From the sea to the mountains: The 8Foundry Alliance Cluster builds a nationwide innovation ecosystem
On August 8, 2025, the Podkarpackie Center for Innovation in Rzeszów hosted a ceremonial welcome for new members of the 8Foundry Alliance Cluster. This innovative initiative brings together the potential of science, industry, and local government. Leading institutions from within and beyond the region joined the cluster: Podkarpackie Centrum Innowacji, Politechnika Rzeszowska im. Ignacego Łukasiewicza, Państwowa Akademia Nauk Stosowanych w Krośnie, Państwowa Akademia Nauk Stosowanych w Jarosławiu, and Port of Gdynia Authority S.A.
Building Innovation Through Strategic Partnership
The 8Foundry Alliance Cluster emerged from the need to create high-quality cooperation between scientific, business, and institutional communities. The cluster’s mission focuses on supporting innovation development, executing joint research and development projects, and creating strong consortia. These consortia compete effectively on domestic and international markets while commercializing innovations and building new sales channels. The new cluster members enhance organizational potential with significant technological, scientific, and operational competencies.
“We are creating a platform that enables cooperation and actively supports its development. Combining university resources, institutions, and businesses allows for more effective innovation implementation. This approach increases member competitiveness, supports commercialization and monetization, and secures international partnerships,”emphasized Rafał Magryś, Chairman of the 8Foundry Alliance Cluster.
Expanding Beyond Regional Boundaries
Podkarpackie universities and institutions joining 8Foundry Alliance represents another step in strengthening the region’s technological and industrial potential. Cluster cooperation extends beyond the Podkarpackie region. The organization actively pursues international presence and builds Polish entities’ positions within the global innovation ecosystem.
“We implement and develop security-enhancing technologies – 5G, artificial intelligence – and we embrace these innovations. However, we need scientific community support and innovative enterprise partnerships. That’s why we join this cluster,” said Grzegorz Bławat from the Port of Gdynia Authority Management Board.
Symbolic Foundation and Vision
The August 8 meeting date carries special significance. The eighth day of the eighth month, plus the number “8” in the cluster name, holds symbolic meaning. In many cultures, this number represents balance, prosperity, and infinite possibilities – values reflected in the cluster’s vision.
“We gathered at the Podkarpackie Center for Innovation because this location connects science and business worlds in our region. It supports modern technology development and commercialization. We joined the cluster because it’s time to reverse Polish economic activity vectors. We must export our know-how, solutions, and patents to countries open to partnership-based cooperation. Podkarpackie offers significant value here,” said Michał Tabisz, President of the Podkarpackie Center for Innovation.
Creating Effective Science-Industry Links
The 8Foundry Alliance Cluster initiative addresses the critical need for effective science-industry connections. This collaboration model enables more efficient innovative solution commercialization, new technology development, and high-potential project investor attraction. Cluster-associated entities gain access to extensive expert resources and cooperation networks at national and international levels.
See also
Gdynia in 8Foundry Alliance – Strengthening the Cluster's Potential
8Foundry Alliance gains a new, strategic partner – the City of Gdynia has officially joined the cluster. This is a step that significantly expands the cluster’s capabilities and strengthens the international dimension of our cooperation. Why does collaboration with Gdynia matter? Gdynia is not just one of Poland’s major port cities – it is above […] Read this article
8Foundry Alliance at the PFNI
The Podkarpacki Festival of Science and Innovation (PFNI) is underway in Jasionka. It is one of the region’s most important events. Importantly, PFNI connects science, education, and business in one place. Thanks to close cooperation with the Podkarpackie region, 8Foundry Alliance joined the festival. Moreover, the Podkarpackie Centre for Innovation (PCI) organizes the event. PCI […] Read this article
