Smart specialisations powered by strong research and scientific expertise

From a 3D printer and an electronic larynx, to AI-driven machine diagnostics, advanced musical instruments, VR-based first-aid training, and telemetry systems for media management – innovation in Warmia and Mazury takes many forms. Investment in science, millions invested in business growth, and the work of research centres and business-support institutions all help create an environment where creativity flourishes, new technologies emerge, and global success becomes possible. And all of this unfolds against the backdrop of the region’s pristine natural landscape.

Away from the hustle and bustle of big cities and surrounded by nature, people work more productively, and the most original ideas emerge. No surprise, then, that a 3D printer now sold in 80 countries has been developed in the very heart of Warmia and Mazury. VR-based medical first-aid training is considered an innovation worldwide. Leading clients rely on proprietary solutions in IoT, SmartCity, and SmartHome technologies. A med-tech start-up supporting people with atypical speech has created an electronic larynx to meet their needs. An engineering company specialises in robotic and automated industrial processes and deploys AI-based solutions for machine diagnostics. Its high-quality musical instruments – sequencers, samplers and grooveboxes – are valued by internationally renowned artists and have even featured in the soundtrack of Joker.

The drive towards innovation stems not only from the region’s remarkable natural environment, but above all from the ambition of its businesses. Businesses benefit from the supportive approach of the regional authorities, close collaboration with academic institutions, and access to funding opportunities.

“Our ambition is for Warmia and Mazury to be an open region, one that embraces change and sparks innovation. Amid Warmia’s forests and Mazury’s lakes, we have built both the infrastructure and the right environment for businesses to grow here,” says Marcin Kuchciński, Marshal of the Warmia and Mazury Region. “Thanks to European Funds for Warmia and Mazury, we can invest in innovation and technologies that enhance the competitiveness of local enterprises.”

This represents a major opportunity for companies across the region. In the current funding cycle, 11 entities will expand their research and development infrastructure, including research and development centres. These investments total nearly EUR 27 million, with close to half of the funding provided through public co-financing.

The University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn serves as a key source of talent and expertise for numerous industries. The region’s leading university educates students across 15 faculties, supported by more than 1,700 members of academic staff, and carries out a wide range of research projects. A specialised Centre for Cooperation with the Socio-Economic Environment operates within the university to better harness its intellectual and technological potential, and to facilitate the transfer of research and development outcomes into the economy. One standout example of the value of this collaboration is an Olsztyn-based biotechnology company that develops and patents unique probiotic bacterial strains supporting human immunity and health.

The potential of the University of Warmia and Mazury is set to expand further with the launch of the Clinical Veterinary Science Research Centre in 2029. The centre will enable advanced research in animal health, food safety, and the reduction of antimicrobial resistance, while strengthening collaboration between science and business. The project will exceed EUR 17 million, with nearly EUR 13.5 million of that sum coming from European Funds. 

Warmia and Mazury is also home to a wide range of business-support institutions that drive innovation, including the Olsztyn Science and Technology Park, the Elbląg Technology Park, the Ełk Science and Technology Park, and the Warmia and Mazury Centre for New Technologies. The region’s research infrastructure, including laboratories, technology-transfer centres and the science parks mentioned earlier, provides businesses with space to develop new ideas, test prototypes, and bring innovative solutions into production. The Investor and Exporter Service Centre likewise plays an important role, offering support at every stage of business growth – from innovative start-ups to established companies planning to work with international partners.

Research and development in the region focuses on smart specialisations: healthy living, wood and furniture, water management, and, in particular, high-quality food. The region’s scientific and R&D units have an impressive track record and are recognised at home and abroad for implementing new technologies and participating in international research projects. Particular attention should go to the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn. For almost 40 years, it has maintained a global reputation and serves as a key pillar of the region’s agri-food industry.

“We combine research on food, health, and reproduction to create innovative solutions that genuinely improve the wellbeing of both people and animals. We are a place where biology meets technology and drives interdisciplinary research. In our state-of-the-art laboratories, bold ideas evolve into projects with strong implementation potential, from reproductive biotechnology to innovative functional foods. Our people are our greatest asset: their creativity, passion and drive to go beyond limits make InLife not just an Institute, but a vibrant community where science gains real meaning,” emphasises Prof. Monika M. Kaczmarek, PhD, DSc, Director of the Institute.

The commitment of local businesses to research and development, combined with support from scientific institutions and the local government, creates a strong foundation for innovation. It inspires creative thinking and action, enabling businesses to develop forward-looking solutions today.

To discover more about the region’s strengths, investment opportunities, and R&D potential, visit https://invest.warmia.mazury.pl/en/

In the main photo: Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn