With over 18 years of experience, Aureliusz has been instrumental in shaping Poland’s tech landscape, particularly through his work with AI and the creation of pioneering initiatives such as CampusAI. 

Originally from Szczecin, Aureliusz moved to Warsaw in pursuit of opportunities that aligned with his passion for technology and innovation. His journey began in business and technology, where he quickly realized the potential of Warsaw as a growing hub for innovation. “I started engaging in topics related to local ecosystems when I moved to Warsaw,” he recalls, highlighting how the city’s vibrant community played a crucial role in his development as an entrepreneur​. His early ventures were deeply rooted in building and supporting innovation ecosystems. He cofounded Poland’s first coworking network and startup accelerator, AIP Business Link, which provided crucial support for early-stage startups. Then he took his vision to the next level by establishing CIC Warsaw and Venture Café Warsaw.

CIC Warsaw, an innovation center that supports scale-ups, became a cornerstone of the city’s growing startup ecosystem. “We wanted to provide startups with the resources, mentorship and networks necessary to scale their operations and make a global impact,” he says. CIC Warsaw quickly became a hub for high-potential startups, offering state-of-the-art facilities and access to a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts.

In parallel, he cofounded Venture Café Warsaw, a foundation committed to promoting inclusive innovation by connecting diverse groups of people, from entrepreneurs and scientists to investors and community leaders. “Venture Café was about breaking down silos and fostering collaboration across different sectors and communities,” he says. “Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s the result of people coming together, sharing ideas and building on each other’s strengths. We wanted to create a platform where that kind of organic cross-pollination could happen on a regular basis.”

These ventures were pivotal in shaping Warsaw’s tech landscape, turning the city into a magnet for talent and innovation, and they helped cultivate a broader culture of entrepreneurship in the city. “These initiatives helped set the stage for what Warsaw’s startup scene has become today, a dynamic and inclusive environment where anyone with a good idea can find the support they need to turn it into a reality.”

The turning point in his career came when he realized that AI could revolutionize how people approach collaboration; he recognized it as a transformative force with the potential to democratize innovation, bridging education and social equity gaps. This epiphany led to the creation of CampusAI, the world’s first AI-native school designed to help individuals collaborate effectively with the technology. “AI isn’t just a tool,” he says. “It is a force multiplier that could empower anyone, regardless of their technical background, to bring their ideas to life.”

CampusAI quickly evolved from a simple educational platform into a dynamic ecosystem that supports innovation at both the individual and community levels. The platform’s success was evident almost immediately, with CampusAI certifying over 3,000 individuals in its Me+AI program within just six months of its launch and attracting, as of June 2024, Poland’s largest seed-funding round to date. This allowed Aureliusz to expand his vision globally​. CampusAI is now a leader in AI‑driven innovation, with plans to establish a presence in over 40 markets worldwide.

But CampusAI’s rapid success brought a unique set of challenges, and scaling from a small startup to a global player wasn’t a smooth ride. “Growing from three people to thirty in just three months is no easy feat,” Aureliusz says, emphasizing the logistical and strategic challenges of such rapid expansion. The speed of growth required quick decision-making and adaptation, often in the face of overwhelming circumstances. “It’s not just about hiring the right people; it’s about ensuring they have the right infrastructure, tools and strategies to work effectively. When you’re scaling so fast, the risk of losing the essence of what made the company successful in the first place is genuine.”​ This rapid expansion also brought financial pressures. “Suddenly, our costs skyrocketed, and we had to secure all the necessary funding to keep up with the growth. It’s a balancing act, expanding quickly while maintaining control over the business,” he says, highlighting the delicate balance between growth and sustainability many startups struggle to achieve.

Warsaw’s growing reputation as a tech hub has made it an ideal launchpad for global ventures like CampusAI. The city’s startup scene and rich talent pool have allowed Aureliusz to assemble a world-class team that drives his vision forward. “The city’s ecosystem is brimming with talent and ambition, making it relatively easy to find the right people and resources,” he says. This concentration of skilled professionals has been instrumental in helping CampusAI scale quickly and effectively.

