Krakow Launches ESA Fringe 2026 Radar Conference and Polish Quantum Valley Hub

The European Space Agency (ESA) opened the Fringe 2026 conference in Krakow on 15 June. The five‑day event, organized with the Jagiellonian University and the State Geological Institute, gathers scientists, agency representatives and industry experts to discuss interferometric synthetic‑aperture radar (InSAR) applications such as landslide monitoring, infrastructure safety and climate change. ESA director Simonetta Cheli and Polish officials, including the vice‑president of the Polish Space Agency, addressed the opening session. Participants will review results from Sentinel‑1, the upcoming Sentinel‑1 Future Generation mission and other radar satellite programmes.

On the same day, the University of Krakow, the AGH University of Science and Technology, the Krakow University of Technology and rolling‑stock manufacturer Newag signed a letter of intent to create the "Polish Quantum Valley" hub. The initiative aims to build one of Central‑Eastern Europe’s leading quantum‑computing centres, linking research, development and commercialisation. Newag will provide expertise and financing to turn quantum research into practical business solutions. The project follows Poland’s 2025 quantum‑technology strategy and follows the commissioning of the country’s first quantum computer in Poznań.