Fifth-year MAI Biomedical Engineering student Michał Bartler has been named in the Forbes Polska 30 Under 30 2026 list, which recognises young entrepreneurs, innovators and changemakers from across Poland. The annual list highlights emerging talent whose work is attracting attention nationally and internationally. 

At just 22 years of age, Michał has already established Subreal, a London-based digital health company focused on improving outcomes for people living with substance use disorders. 

Founded in 2024, Subreal is a digital health company building, studying and researching new digital interventions for addiction health. Subreal is on a mission to revolutionise the treatment of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) through predictive technology and continuous care. They combine cutting-edge digital biomarkers with AI-driven analytics to predict relapse risk and provide personalized, proactive support to patients during their recovery journey. 

For Michał, the work began with a change in perspective. 

For years, addictions were often viewed primarily through a social or moral lens. His approach was to see them as an engineering challenge. Through Subreal, he has focused on developing tools that turn everyday data into digital biomarkers, with the aim of identifying relapse risk before it is too late. 

The Forbes recognition was awarded primarily for Michał's work with Subreal, although the selection process also considers the wider potential and achievements of those included on the list. According to Michał, the recognition provides further motivation to continue developing technologies that can contribute to improved addiction treatment and recovery pathways. 

Commenting on his achievement, Michał said: 

"It's a great honour to be included in Forbes Polska's 30 Under 30 list. The recognition reflects the work our team has put into Subreal and motivates us to continue developing technologies that can support people in recovery." 

Alongside building the company, Michał is pursuing his studies in Biomedical Engineering at Trinity College Dublin, combining engineering, health sciences and entrepreneurship in his work. 

Substance use disorders remain a significant challenge for health systems worldwide. Through Subreal's ongoing research and development, Michał and his team are exploring ways in which continuous monitoring and predictive technologies can support clinicians and patients throughout the recovery process. 

The School of Engineering congratulates Michał on this achievement and wishes him continued success in both his studies and the development of Subreal. 

You can find out more about Subreal by clicking this link: https://subreal.io/