However, assembling a team capable of driving such an ambitious project is vital. “Hiring the right people is just the first step,” Aureliusz says. “When you’re scaling a company at the pace we did, it’s crucial that everyone is not only highly skilled but also adaptable. The startup environment is dynamic, and the ability to pivot quickly is essential. You need a team that can handle the pressure of rapid growth and still deliver exceptional results.”​ He also emphasizes the importance of building a cohesive team culture amidst rapid expansion. “We were building a team that could work seamlessly under intense conditions. Our hiring process was unconventional because we were scaling so fast. We brought in people based on their potential to grow with the company, not just on their immediate skill sets. Once they were on board, it was about fostering a collaborative environment where everyone could contribute to our shared goals.” The strength of the team has been a key factor in CampusAI’s success, particularly in how they manage the complexities of AI-driven innovation. “Our team is a mix of top-tier technical experts, strategists and creatives. This diversity allows us to approach challenges from multiple angles and find innovative solutions. The collaboration between these different perspectives is what drives our innovation forward. It’s about how well people work together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”​

Moreover, Aureliusz recognizes the unique energy that Warsaw brings to the table. “Warsaw’s atmosphere fuels creativity and innovation. The people here are resilient and open to new ideas, which is exactly the environment where a global venture like CampusAI can thrive.” This synergy between the city’s dynamic environment and the team’s collective ambition has been a driving force behind CampusAI’s rapid ascent on the global stage.

Looking ahead, Aureliusz is focused on the future of AI and its role in transforming global innovation. His work with CampusAI is just the beginning of a broader vision where AI-driven collaboration becomes a fundamental aspect of how we work, learn and innovate. He is convinced that AI will enhance productivity and open up new possibilities that were previously unimaginable, and that it has the power to fundamentally change the landscape of innovation. “AI will empower people to innovate in ways that were previously unimaginable.” He envisions a future where AI is deeply integrated into every facet of life, transforming industries and reshaping societal structures, and he is committed to being at the forefront of this transformation. “Imagine a world where AI-driven collaboration is the norm – where people from different parts of the world can connect seamlessly, share insights and co-create solutions to complex problems.” This is the core of his vision for CampusAI and the virtual innovation district it supports. “We’re building a global network of interconnected virtual districts, where local communities can leverage AI to drive change and solve challenges unique to their regions. This is the next frontier, and it’s a future where innovation is truly democratized.”​ 

This belief is at the heart of CampusAI’s mission: to make advanced AI education accessible to all and to foster a global community where innovation knows no boundaries. But Aureliusz is also acutely aware of the challenges that come with the rapid adoption of AI. “We’re entering uncharted territory, and with that comes a responsibility to ensure that AI is developed and implemented ethically,” he says. “As we push the boundaries of what AI can do, we must also be vigilant about its impact on society. This means building frameworks that prioritize transparency, accountability and inclusivity in AI development.”​ His commitment to ethical AI is reflected in CampusAI’s curriculum, which includes training on responsible AI use and the moral implications of AI-driven decisions.

And Warsaw plays a central role in this vision. “Warsaw is a base for operations and a catalyst for the kind of innovation we’re driving,” he says. “The city’s history mirrors the transformative power of AI. Just as Warsaw has rebuilt itself time and again, AI gives us the tools to rebuild and reimagine our world in sustainable, inclusive and forward-thinking ways.”​ As CampusAI expands globally and Warsaw continues to evolve, so will Aureliusz Górski’s impact, driving forward a future where AI and entrepreneurship are inextricably linked.

Do you have a favorite podcast?

Hard Fork by journalists Kevin Roose and Casey Newton.

What are your most used apps? 

Perplexity, Notion.

What do you do to start your working day well? 

I wake up before the others.

When did you found your first business?

I was nineteen.

What’s your favorite place for deep work or creative thinking in the city? 

CIC Warsaw.

Which restaurant would you recommend?

Fabryka Norblina. Perfect for hanging out with friends.

Which café would you recommend? 

Café at District Hall, a cozy spot that doubles as a free coworking space.

Which museum would you recommend?

POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews – a powerful place that tells a rich, complex history.

What should every newcomer do once they arrive in Warsaw?

Attend the Thursday Gathering by Venture Café to start building connections in the city.

CampusAI is a global, human-centric technology company rooted in science and ecosystem development. With a next-generation virtual platform for AI upskilling in collaboration with AI, CampusAI’s platforms allow the creation of virtual environments that serve as digital twins of real local ecosystems, enabling smarter collaboration and breaking geographical barriers to accelerate idea generation.

campus.ai

This article is included in The Explorer Series Warsaw, alongside more founder stories and expert insights. Order your copy now!

Written by Yessica Klein

Photography by Sebastian Rzepka