June first, Sunday:
01.06.2025 – Auditorium Maximum of the Jagiellonian University, ul. Krupnicza 33, Kraków


Agenda EUIndTech2025
16:00–19:00
Opening cocktail
17:00–19:00
Registration
First day:
02.06.2025 – Auditorium Maximum of the Jagiellonian University, ul. Krupnicza 33, Kraków
08:00–17:00
Registration
09:00–10:00
(A1)
Official Opening Ceremony
Moderator:
Karolina Bielawska
Opening Speeches:
Maria Mrówczyńska
Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Science and Higher Education
Maria Cristina Russo
Director for Prosperity, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission
Krzysztof Galos
Undersecretary of State, hief National Geologist, Ministry of Climate and Environment
Łukasz Smółka
Marshal of the Małopolska Region
Natalia Sobczak
Vice President of Polish Academy of Science
Magdalena Wdowin
Director of the Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences
Joanna Kulczycka
Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences – Acknowlegments to our conference partners
10:00–10:15
(A2)
Piotr Moncarz: Inspiring talk on role of science and international cooperation
10:15–11:30
(A3)
Research and Innovation in Poland for a Sustainable, Competitive, and Resilient Europe – From Science to Industry
This session will focus on translating scientific excellence into industrial impact. It will showcase how Polish universities and businesses are driving the development of sustainable technologies, strengthening industrial resilience, and enhancing global competitiveness. From emerging technologies to circular economy solutions, the session will highlight concrete pathways for bridging science and industry—contributing to a sustainable, innovative, and resilient Europe.
Moderator: Jerzy Hausner
Panelists: Krzysztof Galos, Magdalena Kołodziejska, Piotr Krzyżewski, Wojciech Macyk, Krzysztof Mendrok, Bartłomiej Wojdyło
11:30–12:00
Coffee break
12:00–13:30
(M1)
Research and Innovation for Clean Industrial Deal
This session will showcase how R&I contributes to the Industrial Clean Deal and the importance of moving into high level TRL R&I in order to sustain the transition of the energy intensive industries.
Moderator: Jürgen Tiedje
Panelists: Andrzej Drozd, Griet Lannoo, Gerd Löhden, Angels Orduna
Advanced Materials:
Technologies:
Science & Business:
Community in Action and Innovation:
12:00–13:30
(T1)
Building Sustainable Business Models in the Manufacturing Sector
The transformation of manufacturing industries is essential to achieving Europe’s green and digital transition goals. This session will explore how sustainable business models can be designed and implemented across the manufacturing sector, balancing environmental responsibility with economic competitiveness. We will examine innovative practices and policy frameworks that enable companies to integrate circular economy principles, resource efficiency, and climate-neutral strategies into their core operations. This interactive session aims to inspire cross-sector collaboration and provide actionable insights for advancing sustainable innovation in manufacturing.
Moderator: Joanna Kulczycka
Speaker: Peter Klein
Speaker: Franz Pirker
Speaker: Arkadiusz Majoch
Panelists: Salim Belouttar, Gianni Campatelli, Tomasz Drzal, Piotr Młynarz, Barbara Piontek, Bartłomiej Samardakiewicz
12:00–13:30
(S1)
Enhanced Dialogues EU – Japan on Advanced Materials
The EU-Japan Dialogue on Advanced Materials was launched in April 2024. It builds on the success of EU-Japan collaboration in R&I in material sciences, in areas such as electronics, energy, construction, mobility and data-driven science. It aims to create a platform for sharing information on policy developments and exploring opportunities to pursue collaborative research in the areas of mutual interest. During the session experts from Japan and the EU will discuss key technological challenges on advanced materials from their point of view.
Moderator: Maria Cristina Russo
Panelists: Takafumi Noguchi, Maddalena Rostagno, Tejs Vegge, Tetsuo Tsuchiya
Advanced Materials:
Technologies:
Science & Business:
Community in Action and Innovation:
12:00–13:30
(C1)
What Can the Industry do to Attract Women and their Potential?
