On March 24-25, our COO, Anna Stolarz, participated in the Shaping Tomorrow conference at the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw. Organized by Start Smart CEE as part of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Global Startup Workshop, the event gathered corporate executives, entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, and global stakeholders. This edition was particularly important, marking the first time the event was hosted in Europe!

Warsaw: A Thriving Hub for Innovation and Business

The decision to host this event in Poland’s capital was no coincidence. As the organizers highlighted, Warsaw is a rapidly growing city where history meets modernity. As part of Poland’s Presidency of the EU, the city is currently hosting high-level meetings of EU delegations. At the same time, Warsaw continues to strengthen its position as a leading center for business and technology, attracting global giants such as Google and Microsoft.

With its dynamic startup ecosystem and vibrant cultural scene, Warsaw has become an exciting destination for entrepreneurs and investors. It’s no surprise that the Financial Times recently named Warsaw as one of the best cities in the “Business Friendliness” category in its report, recognizing its ability to attract top talent and foster a supportive environment for businesses.

Shaping Tomorrow: Poland’s Place in Innovation

This year MIT Workshop focused on three key areas: Energy Transformation, Health, and Future Tech. These themes are crucial in today’s discourse as they drive global change by demonstrating how innovative technologies and collaborative solutions are advancing progress and paving the way for a more sustainable and forward-thinking future.

As a result, the event attracted key players from the health and energy sectors, including industry leaders like Polpharma and Orlen, along with top Polish tech startups, such as ElevenLabs and Spacelift.

During these two days filled with inspiring discussions and networking sessions, Anna had the opportunity to connect with many figures from the global startup ecosystem and attend insightful panel discussions.

One of the highlights of the conference was the focus on Poland’s impressive growth in the innovation sector. During the speeches and discussions, panelists pointed out the country’s rapidly expanding tech scene, its emergence as a hub for AI, fintech, and green tech, and its role as a strategic location for European and global startup expansion.

Want to learn more about one of Europe’s most innovative cities? Check out our news page or contact us to explore how we can support your expansion into Poland!