The latest report from the Central Statistical Office shows that 2024 was an exceptionally successful year for Polish biotechnology, with the number of companies operating in the sector increasing by more than 26%, and expenditures on biotechnology activities reaching PLN 3.3 billion, recording a 38% year-on-year increase. Nanotechnology saw stable development, with a moderate increase in the number of companies and a slight decrease in research spending.
CSO: Biotechnology in Poland with record growth
Published Nov. 12, 2025 10:46
Biotechnologia
The number of companies operating in the industry is increasing, investments and employment in R&D departments are growing, according to the report "Biotechnology and nanotechnology in Poland in 2024," published by the Central Statistical Office.
More companies, more spending
In 2024, 246 companies were engaged in biotechnology activities, up 26.2% from the previous year. More than one in three companies (38.6%) were specialized exclusively in biotechnology, and nearly two-thirds (64.2%) were engaged in research and development (R&D) activities.
Small companies with up to 49 employees dominated, accounting for 57.3% of all entities. Medium-sized companies (50-249 employees) accounted for 28.5%, and large companies accounted for 14.2%.
Internal expenditures of enterprises on biotechnology activities amounted to PLN 3,290.2 million, up 38.1% year-on-year. As much as 95.8% of these funds came from the companies' own resources, indicating the sector's growing self-reliance and maturity.
Employment in biotechnology is growing
Biotechnology employed 12,350 people in 2024, up 18.5% from a year earlier. The business sector alone employed 6,408 workers - an increase of as much as 43%.
275 entities participated in research and development (R&D) activities in biotechnology, most of which (62.2%) were enterprises. R&D expenditures in this area amounted to PLN 1,842.8 million, an increase of 7.1% compared to 2023.
Companies (59.5%) and the higher education sector (37.7%) accounted for the largest share of research funding. There were 8,424 people involved in R&D activities in biotechnology, nearly three-quarters of whom were researchers.
Nanotechnology: steady growth and more investment
Compared to biotechnology, the nanotechnology sector is growing more slowly but consistently. In 2024, 88 companies were engaged in nanotechnology activities, an increase of 6% year-on-year.
Total internal investment in nanotechnology amounted to PLN 433.3 million, 11.1% more than in 2023. More than 94% of the funds came from companies' own resources.
Research and development activities in nanotechnology were carried out by 150 entities, and the total value of R&D expenditures amounted to PLN 368.3 million - 3.2% less than a year earlier. The higher education sector accounted for the largest share of research funding (57.4%).
Scientific personnel in nanotechnology
There were 3,377 people involved in nanotechnology activities, of whom 1,258 worked in enterprises. R&D personnel numbered 2,654, including 1,151 women. Compared to the previous year, the number of researchers increased by 1.7%, and the share of women in this area increased by 4.8%.
Source: Central Statistical Office, "Biotechnology and nanotechnology in Poland in 2024."
