Month: March 2025

The Olivia Prize 2024 awards have gone to the winners!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

The fifth edition of the Olivia Prize awards is behind us. This time, Olivia Centre, the largest Polish business centre, awarded 5 main prizes and 3 distinctions. The ceremonial gala, during which the statuettes were awarded, took place on the 34th floor of Olivia Star, and the patronage over this year’s edition was taken by Fahrenheit Union of Universities in Gdańsk and the United Nations Global Compact Network Poland.

 

Olivia Centre is the largest business centre in Poland, which since 2020 has been awarding prizes to the most interesting business and social initiatives. This time, the organizer decided to expand the formula and award prizes and distinctions also to promising Pomeranian scientists and a nationwide business environment institution. The jury consisting of: Marta Moksa (O4 Coworking), Prof. Ph.D. Sylwia Mrozowska (Univentum Labs), Jolanta Szydłowska (Gdańsk Foundation for Management Development), Grzegorz Borowski (Infoshare), Paweł Jemioł (Nordea), Mateusz Kusznierewicz, multiple Polish medalist in sailing and Remigiusz Wojciechowski (Bayer).

 

Olivia Impact

 

The main prize in the Olivia Impact 2024 category, awarded to companies and projects that contribute to business development to the greatest extent, was won by the Pomerania Development Agency for the consistently implemented Invest in Pomerania programme, which works to improve the investment attractiveness of Pomerania.

 

The distinction in this category went to the team of the ARCO by Paco Pérez and Treinta y Tres restaurants and chef Antonio Arcieri for obtaining a number of prestigious international awards (Bib Gourmand star and distinction of the Michelin guide, La Liste, The Best Chef Awards, Star Wine List, Best of Award of Excellence). Winning so many awards has a huge impact on the promotion of Gdańsk on the gastronomic map of the world, as well as the development of a number of local cooperators of these restaurants.

 

Olivia Harmony

 

In the Olivia Harmony category, awarded to projects with the highest social dimension, the main prize was won by Capgemini Polska. The statuette was awarded for the Oh, Christmas Tree! initiative – a project that made it possible to fulfill the Christmas dreams of the charges of the Korczak Nursing Home in Gdańsk Oliwa and the planting of 9000 trees by over 200 employees in 6 locations in the Pomeranian Voivodeship.

 

In this category, the award went to Aspire Systems Poland for a number of environmental and charity initiatives as well as actions for physical and mental health. The jury wanted to emphasize the scale of pro-social and ecological projects that are implemented at Aspire. In 2024 alone, the company implemented as many as 5 such projects.

 

Olivia Everyday Hero

 

A new competition category was also Olivia Everyday Hero – for an individual for her social involvement. For 2024, the award was won by Karol Grodzicki from Speeron, who is also the head of the IT Department of the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association Headquarters. The jury appreciated Karol Grodzicki’s commitment to the Safe from Harm initiative, which aims to prevent violence against children and to conduct training for over 20 thousand members of the ZHP staff via an e-learning platform.

 

For supporting the community of the business services sector in Poland and the organization of one of the most important business conferences Follow the Leaders in Gdańsk, the Olivia Connect 2024 award was won by Pro Progressio. This institution has been working for years to connect and promote entrepreneurs, supports their development, organizes a number of business events, and develops numerous reports and analyzes to see trends, opportunities and risks of business conducted in Poland.

 

Olivia Hero of the Future

 

In this year’s edition, for the first time, the Olivia Hero of the Future awards were presented, the aim of which is to support and promote innovative projects carried out by Pomeranian scientists. This category was organised in partnership with the Daniel Fahrenheit Association of Universities in Gdańsk, which includes the Medical University of Gdańsk, the Gdańsk University of Technology and the University of Gdańsk. For projects implemented in 2024, the main prize in this category went to a team consisting of: Paweł Mazierski, PhD, Anna Gołąbiewska, PhD, Beata Bajorowicz, PhD, and Anna Malankowska, PhD .

 

The award was granted for research and development work in the field of modern photocatalytic technologies for air and water purification, allowing for the optimization of processes while reducing energy consumption. The effectiveness of the developed solutions has been tested to remove various air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, and microorganisms such as bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and bacteriophages (SARS-CoV-2-like structures)

 

In this category, the jury also decided to award a distinction, which went to the team consisting of: Dr. n. Med. Ulana Juhas, Ph.D. Med. Andżelika Borkowska, Joanna Reczkowicz, MSc, Zuzanna Margas, MSc. The award was granted for the INFLASCOPE intelligent inflammatory analysis and prediction system operating in the SaaS model, using routine blood tests for automatic analysis and prediction of inflammation, where the use of AI and machine learning algorithms is crucial. This model contributes to detecting inflammatory trends and predicting the risk of chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, chronic heart failure and cancer.

