Knowledge

Explore the Huge Thing Knowledge Bank and Take Your Innovation to the Next Level!

In the Knowledge section, you will find a big library of our expertise – reports, articles and podcasts about the fast-growing startup ecosystem, corporate-startup relationship and corporate view on innovation.

Unlock insider insights and gain valuable advice from the leading experts, to help you achieve success. Check this out!

The IT Department as a Driver of Innovation – An (Un)Typical Story from the Corporate World

Is IT really a handbrake to innovation? Find out in our new episode of Huge Talks by Huge Thing, powered by Mam Startup and supported by Google for Startups, as we chat with Małgorzata Kołodziejczyk and Marcin Janikowski, who reveal the secrets behind redefining innovation at Rossmann. Learn about McKinsey’s 3 Horizons model, partnering with startups, and driving innovation from quick wins to groundbreaking tech.

Can corporations and high-risk investments really go hand in hand?

How does being open to change affect a company's performance... and what do cats have to do with it all? Tune in to the next episode of Huge Talks by Huge Thing!

Beyond the Pill: A Broader View on Innovation

In today's healthcare system, providing drugs and therapies isn't enough to be innovative. How can pharmaceutical companies earn that title? Tune in to Huge Talks by Huge Thing as we discuss how Novartis Poland tackles this challenge with Anna Dzięcielak and Karolina Tądel.

Silicon Valley and Warsaw. Is there any difference in how corporations work with startups?

How do Silicon Valley and Warsaw compare when it comes to corporate approaches to innovation? Our podcast hosts, Maryla and Monika, discuss it with Tomek Kołodziejak in our latest podcast episode.

5 days is enough to overcome challenges!

How can a Design Sprint help teams overcome challenges in just five days? We know that it sounds intriguing, but our guest Piotr Kowalski from Google shows you how it's possible! Check out our latest episode of the Huge Thing x Mam Startup podcast!

How about the future? New podcast episode!

In our latest episode, we talk about the future with our guests Aleksandra Kulińska and Karolina Michałkowska from Infuture Institute. We discuss emerging trends, groundbreaking startups, and strategies for staying ahead in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Sounds interesting? Check it out!

Discover the future of healthcare with our latest podcast episode!

Join us on the latest episode of the Huge Thing podcast as we delve into the groundbreaking innovations shaping the future of healthcare. Tune in to hear from industry experts - Tomasz and Wiktor from Institute of Mother and Children, about the latest advancements in medical technology, including AI-driven diagnostics, telemedicine, and patient-centric solutions.

Huge Innovators’ Map

Together with PFR Ventures, we have developed a map of large organizations and corporations that operate in Poland and are actively looking for innovations. We are constantly extending our map! If you are actively looking for innovation, join our Huge Innovator’s Map! MamStartup is the media sponsor of the map.

Samorządy&innowacje – podręcznik dla samorządów

Ten podręcznik do pracy z innowacjami to unikatowy zbiór wiedzy, dobrych praktyk oraz informacji o narzędziach, które mogą być pomocne w pracy samorządów z innowacjami. Powstał w wyniku połączenia doświadczeń naszego zespołu w pracy z organizacjami, które wdrażają innowacje, wiedzy na temat specyfiki działania startupów oraz obserwacji zebranych w trakcie realizacji programu GovTech Inno_lab*, którego celem było wsparcie jednostek samorządowych w zamawianiu produktów i usług opartych na nowych technologiach.

“Build Your Own Startup” – A Few Words 
on Corporate Venture Building

Are you all set for another exciting episode of our podcast 🎙️ brought to you in collaboration with MamStartup and with the generous support of Google for Startups? 🤗 This time, we have a special guest joining Zuzanna and Maryla in the conversation 👉 Jędrzej Iwaszkiewicz, the co-founder of The Heart 🚀 Together, they will dive into the fascinating world of Venture Building, exploring the true essence of this renowned concept and delving into its countless advantages, opportunities, and potential risks 🕵️ Feeling intrigued? 🤔 We warmly invite you to tune in and join us for this captivating episode! 🎧

Pretotyping in practice – new podcast episode!

Yes, it's not a mistake - pretotyping, not prototyping 👀 This time Maryla Wojcieszek and Zuzanna Kowala invited to the conversation Agata Szydłowska, an expert in the field of innovation, Human Centered Design & Design Thinking 🚀 The conversation with Agata will introduce you to the world of pretotyping 🌍 You will learn about its genesis and essence, thanks to many practical examples cited by our interlocutor. In this episode, you'll learn how to use simple and low-cost ways to test whether an idea has potential before moving on to creating a full prototype 📝 👉 This is the main topic we tried to talk about in the next episode of our podcast created together with MamStartup and with the support of Google for Startups 💙 Grab a cup of coffee, grab your headphones 🎧 and simply enjoy!

