Download the "Creative Tech" report

Creative Tech combines areas that until recently seemed impossible to merge. Art, culture, and technology serve as the pillars upon which thriving businesses are increasingly built. As the latest report by IPK and Fuelarts indicates, there are over 400 companies operating in the Creative Tech industry in Poland, and the total value of investments in this sector has already reached 201 million dollars, with nearly 37% occurring in the last five years. Although the share of the cultural and creative sector in Poland's GDP (2%) is lower than the EU average (4.4%), the pace of growth, alongside strong technological and export foundations, demonstrates that Poland has the potential to become one of the leaders of the creative industry in Europe in the coming years.

Established by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage in 2022, the Institute of Creative Industries and Fuelarts, an organization focused on the global Creative Tech industry, have joined forces to comprehensively examine the condition of the Polish creative sector. Particular attention was paid to startups, which currently drive the growth of this industry the most. "Startups play a crucial role in this sector, combining innovation with a dynamic and practical approach to technology and culture. They undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives to the global Creative Tech market. Many of them create tools and platforms that change the way we produce, distribute, and experience cultural content. These solutions are being developed in Poland and, as our report indicates, we have a chance to become one of the European leaders in this sector," says Aleksandra Szymańska, Director of IPK.

Creative Tech is a broad industry where technological innovation intertwines with creativity. It encompasses diverse segments such as gaming, design, film, music, fashion, and digital art, as well as architecture, media, and marketing. It employs millions of people worldwide, and thanks to the development of artificial intelligence, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and blockchains, Creative Tech is becoming a key element of digital transformation. This is evident not only in business activities but also in EU institutions, which recognize the economic potential of the cultural and creative sectors (CCI), accounting for approximately 4.4% of GDP in member states.

Despite being below the EU average in terms of its direct contribution to GDP, the Polish creative industry can successfully compete on the international market. Data from the Polish Creative Tech Startups Report 2025 shows that between 2020 and 2024, a total of 74 million dollars was invested in Polish creative startups, accounting for as much as 36.8% of all sector investments during this time. In 2024 alone, the investment value reached 5.7 million dollars, with 76.5% of it directed to startups that had already secured prior funding. Crucially, nearly two-thirds of these funds came from foreign investors. "Recent years have shown that Poland is becoming a dynamic hub for innovation in the Creative Tech sector. Thanks to talented entrepreneurs and the support of institutions such as IPK or PARP, interest from foreign investors is growing. An increasing number of funds and angel investors notice that this country offers unique growth opportunities. In turn, the significant level of investment in mature projects confirms the growing scalability of companies. All this creates a solid foundation for further development and global success," notes Denis Belkevich, General Partner at Fuelarts.

Creative Tech in Poland dynamically responds to market trends and effectively combines technology with creativity. Video games are one of the strongest segments on the domestic CCI scene, enjoying worldwide recognition. At the forefront of the industry, we can find companies like CD Projekt, which, thanks to the success of The Witcher series and the game Cyberpunk 2077, has become one of the most recognizable studios in the world. Among the global leaders of this market is also Poland-based Techland, the developer of the acclaimed Dying Light. According to the report, the video game market in Poland alone is worth approximately 4.3 billion PLN and is growing at a rate of 15% annually. Dynamic development is also visible in the fields of design and audiovisual production, where innovative technologies, such as virtual production, are changing the way content is created. "I observe with satisfaction how the Polish Creative Tech scene is dynamically developing, offering space for innovation and collaboration between culture and technology. At Dream&Vision, we see on a daily basis how creative ideas, supported by appropriate investments and partnerships, transform into scalable products and services. It is precisely the synergy of innovation and culture that drives the development of the entire sector," says Agnieszka Cichocka, CEO of Dream&Vision.

Despite the dynamic development of the Creative Tech sector in Poland, the industry still faces challenges.

As the report by the Creative Industries Institute (IPK) and Fuelarts shows, as many as 50% of startups indicate rising labor costs as their main operational challenge. Another 18% struggle with a deficit of qualified talent, competing with larger companies that offer higher salaries and greater stability. Additionally, public and private funds, although increasingly marking their presence, still do not fully meet the needs of growing companies. 65% of businesses face difficulties in securing initial capital, especially outside of major cities where infrastructure remains underdeveloped. For these reasons, among others, the main IPK hubs are Warsaw (46.1%), Kraków, and Wrocław, where access to both qualified employees and potential investors is highest. Although many Polish startups achieve local success, they lack the experience and networking to effectively scale their operations internationally. While 46% of companies declare foreign expansion ambitions, most of them require additional support to achieve this. "As part of IPK's activities, we try to provide this support, although the needs are significantly greater than our resources. Our goal is to create conditions conducive to innovation, support talent, and facilitate access to financing. I am convinced that synergy and cooperation between the public and private sectors are essential if Poland wants to further strengthen its position in Europe," comments Aleksandra Szymańska.

Poland has all the assets to become a leading Creative Tech hub in Central and Eastern Europe. Dynamically developing startups, institutional support, and growing interest from foreign investors show that this sector has huge potential. However, to take full advantage of it, it will be crucial to continue investing in infrastructure, developing talent, and facilitating access to finance. The IPK and Fuelarts report is not only an overview of the current situation but also a plan for entrepreneurs, investors, and decision-makers. Polish creativity, supported by modern technologies, can become one of the most important drivers of innovation in the region. The future depends on collaboration, investment courage, and conscious building of an ecosystem that will allow Polish startups to conquer global markets.

The Polish Creative Tech Sector Report 2025 is available HERE.

We also invite you to watch the presentation of the report.