Krakow IT Market Report 2026

The latest edition of the Krakow IT Market Report 2026, prepared by MOTIFE in cooperation with ASPIRE and partners, presents an up-to-date overview of Krakow’s technology ecosystem and its position within the Polish and European IT market.

The 192-page publication provides a comprehensive analysis of the city’s talent pool, business environment, salary levels, office market, operational costs, recruitment conditions and key development trends. It is a valuable source of knowledge for companies, investors, startups, public institutions and all organisations interested in the development of the technology sector in Krakow and Poland.

According to the report, Krakow’s IT talent pool has reached around 65,000 specialists, growing by 5% year on year. The city hosts more than 250 international IT hubs, while international companies employ 84% of local IT talent. This confirms Krakow’s strong position as one of the leading technology centres in Central and Eastern Europe.

This year’s edition shows that Krakow’s market is no longer defined only by scale. The city is increasingly recognised for the maturity and depth of its technological competencies. Krakow has evolved from a service delivery location into a centre for advanced software development, R&D, product engineering and strategic technology functions.

The report places particular emphasis on areas that are shaping the next stage of the city’s development, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, data analytics, dual-use technologies, the space sector and specialised industry expertise. It also highlights the role of Krakow’s academic base, startup community and international business services sector in strengthening the local innovation ecosystem.

An important part of the 2026 report is the growing role of AI. The publication points to both the increasing use of AI tools in software development and the development of AI-related infrastructure and competencies in Krakow, including the Gaia AI Factory initiative. This confirms that artificial intelligence is becoming one of the key drivers of the city’s future technological growth.

The report also presents practical information on doing business in Poland, including employment models, salaries and benefits, taxes, incentives, office space and professional services. As a result, it can support decision-making by companies considering Krakow as a location for new investments, technology teams or business development projects.

The Krakow IT Market Report 2026 confirms that Krakow remains one of the strongest and most mature technology ecosystems in the region — combining a large and experienced talent pool, strong international presence, advanced competencies and a growing capacity to develop innovative solutions for global markets.