The latest report on artificial intelligence in Poland is a comprehensive study that focuses primarily on Warsaw, although it also mentions other cities. The focus on the capital is justified, however, because as many as 46% of Polish AI companies operate in Warsaw, making it a leader in the Central and Eastern European region and a potential AI hub on a European scale.

The report may serve as inspiration for other cities to create similar regional analyses. Focusing on a single area enables a deeper understanding of local conditions and trends, fostering the development of specialized AI hubs.

However, the research landscape lacks a current, nationwide study conducted after 2023 (that is, after the AI boom sparked by ChatGPT, DALL·E, and Midjourney). There is an AI Chamber study, based mainly on surveys, but it does not cover many key aspects.

There is also a report on artificial intelligence in Wrocław (prepared by another organization). Links to the aforementioned reports can be found at the end of the article.

)Warsaw and Poland Compared with Other Central and Eastern European Countries (p. 29)Warsaw Compared with the EU (p. 31)Warsaw Compared with the World (p. 38)

Artificial intelligence in Warsaw: a list of entities (companies, institutions, schools, events) supporting AI development.Business incubators in Warsaw and Poland (pp. 44–45)Business accelerators How can academia support AI development in Warsaw? (p. 47)List of universities and institutions List of R&D (Research and Development) centers (page 55)Supporting institutions Warsaw – a center for AI conferences and events Business–academia cooperation, list of initiatives (pp. 80–83)Cooperation between AI-based companies and scientific institutions Official support for AI development (pages 90–100)Warsaw as an AI center (100–110)Centers supporting AI development (page 110)[List of companies developing AI (pages 112–125)](/#lista-firm-rozw

ijajacych-ai-strona-112-125)Overview of AI-based solutions created by Polish companies (125-135)Nationwide Polish projects Bielik and Pllum (pages 135-140)PLLuM – Polish Large Language Model Bielik – community language model Profile of AI specialists in Warsaw (talent pool) (pages 142–160)Popularity of training among AI specialists Professional experience level of AI specialists from Warsaw.The most popular positions related to the AI industry in Warsaw.The AI job market in Warsaw (pages 160–180)Benefits, AI salaries in Warsaw (pages 180–200)Salaries (page 185)Advantages of Warsaw (pages 200–215)

Report Summary

There are approximately 1,000 companies developing artificial intelligence in Poland. Most of them were established within the last five years. Poland trains many IT and AI experts; however, a significant proportion of them move abroad (a phenomenon known as the brain drain) instead of working locally. At the same time, Poland has a strong group of specialists in AI implementation. Poland has enormous potential for developing artificial intelligence, with Warsaw as a leader in Central and Eastern Europe and prospects for other major cities (such as Wrocław, Gdańsk, Poznań, or Kraków) to become regional AI hubs.

Approximately 15% of Polish companies are implementing artificial intelligence-based technologies, which means that nearly 45,000 such enterprises are already operating in Warsaw alone.

According to the European Commission, Poland plans to allocate €119.8 million from the EU’s NextGenerationEU (NGEU) recovery fund to AI development between 2024 and 2030, ranking seventh among European countries in terms of investment volume.

Conclusions I drew from the report:

It is worth investing in the development of artificial intelligence in Poland. It is worth specializing in AI. Given the young age of many companies, specialists in scaling businesses, expansion, and recruitment who understand the issues surrounding artificial intelligence will be particularly valued in the coming years.

Overview of AI in Poland and Warsaw (pages 5–44)

What does the development of artificial intelligence in Poland look like? (pages 14 and 15)

There are approximately 1,000 AI-related companies operating in Poland, with the majority (approximately 87%) of AI companies in Poland located in 6 major cities:

Warsaw (46%)
Krakow (13%)
Wrocław (11%)
Tricity (8%)
Poznań (5%)
Katowice (4%)

13% of AI companies operate in other cities.

In Warsaw, 80% of AI companies are domestic entities, of which 60% have been in operation for less than five years (although some companies have existed since the 1990s). 40% of them have experience hiring foreigners, and 65% plan to increase their investment in AI.

Development stage of AI companies (page 12)

The AI industry in Poland is a young, dynamic field dominated by startups and early-stage companies. Only a few have achieved stability, indicating significant growth potential in a market that is still taking shape. The distribution of development stages is as follows:

20% Seed – before obtaining funding
30% Startups
20% early development
14.5% expansion
9.1% stabilization

70% of companies are not yet ready for expansion.

