When technology meets purpose-driven innovation, the results can transform lives. This is the guiding principle of PCSS Future Lab, a Living Lab rooted in Poznań renowned Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center (PCSS). Since its beginnings, Future Lab has been redefining how communities, researchers, and innovators come together to solve pressing societal challenges, particularly in healthcare and climate action.
The origins of PCSS Future Labs are closely tied to the European Network of Living Lab (ENoLL). As Adam Olszewski recalls, joining the network in its early years provided both inspiration and the right connections. He explains that the Lab started by creating a community rather than a business, opening a collaborative coworking space for people “who were more interested in solving real life problems than just making money.” This spirit of purpose-driven innovation, he notes, has remained central to their mission ever since.
“From the beginning, we positioned ourselves as rebels against the corporate paradigm. Our focus has always been on improving lives locally through IT and interdisciplinary collaboration,” Adam says.
Although the coworking space recently closed, the Future Lab community continues to thrive. With strong networks of NGOs, companies and individual innovators, the Lab is well placed to address challenges in healthcare, climate and industry.
One of the most impactful initiatives is the project Mali Mocni, which translates as Little Heroes. Co-created with the Oncological, Hematological, and Transplantological Clinic of the Poznan Medical University, a foundation supporting children with cancer, and IT partners such as Capgemini, the project delivers a digital service for parents of paediatric oncology patients.
The platform allows parents to upload and compare their child’s symptoms and blood test results, helping them decide whether urgent medical attention is needed. This has reduced stress for families and improved communication between parents and doctors. Adam explains that the service was designed to address one of the clinic’s biggest challenges: “Doctors had little time to answer the many worried calls from parents. Now parents feel more in control and doctors can focus more effectively on patient care.”
For Ewelina Czujko-Moszyk, the project’s impact goes beyond technology. Little Heroes project symbolises the extraordinary strength of these children. The fact that the clinic has decided to rename itself after the project – Little Hearoes – shows how meaningful the project is for both the children and for the clinic staff” she shares.
Some initiatives were tough and disappointing. Early collaborations with large corporations often proved disappointing, as some expected communities to deliver results without meaningful involvement. Adam reflects that Living Labs are rooted in open innovation and do not work when industry partners lack that mindset.
Ewelina recalls a similar experience. “I was involved in one such project at the beginning of my time here. Some partners seemed disengaged, expecting results without contributing. It was discouraging. But in contrast, in Little Heroes, the IT professionals felt personally involved, using their skills to improve people’s lives. That made all the difference.”
These lessons confirmed that success in Living Labs depends not on the size of a partner, but on the authenticity of their engagement and willingness to work towards shared goals.
For Adam, the methodology offers something unique: “Living Labs are the best risk factor improver I know. They cut costs, create more human-touch solutions and bring results to real environments in a fast and effective manner.”
Ewelina, who came to Future Lab as a passionate design thinker, also found that the Living Lab approach filled a critical gap. “Design thinking can create great solutions, but it doesn’t always guarantee the right people are involved. Living Labs orchestrate the right stakeholders and create an environment where collaboration is truly impactful.”
When asked what guidance they would give to those starting their own Living Lab, Ewelina encourages a local-first approach. “Look around your existing ecosystem. Start small with the partners you already trust and the problems you see around you. Involving too many stakeholders too quickly can be overwhelming. Living Labs are about solving real problems, not just creating a space for meetings.”
Adam adds that setting realistic expectations between stakeholders is crucial. “It doesn’t matter if you work with a big IT company or a startup. What matters is clarifying how each individual person can contribute. As long as each partner’s goals are respected, collaboration can thrive.”
From empowering families in oncology wards to fostering co-creation across sectors, PCSS Future Lab continues to embody the Living Lab ethos. Its story is a powerful example of how communities, researchers and innovators can work together to deliver solutions that are not only technological but deeply human.
As Adam puts it, once you start working with Living Labs, it is for life.
The interview has been taken by Andrada Barață, Head of Communications at ENoLL with Adam Olszewski and Ewelina Czujko-Moszyk from PCSS Future Labs.
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