Innovation Incubation Center

#E4s - Start with Why: How Clarity Drives Effective Work
2025-11-18 13:00 - 16:30 (Europe/Vienna) | TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c), Taubstummengasse 11, 4th floor, Vienna, 1040, Austria
A masterclass to boost the business-related decision-making process by the concept of WHY.

This hands-on workshop supports researchers and scientific staff at TU Wien in identifying their personal motivation and values as a basis for purposeful and effective work. Participants reflect on how to align their expertise and working style with their individual drivers, strengthen resilience, and gain clarity on where their energy is best invested. The session combines short inputs with practical exercises and guides participants in formulating their personal “Why” as a compass for their professional decisions.

About the speaker
Valerie-Sophie Schoenberg works at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability, with expertise in circular economy strategies and systemic organizational development. As owner of Schönberg Consulting, she advises startups, accompanies processes and manages projects for companies of all sizes and the public sector. To scale her impact, she is Member of the Board of Member of the Circular Economy Forum Austria and teaches in academic programs in Austria and Germany. Ms Schoenberg holds a BSc in European Studies (Maastricht University) and an MSc in Socio-Economics (WU Vienna).
Check Valerie-Sophie Schoenberg on Linkedin

About the Entrepreneurship for Scientists Series
The Entrepreneurship for Scientists Series organized by the TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) is targeting scientists who would like to enrich or develop a personal entrepreneurial skillset & business competencies, know more about opportunities how to navigate innovations from „the lab“ to society or who would simply like to engage in entrepreneurial thinking. These workshops are free of charge to scientists from all faculties and institutes of TU Wien. Registration required.

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Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.

PIONEER TOMORROW: Insights Unplugged #99
2025-11-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Gußhausstraße 27-29 – EI 7 Hlawka HS – ETIT, 27 Gußhausstraße, Wien, Wien, 1040, Austria
Factories of the Future: Women Leading the Next Wave of Industrial Innovation

How can artificial intelligence and digital transformation revolutionize one of the world’s oldest industries? For Maria Zahlbruckner, CEO and Co-Founder of factorymaker and TU Wien alumna, the answer lies at the intersection of technology, teamwork, and determination.

With a background in civil engineering, Maria and her team have built factorymaker into a fast-growing startup shaping the factories of the future. As a female founder in a traditionally male-dominated industry, she’s proving that vision, persistence, and courage can break barriers and open new paths.
In her Pioneer Tomorrow Talk, Maria will share her insights on:
• The potential of AI and digital innovation in the construction industry
• The founding journey of factorymaker — key milestones, challenges, and growth strategies
• How to build and lead an international team from the ground up
• A female founder’s perspective in a male-dominated field — lessons in resilience and leadership
• Dos and Don’ts for aspiring founders: what really matters on the startup journey
• What’s next for factorymaker — scaling and shaping the future of industrial innovation

Join us for an inspiring talk with Maria Zahlbruckner on how female founders are shaping the factories of the future — driving innovation, diversity, and lasting change across industries.

About the PIONEER TOMORROW: Insights Unplugged series
The PIONEER TOMORROW: Insights Unplugged, organized by the Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) at TU Wien, enables the audience to learn firsthand from experienced founders, investors and innovators, and get inspired by their success (and failure) stories. Our guest speakers share their international experiences, dos & don’ts and lessons learned during an inspiring talk. Afterwards, the participants can ask all the burning questions during an interactive Q&A.
After the session, the attendees have the opportunity to network and mingle with like-minded people while enjoying beverages provided by TUW i²c.
We are looking forward to meeting you!
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Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the TUW i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by TUW i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.

