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Innovation is Key for Austria's Climate Neutrality by 2040

At the Mission Innovation Ministerial Summit in Chile, Austria's Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler and her international counterparts stressed the importance of innovation for achieving the Paris Agreement.

June 4, 2021

Viennese Start-Up Event Reaches 10 Million People

The Viennese startup event ViennaUP'21, which took place from April 27 to May 12 in a virtual format, can be viewed as a success. The reasons behind its success, the highlights of the event as well as what remains can be found out here!

May 14, 2021

Activities of Arab Countries in Vienna to Strengthen Mutual Cooperation

The Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) under Secretary General Eng. Mouddar Khouja reports on various activities and means to strengthen mutual cooperation between Austria and the Arab countries UAE United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Qatar.

April 25, 2021

International Startup Event "ViennaUP21" Starts April 27

The startup event "ViennaUP21" will take place from April 27 to May 12 in a purely digital format. Within the umbrella of ViennaUP21, 40 program partners will be hosting 100 events for interested people, institutions and organization from more than 45 countries. Registration is free.

April 23, 2021

Austrian Companies Develop Innovations for Africa

On the occasion of the "Africa Innovation Challenge 2021" organized by Advantage Austria - Aussenwirtschaft Austria, several Austrian companies have developed innovative solutions to solve societal challenges in Africa's dynamic markets. At the World Summit Award (WSA), five projects have been selected champions by an international jury.

April 19, 2021

Demand for More Artificial Intelligence in Austrian Economy

According to a study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), only 12 percent of Austrian businesses use artificial intelligence in their operations. For Alfred Harl, representative of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce in this particular sector, Austrian companies will need to stay up to date with regard to new technologies and not be "left behind in the strong international environment."

April 14, 2021

"Fixing the Future": Austria's Foreign Ministry Searches For Innovative Ideas

Together with the cultural broadcaster Ö1, Austria's Foreign Ministry and its network of Austrian representations abroad is searching for innovative ideas that could solve global problems. The possible admissions can relate to various contexts, among them are problems in technology, environment, business, and social issues.

April 9, 2021

Vienna Celebrates 25 Years of EU Funding

One year after Austria's accession to the EU in 1995, the first projects with the help of the European Union were established in Vienna. 25 years later, in 2021, Vienna looks back at the hundreds of projects, which improved various aspects of the city and were only possible due to the funding provided from the European Union.

April 8, 2021

European Union Digital Day: Schramböck Demands Digital Growth

At the European Union Digital Day, Austria's Minister for Digitalization Margarete Schramböck signed two declarations that create better framework conditions for start-ups and promote green and digital transformation. Schramböck demanded the use of more digital technologies in order to "secure European jobs and value creation."

March 24, 2021

All Eyes on Vienna for ViennaUP'21

Central Europe's largest startup event "ViennaUP'21" will once again take place in the spring of 2021 in Vienna. The event offers a variety of different programs and business-to-business networking opportunities. Many other events, such as the "Fintech Week" and the "Creative Days Vienna" will be part of ViennaUP'21.

March 18, 2021

Vienna Still Attractive for International Companies

In 2020, Vienna has welcomed more than 200 new companies despite the difficulties resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. Mayor Michael Ludwig interprets "the high level of interest" from foreign companies in Vienna as a result of Vienna being regarded as "stable and safe economic ground".

March 12, 2021

Austrian Initiative Receives Civil Society Solidarity Award

The Austrian initiative #EUROPAgegenCOVID19 has received the European Economic and Social Committee's (EESC) Civil Society Solidarity Award for its effort in the Covid-19 crisis. The non-profit organization focuses on debunking false theories and myths with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic.

February 16, 2021

Austria Joins International Renewable Energy Agency

Since January 1, 2021, Austria is member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). During the Agency's General Assembly, Austria's Climate Protection Minister demands a transformation of the world's energy system towards 100 percent renewables and is pleased that Austria will make a contribution to this change.

January 26, 2021

Travel Austria-USA: Negative Covid-19 Test Required

The new President of the United States and the responsible departments have renewed the entry ban for European citizens. Thus, effective January 26, 2021, Austrians, Europeans and even U.S. citizens traveling to the USA need to provide a negative Covid-19 test result in order to be allowed to travel to the United States.

January 26, 2021

International Start-Ups Are Attracted by Vienna

The Vienna Business Agency has received more applications for the Vienna Startup Package in 2020 than ever before. Out of 321 applications, the Agency has selected 16 winners from nine different countries, which will be able to take advantage of a package that includes coaching sessions, consulting and networking opportunities.

January 13, 2021

Mandatory Registration for Travel to Austria

Starting on Friday, January 15, 2021, travellers entering Austria will need to be registered in order to pass the border. The quarantine obligation after entry remains in effect. The required form is available on the page of the Foreign Ministry and needs to be presented in the event of an inspection.

