On October 15, 2025, the Mieczysław Karłowicz Philharmonic in Szczecin became the heart of one of the most important conferences about the future of artificial intelligence in Poland. The third edition of AI-CONNECT From Ideas to Impact, attracted hundreds of participants, experts, enthusiasts, and business representatives to the conference, filling the largest concert hall and proving that meetings on AI in Poland are not limited to Warsaw or Kraków – they are also present in Szczecin.
The event opened with an extraordinary concert entitled “Dialogue of Minds: Neurons and Networks in Concert”, which was an artistic dialogue between humans and artificial intelligence. The concert was a unique opportunity to experience art that combines human creativity with the potential of new technologies. The artist production was prepared by Monika Duszkiewicz, the main originator and director of the visual and sound production, in cooperation with Paweł Kozłowski, co-director of sound. The first piece – “INTRO – Dialogue of Minds”, composed especially for this event by Aleksandra Pstrągowska, was enriched with a narrative presented in the form of animation and a light installation. The second part of the concert was based on a composition by Urszula Bytniewska-Judasz – “Azzazi the Princess.” An additional melodic line and an animation created with the aid of artificial intelligence tools were developed for the piece, enabling the combination of traditional expression with modern technologies. On stage performed: on the piano – Aleksandra Pstrągowska, on the violin – Justyna Sajewicz, on the cello – Kamila Łuczko, on the guitar – Zuzanna Duszkiewicz. More information about the artists here.
In such a prestigious place as the Philharmonic in Szczecin, this unique combination of technology and art made a great impression on the participants and gave the event a special atmosphere. For many, it was a moment that perfectly showed how AI can co-create with humans rather than replace them.
After this inspiring and emotional inauguration, it was time for a solid dose of knowledge. The meeting was hosted by Magdalena Ławicka PhD and Robert Sikora, and the discussion panels were moderated by Greg Margas, who ensured a dynamic course of conversations and asked insightful questions to the guests. The speakers took us on a journey through the practical applications of artificial intelligence in various industries.
Among the speakers were leaders and experts representing both the technological and business sectors:
- Sebastian Kondracki and his presentation about Bielik.AI – the largest Polish language model, developed locally with the Polish-speaking user in mind. Referring to the words of Prof. Andrzej Dragan — “there is no other way to build knowledge than by doing something with your own hands” — Kondracki showed that Poland can have its own AI solutions of global significance.
- Paula Januszkiewicz delivered a dynamic lecture full of practical examples about cybersecurity in the era of AI. Her presentation, rich in live demonstrations, was a mix of concrete knowledge, humor, and passion. Participants emphasized that after this session, they began to look at data security in everyday work in a completely different way.
- Maciej Kawecki PhD, who joined online from Dubai, directly from the GITEX GLOBAL fair, spoke about responsibility, ethics, and the opportunities offered by AI development. He reminded that Poland has enormous intellectual and technological potential that needs space to grow.
- Karol Szymański (PKO Bank Polski) and Marcin Pęczek (BMW Group Polska) prepared technological presentations, sharing practical examples of AI usage and demonstrating the real impact of technology on the financial and automotive sectors. Their presentations were an excellent illustration of how modern AI solutions are already being implemented in the largest companies in Poland and abroad.
There were also discussion panels, which, although diverse in topics, unanimously emphasized one thing: at the center of every technological revolution must remain the human being.
An excellent introduction to the panel “Human, Art, and Media in the Age of AI” was the presentation of the international project T.A.B. – Innovation Hubs for Tech, Art and Business, of which the IT Cluster is a partner. The audience had the opportunity to see digital artworks – part of the exhibition The Arts Dot Illuminated, which took place in Karlskrona in the summer as part of Creative Talks & The Arts Dot 2025. The presentation featured two digital artworks: “Echoes of Blekinge” – a portrait of the soul of the region created with the use of artificial intelligence by Lana Leuchuk (Digital Content Lead, Curator), and “Whispers of the Forest” and “Rose” by Agnieszka Rusak-Tyma (Visual Artist, Art Director, Brand Designer). The project, co-financed by the Interreg South Baltic 2021–2027 Program under the European Regional Development Fund, demonstrated how art, technology, and business can coexist within a single ecosystem.
The discussion featured: Paula Januszkiewicz, Joanna Mercik PhD, Magdalena Wilento, and Jarosław Jaz. The experts debated the challenges and opportunities of AI development, focusing on ethics, responsibility, and the impact of AI on the labor market and society.