What connection do the companies included in the State of Warsaw AI report have with artificial intelligence? (page 14)

The artificial intelligence sector in Warsaw has a diverse structure and comprises approximately 500 companies, of which:

over 310 are AI-based companies in which algorithms form the basis of operations, but which do not offer AI-based products,
80 are AI companies in which more than 50% of revenue comes from the sale of products and services related to artificial intelligence,
60 are early-stage AI companies in which less than 50% of revenue is generated by AI-based products and services,
50 are companies associated with AI technologies in another way.

Size of AI Companies in Warsaw

Warsaw-based AI companies generate highly diverse revenues. 20% of companies report annual revenues below PLN 500,000, while 10.9% do not generate any revenue yet. The largest share (41.8%) selected the “other” category, which may indicate non-standard ranges, a lack of data, or reluctance to share such information. Revenues between PLN 5 million and PLN 50 million are generated by 12.7% of companies, while 7.3% of companies each fall into the PLN 500,000–2 million and PLN 2–5 million ranges. This structure suggests a large number of young companies and a small number of more mature entities.

The Age of Artificial Intelligence Companies in Warsaw.

Most AI companies in Warsaw have been operating on the market for a relatively short time — 32.7% have been in operation for 2 to 5 years, while 30.9% have been operating for less than a year. Only 18.2% have been operating for 6 to 10 years, and another 18.2% have more than 10 years of experience. These data indicate a young and dynamically developing sector.

Key Areas of Artificial Intelligence Development by Warsaw-Based Companies.

The chart shows that companies in Warsaw focus mainly on practical and widely used areas of AI, such as data analysis, machine learning, and generative artificial intelligence. More niche technologies, such as robotics, sensor analysis, and blockchain, are developed much less frequently. It is clear that the priority is solutions supporting analysis, automation, and image processing.

Warsaw’s Main Advantages, According to Companies Developing Artificial Intelligence.

Warsaw-based AI companies consider startups and innovation (32.7%) to be the strongest aspects of the local ecosystem, along with the development of cutting-edge technologies and education and research in the field of AI. Industry events (23.6%) and the potential to attract foreign investment and create commercial AI solutions (20% each) are also rated highly. Institutional support (5.5%) and legal regulations (1.8%) receive the lowest scores, suggesting that the sector’s development is driven primarily from the grassroots rather than by public support.

How Many Polish Companies Use AI

It is estimated that approximately 15% of Polish companies use artificial intelligence-based solutions, corresponding to nearly 45,000 registered businesses in the capital.

Planned Investment in AI

According to European Commission data, Poland will allocate €119.8 million to AI from the EU Recovery Fund (NGEU) in 2024–2030, ranking seventh in Europe.

The Difference Between AI in Warsaw and in Europe

The structure of the European AI market differs from that of Warsaw. In Europe, banking (15.7%), professional services (11.2%), and retail (10.9%) dominate. In Warsaw, however, the IT sector has the largest share (49.1%), followed by consulting (27.3%) and software development companies (25.5%).

Countries of origin of customers of Polish companies developing artificial intelligence

The main customers of Warsaw-based AI companies come from:

from Poland (80%)
from the USA (43%)
from the UK (30%)
from Germany (25%)

Warsaw-based AI companies feel most confident in the local market—Poland clearly dominates as a source of clients. But when we look further afield, something interesting emerges: the second pillar is the Anglo-Saxon markets, namely the United States and the United Kingdom. This is where companies from Warsaw find further opportunities for growth—probably because these markets are more open to new technologies and have greater demand for innovative solutions.

Next, we have other European Union countries—France, Germany, and Spain—which suggests that Polish companies are keen to expand their customer network within the single market. More exotic countries? Their presence there is already merely symbolic. This may mean that expansion beyond Europe and the United States requires greater investment, as well as perhaps different cultural or linguistic competencies.

In short – Warsaw-based AI companies know where they feel confident, but are also increasingly venturing beyond the horizon.

Multiple-choice survey – the sum of the percentages does not have to equal 100%

Artificial Intelligence in Warsaw Compared with Other Polish Cities (p. 28)

Warsaw is Poland’s main AI development hub – 46% of companies in this sector are located here. Despite the fact that approximately one-fifth of all IT specialists in Poland are based in Warsaw, amounting to 120,000 out of 580,000.

It stands out for a greater diversity of artificial intelligence applications than the rest of the country. Although IT dominates both in the capital (49.1%) and across Poland as a whole (58%), in Warsaw AI is also used in consulting (27.3%), medicine (16.4%), and cybersecurity (14.5%). In turn, the financial sector, the second-largest nationwide (41%), has a smaller share here (14.5%), which may indicate a stronger connection with modern technologies than with traditional industries.

