The Polish Basalt Technologies cluster is stepping up efforts to establish key R&D cooperation with KGHM S.A.
The subject of common interest is innovative processes for transforming flotation waste (from the Iron Bridge facility, among others) into valuable industrial resources.
Directions of material transformation
The Cluster’s planned participation in this project focuses on three priority areas:
- Recovery of critical raw materials: Advanced research on the extraction of valuable metals and nonmetals from landfilled waste.
- Next-generation construction: Implementing technology to process mineral fractions into durable and safe building components.
- Innovations for agriculture: Using processed raw materials as a base for the production of modern mineral fertilizers.
The Cluster’s planned participation in this project focuses on three priority areas:
- Recovery of critical raw materials: Advanced research on the extraction of valuable metals and nonmetals from landfilled waste.
- Next-generation construction: Implementing technology to process mineral fractions into durable and safe building components.
- Innovations for agriculture: Using processed raw materials as a base for the production of modern mineral fertilizers.
Technological foundation and IP protection
The project is based on unique know-how protected by patents. We anticipate that upcoming research work will further optimize these solutions, which should ultimately result in the extension of intellectual property protection with new patent applications.
The Polish Basalt Technologies Cluster is currently at the stage of organizational arrangements and acquiring the information necessary to formally begin cooperation.
In the past month, the Polish Basalt Technologies (PTB) Cluster focused on strengthening cooperation with the Zielona Gora Business Integrator (ZIBI). Actions taken were aimed at developing specific mechanisms to support ZIBI members in accessing specialized knowledge and external funding sources
Substantive and financial support from ARMA programs
Preparatory work focused on building a system of assistance in obtaining preparatory support from ARMA programs. Within the framework of this initiative, we sought among ZIBI members primarily units interested in implementation, with a particular focus:
- Farmers looking for innovative solutions for their farms,
- Manufacturers seeking to modernize manufacturing processes.
Key results of the preparations undertaken:
- Providing channels for cooperation: Rules have been developed for the exchange of information and business contacts, which will enable the effective linking of the needs of farmers and producers with the Cluster’s technological innovations.
- A foundation for future applications: The measures taken are aimed at enabling members to effectively apply in support programs in subsequent stages. Assistance at the preparatory level is crucial for the sound development of project concepts.
- Strengthening regional potential: A base has been prepared for the future commercialization of basalt technologies in the Lubusian market, responding to the real demand of the local agro-production sector for modernization.
With the preparation stage completed, ZIBI members have gained a partner to help them through the conceptual and preparatory stages in their efforts to apply for funds to support development and innovation.
Direction: Widening. Report on the Information Day of the WIDERA 2026-2027 program.
On January 22, 2026, KPTB representatives took part in the European Commission’s official Information Day on the new WIDERA 2026-2027 work program under the “Widening participation and spreading excellence” component. The event opened a series of preparations for competitions aimed at bridging gaps in research and innovation in the European Union.
Key issues and support instruments:
During sessions led by experts from the European Commission and implementing agencies (REA, EISMEA), the strategic assumptions of widening support were discussed in detail. Presentations covered a wide range of instruments, including:
- Twinning and Teaming Synergies: Building Excellence through Institutional Collaboration.
- Hop-On Facility: Opportunity for Widening Country partners to join projects already underway.
- ERA Chairs and ERA Fellowships: support for research staff mobility and development.
- Excellence Hubs and EIC Pre-accelerator: Tools to Strengthen Innovation Ecosystems.
Effects of participation for KPTB
Participation in the event allowed an in-depth analysis of the eligibility rules and the expected outcomes of the activities (expected outcomes) as defined by the European Commission. The main benefits are:
- Identification of project paths: The types of activities (e.g., Twinning, Excellence Hubs) that are most relevant to the Cluster’s substantive profile have been identified.
- Formal precision: substantive and administrative requirements have been clarified, which is crucial at the current conceptual stage of preparing new initiatives.
- Consistency with priorities: Full consistency of the planned activities with the objectives of the “EU Research and Innovation Pact” has been ensured.
AI, Data and Robotics - Report from Info Day & Brokerage Event
On January 28, 2026, representatives of the KPTB took part in the international AI – Data – Robotics Info Day and Brokerage Event. The meeting, organized by the European Commission in cooperation with the ADRA association and the network of National Contact Points (NCPs), was dedicated to the upcoming competitions under the Horizon Europe and Digital Europe programs.
Key areas and upcoming competitions
During the information session, the policy goals and substantive objectives of the competitions planned for 2026 were discussed in detail. Special attention was paid to topics in the area of Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry and Space), including:
- RAISE Initiative: Piloting the “Science for AI” pillar.
- Generative Artificial Intelligence: the GenAI4EU Booster Program.
- Modern Robotics: Solutions for Industry and Services (Agile and Intelligent Robotics Platforms).
- Data Spaces: Developing Data Space for Manufacturing.
Networking and consortium building
The event provided an excellent opportunity to establish relationships with technology partners from across Europe. Through the B2Match brokerage platform, our representatives participated in matchmaking sessions, identifying potential project synergies in the implementation of advanced AI algorithms and automation in sectors related to KPTB’s business.
Report from CLUSTER Health Brokerage Event 2026
The end of January brought activities in the area of European projects. From January 26-30, 2026, KPTB representatives actively participated in an international online matchmaking event dedicated to competitions within Cluster 1: Health (Cluster 1 Health) in Horizon Europe.
Strategic bilateral meetings at b2match
The main purpose of our presence at the b2match platform was to participate in matchmaking sessions aimed at building international consortiums for the 2026 competitions. The event brought together more than 2,200 experts from around the world, which created a unique space for direct dialogue with potential partners.
Key outcomes of our activities:
- Establishing direct contacts: We held a number of bilateral meetings with representatives of research units, hospitals and innovative companies.
- Information exchange: We focused on mutual presentation of competencies and precise definition of partners’ expectations from planned projects.
- Foundation of cooperation: The information obtained and relationships established now form the basis for starting further conceptual work on joint grant proposals.
Preparing for 2026 competitions
Active participation in the Brokerage Event prior to the official Info Day allowed us to gain early insight into the architecture of the emerging consortia. The accumulated knowledge of the demand for specific expertise in the health area is a key resource that we will use in the coming weeks in forming project groups.
Developing the Cluster's potential: Updating resources and new collaboration tools
The dynamic growth of the PTB Cluster and the changing market environment pose new challenges for effective information management. Accordingly, in January we undertook intensive efforts to update data on the capabilities, competencies and current needs of all our members.
We are building a “tailor-made” tool
In order to improve the exchange of information and more precisely match upcoming cooperation offers and funds to your business profile, we plan to create a dedicated digital tool. Its main purpose will be:
- Facilitate communication within the Cluster’s network,
- Rapid mapping of potential for new projects (e.g., in agro, dual-use or telecommunications areas),
- Precise monitoring of the investment and research needs of our partners.
Consultation with members – THEIR voice is crucial
We believe that the best solutions are created through dialogue. Therefore, the process of designing and implementing the new tool will be conducted in close cooperation with members of the Polish Basalt Technologies Cluster. We will consult with all members to make sure that the developed solution is intuitive, functional and fully meets the real needs of our partners.
Updating this information and jointly creating a modern tool will allow us to even more effectively represent the interests of Cluster members on the national and international stage.