Industry needs a skilled workforce at all levels with “skills” including a profound education, an open mind to innovation and new technologies as well as enthusiasm and passion for a job in new team structures and innovative job formats. The EU Commission, e.g. led by EIT Raw Materials has set up programs attracting women to technical jobs and supporting them in their needs and ambitions. Highly qualified women graduate from universities inside and outside Europe and yet, they are still underrepresented Europe’s industry. The panel will explore what stops women from applying for jobs in industry. It will discuss measures that can drive change to a more diverse workforce. Overall, the panel aims to identify actions that will help industry to attract and retain women and their skills to close existing gaps.
Moderator: Sabina Grund
Speaker: Antonious Schroeder
Speaker: Doris Jovovic
Panelists: Doris Jovovic, Milena Ferrari, Gabriella Quaranta, Edyta Satchell, Henning Soller, Ling Tao
13:30–14:30
Networking/Lunch
14:30–16:00
(M2)
Designing Safe and Sustainable Materials and Chemicals – SSbD Implementation and Digitalization
Designing safe and sustainable by Design (SSbD) materials and chemicals is crucial for advancing environmentally responsible practices in various industries. Effective implementation of SSbD principles requires integrating safety- and sustainability-related aspects in the earliest stages of product design. Here, digitalisation can play a vital role providing innovative tools for data analysis, multi-objective-driven material selection processes, and prospective lifecycle assessment. These interdisciplinary technologies need to be based on collaboration among different stakeholders along the value chain, enabling the sharing of knowledge and best practice, facilitating and enhancing decision-making. Leveraging digital platforms enables materials and chemicals value chains to continuously monitor and improve the sustainability of their products.
The NSC-session will address the importance of integrated approaches, data-related expectations, advantages, challenges for ultimately balancing ecological and economic goals for a more sustainable future.
Moderator: Martin Himly
Speaker: Eugenia Valsami-Jones
Speaker: Andreas Künkel
Speaker: Garbine Guiu Etxeberria
Panelists: Andreas Falk, Daniel Hubert, Peter Klein, Jacek Szymanski, Mary B. Walsh
14:30–16:00
(T2)
Green Materials – sustainable choice for competitive European economy
The session will cover a wide range of aspects connected to green materials including the innovative technologies and intersectoral cooperation as key factors of the success. Starting from considering what “green” really means from the perspective of different stakeholders the panellist will seek for the answers for such questions as: Why do we need green materials? Do green materials always have to be technically advanced? How could industry, science and legislators cooperate to provide the efficient and scalable development of green materials in this area and how we all can profit from using them?
Moderator: Anna Kozera – Szałkowska
Speaker: Mirona Coropciuc
Speaker: David Caroll
Panelists: David Caroll, Mirona Coropciuc, Martino Gabellich, Paulina Kaczmarek, Justyna Zyga
14:30–16:00
(S2)
Circular Economy and Wellbeing: Driving Sustainability and Quality of Life
The circular economy is not just an environmental or economic model—it is increasingly seen as a pathway to improving overall human wellbeing. Various actors—such as NGOs and the scientific community—play a key role in ensuring accountability, inclusivity, and public acceptance of this transition, which can be further supported by a range of AI tools. A well-implemented circular economy can lead to a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable society. The upcoming discussion will focus on the key changes and challenges related to the transition toward a circular economy. By identifying barriers and opportunities, the goal is to propose the most effective and inclusive policy recommendations to support a successful and equitable shift toward circularity at both national and European levels.