Warsaw’s AI ecosystem is characterized by greater maturity and openness to cross-sector innovation. Wrocław, on the other hand, focuses more on data processing (65%), image processing (46%), and expert systems (33%). Both cities have a strong educational base, but Warsaw attracts more specialists and has a higher degree of internationalization.

Other centers, such as Kraków, the Tri-City, Poznań, and Katowice, are also actively developing the AI sector, although detailed data on their specializations is currently unavailable. So far, apart from Warsaw, Wrocław is the only city to have prepared a report on AI.

Kraków has had the operational Cyfronet data center for many years, as well as a strong academic base. A similar AI factory is being built in Poznań.

Warsaw places strong emphasis on data analysis and machine learning, reflecting Poland’s dominant position in this area in the CEE region. At the same time, the capital shows greater technological diversity, including the growing importance of deep learning, which has a higher priority here than in the region. Experts point out that while Poland and CEE focus on several specializations,

Warsaw takes a more holistic approach to AI, emphasizing the latest trends, such as generative AI and cloud solutions. (p. 30).

Warsaw and Poland Compared with Other Central and Eastern European Countries (p. 29)

Warsaw stands out in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region as a diversified AI innovation hub, while other countries focus on a few key specializations. Poland has the largest number of AI workers in the region—586,000 (for comparison: Ukraine has 300,000). If Warsaw were considered separately, it would surpass countries such as Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Croatia in terms of the number of IT and AI specialists.

Poland accounts for 25% of all transactions in the CEE start-up market. One in three companies in the region develops AI technologies, with one in four of them focusing on the HealthTech sector. In terms of start-up funding in the first half of 2024, Poland ranks third with €161.3 million. All of this demonstrates Warsaw’s and Poland’s strong position as the AI leader in the region.

Warsaw in comparison with the EU (p. 31)

According to European Commission data, Poland will allocate €119.8 million from the EU Recovery Fund (NGEU) to AI in 2024–2030, ranking seventh in Europe.

Warsaw in the Global Context (p. 38)

In the Global AI Index, Poland ranks 28th with a score of 24.8, placing it mid-table among the 62 countries analyzed.

The need for further investment in education and specialized training in the field of artificial intelligence
The need to strengthen cooperation between academia, business, and public administration

The size of the AI sector, considering the total size of Poland’s ICT sector, which amounted to USD 24.5 billion in 2022, has significant growth potential in the coming years. The size of the AI sector in Poland represents only a fraction of the USD 24.5 billion.)

Global AI Market Size

The value of the generative AI tools market, measured by revenue, was approximately $67 billion last year. According to Bloomberg Intelligence forecasts, it will grow to $137 billion in 2024 and reach $897 billion by the end of this decade.

Context I added myself (it is not included in the original report: the size of the global IT market):

According to forecasts by the analytical firm Gartner, global IT spending in 2025 is expected to reach $5.74 trillion, representing a 9.3% increase compared with 2024. https://it-filolog.pl/gartner-w-2025-roku-globalne-wydatki-na-it-wzrosna-o-ponad-9/

Context I added myself (it is not in the original report): How many IT companies are there in Poland?

According to data from August 2023, approximately 177,000 IT companies were registered in Poland, representing a 10% increase compared with the beginning of the year. It is worth noting, however, that a significant proportion of these entities are sole proprietorships, and many of them may be IT specialists who are, in fact, employed by another company but operate on a B2B basis.

In turn, the number of companies providing IT services amounted to 36.8 thousand at the end of 2022, accounting for 2.7% of all business entities in Poland.

Artificial Intelligence in Warsaw: a list of entities (companies, institutions, schools, and events) supporting the development of AI.

Business incubators in Warsaw and Poland (pp. 44–45)

Campus Warsaw – Google for Startups Warsaw An incubator and coworking space for technology start-ups, offering mentoring, training, and access to Google’s global network.
Start-up Academy
Warsaw (headquarters), also operates online throughout Poland
An educational and mentoring program supporting start-ups in business management, marketing, finance, and technology development, including AI.
Youth Business Poland
Warsaw
An advisory and mentoring program for young entrepreneurs, helping them develop business skills and secure funding.
Firma dla Każdego Kraków (nationwide operations, mainly remote) An incubator enabling business activities without registering a company, offering accounting, consulting, and invoicing services.
Your Start-up Warsaw (area of operation: all of Poland) One of the largest incubators in Poland, providing legal, accounting, and advisory support, as well as office space for innovative projects.
Bizky (formerly AIP – Academic Business Incubators) Nationwide network – branches in a dozen or so cities (Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk, etc.) A modern settlement platform eliminating the formalities associated with setting up a business, intended for freelancers, small business owners, and B2B professionals.