January 12, 2021

European Innovation Council Funds Austrian Projects

Two projects with Austrian-based research are involved in a new funding project of the EU's European Innovation Council. A total amount of EUR 74 million is distributed among 18 projects that research in cutting-edge technologies. Additionally to the funding, coaching and business development supported is provided by the Council.

December 14, 2020

International Visitor Leadership Program Celebrates 80th Anniversary

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program, celebrates its 80th anniversary. The program has opened doors for more than 225,000 participants from all over the globe and has connected current and emerging leaders to US culture and society.

December 9, 2020

EU Ministers Issue Declaration on "Digital Government"

The EU Ministers responsible for Digitalization have agreed on a joint declaration that focuses on digital society and value-based digital government. Austria's Minister Schramböck sees Austria already on the right track with its various e-government tools and is delighted about the European plans.

December 9, 2020

Schramböck: Deepening Digitalization in the EU

The EU member states aim to create synergies between national research and investment initiatives and to ensure a coherent European approach with sufficient scope. Joint Support for European electronics value chains will try to establish leading capabilities in various digital competencies.

December 7, 2020

Europe-Wide Innovation Award Goes to Wiener Linien

The Europe-wide Innovation in Politics Award 2020 goes to the research project RemiHub, coordinated, among others, by Wiener Linien and the Vienna University of Technology. RemiHub focuses on the urban parcel delivery and was already tested for different delivery services in Vienna.

December 3, 2020

Further Increase of Investment Subsidy

The Austrian government has decided to increase its budget for investment subsidies. The high demand for this subsidy by companies located in Austria has exceeded the expectations of the government and is therefore adjusted upwards by another EUR 1 billion in order to further promote investments into digitalization, sustainability and other sectors.

November 30, 2020

Schallenberg Honors Outstanding Intercultural Projects

Austria's Foreign Ministry honored international intercultural projects in the categories of sustainability, current events, innovation, media, and integration. The prizes went to organizations from France, Kosovo, Indonesia, Poland and Austria, which all played a significant role in impacting communities in the respective countries.

November 30, 2020

First Austrian Swedish Innovation Exchange Day

The Austrian and Swedish government have decided to hold their first ever Austrian Swedish Innovation Exchange Day, which will try to kick-off a lasting bilateral relationship with regard to innovation, business and industry. The event will be attended by Austrian and Swedish politicians as well as representatives of the economic sector.

November 23, 2020

International Mobility Days 2020 Held Virtually

The International Mobility Days of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce are held virtually. The mobility industry is one of the fastest evolving industries and the future of transportation, especially in growing cities, is a topic that has been dominating international entrepreneurial acton for years.

November 19, 2020

Austrian School Receives VET Innovators Award

The Higher College for Engineering Wolfsberg (HTL Wolfsberg) wins the prize as "entrepreneurial school" in the category VET Innovators Awards during the European Week of Vocational Training. The school has impressed with its sustainable business collaborations and its successes in innovation competitions.

November 13, 2020

European Vocational Skills Week: Focus on Green and Digital Transition

The European Vocational Skills Week focuses on vocational education and training for environmental and digital change. Numerous online events from 38 countries can be attended to further knowledge and careers. Especially in times of economic and social hardship, obtaining new skills might provide decent recovery.

November 10, 2020

EU Increases Funding for Austrian-Lead Covid-19 Research Projects

Through the Horizon 2020 research program, the EU has increased its funding for 23 Covid-19 related research projects. Two of the funded projects are lead by Austrian companies and four more rely on important Austrian partners to further their research efforts.

November 6, 2020

Digital Days 2020 Reached Over 1,100 Registered Users

The Digital Days 2020 hosted by the City of Vienna as a hybrid event have welcomed over 1,100 users with more than 4,000 views in total. Digitalization in every business sector was discussed among politicians and experts from the business world.

October 5, 2020

European Capital of Innovation Award: Vienna Recognized as Runner-up

The Belgium city of Leuven was awarded the European Capital of Innovation Award 2020. Vienna, which was still in the race up until the final round, was recognized as runner-up city together with Cluj-Napoca (Romania), Espoo (Finland), Helsingborg (Sweden), and Valencia (Spain).

September 25, 2020

EXPO 2020 Dubai: Austria Pavilion Past First Construction Stage

The World Expo 2020 in Dubai, which will now be taking place in 2021, will also be starring about 100 companies from Austria. With the completion of the Austria Pavilion's first construction stage, these companies are now one step closer to a successful exhibition.

September 25, 2020

Vienna Aims for Champions League of International Start-Up Scene

The start-up event ViennaUP'21 will be at the center of the international start-up scene in the spring of 2021. Many well-known formats have already assured their participation and will move the spotlight to Vienna from April 27 to May 12 2021.