In the following discussion panel of the conference, “Why Poland? Why now? – Polish AI on the global stage” — the speakers considered whether Poland has a chance to become a significant player in the development and implementation of artificial intelligence on an international scale. The discussion featured Sebastian Kondracki, Adrian Gwoździej, Katarzyna Starosławska, and Joanna Mercik PhD.
The discussion focused on the question: what makes Poland now able (and obliged) to mark its presence on the global AI map? There was talk about the availability of talent, the rapidly evolving startup environment, the increasingly robust research and scientific base, as well as the growing trust of international investors and technology partners. One of the most interesting threads of the panel was the “Citizen Bielik” project.
During the panel, it was emphasized that projects of this kind — combining technology with a social mission — may be precisely what distinguishes Poland among other countries developing AI. Instead of copying ready-made solutions, we have a chance to create our own, unique responses to the challenges of modern times — oriented towards local needs but with global potential.
The panels provided a space for the exchange of views between representatives of business, science, and IT practitioners, who unanimously emphasized that technology should support and enhance human abilities, not replace them. Speakers also discussed data security, algorithm transparency, and the need for education and user awareness in a rapidly changing digital world.
These discussions revealed that, despite impressive technological progress, the human being remains the most crucial link in the AI ecosystem — their creativity, empathy, and critical thinking are essential to the responsible and sustainable development of artificial intelligence.
In addition to the rich substantive program, AI-CONNECT 2025 also proved to be a venue for genuine meetings between people united by a shared passion and mission.
Lively discussions took place in the Philharmonic’s foyer. Guests eagerly visited the conference partners’ stands, discussing the solutions and technologies presented. At the same time, less formal conversations were taking place between participants. Conference participants exchanged experiences, shared observations, and established new contacts.
The networking part was a natural complement to AI-CONNECT. After an intense dose of inspiration from the stage, participants had space to confront ideas, deepen the topics discussed, and talk.
Such events remind us that even in the era of digitalization and remote contact, face-to-face meetings remain invaluable. It is in the corridors that the most interesting collaborations and initiatives often arise, bearing fruit long after the conference ends.
Conference participants unanimously emphasized that participation in AI-CONNECT is a natural direction for those who believe in AI as a real value that supports business. It is also proof that in Szczecin, there is a strong, active AI and IT community that not only absorbs innovations but also increasingly co-creates them.
The event was organized by Klaster IT, Enovation Polska, and Kongsberg Maritime Poland, supported by Partners whose knowledge and experience contribute to the development of artificial intelligence in business, education, and society.
Institutional Partner:
Agencja Rozwoju Metropolii Szczecińskiej –> https://arms-szczecin.eu
Educational Partner:
Uniwersytet WSB Merito Szczecin –> https://www.merito.pl/szczecin
Knowledge Partner:
Bielik.AI –> https://bielik.ai
Strategic Partners:
BMW Bońkowscy –> https://www.bmw-bonkowscy.pl
PKO Bank Polski –> https://www.pkobp.pl
Event Partners:
Mentor –> https://www.mentorpolska.pl
IamIP –> https://iamip.com
Softvig –> https://softvig.pl
Mediatec.net –> https://mediatec.net
HAYS –> https://www.hays.pl
Ework Group –> https://www.eworkgroup.com/pl
Follow me –> https://followme.pl
RAYNET –> https://www.linkedin.com/company/raynet-polska
Radisson BLU Szczecin –> https://www.radissonhotels.com
Zachodniopomorski Klaster Morski –> https://klastermorski.org
The AI-CONNECT 2025 conference demonstrated that Szczecin not only aspires to the role of an innovation leader in Poland but is already actively playing it today. The third edition of the event confirmed the region’s growing importance in developing responsible and new technologies.
As participants commented, “I can’t wait for the next edition!” – it is hard to disagree with that.
We sincerely thank all speakers, partners, participants, and involved teams for their presence, inspiring conversations, and the energy you brought to this event. Thanks to you, AI-CONNECT 2025 had a truly unique character and high substantive quality.
Special thanks to Piotr Krężel from 24fps.pl for professional support in the technical realization, and to pięknezdjęcie.pl for the photo coverage.
The activity is co-financed from funds allocated to the West Pomeranian Voivodeship budget.