Business Accelerators

AccelPoint
Warsaw
An accelerator supporting fintech, insurtech, and AI start-ups through mentoring and access to industry networks.
NOT Innovation Accelerator (NCBiR program) Warsaw (NOT Association), nationwide activities A program supporting innovative technologies through funding and mentoring.
BiotechMed Technology Accelerator (BTM) Warsaw An accelerator for biotechnology and medical start-ups, providing access to laboratories and support in commercialization.
Alior Bank RBL_START Warsaw
An accelerator program for fintech and insurtech start-ups, offering access to banking infrastructure and mentoring.
Gamma Rebels Warsaw An accelerator for technology start-ups, providing an intensive program, mentoring, and financial support.
eTechnoLab Accelerator Łódź A technology accelerator offering mentoring programs and access to modern research infrastructure.
InCredibles by Kulczyk Investments
Warsaw (nationwide and international reach)
A competency-building and promotional program for the best Polish start-ups, including workshops and consultations with experts.
MassChallenge Poland Warsaw (part of a global network headquartered in the USA) A program supporting early-stage start-ups through mentoring and training.

Browsing the “Artificial Intelligence Atlas,” which is available to everyone on the RAD-on portal, one can see that Poland already has over 100 centers conducting research on artificial intelligence. Most of them are located in Warsaw.

https://radon.nauka.gov.pl/analizy/atlas-SI (2019)

How Can Science Support AI Development in Warsaw? (S 47)

Warsaw’s universities play a key role in the development of AI. The University of Warsaw, Warsaw University of Technology, SGH Warsaw School of Economics, SWPS University, Kozminski University, and the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology offer diverse approaches—technical, business, and social.

Scientists should intensify cooperation with one another and with business. An example is the AI Campus led by Professor Przegalińska and Professor Jemielniak (Kozminski University), supported by an investment of PLN 40 million. Initiatives such as Warszawa.AI and AI Summit Poland also support the development of the ecosystem.

However, stronger interdisciplinary programmes are needed—such projects are the ones most likely to receive funding from NCBR, PARP and NCN.

List of universities and institutions

Warsaw University of Technology – first- and second-cycle, postgraduate, and doctoral studies related to AI – research and publication collaboration 2023/2024: first cycle – 8,216 students / 1,472 graduates, second cycle – 2,888 / 842

University of Warsaw – second-cycle and doctoral studies in the field of AI – AI research and publications, cooperation with business 2023/2024: first cycle – 2510 / 588, second cycle – 1814 / 434

SGH Warsaw School of Economics – first-cycle, second-cycle, postgraduate and doctoral studies related to AI – research and development projects 2023/2024: first cycle – 710 / 214, second cycle – 1169 / 354

Military University of Technology (WAT) – civilian and military degree programs related to AI, doctoral studies – research and development projects in the fields of security and infrastructure 2023/2024: first-cycle – 1412 / 230, second-cycle – 190 / 422

Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology (PJATK) – first- and second-cycle as well as postgraduate studies related to AI 2023/2024: First cycle – 5703 / 566, second cycle – 649 / 213

Kozminski University (ALK) – undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs related to AI 2023/2024: Undergraduate – 239 / –, Graduate – 98 / 25

SWPS University – undergraduate studies, postgraduate studies, R&D collaboration 2023/2024: undergraduate studies – 59 / –

Vistula University of Finance and Business – AI specialization within computer science 2023/2024: First cycle – 2440 / 163, Second cycle – 206 / 64

The Most Important AI Research Centers in Warsaw

Warsaw University of Technology – the national leader in AI, conducting research and projects, and having its own Department of AI.
University of Warsaw – a high level of research in NLP, ML, and robotics, with numerous EU projects.
WAT – AI in cybersecurity and defense, participation in international projects.
Institute of Systems Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences – research on AI, optimization, and decision support systems.
IPI PAN – world-class research in ML, cryptography, and distributed systems.
IDEAS NCBR – an R&D center that supports doctoral students, commercializes research results, and operates the ELLIS unit in Warsaw.

Warsaw is Poland’s AI hub with enormous scientific and educational potential, but it needs stronger cooperation between academia and business, as well as among universities.