September 21, 2020

Environmental Support Act: 1 Billion for Climate Protection Support until 2022

The National Council is in favor of a budget increase dedicated to climate protection. In detail, the Environment Committee wants to raise the amount of funding to EUR 1 billion by 2022 which will be invested in biogenic heating networks, renovation of buildings and other measures.

September 17, 2020

Austrian World Summit 2020 Was a Success

The Austrian World Summit 2020 was held in a mixture of analog and digital setting due to Covid-19, yet starred international personalities that all highlighted the importance of sustainability and the fight against climate change.

September 17, 2020

European Capital of Innovation Award: Vienna Still in the Race

The European Union will announce the European Capital of Innovation 2020 and will award EUR 1,000,000 to support innovation at the end of September 2020. Vienna is among the six finalists which also include Valencia, Helsingborg, Espoo, Cluj-Napoca, and Leuven.

September 14, 2020

Digital Days 2020 on the "Digital Capital of the People"

The Digital Days 2020 organized by the City of Vienna will be held as an online conference with the main theme being "Digital Capital of the People". It will take place from September 30 to October 1 and registration is free of charge.

September 14, 2020

Arnold Schwarzenegger and the "Climate Kirtag"

After the Austrian World Summit and the Climate Kirtag had to be postponed in spring due to the Corona pandemic, they are now entering the second round. No tickets are available this year. You need to register online to join the events virtually for free.

September 8, 2020

German Chamber of Commerce in Austria: Perspectives for Overcoming the Corona Crisis from an Automotive Company Perspective

At a press conference of the DHK - Deutschen Handelskammer in Österreich in Vienna, experts from the automotive sector, F. Peter Mitterbauer and Hans Dieter Pötsch, highlighted the current economic situation and the prospects for overcoming the corona crisis from the company's perspective.

September 7, 2020

Climate Protection Minister Presents Measures Against Plastic Flood

Climate Protection Minister Gewessler announces a three-point plan to tackle Austria's plastic waste. These measures include a deposit system, a producer's levy and a reusable quota.

September 7, 2020

EU Supports Young Researchers with EUR 677 Million

The European Commission is providing a total of EUR 677 million to over 400 recipients of a "Starting Grant" from the European Research Council. Eleven of the selected junior researchers are conducting research at Austrian institutions.

September 4, 2020

Climate and Energy Goals: Additional Measures Will Be Needed for Austria

Austria's Ministry for Climate Protection recognizes the need for additional protective measures in order to meet the climate targets established by the European Union. An increases of investments in sustainable ideas is demanded.

September 3, 2020

Van der Bellen Promoted a Common, Greener European Future at the 75th European Forum Alpbach

Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen opened the 75th European Forum Alpbach with his speech that focused on international cooperation and an environmentally friendly and sustainable future.

August 26, 2020

Despite Covid-19 Crisis: Austrian Automotive Supplier Pollmann International Builds Plant in Mexico

Austrian company Pollmann International expands to Mexico where it will build a plant in order to better supply the Central and South American market.

August 25, 2020

European Forum Alpbach Will Be Host to Numerous Outstanding Personalities Beginning August 23

The European Forum Alpbach will be opened by Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen on August 23 and will host various outstanding speakers, either in person or virtually, for 12 days.

August 18, 2020

Arab - Austrian Expert Forum on the Economic Challenges in Light of Corona Pandemic

The economic obstacles that the Arab world faces due to the wide spread of the coronavirus, the enormous medical efforts that are being made to find a cure for this virus, and the challenges that the economic and trade relations between Arab countries and Austria in particular face in times of the coronavirus, were the main topics that centered around the geneticist and molecular immunologist Prof. Dr. Josef Penninger.

June 22, 2020

Jewish World Congress and Austria Agree: Hezbollah is a Terrorist Organization

Following the Austrian National Council's decision that the EU should reassess its dealings with Hezbollah, as Austrian MPs see it as a terrorist organisation, the President of the World Jewish Congress, Ronald S. Lauder, welcomed this decision.

June 1, 2020

COVID-19 Drug Made in Austria

Austrian biotech company Apeiron Biologics AG, which is currently working on a drug to treat the coronavirus, announces financing round for the further development of the COVID-19 drug APN01.

May 19, 2020

Corona-App Statement: Antonella Mei-Pochtler Remains in Office

The Austrian opposition parties have unsuccessfully tried to remove the advisor and one of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz' closest confidants, Roman-born Antonella Mei-Pochtler, from all functions.

May 13, 2020

Financier Ronny Pecik Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Immofinanz

Croatian-Austrian star investor and largest single investor becomes CEO of commercial real estate group Immofinanz AG.

April 23, 2020

Self-Sufficiency in COVID-19 Mask Production

A first step towards Austrian self-sufficiency in mask production for medical protective equipment was taken. In future, it should be possible to produce up to 500,000 corona protective masks of the "Made in Austria" brand every day.

April 8, 2020