Dissemination Event of the BSR DeepTech Launch Project

Warsaw, 22–23 May 2025

On 22–23 May 2025, the dissemination event of the BSR DeepTech Launch – Deep Tech Entrepreneurship Launchpad project brought together stakeholders from across the Baltic Sea Region in Warsaw to reflect on achievements, share best practices, and discuss the future of support for young deep tech entrepreneurs.

Building Bridges for Deep Tech Innovation

The event commenced in a welcoming atmosphere, where participants representing academia, public administration, innovation centres, and startup ecosystems gathered over coffee to reconnect and prepare for a day filled with insights and collaboration.

The official opening was led by Aleksandra Szwed, Deputy Director of the Department of Regional Development and European Funds at the Marshal’s Office of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship in Warsaw, and Karolina Ivaldi, Deputy Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Investment at the Mazovia Development Agency. Both emphasized the strategic importance of nurturing early-stage innovation and cross-border cooperation in building a strong regional innovation ecosystem.

Showcasing Project Results and Regional Best Practices

The heart of the morning programme was the presentation of the BSR DeepTech Launch project and its flagship output – the Toolbox for students and young scientists. This collection of practical materials and methodologies was jointly developed by partners from Poland, Lithuania, and Germany to guide aspiring entrepreneurs in their first steps towards launching deep tech ventures.

Following this, local stakeholders presented various initiatives supporting youth innovation in Mazovia:

• Andrzej Stępnikowski, Project Manager of the Mazovian StartUPolis, shared insights into how the Central Innovation Accelerator is helping early-stage ventures scale with dedicated infrastructure and mentoring.
• Dr. Ewa Ferensztajn-Galardos, Director of the Academic Business Incubator at the Radom Academy of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, highlighted efforts to foster entrepreneurial thinking among students and researchers through tailored support and incubation.
• Jan Krzyżanowski,  Chief Specialist of the Innovation Support Department at the Office of Economic Development, Warsaw City Hall, introduced municipal initiatives aimed at boosting Warsaw’s position as a hub for knowledge-intensive businesses.
• Małgorzata Białczak, Head of the Department for the Management of the Regional Innovation Strategy at the Marshal’s Office, presented an inspiring overview of the trajectories followed by finalists of the “Innovator of Mazovia” and “Start from Mazovia” competitions – illustrating how public recognition and guidance can shape sustainable entrepreneurial careers.

Dialogue, Exchange and Interregional Governance

The presentations were followed by a lively discussion session, where participants exchanged reflections on how to best empower the next generation of deep tech entrepreneurs. The dialogue underscored the importance of interinstitutional cooperation, accessibility of tailored tools, and alignment between education and startup ecosystems.

After a networking lunch, the Interregional Steering Committee convened to reflect on project progress, share national updates, and plan the remaining steps for ensuring a successful closure and knowledge transfer across regions.

In the evening, guests gathered for a closing dinner hosted at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Warsaw, strengthening the ties between institutions and countries involved in the project.

Synergies with the Photonics Sector

On the following day, the BSR DeepTech Launch partners participated in the 4th International Photonics Job Fair at the Warsaw University of Technology, which brought together students, researchers, and companies active in one of the most promising high-tech sectors in the region. The fair offered excellent opportunities for networking, recruitment, and showcasing how innovation support can directly connect young talents with industry needs.

The dissemination event not only marked a key milestone in the BSR DeepTech Launch project but also reinforced the shared commitment of partners and stakeholders to equip young scientists with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive in the deep tech sector.

Programme Manual Online

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