List of R&D (Research and Development) Centers (page 55)

Supporting Institutions

As Poland’s capital, Warsaw brings together key institutions supporting AI development through funding, advisory services, and investment:

ARP – loans for investment, development, and restructuring
BGK – financing for startups and technological innovations
CPPC – EU funds for digital infrastructure and e-services
EU Contact Point – assistance in obtaining EU loans and guarantees
NCBR – competitions and funding for R&D projects in the field of AI
Financial Navigator – a search engine for grants, loans, and tax reliefs
PARP – programs supporting innovation and entrepreneurship
European Funds Portal – a search engine for EU funding for AI projects
PFR – support for strategic investments, including AI
PFR start-up – AI financing from idea to international expansion

Warsaw – the hub of AI conferences and events

Warsaw is buzzing with events dedicated to artificial intelligence. From international conferences to local meetups and hackathons, everyone—from experts to enthusiasts—will find something for themselves.

Key conferences:

AI Summit Poland, 14–15 October – a two-day gathering of AI practitioners from across Poland
AI Summit PJAIT 17 September – a conference of the Polish-Japanese Academy, dedicated to the future of AI
Data Science Summit / DSSML / DevAI (early December) – the largest AI and ML events in Poland
DeepTech Summit (late October) – innovations in AI, blockchain, and robotics
Masters&Robots – innovative technologies and visions of the future
PP-RAI, AI Spring, AI 2024 Game Changer – scientific and industry conferences

Local initiatives and meetups:

Mindstone Warsaw AI Community, Warsaw.AI, ML in PL – regular meetings of practitioners
Machine Learning Warsaw Meetup, AI Breakfasts, Warsaw IT Days – talks, networking, workshops
CIC Warsaw Gatherings – weekly meetings of innovators from around the world

Hackathons and competitions:

ENHANCE Hackathons, Brainhack Warsaw, Datathon, HackWarsaw – competition, collaboration, new solutions

Cooperation between business and academia, list of initiatives (pp. 80–83)

Collaboration between academia and business enables the commercial use of research findings. In Poland, this process is still developing, although the examples are promising. The Łukasiewicz Network and universities such as the University of Warsaw and Warsaw University of Technology are creating effective spin-offs.

As part of the EU Chips Act, the Łukasiewicz Institute of Microelectronics and Photonics is building a state-of-the-art semiconductor pilot line. Meanwhile, the Institute of Automatic Control and Measurement is developing an AI-powered mine detection system in cooperation with partners from several EU countries.

The MIM Solutions spin-off from the University of Warsaw uses AI to improve in vitro efficacy. Scientists from NASK, the Polish Academy of Sciences, and OPI are creating the Polish language model PLUM.

Project42 (UW) – A spin-off of the University of Warsaw based on advanced medical research. It creates innovative diagnostic tools using AI and data analysis, supporting doctors in making more accurate diagnoses and personalizing treatment.

Globoscope (SWPS) – An SWPS spin-off supporting Polish entrepreneurs in their relations with partners from Asia. It offers intercultural training using AI and psychological analysis, tailored to the participant’s profile.

Kozminski University – Leader of the EU-funded “European Universities 2024 Erasmus+” project focused on AI education and student mobility. The aim is to create virtual campuses and innovative tools supporting learning in Europe.

HumanE AI Net (UW) – A European research project involving the University of Warsaw, focused on creating “human-friendly” artificial intelligence. It combines expertise in AI, human-computer interaction, and the social sciences.

University of Warsaw, Google AI, deepsense.ai – A research project on reinforcement learning in video games using Google Cloud TPU. Its aim is to accelerate AI training and develop new machine learning methods.

Łazarski University & POLMED – Postgraduate studies in “AI and Innovation in Healthcare.” The program trains specialists in the use of AI, ML, and blockchain in medicine, with an emphasis on legal and organizational aspects.

Collaboration Between AI-Based Companies and Scientific Institutions

Collaboration between Warsaw-based AI companies and universities and research institutes takes various forms, creating a dynamic ecosystem that connects theory with practice. The main forms include joint research projects, technology development, research grants, publications, as well as internships and training programs for students. Such partnerships accelerate the implementation of innovations and help shape the sector’s future workforce.

This model may contribute to the development of specialized innovation clusters and increase Warsaw’s global competitiveness**. However, nearly half of AI companies do not collaborate with academia**. The main barriers are:

differences in work pace,
lack of business experience among scientists
intellectual property matters.

Concerns are also raised by misaligned priorities and difficulties in implementing market-based solutions.

For the sector’s full development, it will be crucial to create mechanisms that bring a broader group of companies into the knowledge-sharing and cooperation network.

Official support for AI development (pages 90–100)

Warsaw offers extensive support for AI start-ups:

Smolna Entrepreneurship Centre and Targowa Creativity Centre – coworking, mentoring, training.
Warsaw Booster – a city accelerator supporting innovative projects (over 440 companies, 30 awardees).
Warsaw Labour Office – one-time grants for starting a business, activation programmes.

