their contact details for those interested in further discussion and potential collaboration. The session will offer a lively exchange of ideas, and informal discussions are expected to continue beyond the panel, fostering connections and collaboration in solving global challenges.
The technical tools and virtual link provided by the IGF Organisers will enable the hybrid component of our session. Both onsite and online attendees will be encouraged by the session moderator to interact with the speakers: ask questions, share their opinions, ideas and experience. The structure of this lightning talk & panel discussion will be as follows: 1. Introduction Presenting panelists and institutions (organizations), an outline of the topic 2. Get inspired – examples of startups solutions/innovations for sustainable development in Poland The panelists will present the innovative examples - pioneers who are driving positive change and shaping a sustainable future. Provided examples are supported by a government agency in cooperation with special economic zone from European Funds programs. We’ll get to know success stories of projects with their development paths. 3. Get inspired – examples of green technologies in cooperation with Norwegian Partners Innovations supported by Norway Grants program in cooperation with Norwegian partners, operated by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (government agency). Provided examples present how partnerships between countries work and what possibilities are created by both of countries to develop new sustainable ideas. 4. Summary Many global challenges are already addressed and can be solved with brave and revolutionary ideas from innovators and small agile startup teams. One of the barriers lying on the way of their implementation is a financial gap as well as reluctance to take risks by stakeholders and market players. The panel will wrap up by addressing the future of technological innovations and the steps needed to support their broader implementation. The speakers will share insights on how we can continue to overcome existing barriers to accelerate the pace of change and foster greater collaboration between innovators, businesses, and stakeholders. The speakers will provide their contact details for those interested in further discussion and potential collaboration. The session will offer a lively exchange of ideas, and informal discussions are expected to continue beyond the panel, fostering connections and collaboration in solving global challenges.