Moderator: Agnieszka Sznyk
Speaker: Natalia Konchakova
Speaker: Karolina Bielawska
Speaker: Magdalena Betin
Panelists: Karin Huber-Heim, Cathrine Barth, Huub von Frijtag Drabbe
14:30–16:00
(C2)
Raw Materials – New Sustainable Solutions to Societal Challenges in EU R&D
Raw materials are essential for Europe’s green and digital transitions, and the EU is investing heavily in sustainable, circular, and resilient solutions through research and innovation. This includes reducing the environmental and social impacts of extraction and processing, advancing responsible sourcing—particularly from secondary (urban) sources—and ensuring secure access to critical raw materials for clean technologies and digital industries. EU programmes that support both investors and researchers in this area will also be discussed during the panel.
Moderator: Krzysztof Kubacki
Speaker: Witold Kurylak
Speaker: Tobias Kampmann
Panelists: Daniel Cios, Rafał Czubiński, Robert Makieła, Aurela Shtiza, Paweł Torbus
16:00–16:30
Coffee break
16:30–18:00
(A4)
Quizz
European Policies for Technological Infrastructures to Strengthen Industrial Competitiveness and Economic Security
This session will explore how Technology Infrastructures (TIs) can strengthen European industrial competitiveness and enhance security and resilience. Experts will discuss how TIs can accelerate R&D to market, support dual-use technologies, and identify areas for improvement to leverage EU’s competitive edge, ultimately informing a European strategy on TIs that promotes tech sovereignty and innovation.
Opening remarks: Maria Cristina Russo
Moderator: Marek Gorgoń
Panelists: Filip Gabryelewicz, Michał Goszczyński, Jarosław Grobelny, Christina Jönsson, Piotr Młynarz, Natalia Sobczak, Bartłomiej Wojdyło
19:00–22:00
Gala Dinner (Street Józefa Kałuży 1, Kraków – Cracovia Stadium)
Site events
02.06.2025 – Auditorium Maximum of the Jagiellonian University, ul. Krupnicza 33, Kraków
09:30–13:00
Poster session
IATI 9th Innovative Ideas of Young Scientists: Science – Startup – Industry
10:00–12:30
Environmental Management Systems as a the Best Available Technique. Updates in integrated environmental permitting requirements
10:30–13:30
Innovative Plastics Industry Solutions for Sustainable and Competitive Europe
14:00–18:00
SET Plan IWG-Industry 2025 Annual Event: Towards Highly Efficient and Sustainable Energy Use in Industry
14:30–16:30
Empowering Scholars with MDPI Academic Publishing Workshop
14:30–17:00
Green SME Sustainability Event
Day two:
3.06.2025 – Auditorium Maximum of the Jagiellonian University, Street Krupnicza 33, Kraków
09:00–10:00
(A5)
European Innovators – Innovative Ideas in Action: Central and Eastern Europe and Małopolska Region
The panel on innovators and innovations is aimed at drawing the attention of event participants to innovations that are important from the perspective of the EU’s development, but above all, those that are particularly significant and therefore being developed in Central and Eastern Europe. It also serves as an introduction to Panel C3, which is why it will highlight the role of start-ups in the innovation-shaping process. During the panel, we will discuss critical industries, the ways in which they are developing, and how they can be used to ensure the well-being and security of the community’s citizens.
Moderator: Zbigniew Bartuś
Opening remarks: Marina Zanchi
Speaker: Jakub Szlachetko
Speaker: Barbara Kopczyńska
Panelists: Mariusz Sterzel, Piotr Moncarz, Tomasz Palacz, Dominika Walec
10:00–10:15
Coffee break
10:15–11:30
(M3)
Global Challenges and Solutions in Advanced Materials Environmental Health and Safety
The rapid development and introduction of advanced materials raise important health and safety concerns that require international collaboration. One key area where coordinated efforts are essential is the global challenge of plastic pollution. Additionally, the increasing use of nano-enabled materials worldwide introduces previously unknown risks to both the environment and human health.
This session will explore emerging challenges related to exposure to both intentional (advanced) and unintentional (incidental) nanomaterials. Topics will include exposure and hazard assessment, as well as the application of AI in the rational design and characterization of incidental and next-generation materials.
