Instytut Ceramiki i Materiałów Budowlanych

What Instytut Ceramiki i Materiałów Budowlanych does

Instytut Ceramiki i Materiałów Budowlanych (operating as Łukasiewicz-ICiMB) is a Polish government research institute founded in 1951 and operating as part of the Łukasiewicz Research Network, a state-owned network of approximately 4,500 scientists across Poland. The institute specializes in applied research across five technical centers: Sustainable Construction (Kraków), Advanced Ceramics and Prefabricates (Warszawa), Refractory Materials (Gliwice — site of Europe's first hydrogen furnace research unit), Environmental Engineering (Opole), and Fire Safety and Acoustics (Kraków). Its core technology portfolio spans high-temperature technical ceramics, ballistic ceramics (K4-class), refractory materials, building materials (cement, concrete, cellular concrete, prefabricates), decorative ceramics and pigments, laboratory testing equipment, biomaterial scaffolds for dental applications, and MgO fire-resistant boards.

The institute generates revenue through a mixed model combining competitive government grants (Ministry of Education and Science, Centrum Łukasiewicz, NCBiR, NFOŚiGW, EU programs), contract R&D services for industrial partners, accredited laboratory testing, and commercial product sales (decorative ceramics, special ceramics, refractories, building materials, and laboratory equipment). Distribution occurs through a dedicated Commercialization and Sales Department, direct sales teams at each regional center, the Łukasiewicz Challenge System that routes enterprise requests to network scientists, paid training and seminar programs (e.g., refractory materials training at 2,300-2,500 PLN per attendee), and conference sponsorship packages. The institute also holds authority to issue National and European Technical Assessments (KOT/ETA), a regulated certification function for construction products. Customer segments are horizontally diversified across the construction materials industry, industrial refractories/ceramics manufacturers, defense and national security, healthcare/biomedical, academic institutions, and public administration, with the cement industry representing a flagship 70+ year relationship recognized by the 2025 Betonowy Oscar industry award.

Name

Instytut Ceramiki i Materiałów Budowlanych

Legal name

Sieć Badawcza Łukasiewicz - Instytut Ceramiki i Materiałów Budowlanych

Website

http://www.icimb.pl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1951

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Łukasiewicz-ICiMB is a Polish government research institute specializing in ceramics, building materials, refractories, biomaterials, and fire safety testing, serving construction, defense, healthcare, and industrial clients across four regional centers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Construction Materials Research and Testing

NAICS

Testing Laboratories and Services (54138), Chemical Manufacturing (325)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYIMAIALAJ

Internal Logistics & Porterage (Interoffice Deliveries, Shipping/Receiving, Furniture Moves)

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Industrial Services & Facility Operations/Facility Operations Support Services (Mailroom/Reception/Catering/Workplace Services)

SECONDARYBPAHAIAK

Reliability, Safety & Risk Engineering (RAMS/PSM) Consulting

Business & Public Services/Professional Services (Legal, Accounting, Consulting)/Engineering & Technical Consulting

SECONDARYEUAHABAE

Chemical Management & Toxic Substances Compliance (TSCA, REACH, GHS/SDS, PFAS Programs)

Energy, Utilities & Environment/Environmental Compliance, Monitoring & Consulting/Regulatory Compliance & Auditing (Air, Water, Waste)

Keywords

• Building materials research
• Ceramic materials testing
• Fire safety certification
• Refractory materials development
• Construction technical assessment

Headquarters

HQ city

Warszawa

HQ country

Poland

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Research and Development Services: Contract research and development projects funded by industry partners, national science agencies (NCN, NCBiR), and EU programs. Projects include technology development, product testing, and consulting services for the construction materials industry.
2. Laboratory Testing Services: Accredited laboratory services for testing construction materials, ceramics, refractories, and environmental samples. Services include chemical analysis, physical property testing, and fire resistance testing.
3. Product Sales: Sale of specialized products including decorative ceramics, special ceramics, refractory materials, modern building materials, and laboratory equipment for the construction materials industry. Sales contact: Krystyna Jastrowicz, tel.: 601 407 895.
4. Training and Seminars: Application training and professional seminars on refractory materials, concrete technology, and other specialized topics. Paid training programs with accommodation packages.
5. Certification and Technical Assessment: National and European Technical Assessments (KOT/ETA) for construction products, certification services, and normalization support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Instytut Ceramiki i Materiałów Budowlanych (Łukasiewicz-ICiMB) is a Polish government research institute delivering contract R&D, accredited laboratory testing, KOT/ETA technical assessments, and specialized training to the construction materials, cement, ceramics, refractory, fire safety, defense, and biomaterials sectors. It also manufactures and sells proprietary products including ballistic ceramic plates, high-impedance MgO fire-resistant boards, refractory materials, decorative ceramics, laboratory equipment, and BiOrganoMineral organic-mineral fertilizer through its Experimental Production Centre.

