Kraków Tech Summit: Green Technology

On November 6, 2024, the first edition of the Kraków Tech Summit will take place in Kraków — an event dedicated to promoting and developing the start-up sector and innovation. One of the featured thematic tracks will be Green Technology, focusing on presenting modern technologies and their impact on ecology.

Modern technologies and their impact on ecology

For years, a start-up community has been developing in Kraków, supported by business and academic environments. The Kraków Tech Summit, an event initiated by Kraków5020, aims to become a platform connecting these environments, inspiring action, and opening new opportunities on an unprecedented scale in Kraków. One of the main thematic tracks at the Kraków Tech Summit will be Green Technology, designed by the Regional Institute for Educational Development Foundation in partnership with the European Climate Pact.

Experts, panels, and lectures – Green Technology track

The Green Technology track at the Kraków Tech Summit will bring together experts in green technology, science, and business. Discussions will focus on innovative solutions aimed at reducing the carbon footprint, sustainable development, energy transformation, and innovations in the food industry.

Many distinguished figures will participate in the panels and lectures. The green technology conference will open with Jakub Paduch, a representative of the Department of Environmental Shaping at the City of Łódź, who will present examples of ecological innovations implemented in Łódź. His opening speech will emphasize the importance of urban transformation and showcase specific actions already implemented to inspire sustainable change.

A discussion on the impact of European directives on construction in the context of ecological transformation will be led by Janusz Kahl, President of the South Poland Cleantech Cluster. Together with Andrzej Łazęcki (City of Kraków Office), Małgorzata Fedorczak-Cisak (Małopolska Center for Energy-Efficient Construction), Ewa Wesołowska (Leroy Merlin), and Anna Wojciechowska (ROBYG S.A., Climate Pact Ambassador), they will discuss preparing building owners and local governments for new regulations, as well as ways to modernize and reduce emissions, which will be key to the development of green construction in the EU.

Marcin Tischner from ProVeg Poland will lead a panel on new technologies in food production and distribution promoting sustainable development. The discussion with Morgan Janowicz (Green Rev Institute, Climate Pact Ambassador), Beata Pałczyńska (Too Good To Go), and Adam Kądziela (NanoSci) will cover topics such as alternative proteins, vertical farming, and technologies that reduce waste and emissions, creating new standards in the global food system.

A discussion on building start-ups in the clean energy sector, directed at young entrepreneurs, will be led by Jarosław Chojecki from the Polish Development Fund. Panelists Agata Krząstek (Envirly), Dr. Dominika Dawiec (AGH), and Dominika Goleniowska-Milinković (Tauron Group S.A.) will discuss early-stage company challenges, acquiring clients, and scaling solutions to global markets, highlighting key steps to success in the industry.

Prof. UEK Dr. hab. Krzysztof Borodako, together with Prof. UEK Dr. hab. Joanna Krasodomska, Dr. hab. inż. Krzysztof Sornik (AGH), and Prof. UEK Dr. hab. Mariusz Sołtysik, will discuss green transformation as a factor in building a competitive advantage for enterprises.

A session on the role of responsible business in implementing environmentally-friendly innovations, from electronics to resource management, will be led by Agnieszka Hobot, editor-in-chief of Wodne Sprawy. Along with Anna Drwięga (Hydropolis), Dr. Lech Kalinowski (Panamint), and Waldemar Mlaś (DHI Poland), they will highlight examples of technology that supports environmental protection and introduces corporate social engagement in addressing global challenges.

In addition to panels and the inspiration session, participants can listen to lectures:

• Green transformation in the hospitality industry – A lecture by Jarosław Szczygieł, President of the Foundation for Ecological Education, focusing on the transformation of the hospitality sector, emphasizing energy efficiency and sustainable hotel management, presenting key actions supporting carbon footprint reduction in the industry.
• European Climate Pact – Justyna Janosz-Klus from the Polish Municipal Network Association Cites will present initiatives of the European Climate Pact, supporting the unification of citizens and organizations around actions for climate neutrality by 2050. This is a story of a project engaging people from various backgrounds, inspiring local actions for the climate. The pact serves as a counterweight to voices questioning the validity and benefits of EU climate policy. It is an alliance for building a new present and resilient future, taking responsibility for future generations, prioritizing quality of life, health, and a clean, biodiverse environment.
• Aspects of owning an electric vehicle in your company – Wiktor Wardzała from No Smog Rent will discuss the benefits of owning electric vehicles, highlighting not only financial advantages but also those related to safety.

More information and registration on the event website.

The track is co-financed by the Citizens’ Initiative Fund Program NOWEFIO for 2021-2030 and by the European Union under the LIFE program as part of the LIFE EKOMAŁOPOLSKA Integrated Project for implementing the Regional Climate and Energy Action Plan for the Małopolska region / LIFE-IP EKOMALOPOLSKA / LIFE19 IPC/PL/000005, as well as the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management.

The organizers of the Kraków Tech Summit 2024 are: Kraków5020, Kraków School of Business UEK, Kraków City of Startups, Regional Institute for Educational Development, Kraków Technology Park, #OMGKRK, Live Age, Symposium Cracoviense, and the Gen AI Kraków community.