Moderator: Thomas Exner
Speaker: Antreas Afantitis
Speaker: Vladimir Lobaskin
Speaker: Tomasz Puzyn
Speaker: Christie Sayes
Panelists: Eva Valsami-Jones, Tomasz Puzyn, Antreas Afantitis
Advanced Materials:
Technologies:
Science & Business:
Community in Action and Innovation:
10:15–11:30
(T3)
The Future of Sustainable Mobility and Recycling
This session will focus on the critical role of sustainable mobility and advanced recycling technologies in achieving global changes and Europe’s climate and circular economy goals. Experts will discuss innovations in vehicle electrification, IA, battery value chains, and end-of-life strategies that minimize environmental impact and resource dependency. The conversation will explore policy, investment, and industrial collaboration needed to accelerate the transition to clean, circular transport systems. Special attention will be given to twin smart and sustainable solutions.
Moderator: Filip Gabryelewicz
Speaker: Yousef Nazzal
Speaker: Laskarakis Argiris
Panelists: Marcello Colledani, Anna Kornecka, Paweł Ochyński, Olaf Pannenbacker, Robin Szustkowski
10:15–11:30
(S3)
AI in Science
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming the way scientific research is conducted, offering powerful tools to accelerate discovery, improve predictive capabilities, and solve complex global challenges. This session will explore the transformative potential of AI across disciplines, from materials science and energy systems to climate modelling, healthcare, and industrial research. We will discuss how AI is enabling faster data analysis, smarter experimentation, and the design of next-generation solutions through simulations, digital twins, and autonomous research systems. The session will also highlight the ethical and governance challenges associated with AI-driven science, including transparency, bias, reproducibility, and data sovereignty
Moderator: Joanna Jaworek
Opening remarks: Maria Cristina Russo
Speaker: Philip Piatkiewicz
Panelists: Tomasz Jaworski, Piotr Moncarz, Maryna Storozhenko, Riikka Virkkunen, Michał Wonchała
Advanced Materials:
Technologies:
Science & Business:
Community in Action and Innovation:
10:15–11:30
(C3)
Achieving Competitive and Circular Manufacturing in Europe
The Draghi-report emphasizes that Europe must boost innovation to maintain manufacturing leadership and develop breakthrough technologies. There is a need to move from the “mid-tech trap” to “high-tech” products made in EU. This session will explore how advancements in manufacturing technologies – such as the uptake of AI and robotics – will enable competitive manufacturing of strategic products in Europe. Achieving circular products is of key importance for the EU to become more sustainable. Panel discussion will reflect on what is still missing to achieve this. Discussions will also address needs from industry and policymakers to increase European leadership and resilience in production of high-value and critical products, increasing the sustainable competitiveness of EU.
Moderator: Andrew Lynch
Speaker: Kai Peters
Speaker: Virpi Puhakka
Speaker: Wide Hogenhout
Panelists: Sotiris Makris, Vasiliki Panagiotopoulou, Kai Peters, Virpi Puhakka, Marcello Urgo
11:30–11:45
Coffee break
11:45–13:00
(M4)
Advanced Materials at the Heart of Industrial Competitiveness
This session will explore how advanced materials are driving the transformation of European industry—boosting performance, sustainability, and resilience. Experts will highlight the strategic role of materials innovation in sectors such as energy, mobility, health, and digital technologies. The discussion will also cover the importance of securing raw material value chains, promoting circular design, and accelerating industrial adoption. The session combines forward-looking presentations with insights from industry, research, and policy stakeholders.
Moderator: Eva Schillinger
Opening remarks: Maria Cristina Russo
Panelists: Kostas Kostarelos, Gerd Loehden, Nicola Piccirelli, Herbert Wirth
11:45–13:00
(T4)
Space Research and Innovation: Advancing Through the Space Technology Center
This session will highlight the pivotal role of the Space Technology Center in driving forward space-related research, innovation, and industrial applications. It will explore how cutting-edge developments in satellite systems, data analytics, materials science, and space sustainability are being supported through collaboration between academia, industry, and government. By showcasing successful projects and strategic priorities, the session will underline how space technologies contribute to broader goals such as environmental monitoring, security, and the digital transformation of European and global industry.
