WOW – the Vienna Research Festival 2018 breaks records!

The Vienna Research Festival drew over 13,000 visitors to the CREAU. With free admission, they were able to learn about exciting research projects from the city at over 40 interactive stations. “What makes skin bacteria essential?”, “How can occupational accidents be avoided with robots?” and “How can archaeologists explore the earth using modern technologies without digging?” – researchers in Vienna have dedicated themselves to these and similar questions. They are working at universities and research institutes, as well as in the R&D departments of innovative Viennese companies.
The Vienna Research Festival, which was organised by the Vienna Business Agency in cooperation with the Vienna Industrial Union and the Wiener Linien, introduced the most exciting projects, including a self-driving bus, an intelligent arm prosthesis that can even tie shoe laces and a game that can be controlled solely by the power of thought. City Councillor for the Economy, Peter Hanke, who wants to get children and young people interested in research and development, was also in attendance. The scholastic programme, which has already been booked out, will run until the end of September.

Vienna, 17. September 2018
Pressrelease "Bilanz Wiener Forschungsfest" (PDF, German)
Pressrelease "Das Wiener Forschungsfest" (PDF, German)

New funding: “U-Bahn-Bau Soforthilfe” offers rapid support

The City of Vienna, the Vienna Business Agency and the Vienna Economic Chambers are providing support to Viennese businesses affected by U-Bahn construction works. A total of 3.8 million euros of underground construction emergency aid will be available for small businesses in Vienna until the year 2021.

The construction of the new U5 line and the rerouting of the U2 promise considerable benefits: an even better public transport network, more environmentally friendly mobility, and improved travel links to local companies. At the same time, however, the necessary construction work poses challenges for Vienna’s businesses. This is exactly where the new “U-Bahn-Bau Soforthilfe” programme comes in. It supports small businesses by helping them meet their rental costs and/or realise marketing measures. In total, a maximum of 14,500 euros in funding is available per company, per year.

“We place great value on providing the affected companies with rapid and flexible support. This means making money available when it’s actually needed, rather than reimbursing businesses after the fact. We have also set up a separate point of contact at the Business Agency for queries relating to funding issues”, said Gerhard Hirczi, Managing Director of the Vienna Business Agency.

Vienna, 2018, august, 30
Press release (PDF in German)
Funding program (Application as of 1 November 2018)

Seestadt: 6,800 m² of new flexible production space

The Technology Centre Seestadt is expanded to create space for production machines, high-tech facilities and co-working spaces.

“The innovative environment in the Technology Centre Seestadt has developed very rapidly with global players such as Opel and Hoerbiger,” explains Gerhard Hirczi, Managing Director of the Vienna Business Agency. He adds, “The new building is the perfect expansion for the focus on innovative technologies and is ideal for start-ups and companies within the fields of Internet-of-things, Industry 4.0 and smart production.”

In the Donaustadt area itself, people are delighted about the expansion of the Technology Centre. “The Technology Centre’s expansion confirms the need for this kind of infrastructure and how much future-oriented companies feel at home in Donaustadt,” comments District Chairperson Ernst Nevrivy. Today, 160 employees already work directly in the Technology Centre Seestadt.

Vienna, 2018, July, 9
Press release (PDF)