The University of Zielona Góra has announced the launch of its new Research and Development Center (CBR UZ) — a bold step that unifies existing innovation assets into a single, dynamic force for technological progress, regional development, and green transformation as well as e-mobility.

This strategic consolidation brings together the Center for Renewable Energy, the university’s LOIiWA spin-off, and the Science and Technology Park, forming a robust platform for collaboration between science and industry in Western Poland and beyond.

“Our mission is to build strong and lasting relationships between academia and business. CBR UZ is a space where these two worlds co-create innovations that bring real value to the economy,” says Radosław Grech, President of the newly formed centers.

From Labs to Market: Driving innovation through collaboration

The new structure optimizes the use of nearly 40 cutting-edge laboratories, an interdisciplinary team of experts, and over 20 million PLN worth of R&D project experience. The center has already supported over 720 companies across diverse sectors such as renewable energy, electromobility, food processing, and horticulture.

With the integration, access to expertise, infrastructure, and funding will become even more streamlined — opening new opportunities for local entrepreneurs, national partners, and international stakeholders.

At the heart of the initiative is the “Science for Business” strategy, aimed at delivering tailored support in the areas of technology transfer, innovation implementation, and R&D financing.

“Go Green Kompetenzzentrum”: a Polish-German Alliance for a sustainable future

One of the flagship initiatives under the new CBR UZ umbrella is the “Go Green Kompetenzzentrum” — a Polish-German competence center designed to help companies adapt to the Green Deal and embrace sustainable development.

The center will offer services in carbon footprint analysis, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and the development of ESG-compliant strategies.

“We aim to turn regulatory challenges into competitive advantages. Our goal is to help businesses become not only greener — but also more profitable,” adds Grech.

Focusing on Smart Specializations

The R&D Centers of the University of Zielona Góra operate in three key innovation domains: Health & Quality of Life , Green Technologies and e-mobility and Start-Up Tech.

This cross-sector synergy is designed to facilitate innovation from idea to commercialization, responding to the evolving demands of modern markets and fostering regional innovation ecosystems.

Administrative processes have been streamlined to better support startup incubation, knowledge transfer, and technology commercialization, while businesses can now benefit from comprehensive, expert-led services — from concept development to full-scale implementation.