Business Modeling 101 Workshop for Spin-off Fellowship Applicants
2025-11-13 09:00 - 13:00 | TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c), Taubstummengasse 11, 4th floor, Vienna, 1040, Austria
First Step From Research to Market: Building Your First Business Model

This intensive workshop is designed specifically for researchers and students applying to the Spin-off Fellowship programme who are ready to transform their innovative research ideas into viable market opportunities. As part of your journey from academia to entrepreneurship, this session will bridge the gap between your technical expertise and essential business competencies.
Workshop Overview
During this hands-on session, participants will receive a comprehensive introduction to fundamental business modeling concepts and impact assessment methodologies. The workshop covers key areas including value proposition development, customer identification, revenue models, and measuring social and economic impact. Our goal is to equip you with the practical tools and frameworks needed to articulate how your research can create value in the marketplace.
What You’ll Learn

Core business modeling principles and frameworks
Impact assessment techniques for research-based ventures
Customer discovery and value proposition design
Revenue model options for deep-tech startups
Market validation strategies

Following the workshop, participants will have one week to implement their learnings and develop their initial business model. You will then be connected with domain-specific mentors who will provide personalized feedback on your business model and guide you through the refinement process.
This workshop represents the first step in your entrepreneurial journey, helping you complement your technical skills with the business acumen necessary for successful spin-off creation. Whether your research focuses on biotechnology, digital innovation, or engineering solutions, this session will provide the foundation for transforming your academic work into a sustainable business venture.

This workshop is only open to the academic personnel of TU Wien!

#EoI - Practical Habits for Effective Scientific Collaboration
2025-11-06 15:00 - 17:00
Join this Masterclass and learn how to transform research strategies into collaborative habits.

In this interactive, two-hour online workshop, we’ll turn research-backed strategies from learning science into practical habits that strengthen collaboration within and across research teams. We’ll cover core concepts in knowledge transfer, memory, and deep learning, then apply them to help you learn with colleagues in other fields. The goal is to make your ideas accessible to a wider audience, supporting richer dialogue and shared idea-building.

About the speaker
Adam Royalty is the Founding Director of the Columbia Entrepreneurship Design Studio at Columbia University. He also teaches courses as an adjunct professor in the School of Business and the School of International and Public Affairs. Understanding how design leads to personal and organizational transformation drives Adam’s work. His research investigates the roles of creative problem solving and cross-functional learning in addressing “Wicked Problems.” He has worked to deepen creative capacity and increase organizational learning with dozens of organizations worldwide. Adam teaches courses in entrepreneurship, design, and social innovation. Prior to joining Columbia, Adam was the Lead Designer Investigator at the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University (d.school).

Adam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of California at Berkeley, a Master’s in Learning, Design, and Technology from Stanford University, and a Doctorate in Design from Harvard University.
Check Adam Royalty on LinkedIn.

About the Engines of Innovation Series
The Engines of Innovation Series organized by the TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) is a format that offers workshops to scientists who are seeking to broaden their horizons in the field of innovation and healthy high performance. These workshops are free of charge to scientists from all faculties and institutes of TU Wien. Registration required.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.

Joint Forces #53 - hosted by WU Entrepreneurship Center
2025-10-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien, Learning Center (LC), Welthandelsplatz 1, Wien, Wien, 1020, Austria
Joint Forces is an event by BOKU, TU, WU and Uni Wien that brings together the entrepreneurial spirit of all four universities.

Joint Forces – Building an entrepreneurial community across universities.
Join us if you want to:

pitch your business idea or startup in front of a community of like-minded peers
receive support and feedback from the Joint Forces community
join a start-up team with an idea that matches your skills & interests
build your network of innovators and entrepreneurs
stay up do date with the latest start-ups in the ecosystem
look for teammates from other universities, with complementary skillsets

Exchange ideas with like-minded people, get support and connect with people from TU Wien, WU, Uni Wien and BOKU
Register to pitch your project & get feedback or simply join to find out about some of the best start-up ideas and initiatives of the moment in one unique event. Present either your startup or your first idea in an informal, relaxed setting and without pressure or find a project you want to join. At Joint Forces you have the opportunity to attract the attention of interested co-founders, future team members and mentors to complement your project’s needs. The feedback from the community can push your idea to the next level and in the meantime, you meet motivated innovators with multi-disciplinary backgrounds in economics, tech and life sciences.

Whether you are interested in innovation, want to meet like-minded people, or pitch your side hustle, Joint Forces is the place to be!

Hard Facts

FORMAT: startup pitch and subsequent Q&A, spontaneous shoutouts, networking with drinks & pizza
AUDIENCE: students from Viennese universities, entrepreneurship enthusiasts
LANGUAGE: English

What to expect at Joint Forces?