Startup and acceleration programs from the perspective of a large organization

We promised...and we did! 😎 Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the first episode of the second series of our podcast created together with MamStartup and with the support of Google for Startups! 🚀 We talked about accelerator programs from the perspective of large organizations 🤝 We hosted guests who, despite their young age, have incredible experience in this area 💪 Agnieszka and Natalia from our blue monster team 💙 talked about the values and benefits that a corporation receives from such initiatives as well as the challenges that need to be prepared for 🎧 The discussion was hosted by the well-known and irreplaceable 🎙️ Zuzanna and 🎙️ Maryla

Startup and corporate relationship – how to make it a happy ending?

The last but not least....ladies and gentlemen...🥁🥁🥁...let us share with you the last episode of the 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝑯𝒖𝒈𝒆 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 created together with MamStartup and with the support of Google for Startups! 💙 This time we hosted two startup founders in our studio! 🎙️Piotr Nizio (ParkCash) & Piotr Sikorski (SP Tech Solutions) talked with Zuzanna and Maryla about the startup-corporate relationship and how to make it a happy ending 🚀 Grab a cup of coffee, grab your headphones 👉 and simply enjoy! 🎧 ...and hey! 👋 don't worry...Zuzanna and Maryla will be back with the second series of our podcast very soon! 💙 With more great guests and another dose of knowledge and inspiration! 🙌

Culture of innovation

🥁🥁🥁....and here it is! the next episode of our podcast created together with MamStartup and with the support of Google for Startups 🚀 This time our guest was Tamara Bińczak, Principal Expert Innovation Lead at ING Polska with whom Zuzanna and Maryla talked about the culture of innovation 🤔 📌 What is a culture of innovation? 📌 How to start building it in a company? 📌 How to involve employees in building a culture of innovation ? 📌 How does it affect the functioning of the company? Sounds interesting, doesn't it? 🙌

Can innovation be measured?

Can innovation be measured? 🤔 That was the main topic of conversation of our next podcast episode created together with MamStartup and with the support of Google for Startups 🚀 Zuzanna and Maryla's guest was 🎙️ Jan van der Saar, Head of Innovation Lab at Bank Pekao S.A. 🙌 Sounds great? 🤔

How to match the sources of innovation with the stage and readiness of the company?

How to match the sources of innovation with the stage and readiness of the company? 👉 that's the main question we're looking to answer in the next episode of our podcast created together with MamStartup and with the support of Google for Startups 💙 This time Zuzanna and Maryla invited to the conversation 🎙️ Katarzyna Wszola, Director of Innovation at Veolia Poland 🚀 Grab your headphones and check it out 🎧

How to improve cooperation with innovations?

Thursday means...🥁🥁🥁...the next episode of our podcast 🎧 created in conjunction with MamStartup and with the support of Google for Startups 💪 Zuzanna and Maryla had the pleasure of hosting and talking with another great guests ⤵️ 🎙️Paulina Skrzypinska, BNP Paribas Bank Polska 🎙️Dominika Goleniowska-Milinković, Tauron Polska Energia S.A. 📌 How they work with startups? 📌 How can cooperation with innovations be improved? 📌 What affects the speed of working with innovations? Grab your headphones 🎧 and check it out! 💙

Jazz & innovation. What exactly unites them?

Jazz and innovation 👉 at first glance completely different things 👀 but nevertheless something unites them... what it is exactly? 🤔 You'll find out more about this unique connection as well as the ways to test innovations in organizations in the next episode of our podcast created in cooperation with MamStartup and with the support of Google for Startups.

How does PZU define its areas in which it looks for innovation?

How to find out what kind of innovations an organization may need? 📌 How does PZU define the areas where it looks for innovation? 📌 What do sweets, innovation and the organization's needs have in common? It is what Zuzanna and Maryla discuss with 🎙️ Marcin Kurczab, director of innovation at PZU, in the latest episode of our podcast created in cooperation with MamStartup and with the support of Google for Startups

What competencies and skills are necessary to work effectively with startups?

Cheers from the Google for Startups studio with Zuzanna, Maryla and our next guest Daniel Maksym at the microphone! 🎙️ The third episode of our podcast created in cooperation with MamStartup is on air! 😍 📌 Who should be responsible for working with innovation in large organizations? 📌 What competencies and skills are necessary to work effectively with startups? 📌 How much time do you need to give to an innovation team to prove the business value innovation brings to the organization?

HT Case Study – How to Building Efficient Pathways for innovations

How to Building Efficient Pathways to Keep the Innovation Process Moving? Check one of our Case Studies, when The Huge Thing team has worked with businesses facing such challenges to map current innovation pathways and create a modification that would speed things up.

How do organizations acquire innovations?

This time Zuzanna and Maryla invited ⤵️ 🎙️Michalina Łagunionok from Zduńska Wola City Hall and Konrad Ozdowy from PKO Bank Polski. They provided answers to the following questions: What barriers can be encountered when working with innovations? 📌 How do organizations acquire innovations? 📌 What can you gain from working with startups? These are just some of the topics they discussed! Grab your headphones and enjoy it!

Corporations & Innovations | key factors

Based on our research conducted among large organizations and corporations and our team’s experience, we have defined 7 key factors that influence successful work with innovations. They can occur jointly or individually, they can differ in the intensity of impact, but one thing is certain - they affect the value that innovations may bring to the company. Which ones apply to your organization?

The #1 episode of the HugeThing and MamStartup podcast

Innovation, technology, development opportunity – many times have we all heard those catchy terms being used; Let us define properly what they really mean and what opportunities they give us! Together with MamStartup and with the support of Google for Startups, we have created a podcast in which we will bring you closer to the topic of innovation in organizations. The content is based on the hands-on experiences of companies and individuals who have successfully developed their definitions and approaches to innovation making it an integral part of their daily work 🚀. Let's check out the first episode!

HT Case Study – How to Build an Innovation Strategy

How to create an Innovation Strategy? Check out how the Huge Thing team works with the Major Retail Brand team to create and implement an Innovation Strategy Framework.

Public Organization & Innovations | key factors

Based on our research conducted among large organizations and corporations, and our team’s experience, we have defined 7 key factors that define success in working with innovations. These factors can occur jointly or individually, they can differ in the intensity of impact, but one thing is certain - they affect the value that innovations may bring to the company. Which ones apply to your organization?

HT Case Study – How to identify innovation needs

The Huge Thing team designed and conducted workshops on innovation needs mapping based on a combination of our methodology with best market practices. Check out how we worked with Global Pharma.

Report: How corporates works with startups

What are the biggest corporate challenges in working with innovations? Why do companies want to cooperate with startups? What forms of cooperation are possible and who is responsible for this cooperation? The answers to these and other questions can be found in the report we have prepared together with PFR Ventures.

Report: cooperation between startups and corporations – process analysis [PL]

Cooperation between startups and corporations is a complex process. Using our experience and qualitative research conducted among startups and corporations, we have developed the following stages of verification of solutions by corporations, testing, and implementation.

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Veolia Poland - challenges

1. AI-assisted notes from meetings
We’re looking for a solution which will support Veolia’s employees in creating notes after meetings which will be used to share in the organisation. The tool should have a feature for self-correcting notes by users.
 
2. Tool to verify ability to perform complex activities such as driving vehicles and machinery
We are looking for a tool to quickly and comprehensively verify the ability of workers to undertake work, especially in production facilities where they are dealing with advanced equipment.
 
3.  Tool for analysing contract terms
We are looking for a solution which will analyze customer’s contracts in order to verify the validity of clauses against changes in the contract template over the years. Based on the results, Veolia will be looking to conclude an addendum making the necessary adjustments.
 
4. Sending customers the GDPR consent
We are looking for a tool simplifying the sending of personal data consent, which will make it easier to send offers to customers.
 

5. Customer experince improvement

We’re looking for startups that use the latest technology to improve customer experience while filling the forms and increasing customer egagement.
 
6. We are looking for solutions in HR Tech

Rossmann - challenges

The main challenge for this batch is to support Rossmann customers in the independent purchasing process, which can be delivered due to:

  • Connecting the online and offline worlds;
  • Providing personalised content for social groups and individual customers;
  • Activities within marketing using AR, rich content. virtual assistants, augmented reality to enrich cosmetic information. Solutions to engage younger generations entering the shopping market;
  • Technologies to ensure security at self-service checkouts (video analysis, fraud detection).

PZU

We are looking for:

    1. Mass process optimisation. Optimisation and automation of mass processes (e.g. claims settlement, underwriting, automation of back office processes, customer relationship management), particularly through tools using GenAI.
    2. Pricing excellence. The challenge can be solved by a tool to better estimate and price insurance risks, both for individual and corporate clients, or by increasing the dataset for estimation or adding new variables to assess the risk of an event.
    3. Insurance prevention. We’re looking for startups providing technologies and tools such as digital customer service platforms, advanced risk analysis tools or artificial intelligence to help manage risk and improve safety. The area of interest includes solutions for both corporate and individual clients, particularly in the areas of health prevention and wellbeing, road safety, and property damage prevention.
    4. AI solutions for weather prediction and sudden weather events.
    5. All insurtech startups.

 

Żabka Group - challenges

1. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (ONLINE AND OFFLINE)

New products & services to expand on our convenience ecosystem in areas of health, entertainment, betting, financial and insurance services.

Modern convenience foods such as: nutrition products (especially for school-aged children), nutritious snacks, dietary supplements, functional beverages & snacks.

2. FOODSERVICE & STREET-FOOD SOLUTIONS

Increase the attractiveness of our offer, improve the quality of service and increase operational efficiency in foodservice and our street-food offering. We are looking for innovations in: systems, processes, equipment, self-service facilities and food storage.

3. SALES AND MARKETING

Solutions aimed to: increase and optimise sales in-store, foster better business decision making and innovative in-store marketing. Mechanisms and products that support customer loyalty and influence positive daily habits and routines.

4. MOBILE APP/PHYGITAL

Engaging our customers in mobile app and physical stores. Creating & fostering community of dedicated customers through gamification and new technologies.

5. RETAIL TECHNOLOGIES

Disruptive solutions to transform the traditional retail with the help of new technologies i.e. AR/VR, IOT, blockchain, payment solutions, ESL.

6. NEW BUSINESS VERTICALS

Exploring and developing new business verticals that fit within our modern convenience strategy and further expand our ecosystem.

PKO BP - challenges

PKO BP is seeking solutions to meet the needs of the bank’s many customer groups and to support the organization in its transformation.  In particular, the bank is looking for solutions that:

  • will enrich the bank’s offer to young users (aged 13 and over);
  • allow the bank to offer additional services that will enrich the bank’s services, including from the mobile application;
  • Solutions for VR/AR/XR;
  • GreenFinance.

At the same time, PKO BP is looking for solutions applicable within the organization, including:

  • Digitalization of claims handling processes;
  • Automation of internal processes;
  • development of remote channels;
  • employee benefits.

Rossmann - challenges

People & Culture Solution

We are looking for a tool that will help structure the onboarding process and allow us to easily design an employee’s career development, from monitoring competence development to planning a set of trainings. The solution should also include monitoring the fulfillment of formal obligations arising from labor law.

Building the Drugstore of the Future

We are looking for tools that will create a personalized omnichannel shopping experience. We are looking for solutions that work both online and offline, for use in drugstores addressing, for example, the possibility of purchasing or checking information about the full product range of Rossmann. We want to support decision-making, make it easier to move around the drugstore while relieving our staff. The solutions should support all customers, avoiding digital exclusion.

Improving e-commerce experiences

We are looking for solutions that will improve the quality of customer experiences in the Rossmann online store, from reaching customers, through the entire purchase process and the stage of receiving the order from the courier or in the drugstore. We are looking for both online and offline solutions with MarTech, Industry 4.0, Logistics and others supporting this process.

Zduńska Wola - challenges

Cyber Security

We are looking for solutions to increase the level of cyber security in the city and to protect the data of residents and businesses in Zdunska Wola. The area of interest also includes technologies to repel cyber attacks to which the public administration is exposed in the current geopolitical situation. As part of the challenge, we are also looking for solutions to increase citizens' awareness and knowledge of cyber security.

Rainwater channels

We are looking for technology that will allow us to inventory technical data on rainwater channels and drainage ditches and monitor their filling status. Based on the data, the local government should be able to estimate the necessary materials and the cost of repairs in case of failure.

Attractive city app

We are looking for solutions that will create an attractive city application that will allow us to integrate existing solutions, such as reporting faults, checking public transportation schedules and making medical appointments. The city also aims to increase users of three types of Zduńska Wola cards.

CPI Property Group - challenges

Digitalization of building documentation

We are looking for a solution that will enable secure and fast digitization and archiving of building documentation, which will be carried out directly at the facility to which the documentation relates. The solution should provide quick, easy and intuitive access to the archived documents.

Joanna Kozioł

Project Manager/ Interim Innovation Specialist

Joanna joined Huge Thing in 2024. As an Interim Innovation Specialist she is responsible for cooperation with bigger organisations in the area of innovations management. Her professional experience is based on academia and R&D projects related to Disaster Risk Reduction and safety engineering. Moreover last year she decided to switch industry and entered the “innovative” ecosystem of start-ups and acceleration which inspires her more and more. She is a huuuge fan of city breaks and the art of cafe hopping.

Alior Bank - challenges

Omnichannel

We search for solutions which can help us to provide the best possible customerexperience for our clients, regardless of the chosen customer service channel. The solutions should provide seamless connection between various channels (mobile app, phone-calls, branches etc.)

Main digital relationship

We search for solutions which can intensify customers’ engagement in our banking mobile app. We want to provide new, innovative functions and value-added services for our customers and encourage them to use our mobile app more frequently. The solutions should address our clients’ needs on daily basis or help us to improve banking processes inside the app to make it more engaging. New functionalities and services can be implemented on-premise or using mobile SDK.

EIT InnoEnergy

EIT InnoEnergy is looking for solutions in the following areas:

  • Hydrogen Economy Equipment
  • Water Tech
  • Raw materials (mining efficiency & impact)
  • Point source carbon capture
  • Biogenic CO2 (BECCS: carbon capturing, removal, and storage)
  • Decarbonization of industrial heat
  • Aluminum value chain & aluminum-air batteries
  • Heavy road transport electrification
  • Digital solutions (smart grid and energy consumption management)
  • Textile recycling

Saint Gobain - challenges

Efficient and ecological recovery of flat glass

We are looking for solutions to recover as much flat glass as possible in a safe manner. We are not limited to the technology used, but at the same time we want a solution that is environmentally friendly and does not use toxic chemicals.

Waste glass collection technology

We are looking for solutions that can be used in manufacturing plants to collect flat glass waste generated during the production and handling of glass products. We want to automate the process of cleaning glass cullet that can be reused in the production process. Consider that the distance between the floor and the production line at the lowest point is 60 cm.

Laminated glass production process

We are looking for solutions to identify bottlenecks on a laminated glass production line . The line handles the production of different types of glass, with different process parameters. The purpose of the test is to improve the efficiency of production by minimizing the duration of its various stages, based on information obtained from the system planned for implementation.

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Marketing strategy for startups

Kuba Radzikowski

Marketing Strategy Consultant

PZU

We are looking for:

    • Technologies supporting PZU in insurance prevention and mitigation of life, health and property insurance risks for individual and corporate customers, this includes solutions that support physical and mental prevention;
    • Technologies which will support call center workers in their everyday job – simplify their job and reduce the risk of errors;
    • Ideas and technologies that will help our distribution partnersto increase sales and improve workflow. These solutions can include development of alternative sales channels and improvements in the process.
    • Actuarial solutions for risk assessment and pricing excellence in motor insurance
       
    We aim not only to respond to development in insurtech but also to stay ahead of these trends. PZU is looking for startups operating in various areas, particularly in insurtech, advanced analytics solutions, digitalization, and new customer interactions.
  • Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship

    The Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship of the University of Nevada, Reno was founded in 2014 by a gift from Eren and Fatih Ozmen. Headquartered in Sparks, NV, Sierra Nevada Corporation is a privately held company under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer, Fatih Ozmen and President, Eren Ozmen. SNC-owned Sierra Space has been tasked by NASA to build a Dream Chaser Space Plane.Ozmen Center’s goals are to focus on the development of entrepreneurial skills, improve northern Nevada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and attract high- growth tech companies from all over the world to successfully land and succeed in the US with a help of our mentors & entrepreneurs in residence. Our major initiatives include an international startup school, Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition, LaunchNevada, International Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium, IREX Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge, and Aerospace and Defense Academy.

    Jagoda Bujno

    Junior Communication Specialist

    Jagoda joined Huge Thing team in 2024, where she is part of the communication team with Damian. Together, they manage the company’s external and internal communications. This includes working with business representatives, business environment institutions, public administration, media, and the academic community. Jagoda also supports marketing and PR activities. Before joining Huge Thing, Jagoda was actively involved in an organization related to the Erasmus+ program. In her free time, she’s passionate about graphics, drawing, and cinema. She’s also a huge fan of traveling!.

    Katarzyna Maryanska

    Program Manager

    Kasia joined Huge Thing in 2024 and strengthened the acceleration team. Together with Maria and Mateusz she creates and leads acceleration programs and creates the startup environment.

    Before joining the Huge Thing team, she gained experience in other startups organizations such as Business Link, Digital Knowledge Observatory and Startup Academy, where she was responsible for coordinating incubation, acceleration projects and community events.

