#196 Central Europe’s composites momentum: Kraków 2026 and the people advancing it

We’re keeping the spotlight on Central Europe’s composites community. In a short on‑site conversation at JEC Forum Central Europe in Kraków, Jacek Kasz—who leads the Center for Technology Transfer at Politechnika Krakowska (Cracow University of Technology)—points to a compelling 2026 horizon: the KOMPOZYT-EXPO®® will return to EXPO Kraków on 7–8 October 2026, and a Drone Security EXPO will run in parallel, showcasing live BVLOS flights and counter‑UAS demonstrations.What stands out in Jacek’s remarks is the research depth behind Kraków’s ecosystem—and the people driving it:• Prof. Joanna Ortyl (CUT) brings world‑class photochemistry to 3D printing and photopolymerization, bridging lab innovation with industry via photoinitiator spinoffs.• Prof. Agnieszka Sobczak‑Kupiec (PK) connects materials engineering with regenerative medicine, leading multi‑partner projects like BiLaTex on laser‑textured Ti/HAp implants.• Prof. Bozena Tyliszczak (PK) advances biomaterials and drug‑delivery systems, with a prolific portfolio and broad international collaborations.• Prof. Krzysztof Pielichowski (CUT) is a reference in polymer thermal analysis, phase‑change materials, and nanocomposites, shaping both academic and industrial practice. • KOMPOZYT‑EXPO® (7–8 Oct 2026) remains the region’s largest composites platform—materials, processes, applications—serving buyers and suppliers across mobility, energy and construction. Read More: kompozyt-expo.pl• DRONE SECURITY EXPO (7–8 Oct 2026) adds an engineering‑heavy layer:BVLOS trials, neutralization simulations, and expert dialogues with regulators, military, police, and industry—relevant for dual‑use composite structures and UAS airframes, too. Read more: dronesecurityexpo.plAnd before that, in March—get ready for the world stage:🇵🇱 Poland will debut its very own national Pavilion at JEC World 2026, which takes place in Paris from 10–12 March 2026. This marks a major milestone for Polish composites, and you can meet them at Booth 5G142 (Hall 5)YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/NBIF02BzV3U