ORLEN’s Increasing Presence in the Innovation Ecosystem

ORLEN Skylight accelerator is a corporate open innovation program designed to foster business relationships between ORLEN Group companies and young technology firms from around the world. Over the course of 12 rounds of the acceleration program, nearly 40 technological pilots have been completed, covering areas such as the digitalization of production processes, energy transformation, customer service automation at stations, and new sales concepts.

– Last year demonstrated that the ORLEN acceleration program is gaining increasing interest from startups worldwide. Across three recruitment rounds, we received nearly 250 applications in response to 80 business challenges. The primary goal of the ORLEN accelerator in 2024 was to increase the share of international technology companies in the program’s portfolio. This is succeeding. Year by year, we are building greater international recognition for the ORLEN Skylight Accelerator, and one-third of the entities that applied to the program last year came from leading global technology markets such as the USA, France, Belgium, Germany, and Spain – said Łukasz Kopeć, Head of the Innovation and Acceleration Department at ORLEN.

Among the pilot implementations carried out with foreign startups are a computer vision test for automating the recognition of markings on rail tankers transporting refinery products, conducted in collaboration with a Dutch startup. An American-Spanish company implemented a “digital twin” for the DRW installation, and a Belgian spin-off provided advanced valve control systems. These collaborations highlight the ability to effectively reach international startups and build global partnerships.

– When analyzing each project, we focus on both its level of innovation and its measurable economic benefits for ORLEN. Above all, we ensure that the projects undertaken make business sense even at the pilot stage, as this increases the likelihood of their commercial implementation – both for our Group and for the participating startups – added Łukasz Kopeć.

Last year also showed that Polish startups are increasingly keeping pace with global trends. They are better prepared in terms of adapting technological products to customer expectations and presenting their offerings. During the ORLEN Innovation Meetup held in autumn 2024, Polish founders showcased their capabilities exceptionally well compared to international teams participating in the ORLEN Skylight accelerator.

The event organized by ORLEN attracted over 100 representatives of Polish and international Venture Capital funds, startups, and business ecosystem institutions. Participants appreciated the opportunity to discuss challenges and differences in approaches to energy transformation in the CEE region with ORLEN experts. The meeting also addressed the challenges faced by the ORLEN Group as it develops its own technologies and invests in Polish and international technology entities.

Further Development of the Open Innovation Model

Initiatives like the ORLEN Skylight Accelerator prove that the ORLEN Group has the potential to build competitive advantages effectively in international markets.

In 2025, a significant challenge for startups will be adapting to global technology trends. Interest in projects related to artificial intelligence will remain crucial for innovation development, including in Poland. However, this applies to projects where the AI component has tangible value and creates competitive advantages. ORLEN’s experience shows that AI is now a critical component of many technological solutions offered by startups. Topics related to energy transformation will also be key for the ORLEN Group, as this area aligns closely with ORLEN’s new strategy.