We invite you to read an interview with Dariusz Pietrzyk, President of the Management Board of BitStream S.A., who talked about the beginnings of the company and its development plans, as well as the role of the local government in supporting the company's activities as part of the Lublin High Tech initiative.

What did the beginnings of your company look like, what was the inspiration for setting up your business?

Our company started as a project by three technology enthusiasts who wanted to change the way data is transmitted in key sectors of the economy. In creating the startup, we focused on providing innovative data transmission solutions. We were inspired by observing the rapidly changing world of technology. We saw fibre optics and Ethernet revolutionising the market and the internet becoming a key service for both industry and business. We realised that we could fill a niche in sectors such as energy and industry. That was the moment we decided to act.

How many employees does your company have, who are the key members of your team?

BitStream S.A. currently employs around 50 people, most of whom are highly qualified engineers and specialists in telecommunications, IT and electronics. The key team members are experts with many years of experience, who are responsible for the development of our products and their implementation on the market.

How would you most simply describe the solution/product your company develops?

In the simplest terms, we develop systems to ensure reliable data transmission and precise time synchronisation - the foundation for the operation of critical infrastructures such as energy and transport. We combine advanced components such as time servers, Ethernet switches, routers or software to create complete solutions that guarantee stability and security where they are needed most. Our goal is to deliver technologies that make the world run smoother, more accurately and more reliably - every day.

What part of the solution is created in Lublin and what made the decision?

We carry out all key processes - from design, to software development, to production and hardware testing - in Lublin, where BitStream is headquartered. This is where our innovative solutions that support critical infrastructure around the world are developed. Initially, the choice of Lublin was natural, as it is our home town. Over time, it also turned out to be an excellent strategic decision - Lublin offers access to highly qualified specialists, thanks to its proximity to universities, and a dynamically developing business environment.

What distinguishes your product in terms of innovation and high-tech?

Our products are distinguished by their ability to operate in extreme conditions while ensuring precise time synchronisation, which is crucial in the energy, transport and defence sectors. We use technologies such as MACsec encryption or connection redundancy and lossless transmission technologies to ensure reliability, security and the highest level of stability. As leaders in the field, we guarantee time synchronisation to the highest standards, allowing systems to function reliably even in the most demanding environments.

Are there any similar systems on the market? What are the advantages of your solution compared to similar technologies available on the market?

There are similar systems on the market, but our solutions stand out in several key aspects. Firstly, they are designed to operate in the most demanding industrial conditions, making them resistant to the extreme electromagnetic interference typical of the power industry and extreme temperatures. Secondly, our systems offer precision time synchronisation and redundancy features that minimise the risk of failure. In addition, we employ advanced security features such as MACsec encryption. As a result, BitStream solutions offer a higher level of reliability, greater flexibility compared to systems on the market.

Have you received awards, recognitions for your business?

Yes, we are an award-winning technology leader. In recent years, we have won, among others, the prestigious ‘Forbes Diamonds 2024’ for dynamic growth and financial performance and the ‘Business Gazelles 2023’ for the most growing companies. We were also honoured with the title ‘Innovation Leader 2023’, which underlines our commitment to the development of modern technologies.

Who can you define as your target group and how is the market responding to your solutions?

BitStream's main target group is companies operating in the energy, industrial automation, transport and telecommunications sectors. The company mainly provides its solutions to rapidly changing industries dealing with critical infrastructure. We are most popular in projects related to the distribution of electricity, which is crucial to national security. Our systems have also found applications in the monitoring of borders, highways or industrial installations - anywhere where reliability and security are a priority.

What are the company's plans for the future?

Our aim is to establish ourselves as an internationally important provider of data transmission and time synchronisation systems for critical infrastructure. We are focusing on research, implementing innovative solutions and increasing our presence in foreign markets, which is currently a priority for us.

In the last three years, our products have reached 17 countries, including Australia, Vietnam, Argentina or Ecuador. We are building a steadily growing network of distributors around the world, allowing us to increase our global reach. This is a difficult but ambitious goal, which - as a company from Lublin - we have the potential to achieve.

What actions, from your point of view, can be taken by the Lublin community supported by the City of Lublin to develop Lublin's potential as a centre of high technology creation?

The City of Lublin and its partners are already doing a great job for technological development. To further strengthen the city's potential, support for start-ups and relief for technology companies is key. The idea is to encourage companies to invest in Lublin in something more than R&D departments, such as production or operational structures. Additionally, close cooperation between universities and industry is important - internship programmes, research projects or innovation centres can significantly strengthen Lublin's position as a technology centre.

Source: Invest in Lublin.