National support

PARP – acceleration programs (e.g., Start-up Booster Poland), grants of up to PLN 400,000, mentoring.
PFR – financial and advisory support, assistance with international expansion.
NCBR – grants for the development of AI-related research and development projects.
AI4MSP – a platform connecting SMEs with AI technology providers.

EU Support

EIC Accelerator – support for breakthrough technologies (budget: EUR 375 million).
EIC Pathfinder & Transition – funding for early-stage research and technology validation.
Horizon Europe / Digital Europe – grants for research and development.
JEREMIE – repayable financial support for SMEs in selected regions.

Problems and challenges

Only 29.1% of AI companies in Warsaw benefit from public assistance (study: Digital Poland, JP Weber, 2024).
Main barriers: lack of information, bureaucracy, low program flexibility.
Companies often choose private financing (70.9%).

Expert recommendations

Closer cooperation between the public sector and business is needed – e.g. through working groups (GRAI – Ministry of Digital Affairs).
Medicine requires common standards for implementing AI, mechanisms for assessing cost-effectiveness, and financing new services.
It is important to increase public awareness of the possibilities and limitations of AI.

Warsaw as an AI Hub (100–110)

A fragment whose main purpose is to promote Warsaw and encourage foreign investors to invest. It includes, for example, information that office space is relatively inexpensive and offers good quality.

Warsaw’s greatest advantage for companies in the AI sector is its dynamic startup and technology communities (58.2%). A strong academic base (45.5%) and the city’s role as an innovation hub (34.5%) are also important.

Warsaw fares worst when it comes to support from local authorities (1.8%) and public-private cooperation (3.6%).

The greatest challenge to the development of the AI sector in Warsaw is the lack of cooperation between the public and private sectors (65.5%). Other significant problems include insufficient support for startups and high operating costs (52.7% each).

Centers support AI development (page 110)

A similar topic is described on page 38 – business incubators

Warsaw is Poland’s central and leading academic hub, which directly affects its development and competitiveness in the country and the Central and Eastern European region. Polish AI companies dominate the CEE Digital Champions 2024 report, making Warsaw an even more attractive location for companies in this sector — it is easier to find clients and business partners here.

There are 69 universities in the capital, 19 of which were included in the Perspektywy 2023 ranking. Among the fastest-growing AI centers are the Warsaw University of Technology, the University of Warsaw, PJATK, SGH, SWPS University, and Kozminski University. Warsaw is also home to many research institutes developing AI technologies, such as institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, NASK, and PIAP.

A strong scientific base and a thriving startup scene make Warsaw attractive to AI companies seeking a supportive environment for growth.

Universities:

Warsaw University of Technology
University of Warsaw
Kozminski University
SGH Warsaw School of Economics
SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology (PJATK)
Vistula University
Military University of Technology named after Jarosław Dąbrowski

Research institutes:

Institute of Systems Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences
Institute of Computer Science of the Polish Academy of Sciences
Information Processing Centre – National Research Institute
National Institute of Telecommunications – National Research Institute
Łukasiewicz Research Network – PIAP
Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences
NASK – National Research Institute

List of companies developing AI (pages 112–125)

There are several dozen companies on this list; I pasted one page here.

Overview of Artificial Intelligence-Based Solutions Developed by Polish Companies (125–135)

In the area of sustainable development, the following company deserves special attention:

Connectpoint, which develops smart city tools. Its systems—such as Smart RDM and SmartVee—support the management of public transport and energy networks, contributing to more efficient city operations. Meanwhile, SmokeD implements AI-based solutions for the early detection of forest fires—an example of a tool that can genuinely protect lives and the environment.

In the area of cybersecurity, the following companies stand out: Nethone, which uses artificial intelligence to combat online fraud. Their technology is based, among other things, on behavioral biometrics, enabling the detection of suspicious user behavior without violating users’ privacy. Similarly, SilentEight supports financial institutions in combating financial crime by automating processes related to the detection of irregularities and regulatory compliance.

A particularly large number of solutions are being developed in the field of data analysis.

The Cities AI company uses artificial intelligence to analyze vast collections of urban data—supporting spatial planning, traffic optimization, and energy consumption management. Deep.BI, on the other hand, focuses on the media industry, offering tools for analyzing audience behavior and content effectiveness. This enables media organizations to create better-targeted strategies and increase engagement.

Other topics

An interesting case is Emplocity, which develops AI tools for human resources management—including recruitment automation and employee development support. This solution impacts not only companies’ efficiency but also the local job market.