 

 

– Olivia Prize is growing in strength every year, which is of great importance for us organizers – says Bogusław Wieczorek, representative of the management board of Olivia Centre. From the project, which initially had the dimension of supporting the promotion of enterprises operating in Olivia, it grows to the rank of awards, covering the entire province and supporting numerous, very socially beneficial projects. We are glad that our project is supported by such important partners as the Fahrenheit University Association or the UN Global Compact Network Poland, because thanks to this, the projects we award can gain even better promotion and support, especially when it comes to initiatives supporting business development, ecological, charitable and scientific projects.

 

The author of the awards in the Olivia Prize 2024 competition is Magda Beneda. The greatest passion of the graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk is painting, but the Gdańsk-based artist is also involved in graphic design and applied arts. He has 15 art exhibitions throughout Europe. Her works can be found in many private collections in Poland, Norway, Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Great Britain and the USA.

 

 

 

Sail with Olivia Yacht Club in the 2025 season. Let’s start!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

We live and work by the sea, so we just couldn’t miss this unique opportunity! In 2018, we established the Olivia Yacht Club, which brings together lovers of recreational swimming and real sea dogs, and since then we have been sailing together.

 

We are opening the 2025 season

We opened the 2025 season with a cruise on March 22!

 

Get to know Gdańsk from the water – see the Main Town, the Port of Gdańsk, the Wisłoujście Fortress and the symbolic Westerplatte. Buy a ticket for selected swims with Olivia:

Fig. Olivia Yacht Club

 

Sailing is not only a sport and a passion, but also a way to develop strategic planning skills, team cooperation and improving mental resilience. It is also, of course, a great way to spend time outdoors and – in our case – a great opportunity to discover the charms of the Bay of Gdańsk together.

 

Masterful traditions

We created Olivia Yacht Club together with Mateusz Kusznierewicz – one of the most outstanding Polish sailors, Olympic champion from Atlanta (1996) in the Finn class and bronze medalist of the Olympic Games in Athens (2004). This multiple world and European champion inspired OYC members with his knowledge and experience, taught them and motivated them to constantly improve their sailing skills. Although he no longer conducts regular training, he still sails with Olivia whenever he has a free moment.

 

Fig. Olivia Yacht Club

 

Year-round cruises on the Bay of Gdansk

Olivia Yacht Club organizes cruises regardless of the season. Spring, summer and even winter trips! The cruises take off from both Gdańsk and Sopot, and one of their ambassadors is Maciej Kotarski, Director at Olivia Centre, who promotes winter sailing in particular as an excellent way to develop immunity and fortitude. He also enjoys sailing with the crews of Nordea, Capgemini, Grid Dynamics and Just Join IT.

 

Partnership with Premium Yachting

Thanks to cooperation with Premium Yachting , our members have access to modern vessels and professional organization of cruises. Together, we develop sailing culture and inspire people to push new boundaries – both in sport and in professional life.

 

We invite you to sail together and discover new horizons!

 

 

Do you know the biggest regatta in the world?

Sailing is not only about recreation, but also about competition at the highest level. The most prestigious regattas include:

  • America’s Cup – the oldest and most prestigious sailing competition, held since 1851,
  • Volvo Ocean Race (now The Ocean Race) – an extreme, several-month-long race around the world,
  • Vendée Globe – a solitary regatta around the world without stops,
  • The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is a demanding race from Sydney to Hobart.

Olivia Art. Exhibition of paintings and sculptures by students of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

The Olivia ART project, initiated many years ago by a series of chamber concerts Olivia Camerata, has become a platform for the presentation of the work of artists from Pomerania. As part of it, in the lobby of the Olivia Star building, there is a public mini-gallery, where you can admire the works of painters, sculptors and photographers associated with the region, including employees of companies located in Olivia Centre.

 

In 2024 alone, this space hosted m.in an exhibition of photographs by Piotr Biegaj from Lyreco entitled “Birds” and photographs by Krzysztof Dygas from Nordea Bank – the series “City: Sketches with Light”. The year ended with an exhibition of works by the Olivia Photography Club entitled “Kaleidoscope: Images, Sounds, Emotions, Impressions”, documenting the Inside Seaside 2024 festival.

