PUCHACZ – Platform for Acquiring Characteristics of Adversaries and Cyber Threats
A new-generation research infrastructure for cybersecurity, cyber intelligence, and artificial intelligence
PUCHACZ is a nationwide hardware–software platform that will combine the potential of national scientific networks, advanced computing resources, and expert competencies to more effectively detect, analyze, and counter cyber threats. |
About the project
“PUCHACZ – Platform for Acquiring Characteristics of Adversaries and Cyber Threats” is a comprehensive initiative aimed at building advanced research infrastructure for cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. The platform will support R&D activities in threat detection, adversary behavior analysis, Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI), protection of digital environments, and increasing the resilience of AI systems to attacks and disruptions.
The project is implemented under the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG) program. It brings together leading academic and research centers, creating a geographically distributed yet functionally integrated infrastructure serving science, public administration, the economy, and the security sector.
Why is PUCHACZ being developed?
PUCHACZ responds to the growing demand for advanced, reliable, and scalable research environments in cybersecurity. Modern cyber threats require not only rapid detection but also in-depth analysis of adversaries’ techniques, tactics, and procedures, as well as the ability to conduct experiments in near-real-world conditions.
The infrastructure will enable research on large volumes of data describing network and system operations, testing of incident detection methods, development of Cyber Threat Intelligence services, and creation of AI-based cybersecurity solutions.
What makes the project unique?
- Integrated next-generation detection and analytics platform
- Federated model for collecting and sharing knowledge about adversaries (CTI)
- Use of artificial intelligence components and large language models (LLMs)
- Ability to conduct experiments, validation, and research in a Research-as-a-Service (RaaS) environment
- Integration of network infrastructure, computing resources, analytical tools, research laboratories, and expert competencies
Three research laboratories
The final outcome of the project will be a hardware–software platform comprising three complementary research laboratories:
- Laboratory 1: Effective collection of information on active threats
- Laboratory 2: Building knowledge about adversaries (Cyber Threat Intelligence)
- Laboratory 3: Artificial intelligence in cybersecurity applications
The laboratories will operate in a distributed model across 11 locations nationwide, using connections within the PIONIER network, metropolitan area networks, and last-mile infrastructure.
Example infrastructure services
- Provision of virtual research and evaluation laboratories
- Comprehensive security for research environments
- Static and dynamic analysis of malware samples
- Live and Retro Threat Hunting – detection of hidden and historical threats
- Access to malware knowledge bases and CTI services
- Participation in a national Next-Generation Honeynet network
- Compliance and security audits of innovative digital solutions
- Testing the resilience of AI-based systems
- Network and system monitoring and incident response support
- Educational programs, specialist training, workshops, and scientific collaboration
Target users
The project is addressed to a wide range of stakeholders: the scientific and R&D community, public administration, enterprises, IT service operators and providers, the financial sector, critical infrastructure entities, and organizations seeking to enhance their digital security. From 2028, PUCHACZ is expected to offer services on a commercial basis as well, supporting sectors that require innovative solutions to improve the security and reliability of digital services.
Lodz University of Technology in the project
Lodz University of Technology is one of the consortium partners implementing the PUCHACZ project. The university’s involvement includes activities related to the development of infrastructure and services in cybersecurity, data analysis, system resilience, and AI applications. Participation in the project strengthens its research and implementation potential and opens new opportunities for scientific and economic cooperation.
Consortium
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences – Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center (Project Leader)
- AGH Academic Computer Centre CYFRONET
- Gdańsk University of Technology – IT Center of the Tricity Academic Computer Network (CI TASK)
- Wrocław University of Science and Technology – Wrocław Centre for Networking and Supercomputing (WCSS)
- Częstochowa University of Technology
- Białystok University of Technology
- Kielce University of Technology
- Lodz University of Technology
- Koszalin University of Technology
- University of Zielona Góra – Computing Center
- Space Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences
Project title: Platform for Acquiring Characteristics of Adversaries and Cyber Threats
Project acronym: PUCHACZ
Implementing institution: OPI
Funding program: European Funds for a Modern Economy 2021–2027, Measure 2.4
Project number: FENG.02.04-IP.04-0006/25-00
Implementation period: 01.01.2026 – 31.12.2028
Total project cost: PLN 287,062,262.29