Welcome Note: Introduction to entrepreneurial activities of Entrepreneurship Center Uni Wien, BOKU:BASE, TUW i²c and WU Entrepreneurship Center
6 Pitches from projects & startups: 3 Minutes for a Pitch + 5 Minutes Q&A
Shoutouts: Everyone spontaneously has the chance to make an announcement, ask a brief question or introduce themself and what they are looking for during this event. Both students and organizations are invited to share their projects and ideas!
Networking with pizza & drinks

Pitching at Joint Forces
If you are interested in pitching your startup or project/idea, keep an eye on the next events. Pitchers are usually selected one week prior to the event and informed accordingly. Detailed information on pitches and projects is communicated to the people who registered, once the application is closed.
Apply to pitch here: https://short.wu.ac.at/JoFo53_Pitch

If you would like to pitch, pay attention to:

the application form: you might want to be especially careful when filling out the description of your project/start-up and what you are looking for at Joint Forces. This information is essential for us when selecting the 6 pitchers, so do tell us how interesting your project is, but please keep everything to the point.
your pitch: you will have exactly 3 minutes to pitch and 5 minutes for Q&A from the audience. To ensure fairness for all pitchers, you will be stopped after the time is over. It is important to relax, talk loud and clear and most importantly, be open to the questions received from the public. They are meant to help you unlock new perspectives and bring up unthought-of matters, so don’t be upset if you cannot answer all of them on the spot.
your slides: after being confirmed as a pitcher, you should provide them in PPTX format at least two days before the event. As a hint, you might want to include a call to action or share contact details through your slides so that interested people can easily reach out to you after the event.
the target audience: the audience usually consists of open-minded students and entrepreneurship enthusiasts, therefore you should tailor your pitch accordingly. We do not officially invite public grant givers or investors to our event, but that does not mean they are not welcome to drop by.
idea publication: if you are planning to apply for a patent for your technology or product, please keep in mind that presenting at Joint Forces can be a disclosure of your idea. This could prevent you from future patent applications. Therefore, you might have to pay attention to the degree of detail in your presentation. If you have any doubts regarding this issue, please contact your university’s technology transfer office or the Austrian patent office

Note: If you would like to pitch your project/startup, please register by 19th October 2025.
Apply here: https://short.wu.ac.at/JoFo53_Pitch
Partners
Networking Partner in Winter Term 2025 is INiTS, Vienna’s High-Tech Incubator
More Information
Please note: During this event photos and/or videos will be taken which may be published in various media for reports on the event or general PR.

#E4s - What to expect when spinning off?
2025-10-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Seminarraum CHEG, Gußhausstraße 25 - 25a, Building CH, ground floor, Vienna, Vienna, 1040, Austria
An inspiring masterclass on the challenges and opportunities of transitioning from academia to business

Being a first-time founder comes with both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. This masterclass will guide you in setting realistic goals as you embark on the journey of starting your own business. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge to develop clear expectations and leverage the outcomes of your research when taking the leap into entrepreneurship.
Since experience is one of the best teachers, we have invited two founders from TU Wien-affiliated companies who have walked this path. From writing their first business plan to securing investment and scaling up, Benjamin and Martin will share their journeys, lessons learned, and practical insights.
Spinning off a company requires time, financial commitment, and a passionate team that truly believes in its technology. This masterclass will help you prepare for what lies ahead—so you can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities with confidence.

At the end of the talk, you will:
– have gained some insights on how to strategize your next steps into spining off– have a good overview of what obstacles to avoid when founding an academia-derived venture

About the speakers
Benjamin Mörzinger: Benjamin Mörzinger, CCO of nista, specialises in data analysis, energy management, and digitalisation to enhance energy efficiency in industrial enterprises. After conducting research at AIT, University of Bolzano and TU Vienna, he co-founded nista to simplify energy management and drive sustainability in the industry. Benjamin Mörzinger has a rich background in energy data optimisation, with experience at leading institutions, and is passionate about helping industries reduce their carbon footprint through advanced technological solutions.
Check Benjamin Mörzinger on LinkedIn.
Martin Miltner: Martin Miltner is a process engineer and holds a PhD in biomass utilization from the Vienna University of Technology. Together with three colleagues, he founded Lignovations in 2021, a company dedicated to the use of innovative biomaterials in industrial applications. Martin leads the company as CEO and is also its Chief Technology Officer. Lignovations has benefited greatly from the services provided by i²c as part of the TUW i²ncubator.
Check Martin Miltner on LinkedIn.