    Huuuuge fan of Erasmus + project (especially related to gamification and visual thinking topics) During her spare time she enjoys low cost traveling, festivals, and good tea :)

    ACE.SG (Action Community for Entrepreneurship)

    ACE.SG (Action Community for Entrepreneurship) is the national voice for the Singapore startup ecosystem, and a key trade association representing the interests of startups in Singapore. Working closely with the Government and startups, ACE.SG aims to promote entrepreneurship, catalyse new growth opportunities, scale startups and build champion enterprises.

    ACE.SG was established in 2003 by the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry, and re-launched as a private sector-led, non-profit organisation in 2014. ACE.SG’s Patron is Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry.

    ACE.SG constantly seeks to build a vibrant and sustainable startup ecosystem in Singapore, and focuses on five key pillars: Startups, Corporations, Institutes of Higher Learning, Risk Capital, and Public Sector. As the driving force behind Singapore as an Innovation Island, ACE.SG is creating a virtual and physical space where ideas, knowledge, and capabilities are transformed into value efficiently.

    Weve Acceleration

    WEVE Acceleration is NYC’s premiere acceleration program for international startups expanding to the US. Formerly NUMA New York, WEVE enjoys more than twenty years of experience introducing the world’s most promising startups to the world’s largest market. Since opening our NYC office in 2017, we’ve accelerated over 350 startups from 35 different nationalities. Weve Acceleration offer:
    • Workshops and curriculum in US go-to market, sales, marketing, fundraising, and key cultural business practices
    • Customized events for business development, demo-days, custom thought leadership panels, and networking cocktails
    • 1:1 mentorship – connection to a lead and dedicated mentor based on their industry and US objectives, as well as other 1:1 mentor introductions to solve the most pressing business challenges
    • Business match-making – connecting companies directly to WEVE’s network of corporates across industries of Retail, Financial Services, The tech giants, Manufacturing, Health and Pharma, and more.
    • Investor Preparation and Matchmaking, supporting companies in the preparation of their deck, story and assets, and direct introductions to relevant investors
    • Connections and discounts to vetted partners, including legal, banking, accounting, taxes, hiring, and more
    • Over $1M in perks and discounts for things like cloud services, CRM services and other.

    CIC Innovation Campus

    CIC is a global leader in building and operating innovation campuses that support the growth of entrepreneurs and startups. Founded in 1999 with a single location in Kendall Square, the company now operates more than 1 million square feet of shared workspace, wet labs, and event space in the US, Europe, and Asia. Its collaborative work environments support thousands of individuals in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors who are focused on innovating solutions to local and global problems. As part of the Go Global program, CIC offers customized packages to meet startups at their stage of growth and global exploration. Learn more at cic.com.

    Veolia Poland - challenges

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    Reporting tool for salespeople

    We are looking for an extensive online tool in the area of reporting for salespeople, which will have the following functions: location, meeting opening, meeting closing, checklist of sales steps and good practices. Thanks to which the salesman will avoid time-consuming reporting after visits to customers, better supervision and control of the quality of the salesman’s work.

    Offer configurator

    We are looking for an offer configurator – a tool for salespeople that will be used during the meeting and guarantees ease of making offers of many products from the mix of energy efficiency, electricity, gas, total waste management, services, etc. The solution should also be able to be hosted on Veolia.pl to ensure customers self-service by unchecking data, selecting products and preparing a “preliminary” offer, which includes benefits and costs.

    Management of distributed heat sources (off-grid heat) platform

    We are looking for a solution to measure the exact parameters of the building and estimate how much heat energy should be supplied. We will obtain results on the balance of energy demand (in water- domestic hot water and central heating) from distributed heat sources, i.e.: cogeneration solutions in a hydronic hybrid system (PH (heat pumps), CHP (cogeneration of heat and electricity), photovoltaic panels, gas boilers, tanks (buffers, storage tanks) of domestic hot water and with the use of heat storage) and additional information on the possible benefits/savings that may result from the use of these heat sources.

    Recycling of plastic waste

    We are seeking management solutions for soft PVC waste, on a polyester matrix.

    Berlin Innovation Agency​ is a boutique transformation studio and academy. We partner with organizations of all sizes to create bespoke learning, change, and innovation journeys.

    We have an extensive track-record supporting entrepreneurs, having accelerated +80 startups through our own accelerator programs: Future City, Future Health, and ClimateX Accelerators. In addition to open-cohort startup programs, we create customized learning journeys based on the challenges and needs of our customers.