 

From 12 March, in Olivia Star, you can admire the works of young artists from the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk. We cordially invite you, together with the Gdańsk Community Foundation, to the opening of the exhibition entitled “Fresh Blood”, which will take place on March 17, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Olivia Star building. The exhibition itself will be presented until 15 May.

 

The exhibition “Fresh Blood” presents a variety of topics oscillating around man and the world around him. Painting invites the viewer to become part of the painting, depicting scenes of markets and their tumult, as well as a meditative look relating to our memories. Sculpture, from classic ceramic to modern plaster forms, complements this exhibition.

 

The following artists will present their works: Filip Rzodkiewicz (curator), Victoria Więckowska, Julia Ledwoń, Jan Raczyński, Matylda Soja, Magdalena Drawska, Jan Kalman and Oliwia Eliza Bury.

 

We cordially invite you to participate in this event and discover young, local art in the spaces of Olivia Centre.

 

About the creators:

 

OLIWIA ELIZA BURY
The artist (b. 1998, Rzeszów) is a graduate of the Faculty of Sculpture and Intermedia at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (diploma in the sculpture studio of Professor Wojciech Sęczawa). She participated in plein-airs in Vilnius and the Czech Republic. Her work is based on an intuitive pursuit of her roots, an attempt to find and show her own arche, her Source. Her works are inspired by the nature and culture of the Subcarpathian region.
https://bury-artstudio.pl

 

MAGDALENA DRAWSKA
The young artist (b. 2000, Tczew) studies at the Faculty of Painting of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (fourth year) in the studio of Professor Krzysztof Polkowski. He paints, draws and photographs.
Instagram: @magda.lena.drawska

 

JAN KALMAN
(b. 2001, Gdańsk) studies at the Faculty of Painting of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (fifth year) in the studio of Professor Maciej Świeszewski. It mainly focuses on floral motifs; He also creates ceramics and botanical illustrations.
Instagram: @jan.kal.art

 

JULIA LEDWOŃ
Julia Ledwoń (b. 2000, Lubliniec) is a sculptor. She graduated from the Institute of Art of the University of Silesia in Katowice in the field of Artistic Education and master’s studies at the Faculty of Ceramics and Glass of the Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław. She expanded her workshop skills during an internship at the Ceramic Kingdom Studio in Berlin. He is currently studying at the Faculty of Sculpture of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (first year).
Instagram: @Julialedwon

 

JAN RACZYŃSKI
Jan Raczyński (b. 1999, Kartuzy) studies at the Faculty of Sculpture and Intermedia (fifth year) in the diploma studio of prof. Ph.D. Wojciech Sęczawa and in the Workshop of Medallic Art and Small Forms prof. Ph.D. Ludmiła Ostrogórska. Sculptor, painter, draughtsman, musician and poet. Raczyński focuses on reflection on man and his relationship with the world.
Instagram: @jan.raczynski.art

 

FILIP RZODKIEWICZ (curator of the exhibition)
The young artist (born in 2000) studies at the Faculty of Painting of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (fifth year) under the supervision of prof. Ph.D. Krzysztof Polkowski. Winner of the W. Fangor competition, winner of distinctions and artistic residencies at Laznia CCA in Gdańsk and finalist of the international competition “99 Future Blue Chip Artists”. He participated in artistic residencies in Latvia and South Korea. In addition to his own work, he organizes exhibitions of works by young artists as a curator of the “Northern Wall” Gallery. His works can be found in private collections in Poland, Canada and the USA.
Instagram: @Filip_Rzodkiewicz

 

MATYLDA SOJA
Visual artist, student of the Faculty of Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (fifth year). He paints, creates installations, works with the world. In her actions, she explores discomfort and looks for boundaries – not only her own.
Instagram: @thilde.son

 

VICTORIA WIĘCKOWSKA
Victoria Więckowska (b. 1998, Toruń) graduated from the École Européenne in Luxembourg. She studied at the Faculty of Fashion Design at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp (Belgium). Currently, she is a student of the Faculty of Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (fifth year) in the diploma studio of prof. Ph.D. Maciej Świeszewski. Her paintings can be found in private collections in Poland and abroad. Victoria Więckowska lives and works in Sopot.
Instagram: @Art_e.vic

 

In Olivia about the most important matters. Summit talks

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

On Thursday, 6 March, on the 34th floor of Olivia Star, a unique debate was held entitled “Summit talks: how to ensure security? Global threats and local responses”. The event, organized by the Employers of Pomerania, gathered leading experts in the field of politics, defense and international security in Olivia Centre. The Guest of Honour of the meeting was the renowned statesman and historian Bronisław Komorowski, President of the Republic of Poland in the years 2010-2015.