The role of AI in finance and administration cannot be overlooked either. For example, Pergamin uses natural language processing to automate processes related to the creation and management of contracts. AI Investment and Ailleron develop investment analysis and risk management tools that support financial decision-making based on data and forecasts.

Finally, in the sales and marketing sector, companies such as Yosh.AI, which creates intelligent chatbots and voicebots that improve customer service quality, and Synerise, which specializes in marketing automation and campaign personalization using machine learning, are leading the way.

All these examples show that Warsaw is not only a place where innovative products are created, but also an environment where AI genuinely contributes to improving quality of life, business development, and increased competitiveness at the international level.

Nationwide Polish projects Bielik and Pllum (pages 135–140)

PLLuM – Polish Large Language Model

PLLuM is a nationwide project to create a large language model for the Polish language and an intelligent assistant based on this model, led by Wrocław University of Science and Technology.

Its distinguishing feature is its exclusive focus on the Polish language and its open, free-of-charge nature—in accordance with the principles of ethical AI development.

The project is being carried out by a consortium of six leading scientific institutions, including four from Warsaw:

NASK – National Research Institute
Information Processing Centre (OPI PIB)
Institute of Computer Science of the Polish Academy of Sciences
Institute of Slavic Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences

Institutions outside Warsaw are:

Wrocław University of Science and Technology (project leader)
Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań

Bielik – community language model

Bielik is a grassroots-developed Polish-language language model created by the SpeakLeash (Spichlerz) community, with the support of the AGH University of Krakow and using Cyfronet’s computing power. The project is a response to the dominance of global solutions such as ChatGPT, with an emphasis on better adaptation to the Polish language and culture.

Bielik Model:

enables conversations, answers questions, and generates content (e.g., stories, poems),
it is fully open and developed by the community,
is created based on data in Polish and the needs of Polish-speaking users.

Although smaller than foreign commercial models, Bielik stands out for its effectiveness in local applications. It is currently being tested, among other uses, as a chatbot supporting public offices in serving residents. Its development is an example of how open-source communities and academic institutions can work together to create advanced AI technology without the support of large corporations.

Characteristics of AI Specialists in Warsaw (Talent Pool) (pages 142–160)

Approximately 6,500 AI specialists work in Warsaw, and this number is growing at a rate of 54% per year (Page 144).

92% hold higher education degrees, mainly in computer science, mathematics, and engineering.
86% are fluent in English and use it daily at work.
The most common skills are: AI techniques (72.7%), deep learning (71.3%), and machine learning (69.3%).
33% earn PLN 20,000–30,000 per month, while 22% earn more than PLN 30,000.
32% of AI specialists working in Warsaw were born in Warsaw. 68% came from other areas.

The brain drain phenomenon—in this context, Warsaw attracts specialists from other cities, including those large enough to have their own infrastructure for developing AI.

Popularity of Training Courses Among AI Specialists

This chart was included in the report because it shows how much emphasis AI specialists place on continuous professional development. The vast majority regularly participate in webinars, training sessions, and industry events—most often every month or every six months. This confirms that in this industry, keeping up with new developments is not an optional extra but a necessity.

On the other hand,

If you attend an AI event once every five months, you do so more often than 60% of people working in AI.

Professional Experience Level of AI Specialists from Warsaw.

Warsaw’s AI industry is primarily built on experienced specialists, with senior- and mid-level professionals predominating. This suggests that the market is already relatively mature and focused on delivering specific projects rather than merely experimenting with or testing new solutions. The relatively small share of junior professionals may indicate a more difficult entry threshold or that companies are primarily targeting people with a solid background. There are few experts with more than 10 years of experience, which is not surprising—AI as a practical field only began developing dynamically over the past decade.

The chart clearly shows that technical specialists form the backbone of Warsaw’s AI job market—primarily Machine Learning Engineers, who are by far the largest group. They are followed by data scientists and AI research scientists, indicating that companies in the capital focus not only on implementing ready-made models but also on developing new solutions and working with data.

More niche roles—such as NLP engineer, computer vision engineer, or data architect—occur much less frequently, which may indicate that they are reserved for selected projects or larger organizations.

The small share of non-technical positions, such as product owner, project manager, or development manager, suggests that the industry is still strongly engineering-oriented and largely focused on technology rather than product or business management.

The report contains more interesting information, but it is useful mainly if we are specifically interested in the AI talent market in Warsaw. It is not particularly useful if we are interested strictly in the AI scene in Warsaw and Poland.

