Polish POWER – Martyna Łuszczek among the 50 best students in the world. Nominated in the Global Impact Star category at the Stars Night Awards 2025.

Subtitles: PL, EN, ES

In times when the younger generation is often perceived through the lens of entitlement or digital confusion, there emerge individuals who challenge these stereotypes with impressive strength. One of them is Martyna Łuszczek – a young innovator, activist, and social leader who is already shaping the global future while staying true to her local roots and social sensitivity. Her story is not one of overnight fame but of consistent action, humility, and the courage to do what matters, even when it’s difficult.

Martyna comes from a small Polish town and was raised in a farming family, which profoundly shaped her attitude toward nature and responsibility for her surroundings. As a teenager, she was already making bold decisions, often giving up comfort. Her passion and courage took her far – even to the stage of Expo in Dubai, where she presented her ideas for technological innovation for the first time. It was then that she began to recognise the real impact her work could have on the world.

One of her breakthrough projects is “Aqua Collector” – a device designed to clean bodies of water from microplastics. This project was born during her high school years. It was the result of not only her environmental awareness but also her determination to gain knowledge and build a network of contacts. Developing the Aqua Collector involved numerous challenges, from a lack of advanced technical expertise to limitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, Martyna and her team managed to turn the idea into a real solution. Her work has gained international recognition not only for its technological value but also for its social and environmental significance.

Although Martyna’s successes are a source of pride, she does not shy away from critically evaluating the Polish education system. Her experiences highlight a lack of support for non-standard development paths and limited openness to individualism. Despite Poland having many talented young people, the system often fails to notice them or provide proper support. Martyna sees the need for a shift in approach, introducing practical tools, fostering project-based thinking, and creating real-world implementation opportunities for young innovators.

Martyna operates in a field traditionally dominated by men – the world of new technologies. Although she openly admits that she has not experienced direct discrimination, she has often had to prove her competencies. Her young age and gender have raised doubts, especially in environments where traditional roles are more common. The key to her success has been not only knowledge but also consistency and a willingness to do “more than expected.”

In addition to her focus on the environment and technology, an important area of her activity is the mental health of young people. Martyna recognises that although we live in times of abundance, young people increasingly feel lost, stressed, and pressured. By working at the intersection of science and social engagement, she strives to support her peers by creating spaces for dialogue and action. In cooperation with the Idylla Foundation, she participates in projects related to mental well-being and digital hygiene.

Martyna’s experience goes far beyond scientific laboratories. As the youngest assistant to the Minister of Digital Affairs in Polish history, she had the opportunity to actively participate in national-level decision-making processes, promoting, among other things, the idea of an application to support farmers. Her work is not just symbolic recognition, but concrete action that impacts the lives of many, especially those in smaller towns where access to opportunities is limited.

Her day often starts at 5:00 a.m. and ends late at night. It is filled with university studies, project work, meetings, and public appearances. Despite her busy schedule, she finds time for a social life, which is just as important to her as professional development. Balancing the “big world” with everyday normality is not only possible for her but essential – it is the foundation of her authenticity.

One of the most important messages from her story is the encouragement not to wait for the perfect moment. Martyna believes that we are never fully ready for what lies ahead, but it is precisely action in the face of fear that leads to growth. Had she not taken risks, she would not have flown to Dubai, applied to MIT, or developed the innovative solutions that now have the potential to change the world.

Shortly, Martyna plans to develop a project based on artificial intelligence that supports farmers in sustainable soil management. For her, innovation is not about novelty for its own sake – it’s about real impact on the environment and people.

Editor Maria Anna Furman