Softjourn at “Made in Wrocław”: Exploring Innovation, Talent, and the Future of Work

On October 16, our teammates attended Made in Wrocław — a major tech and business conference held at Hala Stulecia and the Wrocław Congress Center.

Under the theme “Power of Synergy!”, this year’s event emphasized collaboration as one of the most powerful ways to tackle global and technological challenges, and it truly lived up to that message, uniting more than 2,500 participants, 40 exhibitors, and dozens of speakers, including leading scientists, founders, and investors.

As the organizers explained, this year’s program was built around three key pillars: knowledge, people, and innovation — a crisis-resistant structure meant to keep companies balanced and economies moving forward.

For Softjourn, it was another opportunity to connect with the tech pulse of the industry and stay updated on what's shaping the future.

Knowledge: Understanding Change

The conference opened with a keynote by Professor Michał Kosiński from Stanford University, titled “Making Sense of Modern AI.” Other notable sessions included lectures by Fred Schmidt, co-founder of HBO, MTV, and CNN, and Henry McGovern, founder of AmRest.

Fred Schmidt — grandson of Jan Czochralski, the father of modern electronics — spoke about building bridges between Poland and the United States and how Polish science can achieve greater global recognition. McGovern, in turn, discussed leadership, scaling across continents, and investment in food and tech innovation amid changing geopolitical realities.

People: Rethinking the Future of Work

Among the most insightful parts of the event was the “Future of Work” panel, which explored how automation, migration, and demographic shifts are reshaping modern talent ecosystems.

Experts from HR, startups, and academia discussed how AI and digital transformation are reshaping skills demand, how multiculturalism and mobility will reshape workplaces, and how businesses and universities must work together to support lifelong learning, upskilling, and reskilling.

Despite different viewpoints, the overall sentiment was optimistic. Adaptability, continuous learning, and openness to change were named as the core competencies of this decade.

“They underlined the importance of adaptability and constant learning, and noted how diversity and multicultural teams will shape the next stage of growth,”   Karolina Skup

As Softjourners, we strongly relate. Tech may shift rapidly, but what really moves it forward is people open to change.

Innovation: From Space Tech to Startups

The Expo Zone showcased technologies across industries — from medicine, drones, robotics, and Industry 4.0 to fintech, aerospace, energy, and climate innovation.
Local and global brands like Scanway SA (“Polish Eyes in Space”) and Capgemini Polska (“Innovations That Save Lives”) demonstrated how research and entrepreneurship intertwine in practical, forward-looking ways.

A highlight of the day was the launch of the “Wrocław & Lower Silesia Startup Ecosystem Report”, presented by Dr. Yash Chawla of the Wrocław University of Science and Technology.
The report, drawing on insights from seven stakeholder groups, examined how startups in the region build, fund, and commercialize intellectual property, and the challenges that can emerge at each stage of this process. The findings pointed to Lower Silesia’s growing competitiveness and its capacity to rival leading European innovation hubs.

Networking and Collaboration

Beyond the presentations, Made in Wrocław was built around what its name implies — making things together. It served as a true networking space for scientists, startups, and businesses to share experiences and explore new partnerships.
Our team had the chance to meet representatives from universities, innovation hubs, IT professionals, and local enterprises.

As Aleksandra Kyc summed it up:

“Wrocław came across as a city full of opportunities — creative, ambitious, and ready to turn ideas into reality. Events like this are a great chance to connect with the local IT community.”

Whether it’s innovation in AI, talent development, or startup acceleration, Lower Silesia is clearly becoming an increasingly significant point on the tech map.

We’re glad we were there — listening, learning, and representing Softjourn within the broader tech community. We’re bringing those insights and that energy back to Softjourn, and already looking forward to more conversations, collaborations, and meaningful connections at future events.