From Passion to Startup: Highlights from the BSR DeepTech Launch Workshop Series

Let’s dive into the story of three unforgettable workshops that lit up the entrepreneurial spirit of students and young scientists, under the BSR DeepTech Launch project. Each session built a unique chapter in a journey where science met business, turning dreams into actionable blueprints for the future.

Chapter 1: Igniting the Spark (Oct 17, 2024)

At the Warsaw University of Technology, a room filled with eager faces saw their scientific passions transformed into entrepreneurial ideas. The first workshop “Turn Passion into Business – Where is the future going?” was all about igniting curiosity. Students and young researchers were introduced to the world of tech entrepreneurship, learning how to transform their scientific passions into business opportunities. It wasn’t just about learning the basics—it was about creating a mindset that embraces innovation and problem-solving. The excitement in the room was palpable as the participants, guided by expert speakers, took their first steps toward entrepreneurship.

The workshop, led by Marek Kotelnicki of VIGO Ventures, brought together a panel of experts who provided attendees with valuable insights into the future of science and business.

Marek Kotelnicki kicked off the session by analyzing scientific and business trends, exploring the market potential of various sectors. His extensive experience in venture capital allowed participants to gain practical knowledge of how to navigate the startup ecosystem and identify high-impact opportunities.

Joining him were Michał Nejbauer of Fluence.technology, who shared his expertise in the photonics sector, highlighting emerging technologies with potential for commercial success. Michał Olszacki of Radix Ventures offered insights into how venture capital can support the growth of deep-tech startups, while Piotr Wiliński of Medi Ventures focused on the intersection of healthcare and technology, exploring market opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.

The speakers used real-life experiences to illustrate the challenges and opportunities that deep-tech entrepreneurs face today. By analysing current and future trends, participants walked away with a deeper understanding of how to position their scientific ideas for success in a competitive market.

Chapter 2: Building the Vision (Oct 21, 2024)

The story continued with Michał Lasocki, Managing Partner at EEC Ventures, leading the charge in a session aptly named “Your Business DIY.” The second workshop  turned theory into practice.

Starting the discussion, Michał Lasocki provided a compelling overview of the current trends in venture capital funding for deep-tech startups. He emphasized the importance of market fit and scalability, offering participants practical tools to align their ideas with investors’ expectations.

Paweł Pisarczyk, CEO of Phoenix Systems, brought an inspiring perspective from the tech sector. Sharing his personal entrepreneurial journey, Paweł explored the challenges and triumphs of building a tech-driven company. His stories resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the need for perseverance and adaptability in the face of uncertainty.

Adding to the workshop’s depth were representatives from two thriving startups. Filip Budny from MAGLY, a pioneer in advanced magnetics, showcased the transformative potential of cutting-edge research when paired with entrepreneurial vision, whereas Paweł Wienclaw from Syglass, a leader in 3D visualization, demonstrated how innovation can revolutionize industries when tailored to specific user needs.

The attendees left not only with practical tools but also with a renewed understanding of how resilience and adaptability play a pivotal role in the journey of any tech startup, that the success is built not just on ideas, but on grit and adaptability. By the end of the day, the participants weren’t just dreaming of starting their businesses—they were building the foundation for them. The second workshop proved to be a vital step in transforming scientific potential into impactful innovation.

Chapter 3: From Ideas to Impact (Oct 29, 2024)

The finale of the series, “Make a business out of your passion”,  was led by Dr. Agnieszka Skala-Gosk, a true mentor for the next generation of innovators. In the third workshop, participants refined and validated their business ideas using structured tools and methodologies. It was the moment to take all they had learned  during previous sessions and transform it into a concrete, actionable plan. The atmosphere was electric—ideas flew, Dr. Skala-Gosk shared her insights and gave practical advice, and young innovators took their first steps toward transforming concepts into reality. This wasn’t just a workshop; it was the launchpad for tomorrow’s tech leaders. Dr. Agnieszka Skala-Gosk didn’t just lecture—she inspired. Through lively discussions and hands-on group work, participants started shaping their visions of tech-driven ventures. It wasn’t just about theories; it was about discovering the entrepreneurial fire within and daring to dream bigger, now basing on grounded understanding.

A Future Shaped by Innovation

These workshops were more than just events; they were transformative experiences that empowered young minds to become the entrepreneurs of tomorrow through practical learning. From bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application to providing mentorship from seasoned industry leaders, the BSR DeepTech Launch workshops have demonstrated the potential of collaborative learning environments to inspire innovation and drive entrepreneurial success. The story doesn’t end here—these young minds are now equipped to write the next chapters of their entrepreneurial journeys.

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