AI Job Market in Warsaw (pages 160–180)

Foreigners Developing AI in Warsaw

Among foreign nationals employed in Warsaw’s AI sector, specialists from Central and Eastern Europe predominate, particularly from Ukraine and Belarus. Talents from Romania, Bulgaria, and the Baltic countries are also appearing increasingly often. Cultural and geographical proximity facilitates integration and collaboration within teams, while enriching the local market with diverse experience. Although to a lesser extent, Warsaw also attracts experts from India, Western Europe, and the United States, further strengthening the international character of the local AI ecosystem.

40% companies in Warsaw have experience hiring foreigners

Advantages of Warsaw in the Context of AI Talent Against the Backdrop of the World and Europe (page 177)

Warsaw is increasingly strengthening its position as one of Poland’s main technology hubs, bringing together a large number of IT specialists. Poland’s high rankings in international programmer rankings (3rd place in the SkillValue ranking and 7th in Topcoder) attest to the high skills of its developers, creating a solid foundation for the development of the AI sector in the capital.

Warsaw is the second-largest technology hub in the country, employing over 95,000 tech specialists and leading in terms of employment in IT centers. The large number of JavaScript, Python, and Java developers—languages frequently used in AI projects—indicates strong potential for creating diverse artificial intelligence solutions.

Expected operating model (page 179)

The expected model practically does not differ from the actual work model,

Benefits, salaries, and in Warsaw (pages 180–200)

The following sections contain information about key benefits, employment conditions, and the work environment—particularly useful for those hiring AI specialists in Warsaw or considering joining this market as an employee.

Remuneration (page 185)

Advantages of Warsaw (pages 200–215)

On pages 200–215, you will find specific advantages of Warsaw as a location for the development of AI projects, but not directly related to artificial intelligence. This section will be particularly valuable for those who are already seriously considering Warsaw as a location for their business or professional career.

About the report

Economic Development Department of the City of Warsaw

The Economic Development Department of the City of Warsaw supports local entrepreneurship, innovation and the sharing economy, promotes the economy, implements PPP projects and assists investors. In 2019, the Department for Cooperation with Investors was established to help companies grow and cooperate with industry organizations. The industry studies commissioned by the Department to date include: “The Fintech Industry in Warsaw,” “The Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics Industry in Warsaw,” “The State of Warsaw’s IT Sector,” “The Business Services Sector in Warsaw,” “The Talent Pool in Warsaw,” and “Warsaw’s Video Game Industry.”

Contact for investors: investinwarsaw@um.warszawa.pl

Digital Poland Foundation

The Digital Poland Foundation, a non-profit organization, aims to make Poland a hub for digital innovation. It supports technological development, education, and the economy by organizing events such as the Digital Fitness Test and Digital Festival. It promotes Poland as an attractive destination for R&D, thanks to the expertise of ICT specialists. It conducts analyses, publishes reports (e.g., “Time for a Digital Economy”), and co-creates the European AI Forum. It focuses on cooperation with companies such as Lenovo, T-Mobile, and Visa, inviting them to participate in educational and innovation projects.

JP Weber

JP Weber is an independent consulting firm with 21 years of experience, supporting entrepreneurs in transactions, transformations, and legal and tax challenges. It is a co-founder of Eight International, offering services in 19 countries across 5 continents, and is a member of M&A Worldwide, a network of 40 firms specializing in mergers and acquisitions. The Transformation Advisory team supports digital transformation, using AI to optimize processes, manage data, and forecast trends. The firm integrates new technologies, minimizes risks, and supports change management, providing clients with a competitive advantage and helping them adapt to the market.

Summary and sources

The State of Warsaw report is a solid report, and I recommend reading it in the original. It is 243 pages long and takes two to four hours to read. In the above study, I did not include the experts’ statements, which are important but significantly lengthen the text and make more sense once you have a general understanding of the entire context.

A summary of the report’s contents was provided briefly at the beginning of this article, so there is no reason to repeat it.

Focus on AI Hubs

As I have already mentioned, I believe that there is a lack of a comprehensive report on AI in Poland produced after 2023, that is, after the AI boom triggered by ChatGPT. I hope that such a thorough report will be created in the near future; in the meantime, I am preparing a simple study myself, based on existing reports and publicly available content.

Another thing I support (and am gradually developing on my own) is creating reports on the state of artificial intelligence in other cities. The above study, as well as the original report on artificial intelligence in Warsaw, is a good model for creating such texts.

Useful links: State of The Warszaw AI – the discussed report on the state of artificial intelligence in Warsaw

https://digitalpoland.org/publikacje/pobierz?id=97f8540e-d00d-48a4-a9ff-7b41d7d2d974