The Power of Collaboration. Insights from Innovation Breakfast with PZU
An Innovation Breakfast Recap 💙
Some of the best ideas happen when you’re caffeinated and in good company ☕ That was certainly the case at our latest Innovation Breakfast — Warsaw Edition, where we had the pleasure of hosting Monika Uzunkaya, Lead of Startup Innovation, and Aleksandra Brodowska, Innovation Analyst from PZU’s Innovation and AI team. They shared their experiences and insights on how teamwork, both within organizations and across industries, can drive meaningful change and push innovation forward.
A Journey of Innovation at PZU
PZU is one of the largest and most well-established financial institutions in Central and Eastern Europe, with a history stretching back over 200 years, but that doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past. The Innovation and AI Team is proof of that, a dedicated group pushing new ideas forward, testing emerging technologies, and making real impact.
The PZU Innovation and AI team has been evolving for over seven years, gradually scaled into a structured innovation lab. Fast forward to today — they operate with a dedicated budget, a thriving team, and a structured approach that executes large-scale projects, proving that even industry giants can stay agile and ahead of the curve.
What’s their secret? Monika and Aleksandra shared a glimpse behind the scenes.
It’s not magic, just a mix of trial and error, smart risk-taking, and a team that truly believes in what they do.
Throughout the morning, they dove into what drives innovation at PZU, from partnerships to the everyday challenges of pushing new ideas forward. One of the takeaways? Their 5F framework, the principles that keeps their innovation machine running:
✅ Friends with Business — Strong relationships across departments make everything run smoother.
✅ Focus on a Specific Area — Instead of spreading efforts thin, the team prioritizes key areas where innovation can drive the most impact.
✅ Fast Testing — The ability to test ideas quickly means faster validation and smarter iteration. This approach not only saves time but also optimizes resources. A key factor? Decision-making. With a team that trusts each other’s calls, they can swiftly determine whether a project is worth further investment and ensure it aligns with their strategic goals.
✅ Failure Acceptance — Not every project will work out. About 40% of projects stop at the pilot stage, but even those provide valuable lessons that shape future initiatives.
✅ Having Fun — People do their best work when they’re having fun. Innovation isn’t just serious business — it’s also about curiosity, energy, and a good dose of humor.
A Startup-Friendly Approach
PZU doesn’t just innovate in-house, they actively collaborate with startups. So far, they’ve run 77 pilot projects, and 49 made it to implementation. That’s a solid track record, and it shows that big organizations and startups don’t have to be at odds — they can actually make magic together. However getting there wasn’t that easy. Their innovation lab had to sift through nearly 7,000 ideas to find the right opportunities.
Monika and Aleksandra emphasized that their collaboration with startups is built on a true partnership approach. There’s no corporate red tape, no pressure to fit into rigid frameworks, just mutual respect and a shared goal of creating impact.
By the way, if you’re curious to learn more about how PZU collaborates with startups, don’t miss their official report that summarizes 7 years of their activities, check it out here.
A Space for Open Discussion
While Monika and Aleksandra shared valuable insights, that was just one piece of the puzzle. The real heart of the morning came from our guests, openly discussing their challenges, asking tough questions, and exchanging experiences. Some were facing hurdles, others had already overcome them, and that mix of perspectives is what we love most about our Innovation Breakfasts — the space for conversations. Every session leaves us inspired and excited for the next one.
Want to Join Us Next Time?
Our Innovation Breakfasts happen regularly in Warsaw and Poznań. They’re invite-only, but if you work closely with innovation within a corporation or a large organization and want to join the conversation, reach out at letsgo@hugething.vc 💌
Our community keeps growing, and we’re always excited to meet new people who actually do innovation, not just talk about it. Let’s connect! 🚀
Stay tuned for the next edition!
