CRAFTing Human–Tech–Society Conference 2026 in Wrocław

The first-ever International Conference CRAFTing Human–Tech–Society (iCHTS) will be held in Wrocław from April 13 to 17, 2026. According to the organizers, this will not be just another academic gathering, but a groundbreaking event organized by the newly established CRAFT laboratory (Collaboratory for Responsible and Future Technologies) at the Faculty of Management of Wrocław University of Science and Technology.

“We will bring together at one table outstanding representatives of academia, bold business leaders, and influential voices from the world of politics.”
Dr. hab. Eng. Anna Kowalska-Pyzalska, Professor at the University, Dean of the Faculty of Management

The organizers invite all residents of Wrocław to participate in the conference.

“We invite the people of Wrocław to join this global discussion and help shape the world we want to live in. Whether you are a student, a business leader, or a curious citizen, every voice is essential in creating a future where technology serves us all.”
Dr. Yash Chawla, Head of CRAFT and conference organizer

A Hub for Discussion on Responsible Innovation

The iCHTS conference is supported by Academia Europaea Wrocław Hub, the Centre for Domestic and International Relations of Wrocław University of Science and Technology, the Student Government of the university and the Erasmus+ International Staff Week.

According to the organizers, this will transform Wrocław into a hub for discussions on responsible innovation. Instead of passive lectures, participants will engage in interdisciplinary exchanges designed to help develop technology in a consciously designed way (“by design”) rather than by accident (“by default”).

From Theory to Real-World Applications

The conference is structured to move from theory to practical implementation over five days. The program includes:

April 13: Pre-conference workshops – hands-on sessions focused on translating academic research into real societal needs
April 14: CRAFT inspiratiON – a public event featuring interaction with panelists from diverse backgrounds; a day of “Living Labs” and interactive technology showcases organized by the Student Government (Building D-20)
April 14–16: Plenary sessions and thematic panels – experts will address topics such as measuring the social impact of innovation, social simulations, commercialization of research, and responsible innovation
April 16: CRAFT 180: Projects to Impact – a fast-paced competition where master’s and PhD students have just 180 seconds to prove the societal relevance of their work; top participants will be awarded
April 17: CRAFT B.E.E.R. – an informal brainstorming session (Brainstorming & Exchange for Ethical Recommendations), offering a space for open idea exchange and the development of ethical policy recommendations

International Experts on the Wrocław Stage

The event will feature numerous international speakers, including:

Michał Adamski (Applied Innovation Exchange, Capgemini) – expert in identifying, testing, and implementing emerging technologies to drive sustainable growth
Monika Byrtek (AI Futures Lab, Capgemini) – philosopher of AI and expert in technology ethics
Dr. Jennifer Cassingena Harper (Xjenza Malta) – leader in European committees on equality and social impact in research
Christina Garsten (Uppsala University, Sweden) – prominent social anthropologist studying global organizations
Luke Georghiou (University of Manchester, UK) – world-class expert in science policy and innovation management
Dr. Ewa Łabno-Falęcka (Mercedes-Benz & Foundation for the Development of Education for Industry) – key voice in industry-driven education and innovation
Dr. Kamil Pruchnik (European Investment Fund – EIF) – senior regional representative for Poland and expert in European investment policy
Joanna Sterzyńska-Lindberg (European Commission Representation in Wrocław) – expert in EU policy coordination and strategic communication
Tomasz Szarek (SDZLEGAL Schindhelm) – legal advisor specializing in corporate law, M&A, and intellectual property
Katarzyna Sznajd-Weron (Wrocław University of Science and Technology) – pioneer of computational social science
James Wilson (AI Futures Lab, Capgemini) – expert in AI ethics and strategy

Open Events for Everyone

Key parts of the conference are free and open to the public:

CRAFT inspiratiON (April 14): Living Labs and face-to-face meetings with creators (Building D-20)
CRAFT 180 (April 15): competition for master’s and PhD students in the historic Aula (Building A-1)
Plenary sessions and panel discussions (April 14–16): limited seating available, registration required

All participants must register via the official conference portal. While participation is free, registration is mandatory due to limited capacity.

Attendees will receive an official personalized certificate of participation.

Preparing for Life in the Digital Era

CRAFT is a laboratory and think tank at the Faculty of Management of Wrocław University of Science and Technology. Its mission is to prepare leaders and citizens for ethical and informed participation in the digital age. It combines research, cross-sector collaboration, and forward-looking strategy to help organizations and decision-makers address complex challenges, reduce risks, and unlock the transformative potential of technology for society and the economy.

Its activities include:

Conducting research on responsible future technologies and the social impact of innovation
Educating leaders through the CRAFT Academy, offering engaging programs at all stages—from early education to lifelong learning
Organizing public debates such as iCHTS and CRAFT B.E.E.R. to shape real-world policies