Moderator: Łukasz Wilczyński
Speaker: Tadeusz Uhl
Speaker: Emma Gatti
Panelists: Marek Banaszkiewicz, Hugo Wai Leung Mak, Magdalena Ostasz, Piotr Szeląg
Advanced Materials:
Technologies:
Science & Business:
Community in Action and Innovation:
11:45–13:00
(S4)
Eco-Innovation in Regions and Nations: Can Poland Afford Not to Be Eco-Innovative?
This session will focus on how cooperation, knowledge exchange, and eco- innovation can drive sustainable industrial development across Europe and beyond along with strategies to effectively measure progress. By highlighting practical initiatives and cross-border collaborations, the session will explore how regions can support industrial transformation, overcome barriers and as a result enhance the competitiveness and resilience of local ecosystems and nations.
Moderator: Grzegorz Maliszewski
Speaker: Grzegorz Maliszewski
Speaker: Chris Lo
Panelists: Maria Andrzejewska, Janusz Cieślak, Michał Nowosielski, Agnieszka Wicha, Krzysztof Śmierciak
11:45–13:00
(C4)
Success Stories in the Use of European Funds and Horizon Europe Calls
The goal of this panel will be not only to present the successes that Poland and other European countries (especially those in Eastern Europe) can boast in terms of successfully planning and implementing projects co-financed by European funds (activities related to scientific, economic, and social development), but above all, to reflect on the methods that enabled us to use these funds effectively.
The discussion will focus, among other things, on a general analysis of common mistakes and how they were corrected. It will then move toward exploring the future of EU funding—how it is designed, allocated, and spent in the context of the EU’s shifting economic and social priorities.
The speakers will consider how to maintain the momentum gained in implementing innovation, including how to redirect efforts toward acquiring funding from non-EU sources. They will also discuss the future direction of the innovation investment market, including joint ventures, collaborative initiatives, and similar efforts.
Moderator: Zbigniew Bartuś
Opening remarks: Natascia Lai
Speaker: Iwa Stefanik
Panelists: Katarzyna Baliga-Nicholson, Anna Mlost, Maria Śmietanka, Iwa Stefanik, Francisco Ramires
13:00–14:00
Networking/lunch
14:00–15:00
(A6)
This session will give a glance on how the call to bring research and innovation to the heart of our economy and use it to boost European competitiveness trigger new opportunities. We will hear how the new political focus on competitiveness sparks new thinking amongst stakeholders while maintaining a green transition cap.
Moderator: Jürgen Tiedje
Opening remarks: Cristina Maria Russo
Panelists: Justyna Gorzoch, Vedran Kujundzic, Henrik Larsen, Wibke Lölsberg
15:00–15:15
Coffee break
15:15–16:30
(M5)
Developing Skills for High-Quality Jobs in Europe
In today’s competitive job market, cultivating the right skills is essential for securing and excelling in high-quality roles. Key topics include: Identifying the most in-demand skills for high-quality roles; The impact of automation on workforce development; Navigating career transitions and growth opportunities; The role of well-being and emotional resilience in career success; How companies can use employee benefits to attract and retain talent. Whether you’re a professional looking to grow your career or an HR leader seeking strategies for workforce development, this session will offer valuable perspectives on building a thriving career and supporting employee success in Europe’s dynamic job market.
