Vienna remains an innovation hotspot: Deeptech startups on the rise!

Vienna remains an innovation hotspot: Deeptech startups on the rise!

Vienna remains a real center for innovation and start-ups. According to recent reports, the city continues to be a hotspot for startups looking for support and resources. The Magazine incubator writes that Vienna's attractiveness for founders is significantly promoted by a strong network of institutions and initiatives. One of these networks is the Austrian Cooperative Research (ACR), which has successfully built bridges between science and business since its founding in 1954.

The ACR brings together 19 non-university institutes, which support more than 13,000 customers with over 22,000 research, testing and development orders every year. Over 800 experts work with all kinds of commitment to bring innovative ideas to market maturity. Particular attention is paid to thematic focuses ranging from sustainable construction to modern materials to digitalization and innovation. This makes the ACR an important partner for startups that are still looking for a specific direction.

Innovative support for startups

The ACR offers numerous services that are invaluable for young companies. Free initial discussions, feasibility analyzes and technology research are part of the offer. Support with funding applications also plays a major role. This viable support is particularly valued by deeptech startups seeking access to specialized laboratories and funding expertise. One example is the Graz startup Brave Analytics, which has developed innovative methods for counting micro- and nanoparticles and was honored for its collaboration with the Center for Electron Microscopy.

Another exciting aspect is the importance of the ACR's norms and standardization expertise. This helps to avoid expensive detours in product development and thus contributes to the company's economic success. The typical process for startups at ACR includes making contact, concretizing ideas and defining milestones and suitable funding instruments. With fixed contacts throughout Austria, the bureaucratic effort is also minimized.

Research and competitiveness in focus

In a broader context, organizations such as RWTH Aachen and CESAER are calling for a clear vision and greater investment in research and innovation from the EU. This is crucial for improving Europe's competitiveness and strengthening its global position. A recent discussion also addressed the impact of standards and patents on research and innovation processes, such as: AKR presented in detail.

Important topics such as communication in research and the role of women in science are also at the center of the debates. The ACR advocates better framework conditions for interdisciplinary research, which is essential for progress and innovation. The desired targets include increasing national spending on research and innovation to over 3% of GDP, something that appears urgently needed.

The research landscape is of enormous importance for Vienna and the surrounding regions. Not only are we working on the next innovation, but clear steps are also being taken to increase competitiveness and innovative strength as a whole. Whether through new startups like Brave Analytics or through established research networks – the potential is enormous. Vienna remains a torchbearer for creativity and entrepreneurship in Europe.