Product overview

Instytut Ceramiki i Materiałów Budowlanych (Łukasiewicz-ICiMB) operates as a scientific-research institute within the Łukasiewicz Research Network, offering a diverse portfolio of ceramic and building material products. The product range spans technical ceramics (high-temperature, ballistic, refractory), building materials (cement, concrete, prefabricates), decorative ceramics and pigments, environmental protection solutions, laboratory equipment, and specialized products including MgO fire-resistant boards and organic-mineral fertilizers. The institute also provides R&D services, laboratory testing, technical certification, and training through its network of research centers located in Kraków, Warsaw, Gliwice, and Opole.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Krakowska Huta Szkła: Glass production facility at Lipowa 3 in Kraków, part of the institute's operations
• Czasopismo Szkło i Ceramika

Products and services

• Contract Research and Development Services Contract research and development projects for the construction materials industry, including technology development, product testing, and consulting services funded by industry partners, national science agencies, and EU programs.
• Accredited Laboratory Testing Services Accredited laboratory services for testing construction materials, ceramics, refractories, and environmental samples, including chemical analysis, physical property testing, and fire resistance testing.
• National and European Technical Assessments (KOT/ETA) and Certification National and European Technical Assessments (Krajowe Oceny Techniczne / European Technical Assessments) for construction products, certification services, and normalization support.
• Specialized Training Seminars and Workshops Application training and professional seminars on refractory materials, concrete technology, and other specialized topics, with paid accommodation packages for industry professionals.
• High-Temperature Technical Ceramics High-temperature technical ceramics designed for industrial applications requiring extreme thermal resistance and durability, manufactured and sold via the Experimental Production Department.
• Ballistic Ceramic Plates (Class K4) Innovative ceramic ballistic plates with tungsten layers for body armor applications offering Class K4 protection with improved performance and reduced weight.
• High-Impedance MgO Fire-Resistant Boards First European fire-resistant magnesium oxide board manufactured using EU-sourced raw materials, for fire protection of reinforced concrete structures.
• Refractory Materials for Industrial Applications Refractory materials for high-temperature industrial applications including furnaces, kilns, and metallurgical processes, sold via the Gliwice centre's sales team.
• Decorative Ceramic Pigments and Coloring Products Decorative ceramic products and ceramic pigments (środki zdobnicze) for coloring applications in the ceramics industry, with technological consulting available.
• Building Materials and Prefabricated Concrete Elements Building materials including cement, concrete, cellular concrete, and prefabricated elements for construction applications, produced at the Warsaw and Kraków centres.
• Laboratory Equipment for Building Materials Industry Laboratory equipment and testing devices for the building materials industry, including specialized testing furnaces for fire resistance assessment.
• BiOrganoMineral Organic-Mineral Fertilizer Organic-mineral fertilizer developed through research projects for agricultural applications, addressing circular economy and soil improvement needs.
• DentAntCarr Biomaterial Scaffolds for Dental Treatment Porous sponge biomaterial scaffolds as carriers for antibiotics with controlled release for instrumental-free endodontic treatment of primary teeth.
• Asbestos Thermal Decomposition Treatment Service Research-derived service for thermal decomposition of chrysotile asbestos and asbestos-cement products under reduced pressure, offering more cost-effective and environmentally friendly disposal methods.
• Ł2B and Energia i Środowisko Industry Conferences Major annual industry conferences including Ł2B (Łukasiewicz to Business / Building Chemistry) and Energia i Środowisko w Technologiach Przemysłowych, offered with attendee packages and sponsorship tiers.
• GlassFest Kraków Science and Technology Festival Public science and technology festival dedicated to glass, organized as an 11-day event covering glass from scientific, technological, and cultural perspectives, with workshops, demonstrations, lectures, and meetings.