Moderator: Edyta Satchell
Speaker: Przemek Szuder
Speaker: Maroš Halama
Panelists: Maroš Halama, Rafał Kunaszyk, Mateusz Kozłowski, Željko Pazin, Johan Stahre
15:15–16:30
(T5)
Bridging the Digital Divide: Regional Collaboration for Smart Industrial Growth
This session will explore how cross-regional cooperation can help close the digital gap between industrial hubs and less-developed regions. By sharing digital infrastructure, know-how, and policy frameworks, regions can foster inclusive innovation and strengthen Europe’s smart industrial growth. The discussion will focus on practical strategies for accelerating digital transformation in manufacturing, supporting SMEs, and aligning regional strengths with technological and sustainability goals.
Moderator: Wojciech Piontek
Speaker: Reuben Egolf
Speaker: Adrian von Mühlenen
Speaker: Arben Merkoçi
Panelists: Reuben Egolf, Sławomir Olejnik, Monika Machowska, Adrian von Mühlenen, Anna Larson
15:15–16:30
(S5)
Just transition and Circularity the Next Driver of Innovation
Circular innovation has the potential to accelerate a just transition by fostering local, inclusive, and resilient economies. Circular business models and innovative technological solutions can help organizations identify win-win strategies — reducing environmental impact while simultaneously unlocking new pathways to economic prosperity. Policymakers, businesses, and research institutions are increasingly aligning their strategies around this dual agenda — recognizing that resilience, competitiveness, and legitimacy now hinge on creating value that is both circular and just.. According to EU the Just Transition Mechanism (JTM) is a key tool to ensure that the transition towards a climate-neutral economy happens in a fair way, leaving no one behind. It provides targeted support to help mobilise around €55 billion over the period 2021-2027 in the most affected regions, to alleviate the socio-economic impact of the transition. Good practices and challenges in both policy and implementation will be discussed.
Moderator: Aleksander Rajch
Opening remarks: Jürgen Tiedje
Speaker: Yiannis Bakouros
Speaker: Justyna Dziewota-Jabłońska
Panelists: Katarzyna Bałucka, Małgorzata Greszta, Zygmunt Krasiński, Luis Martines, Teresa Maria Gulotta
15:15–16:30
(C5)
The Role of Startups and SMEs in Building a Competitive European Economy
The discussion will focus on the development of the ecosystem for innovative companies and startups in the Małopolska region. The panel will provide an opportunity to showcase existing businesses and business ideas from various sectors. The discussion should center around market expectations for running a business in an innovation-driven environment, as well as the growing competitive pressure—both in the context of global processes and large tech corporations. Particular emphasis will be placed on topics such as the need to take risks as one of the key success factors, and how to break free from rigid, well-established patterns of action—along with the question of whether such an approach is truly a recipe for success. The discussion should lead to conclusions about the current state of the startup ecosystem in Poland (and Central and Eastern Europe), and the conditions that must be met to catch up with global leaders—is that even possible?
Moderator: Beata Staszków
Opening remarks: Seán O’Reagain
Speaker: Joanna Wagner
Speaker: Jan Ludvik
Panelists: Małgorzata Chmielewska, Margarita Haller de Hallenburg, Lech Kaniuk, Anna Ogar, Tomasz Trześniowski
16:30–16:45
Coffee break
16:45–17:45
2 x Quizzes
Final session: Main Messages from the Session and Conclusions National Contact Points and The National Centre for Research and Development
17:45–19:00
Closing cocktail
Site events
03.06.2025 – Auditorium Maximum of the Jagiellonian University, Street Krupnicza 33, Kraków
09:30–17:00
Matchmaking for 2025 HE Industry Calls supported by NCP4Industry network
09:30–14:00
Poster session
IATI 9th Innovative Ideas of Young Scientists: Science – Startup – Industry
Danone competition and awards ceremony
10:30–13:00
Sustainable Economy in Horizon Europe. Discover New Opportunities with the Industry Contact Point & European Partnerships
14:00-15:00
The Destruction of Sustainable Developement Principles During Armed Conflicts
Day three:
04.06.2025 – Kraków
09:00–16:00
Study visits/Technical tours