On 19th January, the University of Warsaw hosted the launch of the “Science4Business – Nauka dla Biznesu” project, a joint initiative of the University of Warsaw and the Warsaw University of Technology aimed at strengthening cooperation between academia and business and enhancing the effective commercialisation of research and development outcomes.

The inaugural meeting of the “Science4Business – Nauka dla Biznesu” project brought together representatives of the authorities of both universities, research teams, and experts in innovation and technology transfer.

The project is carried out under the motto “Together for the Polish economy” by a consortium led by the University of Warsaw’s Centre for Technology and Knowledge Transfer (Centrum Transferu Technologii i Wiedzy), in cooperation with the University of Warsaw’s special-purpose vehicle UWRC Ltd, the Innovation Centre of the Warsaw University of Technology, and the Institute of Applied Research of the Warsaw University of Technology.

 

Together for the Polish economy

The event was opened by the Rector of the University of Warsaw, Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak. In his address, he emphasised the importance of the project for the development of the University and for modern models of cooperation between science and the socio-economic environment:

“The Science4Business – Nauka dla Biznesu project is of particular importance to the University of Warsaw, as it responds to the real needs of contemporary science and the economy. Today, the commercialisation of research results is not a one-off activity, but a comprehensive process – from identifying business needs, through the development of research, to the implementation of concrete solutions. In this process, technology transfer centres play a fundamental role, supporting researchers not only substantively, but also organisationally, legally and financially”.

 

During the launch, speeches were also delivered by the UW Vice-Rector for Development, Prof. Ewa Krogulec, the UW Vice-Rector for Research, Prof. Zygmunt Lalak, and the Vice-Rector of the Warsaw University of Technology for Development, Prof. Adam Woźniak. The speakers highlighted the role of commercialisation projects in the development of universities, in building lasting relationships with the socio-economic environment, and in strengthening applied research.

 

“Cooperation between the University of Warsaw and the Warsaw University of Technology makes it possible to achieve genuine synergy and to develop a sustainable model of collaboration between science and business – one that is effective, credible and responsive to the needs of the economy. Joint projects strengthen the research potential of universities, foster interdisciplinarity and translate into tangible socio-economic benefits. The project fully aligns with the University of Warsaw’s strategy for the coming years, as well as with national priorities for the development of science and innovation,” said Prof. Ewa Krogulec.

 

Prof. Zygmunt Lalak, in turn, emphasised the role of basic research as the foundation of the commercialisation process:

“Today, we operate within two complementary frameworks: scientific excellence and the social and economic usefulness of research. Basic research is the first and indispensable step on the path to commercialisation – without it, there would be no innovation or implementation. At the University of Warsaw, we recognise the importance of commercialising research results, which currently most often concerns the natural and exact sciences; however, we also encourage researchers in the social sciences and humanities to engage in this process. Supporting commercialisation is a key element of the University’s third mission”.

 

Investment Council

The Director of the University of Warsaw’s Centre for Technology and Knowledge Transfer, Prof. Przemysław Dubel, presented the members of the project’s Investment Council, which brings together representatives of the investment community, the business sector and both universities.

 

Members of the Investment Council:

  • Anna Wnuk – Polish Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, Managing Director
  • Artur Andrysiak – Mazovia Development Agency S.A., Member of the Management Board
  • Dr Artur Chełstowski – UWRC Ltd, Member of the Supervisory Board
  • Prof. Przemysław Dubel – Director, Centre for Technology and Knowledge Transfer, University of Warsaw
  • Dr Piotr Dardziński – Warsaw University of Technology, Director of the Innovation Centre
  • Jakub Wojciechowski – Sedivio S.A., Member of the Supervisory Board
  • Łukasz Kościjańczuk – CRIDO, Partner
  • Marcin Kowalik – Balnord, Chief Executive Officer
  • Paweł Zych – IBS PW Ltd, Vice-President of the Management Board
  • Prof. Jacek Jemielity – ExploRNA Therapeutics Ltd, Chief Executive Officer