IT HUB GLIWICE is officially opened. A new space for technology companies
The fourth building of Technopark Science and Technology Park has been officially opened in Gliwice. IT HUB is a place for companies developing technologies, among others in the IT, automatic control, modern energy sources, and medical devices.
The Technopark Gliwice - a Science and Technology Park was established in 2004 on the initiative of the local government of Gliwice, the Silesian University of Technology, and the Katowice Special Economic Zone. It supports the development of new companies and technology companies. It offers them space to work, help in developing their business, access to laboratories, specialized equipment and software, and the opportunity to cooperate with scientists and students of the Silesian University of Technology. It also helps start-ups in setting up and developing businesses.
The new, fourth building of the Park was officially opened on September 22nd. The IT HUB is located at Wincenty Pol Street in Gliwice. The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Silesian University of Technology, Silesian Voivodeship Self Government, and the City of Gliwice as well as the Katowice Special Economic Zone.
The importance of the new space for the cooperation of science and business was discussed by the Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Prof. Marek Gzik. As he emphasized, the IT HUB is supposed to create conditions in which ideas developed by scientists can be applied in the economy.
- What we are seeing here is a great example of cooperation between science and business, - he said
Prof. Gzik pointed out the importance of combining scientific work with the practical use of its effects. He stressed that it is important that ideas created in laboratories can be developed and introduced into the economy.
- The idea is to ensure that creative people don’t just lock themselves into the world of their ideas and research, but they use the infrastructure and support they are offered and then develop their ideas from the lab to the commercialization and creation of new technologies and services. This is really the foundation of the economic development of our country - he said.
One of the shareholders of Technopark from the beginning of its existence in Gliwice is Silesian University of Technology. The Rector, Prof. Marek Pawełczyk emphasized that the presence of such centres is characteristic for leading universities.
- When it comes to technoparks, they are the domain of leading universities in the world. Every good university, especially technical one, either has a technopark on its campus or has it in the immediate vicinity and has an impact on it- he said.
The Rector also drew attention to the benefits that the proximity of the Silesian University of Technology gives to the companies operating in the Technopark in Gliwice. As he emphasized, enterprises can use the potential of the University - cooperate with scientists, reach for the knowledge and experience of students and graduates, as well as use the university laboratory infrastructure.
- Companies operating in Technopark are to a large extent enterprises founded by our graduates - said the Rector. So, this cooperation benefits both sides - he added.
Finally, the Rector encouraged the academic community to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the new Technopark infrastructure.
During the ceremony, Wojciech Saługa, the Marshal of the Silesian Voivodeship, also spoke about the role of Technopark in the development of the region. He stressed that such places should create conditions conducive to the development of new companies and technologies.
- In such places our future was forged, it is here that we give the opportunity to the people who make up our economy, the strength of our country, - he said.
The President of the Katowice Special Economic Zone, Dr Hab. Rafał Żelazny pointed out the role of IT HUB GLIWICE in the development of technologies that have their application in the economy.
- We are developing IT technologies here, which are very much in demand in various areas of the economy today – from artificial intelligence and data science to robotization and automation, - he said.
He also highlighted the importance of Technopark for industry in the region.
- What is happening in the technology park is of great importance for the industry functioning in our province - he added.
The importance of Technopark for the development of Gliwice was also discussed by the Mayor of the City Katarzyna Kuczyńska-Budka. She pointed out that the development of new technologies, industrial automation, telecommunications, and IT remains one of the important directions of the city’s development.
She added that the city wants to create conditions that will encourage companies and their employees to stay in Gliwice permanently.
- The key to everything is people, and here I really have to say that people don’t disappoint. The fact that together with the Silesian University of Technology we have Technopark and with the KSSE this makes our potential three times bigger – said Katarzyna Kuczyńska-Budka.
IT HUB is the fourth building of Technopark Science and Technology Park in Gliwice. The park has been operating for 22 years, helping young, innovative technology companies to start up and grow.
- The biggest advantage of the centre is the nearby Silesian University of Technology. Access to scientists, laboratories and students as potential employees is irreplaceable – said the President of Technopark Prof. Jan Kosmol.
As he explained, on-site entrepreneurs can use equipment, laboratories, and specialized software, as well as training. Technopark has, among others, a 3D printer laboratory, and start-ups can get help in starting their business.
- We also obtain EU projects, thanks to which entrepreneurs can partially finance the beginning of their business. So far, more than 60 companies have benefited from such support, and the amount of co-financing reaches up to PLN 40 thousand Thanks to these funds, companies have the opportunity not only to start their business, but also to gradually grow. After three or four years, they reach a level that allows them to function independently in the open market - said Professor Kosmol.
The new building is the first of two facilities planned as part of the IT HUB GLIWICE project. Construction began in June 2024, and the building was commissioned in May 2026. The three-story building has almost 2800 m² of usable space. On the day of the official opening, it is already fully occupied - there are currently 11 companies operating in it.
Solutions supporting energy efficiency and sustainable development are also an important element of this investment. The second building of the complex is to be built between 2027 and 2028.
The opening of IT HUB was accompanied by the jubilee, 20th edition of the “Start It Up” event. The meeting was addressed to startups, entrepreneurs and people taking their first steps in business. The program included meetings with speakers and expert advice.
The IT HUB GLIWICE project is co-financed by the European Union within the framework of the European Funds for Silesia 2021-2027, the Just Transition Fund.
Photos: Martin Huć
