August 21, 2025 | 18:00 – 21:00 | CIC Warsaw, Chmielna 73 | Free to attend

Warsaw is becoming Europe’s launchpad for space, defense, and dual-use innovation. On August 21st, Startup Grind Warsaw and the Venture Café Foundation bring you ZERO ORBIT, an evening where entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and technologists explore what happens when gravity no longer limits ideas.

• Hall 1/2 — Space & Defense Frontiers: The evening opens with a panel on the future of Polish space and defense innovation featuring Weronika Mystek (Polish Development Fund), Tadeusz Polanowski (Ministry of National Defence), Kacper Grzesiak (ICEYE), Kamila Matela (Radmor), and Andrzej Rościszewski (Expeditions Fund). Later, Grant Blaisdell (Copernic Space) argues why space economics needs a new model, while Łucja Rugor (Kosmok) explores the revolution of in-orbit servicing.

• Hall 3 — Human, AI, and Diversity in Space: Talks highlight the human dimension of innovation. Izabella Koniak (IKspiracja) reflects on humanity in the age of code, Daniel Płudowski (TeachMeBaby AI) asks how to stay relevant in an AI-driven space race, and Natalia Godlewska (Space Generation Advisory Council) draws lessons from analog Mars missions about diversity and collaboration.

• Garage — Applied Innovation & Dual-Use: Here, the focus is on scaling and protecting. Jacek Śledziński (SARR) outlines strategies to retain talent, Mikalai Shershan (OneRep) presents digital identity defense, and Kseniya Shurak (The Venture) shares new funding strategies.

• Trend House — VC:Startup Arena: A fast-paced arena where space and AI experts start by paving the way. Contributions from Jarek Chojnacki (Krakow Technology Park), Michał Chwieduk (ESA BIC Poland), Wojciech Adamiak (ABGi Poland), and Jacek Stryczyński (PKO Bank Polski) broaden the view on finance, startups, and EU opportunities. Right after, you can expect startups showcase their breakthroughs: Kosmok, Muotech, dual-use.ai, Faraday Solutions, Asynchronics, Clever Hive, and Valicor. With the jury team on site, pitches are concise, competitive, and community-driven.

• Mentoring & Creative Corners: Alongside the sessions, Unicorn Hub mentors Jacek Korzeniak, Grzegorz Majewski, and Martyna Przewoźnik run 1:1 sessions on funding and EU platforms, Jacek Korzeniak from Station Room and Grzegorz, and Martyna will be available in the networking area while Anna Koniak adds a cultural lens at the demo tables.

ZERO ORBIT isn’t just another event — it’s an ecosystem in motion, combining policy, technology, business, and culture in one evening. Whether you’re a founder, policymaker, investor, or curious explorer, this is where Warsaw looks beyond Earth.

Express interest or apply to speak: https://piraiee.com/partnership
RSVP as an attendee: https://venturecafewarsaw.org/event/thursday-gathering239

Let’s build the future — together, in zero orbit.