Gdańsk University of Technology signed an agreement with WB Group | Gdańsk University of Technology

The ceremony for signing the agreement took place on September 3, 2024, at the WB Group conference room (partnerships: WB Electronics S.A., RADMOR S.A. and AREX Sp. z o. o. Automation and Measurement Devices Plant), during the first day of Poland's largest International Defence Industry Exhibition. The WB Group signatory was its vice-president, Adam Bartosiewicz, while Gdańsk University of Technology was represented by its Rector, Prof. Krzysztof Wilde. By joint cooperation, both parties wish to achieve synergies between the industry and science in both project implementation and research, as well as batch production.

The agreement consists of framework cooperation rules between Gdańsk Tech and WB Group in activities of teaching, scientific, R&D and manufacturing nature regarding manned and crewless submarines and submersible vehicles, including combat platforms, devices and components of communication systems equipment, as well as software for the execution of established functionality in already defined projects.

“New opportunities for both parties”

– Gdańsk University of Technology has been a prominent partner for the Polish armed forces and the defense industry for many years, and the contract signed today proves that the direction we have chosen for the development of our university in this area is working very well – said Prof. Krzysztof Wilde, Rector of Gdańsk Tech. –We wish for the agreement with a strong partner like WB Group to open up new opportunities for both parties and to result in a genuine strengthening and expansion of the defense and maneuvering capabilities of Polish soldiers – added the Rector.

– WB Group is the largest entity in Poland focused on conducting its own R&D work. This fits in with our philosophy of creating custom solutions for Poland's security, because only these provide full intellectual rights, sovereignty in production, modifications and exports. We cooperate closely with Polish scientific institutions in developing our advanced systems – said  Adam Bartosiewicz, vice-president of WB Group. – I am glad that the agreement signed today will bring the industry and science, in this case such an excellent university as Gdańsk University of Technology, even closer together. The beginning of this cooperation is also the inauguration of our Marine Crewless Systems Center, which is to be located in Gdynia – added vice-president Bartosiewicz.

In the cooperation agreement, the WB Group and Gdańsk Tech agreed to establish a regular cooperation, which is to be manifested through activities of scientific, teaching, training, advisory and promotional nature.

Cooperation between science and the industry shall also include the organization and execution of projects intended to develop educational offers of Gdańsk Tech, promoting modern technical solutions in the university's educational system and conducting scientific research and development work. The cooperation is to be based on training and exchange of experience, determining areas of cooperation and jointly initiating R&D and implementation programs.

About Gdańsk Tech and WB Group

Gdańsk University of Technology is a leading Polish research university with nearly three thousand employees – 1,300 of whom are employed in research and academic roles. The University has 8 faculties, offers 40 bachelor's and master's degrees and 14 scientific disciplines. Just over 14,000 students study at the University. Gdańsk Tech is both a manufacturer and supplier of submersible vehicles Głuptak, Ukwiał and Morświn, as well as conducts R&D work in maritime solutions for national security and defense.

With more than 2 thousand employees, WB Group is a Polish manufacturer offering modern solutions for the military and uniformed services. The company, a shareholder of which is Polski Fundusz Rozwoju (the Polish Development Fund), operates globally in the communications systems, crisis management, public safety, transportation, power electronics and defense markets. The company is also one of the largest manufacturers of unmanned systems.