The first event in the series took place in the coworking space of the University of Lodz Library on 7 July 2026. The invitation was accepted by representatives of large companies, SMEs, public institutions, non-governmental organisations and the academic community. From the very first moments, it was clear that participants had come not only to listen to presentations, but above all to discuss challenges, opportunities for collaboration and the future of the region.
The Lodz region is a unique investment destination. It combines an excellent geographical location with strong infrastructure and a rich industrial heritage. At the same time, both you as entrepreneurs and we as a university face the challenge of depopulation. Our shared goal is to increase the attractiveness of this part of the country, support its development and encourage young people to build their future here – said Katarzyna Liberska-Kinderman, Head of the Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, during the opening of the event.
The main theme of the inaugural University of Lodz Business Breakfast was innovation, implementation and workforce skills development. Participants were introduced to selected opportunities for cooperation with the University of Lodz, including:
- Science Hub UniLodz – a collaboration model that brings together researchers, students and external partners in project teams, presented by Dr Tomasz Ciesielski from the University of Lodz Technology Transfer Office and dr hab. Karolina Rudnicka, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz, from the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection;
- Bio4Pak – an international research and implementation project carried out at the University of Lodz and led by dr hab. Karolina Rudnicka, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz;
- a portfolio of courses leading to the award of microcredentials, presented by Marzena Bednarek-Kokosza and Rafał Witczak from the Education and Student Affairs Centre;
- the non-degree postgraduate programme “Technologie cyfrowe w finansach” [Digital Technologies in Finance], presented by Prof. Mariusz E. Sokołowicz, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Sociology;
- opportunities for securing funding for research, development and implementation projects, presented by Gracjan Pietrzak from the University of Lodz Technology Transfer Office.
A presentation by Marta Goss from McCormick & Company, who spoke about the company’s experiences of working with the University of Lodz, was a special highlight of the programme. Her presentation demonstrated that the strongest partnerships are not built overnight. They emerge through mutual trust, openness to dialogue and the consistent cultivation of relationships based on shared values.
Values, in fact, were among the most important themes of the meeting. The University of Lodz Business Breakfast was not merely a platform for presenting the University’s offer. Listening was equally important. Prior to the event, participants were invited to identify the key challenges faced by their organisations. The organisers analysed the responses and designed a programme tailored to the actual needs of businesses and institutions.
As one participant noted:
During registration, we were asked to indicate the challenges faced by our organisations. I was concerned that this information would remain in the form and go no further. Instead, the organisers not only analysed our responses but also prepared a programme that addressed the identified needs and presented potential tools for solving these issues.
For the University of Lodz, this approach was particularly important. The university aims not only to showcase its potential but also to better understand the needs of its partners, learn about their perspectives and jointly seek solutions to the challenges facing contemporary business, public administration and society. After all, both sides share the same goal: supporting the development of the Lodz region, strengthening its economic potential and creating conditions that encourage young people to build their future in Lodz and the wider region.
The atmosphere of the event also played a significant role. Conversations held in a less formal setting encouraged participants to establish new contacts and open discussions about future projects. Initiatives focused on expert knowledge exchange, the use of University of Lodz research teams’ expertise in business data analysis and the development of internship programmes for students were among the put forward ideas.
The energy that filled the coworking space of the University of Lodz Library demonstrated just how valuable such meetings are. In a world of emails, instant messaging platforms and video conferences, nothing can replace face-to-face conversation, trust-building and getting to know the people behind institutions and organisations.
The first University of Lodz Business Breakfast marked the beginning of a new tradition – one founded on dialogue, cooperation and the conviction that the greatest challenges can only be addressed effectively through joint action.
Event coordination: Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, University of Lodz
Text: Jolanta Lechowska-Białecka, Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, University of Lodz
