The European hotspot for research, innovation and life science called VIENNA REGION
Research creates knowledge, so we set up our innovation engine
If you ask Europe’s innovators where tomorrow’s technology is born, you’ll arrive in the VIENNA REGION. Comprising Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland, this region is a powerhouse of research and innovation as well as home to more than 40 universities and research institutes with world-class innovation centres, technology parks, and a buzzing startup community. We understand that knowledge isn’t just happening, it’s the work you put in while you are building the future every single day.

How the power of innovation centers is turning ideas into technologies
The VIENNA REGION is teeming with innovation centres that spark real progress. One of the leading research initiatives is the Green Energy Lab. With more than 200 partners and a €150 million investment, it stands as one of Europe’s largest hubs for sustainable energy projects. From smart grids and renewable energy to climate-friendly technologies, this is where green solutions move from the drawing board to reality. The VIENNA REGION acts as a true “living lab” for Europe’s energy future.
Another flagship is act4.energy where companies, local authorities, and researchers co-develop decentralized energy systems, e-mobility concepts, and digital solutions—making tomorrow’s energy system a reality, right now.
Digitalization meets SMEs: DIHOST as innovation turbo
Digital transformation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a survival strategy. The DIHOST Digital Innovation Hub brings together the expertise of six top research institutions across all three provinces. Their mission is to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on their digital journey. From blockchain and IT security to 3D printing and the Internet of Things, DIHOST translates research into practical pilot projects and trainings, driving innovation that delivers immediate impact for local businesses.
Where research, technology and startups are shaping the future
The VIENNA REGION is where the startups of tomorrow take off. Programmes like Discover Vienna: Manufacturing Edition unite hundreds of startups, investors, and tech companies from across Europe for matchmaking events, pitching competitions, and hands-on collaboration with established industry leaders.
Tech hotspots like Nova City Business Park in Wiener Neustadt and the Seestadt Aspern offer flexible office space, coworking labs, and—crucially—direct links to leading universities and Vienna International Airport. Here, bold founders meet expertise, capital, and a network that accelerates growth.

Life science & research in the heart of Europe
With more than 754 companies, around 50,000 employees, and a turnover of approx. €22.7 billion (2023), the VIENNA REGION is a true life science superpower.
World-class research institutions like the Vienna BioCenter, IMP, and Max Perutz Labs are internationally recognized in global science circles.
“The VIENNA REGION is where world-class life science meets entrepreneurial spirit.”
But what truly sets the VIENNA REGION apart is its interconnected ecosystem. Universities such as the Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, BOKU, FH Campus Wien, FH Krems, and Karl Landsteiner University produce a pipeline of over 34,000 life science students, constantly refreshing the region with fresh talent, ideas, and energy.
- Vienna BioCenter (VBC): Genetics, cell biology, epigenetics
- IMP – Research Institute of Molecular Pathology: Cancer, molecular mechanisms, biotechnology
- IMBA – Institute of Molecular Biotechnology: Genome editing, disease models
- Max Perutz Labs: Structural biology, biochemistry
- Medical University of Vienna: Clinical research, translational medicine
- University of Vienna, BOKU, FH Campus Wien, FH Krems, Karl Landsteiner University (with over 34,000 life science students in Vienna and Lower Austria)
Which global players are already having or had a business location in the VIENNA REGION?
Nearly all of the world’s top-20 biotech, pharma, and medtech companies.
- Boehringer Ingelheim (F&E, >3,000 staff)
- Takeda (biotech, plasma technology)
- Octapharma (plasma products, biopharma)
- Pfizer, Novartis, Roche, MSD, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Amgen, Sanofi, GSK, Bayer, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, CSL Behring, BioNTech R&D Austria and more.

But the region’s story isn’t just about the big names. The startup scene is bursting with new talent and transformative ideas with examples like:
- HeartBeat.bio: Organoid-based drug screening
- OncoOne: Precision cancer therapies
- Solgate GmbH, YGION Biomedical, Tridem Bioscience, ADvantage Therapeutics, HD Immune (and many more in diagnostics, personalised medicine and biotech)
- Vitablick, Care Development, Pflegenavi with solutions for healthcare, elderly care, and nursing
Supporting all of this is a unique network of clusters and innovation drivers—LISAvienna, Startup Labs Vienna BioCenter, xista science ventures—providing not just state-of-the-art infrastructure, but also expert mentoring, investment access, and international connections.

Location advantages with public funding, new talents and the quality of life
- 2,100+ companies working on future technologies
- 220,000+ students (30% international) as a talent engine
- R&D intensity above the EU average
- Generous public funding and grants
- A safe, stable, socially vibrant environment
- Outstanding infrastructure—everything from airport access to digital networks
- The highest quality of life in Europe
“In the VIENNA REGION, research doesn’t end in the lab. It’s applied, scaled, and exported to the world.”
Annual innovation awards (like the Burgenland Innovation Prize), flagship events (such as the ViennaUP), and high-profile business parks ensure ongoing momentum, recognition, and international connections.
The result? Nowhere else in Europe do science, business, and talent connect so seamlessly—making the VIENNA REGION the complete ecosystem for life sciences and research, and the place where tomorrow’s medical and technological breakthroughs are born.
Why is the VIENNA REGION the #1 location in Europe
If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, scientist, or business leader with your eyes on the future, the VIENNA REGION is the launchpad you’ve been searching for. Here, innovation centres and research institutions work hand-in-hand with startups and global companies to bring bold ideas to market—quickly and successfully.
It’s not just about knowledge. It’s about community, collaboration, and impact. The VIENNA REGION doesn’t just talk about the future—it creates it.
“Innovation starts here. Where will you start the future?”
More about our case studies here: