On Monday, 24 November, the AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków hosted the inauguration of the Cyber Legion Programme – a nationwide initiative that brings together the military, academic and civilian communities to strengthen the state’s cybersecurity. The event was attended by Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, who emphasized the strategic importance of developing cybersecurity competencies for national security.
During the ceremony at the AGH Faculty of Computer Science, a cooperation agreement was signed between the AGH University of Science and Technology and the Cyber Defense Forces Component Command. The document was signed by Major General Karol Molenda, Commander of the Cyber Defense Forces Component, and Professor Jerzy Lis, Rector of AGH in Kraków.
The agreement marks a key step in the further development of the Cyber Legion programme, whose aim is to build a strong cybersecurity ecosystem that includes technical universities, the military and the civilian sector. The programme focuses on strengthening the country’s cybersecurity and tightening cooperation between the academic environment and the Polish Armed Forces. The agreement was concluded during a two-day conference held at the AGH Faculty of Computer Science, where participants discussed, among other topics, the cyber-resilience of critical industries in the face of current threats, the role of the civilian sector in supporting the state’s cyber-resilience, and the challenges facing key sectors of critical infrastructure.
Importance of Cooperation for State Security
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz took part in the inauguration, stressing that in the current geopolitical situation, investing in cybersecurity is one of the most important elements of strengthening Poland’s position.
“We will continue to develop the Cyber Legion and invest in it. You can count on all types of training and courses, and I would like to invite as many of you as possible to join the Polish Armed Forces,” the Minister of National Defence told programme participants.
“I am very proud that the Ministry of National Defence, the Cyber Defense Forces Component Command and AGH jointly bring together leading specialists in IT and cybersecurity. Be open to knowledge and innovation. I know you already are, and we will gladly benefit from that. Thank you once again for your commitment to defending and ensuring security in cyberspace,” said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
Cyber Legion – Connecting Civilian and Military Experts
The Cyber Legion programme was launched by the Cyber Defense Forces as an initiative aimed at consolidating cybersecurity and IT specialists around the Polish Armed Forces. Its goal is close cooperation between the military, higher education institutions and experts in IT, science and technology.
“The decision to join the Cyber Legion is not an easy one — it is a mission where the stakes are the security of our country. Thanks to the people involved in this project, we will undoubtedly build a shield that cannot be broken. But to build it, a forge is needed. I thank the Rector of AGH for joining us and supporting our activities — for being that forge of talent that will feed the Cyber Legion and ensure our continued development and skills enhancement. Cyberspace changes every day, and so must we. What could give greater satisfaction than knowing that what we do directly affects our country’s security?” said Major General Karol Molenda, Commander of the Cyber Defense Forces.
“AGH thus joins a group of key academic centres that will play an important role in developing competencies related to the protection of the state’s cyberspace,” highlighted Professor Jerzy Lis, Rector of AGH. “National security increasingly depends on technical knowledge and competencies. AGH has been developing research and education in areas crucial for cybersecurity for many years, so I am glad that we can cooperate with the Cyber Defense Forces Component Command within the Cyber Legion programme. I am convinced that combining AGH’s scientific potential with the experience and mission of the Cyber Defense Forces will bring tangible benefits for the state and for the development of modern technologies.”
The objectives of the Cyber Legion programme include creating opportunities for civilian specialists — including experts in IT, cybersecurity, automation, artificial intelligence and robotics — to actively support state security without resigning from their professional careers. The programme provides flexible engagement paths and cooperation models tailored to various participant groups, such as students or experienced professionals. The initiative also aims to integrate academic, technological and military potential to strengthen resilience to modern cyber threats, while enabling participation in training sessions, workshops and exercises, including incident simulations and system testing.
As one of Poland’s leading technical universities, AGH has unique competencies in computer science, cybersecurity, automation, robotics and artificial intelligence. The cooperation with the Cyber Defense Forces Component Command opens new opportunities for students, doctoral candidates and researchers. These include participation in projects and exercises with the Cyber Defense Forces, the implementation of joint research and development initiatives, access to grants and scientific work in advanced technologies, as well as organising events such as conferences, hackathons and specialist workshops.
On the university’s side, the agreement will be implemented by the Cybersecurity Centre, the Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence, and the Faculty of Computer Science.
