Silesian University of Technology integrates as part of the DUAL USE INNOVATION DAY
Droniada GZM 2026 is currently taking place. As part of the event, on the 12th of June 2026, a DUAL USE INNOVATION DAY was held at the airport in Gliwice. The event was accompanied by a conference, discussion panels and a presentation of companies, institutions and student research clubs interested in dual-use technologies, with particular emphasis on drone technologies.
DUAL USE INNOVATION DAY at Droniada GZM 2026 was aimed at integrating the scientific, business and services dealing with the security of people and the state.
- We want to encourage young people and young companies, especially the most innovative ones, to operate in the field of dual-use technologies. We will present the possibility of cooperation with our TOPAZ centre, because we want to act as a bridge between scientists and those who could later implement or apply these technologies – said Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Arkadiusz Mężyk, Director of the Centre for Dual-use Technology TOPAZ at the Silesian University of Technology.
In turn, His Magnificence Rector of the Silesian University of Technology Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Marek Pawełczyk pointed out that the University has been dealing with the subject of dual-use and armaments technologies for years, which resulted in the launch of the TOPAZ centre at the beginning of 2026.
- We have accumulated infrastructure capital, knowledge, and experience in cooperation with industry, but also with the services, police, and guards. We see research needs in the field of dual-use technologies, and we have a lot to offer in this area, but in addition to partners, we need funding – said the Rector. - That is why today’s presence of representatives of the Ministry of Science and the National Centre for Research and Development is important here, they will confirm what we can expect, - he added.
The Rector also pointed out that the Silesian University of Technology wants to invest in the development of unmanned technologies. - So far, we have focused on civilian drone applications, we would like to expand it with defence purposes, but financial support will be necessary for such an investment.
Bearing in mind the current geopolitical situation, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Prof. Marek Gzik pointed out that dual-use technologies and technologies aimed at improving state security are key.
- The area of dual-use technologies, that is, in both civil and defence applications, is an absolute priority. We want to combine these two things, invest in our security, and at the same time we can develop the economy and our arms industry, - he said.
The discussion highlighted that Europe is experiencing a real breakthrough in the financing of dual-use technologies, and 2026 could be a record year for such investments. There are new opportunities for funding. The European Defence Fund launches EUR 1 billion, the European Defence Industry Program (EDIP) adds EUR 1.5 billion to strengthen industry, Poland will also benefit from the SAFE program, and the European Funds for Modern Economy 2021–2027 (FENG) offer PLN 1 billion for dual-use technologies. NATO DIANA accepted 150 innovators into cohort 2026, and commercial banks declare their readiness to fund defence projects. The offer presented in this way became a point of discussion on how to exploit opportunities and create innovations.
This was discussed both during discussion panels and at the stands of companies, institutions and student research clubs interested in dual-use technologies.
The event was accompanied by an interactive strategy game organized by the Student Career Office. A Dual-Use Pitch Battle game that guides participants through the entire process: from identifying dual-use technology, through selecting financial instruments, to building an international consortium and presenting the plan to the jury.
DUAL USE INNOVATION DAY was held as part of THE DRONIADA GZM 2026, which lasts until 13.06.2026.
The event was organized by the Silesian University of Technology, the TOPAZ Dual-Use Technology Centre at the Silesian University of Technology and the Mikromakro Institute. The substantive partners were the General Command of the Armed Forces, PARP PFR Group, European Defence Agency, and the Polish-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce. Institutional Partners: Katowice Airport, Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis, Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation and Ministry of Digitization. Honorary patronage over the event was taken by the Mayor of Gliwice Katarzyna Kuczńska-Budka and the National Centre for Research and Development.
More details about the event can be found here.
fot. Maciej Mutwil