Quantifiable outcome

• European fire protection board market of 100 million m2 by 2030 addressed by developed MgO board technology
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Szkoła Aspirantów Państwowej Straży PożarnejcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025Collaboration on fire safety research and training. Joint activities through the Fire Safety and Acoustics Center (CBPiA), contributing to education and training for fire service professionals alongside research activities.
• Politechnika KrakowskacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025Collaboration on fire safety research and sustainable construction. Signatory of joint intention letter with Małopolski Urząd Marszałkowski for expansion of CBPiA in Kraków. Joint activities in low-energy building research.
• Uniwersytet Rolniczy w KrakowiecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025Signatory of joint intention letter for CBPiA expansion. Collaboration on sustainable construction and agricultural materials research with focus on circular economy applications.
• Małopolski Urząd MarszałkowskicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025Government partner coordinating regional research collaboration. Signatory of intention letter for expansion of Fire Safety and Acoustics Center, supporting infrastructure development in Małopolska region.
• Akademia Górniczo-Hutnicza (AGH)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2023Long-standing research collaboration with AGH in Kraków. AGH Rector Prof. Jerzy Lis serves as Chairman of the Institute Council. Joint research projects and infrastructure sharing, particularly in materials science and engineering.
• Sieć Badawcza Łukasiewicz – Warszawski Instytut TechnologicznycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2023Consortium partner in MgO high-impedance fire-resistant board project. Warsaw Institute of Technology serves as project leader in consortium developing fire protection technology using EU-sourced raw materials.
• Sieć Badawcza Łukasiewicz – Instytut Chemii Surowców OdnawialnychcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2023Consortium partner in MgO high-impedance fire-resistant board project, contributing expertise in renewable raw materials chemistry for sustainable construction solutions.
• Sieć Badawcza Łukasiewicz – Instytut Materiałów PolimerowychcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2023Consortium partner in MgO high-impedance fire-resistant board project, contributing polymer materials expertise for adhesive compositions and wood-based panel emulsions.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Instytut Techniki Budowlanej (ITB): Polish state research institute in construction technology and building products. Most direct domestic peer — both operate as state-owned R&D units accredited for technical assessments and construction testing, serving overlapping Polish construction-materials customers.
• BRE Group (Building Research Establishment): UK-based building science and construction research organization. Closely comparable in scope (testing, certification, standards development) and revenue mix (testing services + standards publishing + member services) — particularly relevant for Łukasiewicz-ICiMB's fire-safety, BREEAM-equivalent certification, and accreditation activities.
• Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics (IBP): German applied-research institute covering building physics, hygrothermal performance, acoustics, and indoor climate. Overlaps on fire-safety, acoustics, and material-science competencies, and shares the public-research-institute operating model with multiple distributed facilities.
• CSTB (Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment): French state-owned building science center focused on construction innovation, technical assessments, and quality in the built environment. Closely comparable on KOT/ETA-equivalent (Avis Techniques/ATE) certifications and construction-product evaluation services across Europe.
• Efectis: European fire-safety testing, engineering, and certification group with laboratories in France, Netherlands, Turkey, and elsewhere. Directly comparable to Łukasiewicz-ICiMB's CBPiA fire-resistance testing and certification offerings across construction and building-material clients.
• Warringtonfire (part of Element Materials Technology): Specialist fire-testing, certification, and consulting firm. Comparable in fire-resistance testing of construction products, with similar commercial testing, certification, and code-consulting service lines as Łukasiewicz-ICiMB's CBPiA centre.

Broad incumbents

• RISE Research Institutes of Sweden: Swedish state-owned research organization covering materials, ceramics, and built environment among many other areas. Comparable as a state-funded multidisciplinary research conglomerate, but with substantially broader scope (energy, ICT, life sciences) than Łukasiewicz-ICiMB's construction/ceramics focus.
• TÜV SÜD: Global testing, inspection, and certification conglomerate. Overlaps broadly on construction-materials testing, fire-safety certification, and product safety services, but operates at vastly greater scale across non-construction industries.
• Bureau Veritas: International testing, inspection, and certification company serving construction, marine, energy, and other sectors. Comparable on the testing/certification side of Łukasiewicz-ICiMB's business, but lacks the institute's basic-research mandate.
• NIST Building and Fire Research Laboratory: U.S. federal laboratory conducting building and fire safety research, including standards development for construction materials. Comparable on fire-safety and building-materials R&D, though operating on a government-mission rather than commercial-services model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/instceramiki
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ukasiewicz-ICiMB
• Facebookfacebook.com/ICiMB
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sie%C4%87-badawcza-%C5%82ukasiewicz-instytut-ceramiki-i-materia%C5%82%C3%B3w-budowlanych
• Instagraminstagram.com/lukasiewicz.icimb

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Instytut Ceramiki i Materiałów Budowlanych