The GMU Technology Transfer Office at the Dual-Use & Defence Bydgoszcz 2026 Fair

The University was represented by Dr Magdalena Kukowska-Kaszuba, Director of the Technology Transfer Office, and Monika Maćkiewicz, innovation broker and administrative associate for technology transfer. The event brought together nearly 60 exhibitors, including representatives of enterprises, the defence sector, public administration, and the scientific community, creating a platform for presenting innovative solutions and developing cooperation between science and industry. The fair was organised by Bydgoszcz Industrial and Technological Park Sp. z o.o. The event was held as part of the Promo PARK – Promotion of the Regional Economy in the Bydgoszcz Industrial and Technological Park project.

The theme of the fair focused on dual-use technologies, with particular attention given to utilising national technological and industrial potential for security and defence needs, civil protection, and ensuring the continuity of critical infrastructure operations. Another key issue was the concept of ‘local content’, which envisages increasing the participation of national and regional enterprises in the implementation of defence-related initiatives and strengthening domestic supply chains.

The fair was accompanied by a two-day expert conference, during which discussions covered development trends in military technologies and dual-use solutions, innovation financing options, conditions for cooperation between the civilian sector and the defence industry, and the growth prospects of domestic companies in international markets. The programme also addressed topics concerning new technologies employed by the armed forces, critical infrastructure protection, civil defence, and building state resilience against crisis situations. An important element of the event was also the Regional Forum of the Polish Arms Industry, devoted to the opportunities for integrating domestic enterprises into defence sector supply chains.

Gdynia Maritime University took part in the exhibition segment of the event, promoting its scientific, research, and technological services addressed to enterprises and socio-economic environment institutions. The representatives of the Technology Transfer Office highlighted opportunities for undertaking joint initiatives and forming science-industry consortia, the provision of specialist research services by the University, conducting expert opinions and analyses, and making use of the University's laboratory and research equipment facilities for the development of innovative industrial solutions.

Participation in the fair also provided an opportunity to present cooperation possibilities with GMU to entities interested in implementing innovative solutions developed under the Science4Business project, of which GMU is the leader. These solutions are created through the delivery of 13 R&D projects selected across two competitive calls to conduct industrial research and experimental development work in relation to research outcomes with identified commercial potential. The solutions newly emerging at GMU within the Science4Business project met with interest from visitors. Cooperation between the academic community and enterprises can contribute to the development of technologies that simultaneously address the needs of the civilian market as well as the security and defence sector.

The presence of the GMU Technology Transfer Office at the Dual-Use & Defence Bydgoszcz 2026 fair aligns with the activities undertaken within the Science4Business project aimed at developing relations between science and the economy, promoting the University's R&D offer, and commercialising scientific research results. Direct contact with representatives of industry, public institutions, and the defence sector creates opportunities to identify market needs, seek partners for joint ventures, and enhance the practical application of knowledge and technology developed at the University.

GMU's participation in the fair was funded as part of the implementation of the Development Incubator task of the project entitled Science4Business - Nauka dla Biznesu, under Agreement no FENG.02.05-IP.07-001/23 of 17 April 2025 and partnership agreement no MNiSW/2025/DPI/251 for the joint implementation of the project under the European Funds for a Modern Economy 2021-2027 Programme co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, Measure FENG.02.05. #EUFunds #Grant #Agreement #Science4Business #FENG