At just 21 years old, Martyna Łuszczek has already earned a place among the world’s most promising young changemakers. A student of Economics at Kozminski University in Warsaw and an Applied Data Science Program student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she is the mind behind groundbreaking innovations like the Aquacollector and Visible Gestures, and a finalist in the Global Student Prize 2024. In 2025, she was nominated for the Global Impact Star at the Stars Night Awards, further cementing her status as a rising global leader in science, technology, and social innovation.
Aquacollector: Fighting microplastic pollution
Martyna’s journey into innovation began in high school, when she and her team developed the Aquacollector – a portable device designed to collect and recycle microplastics from water bodies. These tiny synthetic particles, formed by the breakdown of waste, pose a growing threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health.
“It was a breakthrough moment in my scientific path,” Martyna recalls. “I learned how to design, innovate, and approach real-world problems with research and purpose,” she adds.
The Aquacollector is powered by solar panels, driving a submersible pump that increases water flow through a system of filters. It features a GPS locator, a filter clogging sensor, and a mobile app for remote monitoring. Its low cost (starting from just 50 PLN) and ease of use make it accessible to both public and private water body owners.
The device has attracted international attention and was showcased at the World Economic Conference EXPO in Dubai, where Martyna represented Poland as a young innovator in environmental technology.
Visible Gestures: AI for accessibility
Another of Martyna’s standout projects is Visible Gestures, an AI-powered solution designed to facilitate communication with people who are deafblind. The system uses artificial intelligence to interpret and translate gestures, bridging a critical gap in accessibility and inclusion.
This project reflects Martyna’s broader vision: using technology not for its own sake, but as a tool to solve real human problems.
Global Recognition, Local Roots
Martyna’s work has earned her a place on several prestigious lists, including Top 50 Global Student Prize 2024, Forbes Poland’s “25 under 25” and Perspektywy Foundation’s “Top 100 Women in AI” She was also a finalist in the “Młoda Polka” competition, which honours young Polish women with exceptional achievements in fields such as innovation, science, and entrepreneurship.
Though she has studied and presented her work abroad, Martyna is clear about where she wants to build her future. “Yes, I definitely want to stay in Poland or return after spreading my wings abroad. Poland is where I want to use my potential, ” she says.
She cites Polish entrepreneur Rafał Brzoska as a major inspiration and mentor and sees her future in both the scientific and business sectors of her home country.
Courage, curiosity, and change
Martyna’s path hasn’t been without challenges. She originally planned to study medicine and was accepted into a medical program in Gdańsk. But she soon realised her true calling lay elsewhere. “It takes courage to follow your heart. But changing direction led me to where I am now,” Łuszczek emphasises.
She also speaks openly about the challenges of being a woman in male-dominated tech spaces. At a recent hackathon with 130 participants—99% of them men—she had to prove her expertise and earn her place. “You need a lot of courage and determination to break through that ceiling. But it’s worth it”, she summarises.
A Vision for the future
When asked about her dreams, Martyna is both ambitious and grounded: “I want the innovations I create to serve the world. And yes, I dream of a Nobel Prize someday – not for the title, but for the impact.”
She continues to work on new projects, apply for scholarships, and mentor others – always with the goal of creating technologies that make life better for people and the planet.
A Star for Poland – and the world
Martyna Łuszczek is more than a student or inventor – she is a symbol of what the next generation of Polish innovators can achieve. Her story is a testament to the power of curiosity, compassion, and courage. As she continues to break barriers and build solutions, she carries with her the hopes of a more sustainable, inclusive, and inspired future. Her nomination for the Global Impact Star at the Stars Night Awards 2025 is not just a personal milestone – it’s a recognition of the growing global influence of young Polish talent.
Sources