 

President Bronisław Komorowski, when asked about Polish security, pointed out that the situation is very difficult. He also referred to recent events.

 

– One thing is certain, that what is happening strengthens Putin’s Russia. Why this is happening is another discussion. But no one can doubt that Russia has received very powerful arguments and has a chance for political and military success. If Russia has a chance of success, then we have good reasons to be afraid of almost everything. But fortunately, it is never the case in the world that there are only negative phenomena that cause terror and fear for the future. -Spoke.

 

Are we safe?

 

This fundamental question accompanied the participants throughout the debate, and the answers were not unambiguous. The speakers emphasized that the world is currently facing many challenges, both geopolitical and technological. The discussion focused primarily on the analysis of global tensions, including threats resulting from Russia’s policy and dynamic changes in international relations.

 

Anna Maria Dyner vividly described the current situation as “hurricane Trump and cyclone Putin”, noting that both the changes in the US and Russia’s aggressive attitude have a huge impact on Europe’s security.

 

“Now is the moment when tectonic plates in the Euro-Atlantic world are shifting. I am ironic that hurricane Trump is blowing. The question is, what will happen when it stops blowing and what image of the world will we find? Perhaps not necessarily the worst if Europe is able to consolidate. It is a matter of answering the question – how to find ourselves in this new reality and how to try to talk to our European partners – translated by Anna Maria Dyner.

 

The participants agreed that Poland is not facing a direct threat of conventional war “here and now” today, but that hybrid activities and disinformation remain huge challenges. They also pointed out that the current geopolitical crisis has been going on for almost 17 years and although the threat is undoubtedly growing, they emphasized that Europe is beginning to respond to it with increasing determination and decisiveness.

 

General Bogusław Pacek, who believes that Poland is as safe as Europe, said m.in: There is a lot of concern, but there is no reason to panic. Those who are causing us to panic are also acting for Putin, not for our authorities. Sometimes I wonder who cares more about us panicking. Are they those who want to attack us in the future, or those who want to sell us more what costs more.

 

Key findings

 

No reason to panic. At the moment, Poland is not really threatened by a “tank invasion”, but it is crucial to remain constantly vigilant, m.in. against disinformation activities and cyber threats.

 

A strong arms industry is the foundation of security. Investments in the defence sector are necessary and, as it was noted, Poland took these actions much earlier than other European countries.

 

Propaganda and information warfare. Today’s threats are not limited to traditional military attacks, but also include information manipulation and destabilization in cyberspace.

 

Experts

 

Outstanding specialists and representatives of the defence industry were invited to participate in the debate. It was attended by:

 

  • Anna Maria Dyner – Polityka Insight, Senior Security and Eastern Affairs Analyst,
  • Honorata Hencel – Managing Director of Boeing Poland and Ukraine,
  • General Bogusław Pacek – expert in the field of defence strategy,
  • Piotr Wojciechowski – President of WB Electronics,
  • Jan J. Grabowski – Member of the Management Board of the Polish Armaments Group,
  • Jarosław Wolski – analyst and lecturer at the Naval Academy in Gdynia.

 

The meeting was chaired by Witold Jurasz, a journalist and columnist for Onet dealing with foreign and security policy, in the past a diplomat in Moscow and chargé d’affaires of the Republic of Poland in Belarus. He also worked in the arms industry.

 

The event attracted over 300 participants, which proves the great interest in the subject of security. The meeting lasted over 2.5 hours and was full of substantive discussions and specific recommendations on the future of Polish defence policy.

 

The debate “Talks at the 2025 Summit” was a unique opportunity to exchange views on current threats and strategies to combat them. Experts emphasized that Poland is heading in the right direction to strengthen its security, but it still faces many challenges. Further investment in the arms industry, cybersecurity and effective counteracting disinformation will be crucial.

 

Huge applause is due to the organizers, the Employers of Pomerania and Tomasz Limon for creating a space for such an important discussion. In the face of global tensions, events of this type are extremely important for building awareness and preparing for future challenges.

 

Fig. linkedin.com/company/pracodawcy-pomorza/ | trojmiasto.pl Maciej Czerniak

 

 

Partners of the debate:

 

Main Partner: Bank Millennium
Substantive Partner: Polish Naval Academy in Gdynia
Venue Partner: Olivia Centre
Partners: Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A., RADMOR S.A., WB Group, GPEC Group

 

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