New generation innovations
The main theme of the conference was “Rethinking Innovation: Inclusive Practices and Interdisciplinary Perspectives”. The presentation on “Startup Booster for Social Impact at SWPS University. Supporting startups with a positive social and environmental impact” shed light on the key role, which the program plays in the transformation from sustainable to regenerative development, i.e., a process of harmonizing human communities with natural systems to actively renew and revitalize both the environment and society, moving beyond sustainability's goal of simply maintaining the status quo.
The presenters emphasized the increasing significance of impact innovations — solutions designed to create significant positive economic, societal, or environmental change, which prove that financial gain can go hand in hand with benefits for the society and the environment. This is an answer to the increasing engagement of investors, such as Venture Capital (VC) funds, and generation Y and Z consumers in socially and ecologically responsible companies.
The acceleration program developed by SWPS University offers start-ups various support paths (e.g., Industry Path, VC Path, czy Sector Agnostic Path) and provides the indispensable know-how, mentoring, and the so-called “smart money” (i.e., capital invested by professional, institutional investors and financial experts who have significant resources and market knowledge).
Experts from SWPS University present "Startup Booster for Social Innovation" at SOCIN 2025
Practical applications
Here are some examples of companies that are changing the world thanks to technology and support from the “Startup Booster” program:
- Hetalox — Develops innovative solutions based on artificial intelligence (AI) for advanced assessment and analysis of brain MRI studies used in the diagnosis of dementia and multiple sclerosi.
- Planet Heroes — Develops Green Coins — the first virtual green currency awarded for eco-friendly actions instead of consumer loyalty.
- ArtSaas — Makes everyday tasks easier for artists and galleries. Provides them with tools tailored to their needs. Supports the promotion and sale of artworks with easy-to-use tools.
- SHIN RAI ROBOTICS Natalia Lemarquis — Expert in flexible automation. Develops AiBotto, a robotic arm stirred using Extended Reality (XR) goggles, which will make robotic control more accessible and increase the efficiency of production processes.
These innovations are excellent examples of the contribution that Polish scientists make to respond to global challenges. Change starts with know-how and support!
The SWPS University’s Startup Booster for Social Impact Program is financed by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) as part of the European Funds for a Modern Economy 2021-2027 (FENG) scheme, agreement no. FENG.02.28-IP.02-0003/23-00.