    Our learning formats include interactive masterclasses, coaching, as well applicable and actionable workshops (including compact and/or multi-day Bootcamps, Blueprints, Design Sprints, etc.). In the startup acceleration realm, our services cover the entire acceleration span – from ideation to investment readiness, expansion and growth (see comprehensive list below). Additionally, we also support our clients with stakeholder mapping, market analysis, soft landing (incl. event organization, placement and introductions), and more.

    Starta Capital

    Starta.vc is a New York-based venture ecosystem that includes three early-stage VC funds, a co-investment platform for angel investors, and acceleration & immersion programs for startups and scale-ups. Its flagship batches run twice a year in the New York office. In addition, Starta also runs four associate programs annually in collaboration with some of the Ivy League and top schools around the world.

    This in-person program takes place in both New York and Silicon Valley and focuses on entering and validating the US market, as well as building a strong client and investor network. It’s an ideal option for companies looking to establish sales, launch pilot projects, fundraise, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the US ecosystem. Key focus areas include market research and competitive analysis, hands-on work on building a client pipeline, identifying grant opportunities, setting up an effective investor outreach campaign, guidance on incorporation and business immigration, and legal advice on fundraising tools and processes. The program also emphasizes in-person connections, featuring multiple networking events per week and two Investor Showcases (Demo Days), one in Silicon Valley and one in New York. Duration options are 12 weeks or 6 weeks.

    The program also emphasizes in-person connections, featuring multiple networking events per week and two Investor Showcases (Demo Days), one in Silicon Valley and one in New York. Duration options are 12 weeks or 6 weeks.

    Maria Tyka-Majewska

    Acceleration Lead

    Expert in creating innovation and acceleration programs.

    As a member of the Huge Thing team, she is responsible for the creation and coordination of acceleration programs and direct cooperation with startups.

    Before joining the Huge Thing team, she gained experience at the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development, Startup Academy and the Polish Development Fund, where she was responsible for coordinating incubation and acceleration projects. 

     
    Italian and Spanish cuisine enthusiast.

    Olga Dzieciątkowska

    Innovation Manager

    Olga joined Huge Thing in 2024 and strengthened the consulting team. Together with Maryla, Magda and Asia she supports large organizations (both private and public) in processes related to innovation.

    Before joining Huge Thing, Olga was driving the adoption of digital and innovative solutions across the city of Poznan. As the Coordinator and Inventor of Poznan CityLab she managed the City App and Open Data Platform and championed projects aimed at empowering digital skills.

    Her focus extends to digital health and education, advocating for civic education and the concept of smart cities, particularly among the youth. As a certified city guide, she leverages her deep understanding of Poznań’s urban landscape to foster sustainable development by integrating local businesses, NGOs, and public sector into the city’s growth initiatives.

    Alongside her work with Huge Thing, Olga is also a Local Officer in the European Commission’s 100 ICC Initiative and an Urban Policy Expert on electric cargo bikes in a project with the Adam Mickiewicz University.

    She is an occasional triathlete and half-marathoner, a dedicated yogi, and a passionate Iga Świątek fan.

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    Magda Stachowiak

    Project Manager

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    Kontakt
    Sektor publiczny

    Magda Stachowiak

    Project Manager

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    Maryla Wojcieszek

    Interim Head of Knowledge, Innovation Shaper

    As Innovation Shaper at Huge Thing, Maryla supports large organizations in processes related to innovation. That includes, among others:  ‘as is’ diagnosis, analysis and (re-)design of processes, innovation framework design, structuring the work of innovation teams, and facilitating cooperation with startups. As the Interim Head of Knowledge, Maryla is responsible for the materialization and transfer of knowledge as well as talent management within the Huge Thing team. She designs and creates new products/services based on internal knowledge resources as well as new models of delivery and dissemination. She’s also a workshop designer and facilitator.

    Experienced designer of (public) programs supporting the startup ecosystem in Poland. In her professional experience, as an Expert in the Startup Development Department at PARP, Maryla co-created, among others, the Scale UP program – the first public acceleration program connecting startups and corporations.

    A gardener and a LEGO fan.

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    Nala

    Cummunity Builder

    Since 2022 Nala has been working like a dog to build the Huge Thing community.

    She’s always happy to welcome you in our office and you can be sure to get a huuuge hug from her!

    PS: don’t forget to bring some treats.

    Mateusz Szymański

    Program Manager

    Tech and innovation enthusiasts, especially those with positive social impact, Greentech, and health tech solutions. In Huge Thing, Mateusz is responsible for co-running acceleration programs. In 2022 he was co-running the 12th edition of the Google for Startups pre-acceleration program. 

