KNM 2025: Discussing the Future of the European Economy in Katowice

The sixth edition of the New Mobility Congress (KNM 2025) has concluded, setting a new benchmark and surpassing all previous records. With nearly 7,500 participants and close to 600 speakers, this year’s Congress expanded its focus well beyond mobility, tackling key strategic sectors of the economy. What were the key highlights of this year’s agenda?

From September 23–25, 2025, Katowice became the hub of the European green transition. A record 7,359 participants attended the Congress – the highest in its history. Across 10 stages, 574 speakers delivered 250 sessions, while the 12,000 m² expo floor showcased a plethora of cutting-edge zero-emission innovations. The event was organized by PSNM, and for the first time hosted by the Upper Silesia–Zagłębie Metropolis (GZM), with the City of Katowice as co-host.

“The New Mobility Congress 2025 clearly demonstrated that transforming transport and building a zero-emission economy require broad cooperation — from the local to the global level. GZM Metropolis hosting the event for the first time highlights just how strongly our region is involved in the European dialogue on the future of mobility and energy. We are proud that Katowice has become a place where experts from around the world come together to share their knowledge and experience. I am confident that the decisions made, and connections forged at KNM 2025 will deliver long-term benefits for both our Metropolis and Poland as a whole,” said Kazimierz Karolczak, Chair of the GZM Board. 

“Business tourism is an increasingly vital part of Katowice’s economic growth, and prestigious international events such as the New Mobility Congress are driving that momentum. The presence of hundreds of experts, over 7,500 participants, and a wealth of innovative solutions underscore the success of KNM 2025,” added Marcin Krupa, Mayor of Katowice. “We are proud that our city has become a platform for important conversations about new technologies and the future of sustainable mobility.”

The Congress welcomed delegates from nearly 40 countries, including leading policymakers, international experts, and business leaders. Notable guests included Carlo Ratti, MIT professor and curator of the 2025 Venice Biennale, and Ydanis Rodriguez, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation. In attendance were also ministers, deputy ministers, members of national parliaments, EU representatives, over 20 Polish mayors, and heads of major public and private sector institutions.

“This year’s edition of the New Mobility Congress has gone down in history as the biggest and most successful to date. The number of participants was nearly three times higher than last year, and both the number and quality of speakers were exceptional — clearly showing the enormous demand for this kind of event. Compared to 2024, it’s safe to say that better times for new mobility have returned — and that positive energy could be felt throughout the entire Congress. We are very pleased with our move to Katowice and proud to have held the event in such a fitting venue. We sincerely thank all our partners for their support and are already looking ahead to organizing KNM 2026. Once again, the bar has been set very high!” – said Agata Wiśniewska-Mazur, Member of the PSNM Management Board.

At KNM 2025, important decisions were made that could have a strong impact on Polish transport, energy, industry, and the economy in the coming years. On the first day of the Congress, the creation of the New Mobility Center was announced — a specialized research and development hub that will boost Poland’s R&D capabilities and help Polish companies become more competitive. This will be the first center of its kind in the country. The letter of intent to establish the Center was signed by Wojciech Saługa, Marshal of the Silesian Voivodeship; Kazimierz Karolczak, Chair of the GZM Board; Katowice Mayor Marcin Krupa; and representatives from the Katowice Special Economic Zone, the Łukasiewicz Research Network, and PSNM.

“Establishing the New Mobility Center marks a strategic leap in Poland’s innovation capabilities. Through collaboration across public, academic, and business sectors, this initiative will strengthen Poland’s position in future transport technologies and accelerate the economic transformation of Silesia,” emphasized Dr. Rafał Żelazny, President of the Katowice Special Economic Zone.

Another significant milestone was the signing of the Sectoral Agreement, the result of many months of intensive work focused on resolving key issues related to integrating EV charging infrastructure with Poland’s energy grid. The signatories included the President of the Energy Regulatory Office, the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways, charging operators represented by PSNM, and grid operators represented by PTPiREE.

The Congress featured a six-path program focusing on innovation, economic development, and their effects on improving quality of life. At KNM 2025, discussions revolved around regional integration and cooperation among Central and Eastern European countries, building business relationships with global leaders from the U.S. and Asia, and finding optimal financing solutions for research and development. Experts and industry professionals debated the future of aviation, strengthening the automotive sector in the CEE region—which supports 2 million jobs and produces one-third of all vehicles in the EU—the potential of hydrogen energy, and strategies to attract battery industry investments to Poland. Other sessions highlighted the latest advancements in autonomous driving, challenges linked to AI development, and integrating energy storage systems with Poland’s power grid. The program also dedicated significant attention to urban transformation, modern resident-friendly urban planning, and the influence of technology on city architecture and spatial design.

A key highlight of the Congress was the Innovation Forum – a unique side event of KNM 2025 dedicated entirely to groundbreaking technological and scientific projects developed in Poland. The Forum showcased electric and hydrogen vehicles, prototypes of unmanned aerial vehicles, humanoid walking robots, as well as the latest achievements in medicine, automation, and spatial design – all Made in Poland. The Innovation Forum was held under the patronage of Minister of Science and Higher Education Marcin Kulasek and the National Centre for Research and Development.

At the Congress EXPO zone, several Polish premieres of the latest electric car models were showcased, including Toyota’s Urban Cruiser, the refreshed bZ4X, bZ4X Touring, and C-HR+, Volkswagen’s ID. CROSS Concept and e-Transporter, as well as Nissan’s Micra. Additionally, zero-emission trucks, buses, and a wide range of innovative charging infrastructure solutions were on display — from home wallboxes to ultrafast DC charging stations.

The Congress concluded with a fire safety training session attended by nearly 300 officers, including firefighters, police officers, and paramedics from across Poland. The training was organized by F5A New Mobility Research and Consulting in cooperation with CNBOP-PIB and the National Headquarters of the State Fire Service.