Driving Innovation and Advancing Deep Tech in Poland

Startup Poland, a leading advocate for the growth of Poland’s startup ecosystem, plays a pivotal role in creating an environment where innovative, tech-driven companies can thrive. By bringing together public agencies, research centers, and entrepreneurs, the organization helps to shape a dynamic landscape that supports Poland’s deep tech ambitions. Startup Poland fosters strong connections between science, business, and investment, positioning Poland as a key player in the global deep tech revolution.
In this article, we interview Monika Borowiecka, Managing Partner at Tangent Line VC, a fund dedicated to supporting the investment activities of Polish entrepreneurs. With over 20 years of experience in the corporate and startup sectors, Monika is a key figure in advancing innovative technologies in Poland. As a shareholder, board member, and mentor, she bridges the gap between science, business, and investment. In this interview, Monika shares her journey into deep tech, the challenges faced by startups, and her perspective on the future of innovation, particularly the role of women in the sector.

Your Path to Deep Tech

Monika’s journey into deep tech began through her involvement in co-developing DeePtech technology, an electromagnetic mill designed to process materials like nanocellulose. The device, which used a liquid medium to enable the rapid processing of micro- and nanoparticles, showed great potential for industrial applications. However, despite the technology not reaching commercialization, it was an invaluable learning experience for Monika.
“It was through this project that I learned how demanding yet exciting it is to take a breakthrough scientific solution through its various stages of development,” she explains. “This experience led me to connect scientists with business and investors, and over time, I began supporting founders as a mentor and advisor. Deep tech is not only about technology but also about the courage and determination to turn a vision into real impact.”

Challenges and Opportunities in Deep Tech

The biggest challenges facing deep tech startups in Poland and across Europe are the long time to market and the associated financial risks. As Monika notes, deep tech ventures often require years of development before commercialization, which is not always understood by investors.
“The challenge is the long time it takes to bring a product to market,” Monika points out. “There is a lack of patient capital that understands that the commercialization process can take 7-10 years. At the same time, there’s a need for stronger bridges between science and business.”
Despite these challenges, Monika is optimistic about the opportunities within deep tech. She highlights that deep tech startups are addressing some of the world’s most critical issues, including health, climate change, food security, and energy.
“In Europe, initiatives like STEP, the EIC Fund, and the Deep Tech Talent Initiative (DTTI) are crucial for mobilizing capital, fostering collaboration, and investing in talent. These initiatives are pivotal in accelerating the growth of deep tech ventures.”

The Role of Women in Deep Tech

Women are increasingly shaping the future of deep tech, bringing diversity in thought, the ability to build connections, and new perspectives to problem-solving. However, Monika acknowledges that women in the sector still face barriers, such as stereotypes, fewer leadership roles, and limited access to funding.
“Women are making significant contributions to technological innovation. They bring a unique approach and the ability to build relationships, which is vital in a sector like deep tech,” she says. “But challenges remain, including underrepresentation and limited access to capital. Mentoring, strong networks, and visibility for successful women leaders are key in breaking down these barriers.”
Monika is encouraged by initiatives such as the European Prize for Women Innovators 2025, which not only provides recognition but also offers valuable networking opportunities. She believes such initiatives help women prove that success in deep tech is possible and inspire more women to pursue careers in the field.

Your Experience and Projects at Tangent Line Ventures

At Tangent Line Ventures, Monika supports startups that blend science, business, and social impact, particularly in areas like foodtech and climate solutions. She finds it exciting to see scientific concepts transform into real-world solutions that have the potential to address global challenges.
“Working with startups at Tangent Line Ventures, I get to see how early-stage ideas evolve into products that can make a real difference,” Monika explains. “As a mentor in programs such as InCredibles, FoodTech.ac, EIT Food, and Akces NCBR, I also have the privilege of supporting founders as they take their first steps toward turning their visions into reality.”
She also emphasizes the importance of aligning the projects she supports with European priorities in deep tech, as these alignments will be crucial to building Europe’s technological resilience and sovereignty.

The Polish Deep Tech Ecosystem and Future Prospects

Poland’s deep tech ecosystem, while still young, is growing rapidly. Monika notes that while there are many exceptional scientists and increasingly aware founders, there is still a need to strengthen connections between science, business, and investors. Compared to other European countries, Poland is still in the process of scaling its deep tech ventures, but Monika sees immense potential for growth.
“The Polish deep tech ecosystem is dynamic and full of potential,” she says. “We have talented scientists and entrepreneurs, but we still need to learn how to connect science effectively with business and investors. The potential is enormous, and with initiatives like STEP, there are significant opportunities for Poland to accelerate its development in areas such as digital and deep tech.”
Monika believes the most promising areas for future growth in Poland’s deep tech sector are technologies related to future food, green solutions, biotechnology, energy, and rare earth recovery.
“These areas are crucial to our future competitiveness and security,” she concludes. “They are key to ensuring Europe’s long-term technological resilience.”

Monika Borowiecka’s commitment to supporting deep tech innovation and empowering women in the field is shaping the future of technology in Poland and beyond. Through her work at Tangent Line Ventures and her mentorship, she continues to help guide the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders, positioning deep tech as a cornerstone of tomorrow’s global solutions.Growing attention from international programs, cooperation with European initiatives such as EPIC-X, SCALE’HER, and HER FUND—which support female leaders—suggests that Slovakia could become a visible player on the map of women-led deep-tech innovation in the coming years.

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This article was written in collaboration with Startup Poland. For more information about their work visit Startup Polands website.