    Previously he worked in the sales and product departments, where he was responsible for outreach activities and product communication. He’s also gained experience in project coordination and internal communication, working as a Spokesperson for Poznań’s department of NGO organization The Polish Forum of Young Diplomats. He was a co-creator of the social campaign “Paragraphs without blunder” which mission was to educate high school students about their rights.

    During his spare time, he likes to read about international politics and the economy. Strategic games enjoyer. He’ll surely like to play chess with you.

    Kaja Kulas

    Program Manager

    Kaja joined the Huge Thing team in May 2022. For several years she’s been connected with the startup ecosystem. She helps international startups in growing their businesses in Poland and across Europe.

    In Huge Thing, Kaja is responsible for project management which include running educational programs for startups in their development and acceleration phase. She organizes events, workshops and trainings for the program participants. She monitors their growth and connects with partners and technology recipes. Also, Kaja takes care of relations, community building, recruitments and explorations of startups’ needs to bring them the best value of our programmes.

    Before Huge Thing, she gained her experience in Poznan Science and Technology Park developing international projects funded by the European Commission. Kaja was a part of the PSTP Capital Fund and Regional Contact Point for Research Programmes of the European Union. She is passionate about travels, sports, music and dogs. Kaja is a happy “dog mom” of our team member – Nala whom you can pet while visiting us. :)

     

    Kuba Radzikowski

    Innovation Consultant

    Kuba is a seasoned professional with a 20-year background in FMCG, IT, and healthcare, skilled in digital transformation, strategizing market entry, enhancing sales, and understanding consumer behavior. His contributions have bolstered both startups and multinational firms. As a mentor and advisor at Huge Thing, he has spearheaded the launch and growth of numerous startups, securing their successful market presence. Outside of work, Kuba is deeply committed to aiding homeless animals, has a passion for kitesurfing, and is fascinated by cognitive science related to human behavior.

    Magda Stachowiak

    Project Manager

    Magda joined Huge Thing in 2021. Responsible for our Gov Tech inno_Lab acceleration programs and cooperation with the public administration. She runs projects for smart city. She is also responsible for building bridges between innovators – corporations, startups and the administration.

    Previously, since 2015, she cooperated on our projects for Gov Tech and corporations. Connected with the Poznań Startup Community. Experience in organizing events for the MedTech community. She worked in advertising and interactive agencies, creating brand campaigns and loyalty programs. She helped implement technologies into the organization.

    Passionate about personal development, psychobiology, and supporting women in creating businesses. The creator of the projects Kobiecy Poznań Przebudzenie and Joy of Life.

    Damian Wielechowski

    Senior Marketing and Communication Manager

    Damian manages the external and internal communications of SpeedUp Group, including Huge Thing. He joined the team in 2017 and since then has been working with business representatives, business environment institutions, public administration, media, and the academic community.

    In addition to activities related to Speedup Group, Damian supports the fund’s portfolio companies in the area of marketing and PR. He has served on the jury of many competitions, including ImpactCEE, and acted as a mentor at startup events such as hackathons and Startup Weekend.

    Damian is also the author of the Poznan Startup Guide and co-author of the Krakow Startup Guide, as well as organizer of many events dedicated to startups and investors.

    Natalia Sadownik

    Delivery Lead, Senior Program Manager

    Natalia joined Huge Thing in 2019. As a Senior Program Manager, she implements acceleration and educational programs (Poland Prize, PlusJeden do Rozwoju) in line with Huge Thing’s standards.

    As a Delivery Lead, she focuses on the operation of Huge Thing as an organization, financial issues, team planning, and quality of activities carried out by the company. Natalia loves to sail around Masuria and Croatia, and on gray days eats sushi and watches tennis.

    Monika Synoradzka

    CEO of Huge Thing and managing partner at Speedup group

    Monika together with the HT team is responsible for the company’s development in startup acceleration and activities aimed at supporting organizations from the private and public sectors in their work with innovations.

    She specializes in implementing innovations in organizations and building a culture of innovation in companies from various sectors. For years, she has supported the development of Poland’s startup environment.

    Monika is also a Managing Partner at SpeedUp Venture Capital Group.
    Thanks to her knowledge and experience, she helps portfolio companies to understand the operation of large organizations and corporations and prepare to work with them. She also supports them in building business relationships.

    Preparing the resources

    Acquiring innovation

    Preparing the resources

    Acquiring innovation

    Huge Thing Programs

    Monetizing innovation

    Acquiring innovation

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