About the Entrepreneurship for Scientists Series
The Entrepreneurship for Scientists Series organized by the TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) is targeting scientists who would like to enrich or develop a personal entrepreneurial skillset & business competencies, know more about opportunities how to navigate innovations from „the lab“ to society or who would simply like to engage in entrepreneurial thinking. These workshops are free of charge to scientists from all faculties and institutes of TU Wien. Registration required.

_______________________________________________________________________________________
Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.

#EoI - IP for Open Science
2025-10-21 10:30 - 12:00 | TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c), Taubstummengasse 11, 4th floor, Vienna, 1040, Austria
Join this Masterclass and learn why open science and intellectual property are not contradictory and how to manage them.

This session is about open science (OS) and intellectual property (IP). Many people might think that OS and IP are in conflict, (isn´t IP secret?) but we´ll see that they have a lot in common.
OS is a movement to provide transparency and access to research results to support innovation. Access to research results should be FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable). However, OS does not ignore commercial interests so OS is as “open as possible, but as closed as necessary”. But we’ll see that as transparent open science is, it doesn´t mean that you can ignore IP.
IP is a legal system to reward innovators, protect their creativity and to support innovation. We´ll see that IP information – today we´ll concentrate on patents – is also FAIR . And “as open as possible, as closed as necessary” is actually built in to IP from the start. IP has been around for a very long time and you could consider IP as the original “open science”.

Join us to deep dive into OS and IP principles and how to combine both systems.

About the speaker
After a career in academia and R&D in the UK, Nigel Clarke became a patent examiner at the European Patent Office in The Hague. He moved to Vienna and started work in the patent information division. Nowadays he acts as a consultant and a visiting fellow at Cambridge University.
Check Nigel Clarkes on LinkedIn.

About the Engines of Innovation Series
The Engines of Innovation Series organized by the TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) is a format that offers workshops to scientists who are seeking to broaden their horizons in the field of innovation and healthy high performance. These workshops are free of charge to scientists from all faculties and institutes of TU Wien. Registration required.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.

PIONEER TOMORROW: Insights Unplugged #98
2025-10-07 18:30 - 20:30 | Gußhausstraße 27-29 – EI 9 Hlawka HS – ETIT, 27-29 Gußhausstraße, Wien, Wien, 1040, Austria
Beyond Earth: From TU Wien freshman to global space-tech entrepreneur

What does it take to build a space-tech startup from the ground up? For Moritz Novak, co-founder and CEO of GATE Space, it’s all about cutting-edge propulsion technology, smart funding strategies, and staying focused on what really matters.

As a TU Wien alumnus and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Moritz has helped shape GATE Space into one of Austria’s most promising deep-tech ventures. Since spinning off from TU Wien in 2022, the company has developed patented propulsion systems, secured three ESA contracts, grown to a 20-person international team—and is now preparing for its first space mission in 2026 aboard a SpaceX rocket.

In this talk, Moritz will share the story behind GATE Space: how they entered the global space industry, raised early funding, built test infrastructure, and attracted international attention. He’ll also offer a founder’s perspective on what it takes to survive and thrive in one of the world’s most challenging and competitive tech sectors.

The speaker will share insights on:
• Opportunities in the growing space industry — and how startups can take part
• Smart funding strategies for deep-tech startups: navigating VC, ESA and grants
• Staying focused when resources are tight — what really matters in the early phase
• Building a European space-tech startup — and taking it global

About the PIONEER TOMORROW: Insights Unplugged series
The PIONEER TOMORROW: Insights Unplugged, organized by the Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) at TU Wien, enables the audience to learn firsthand from experienced founders, investors and innovators, and get inspired by their success (and failure) stories. Our guest speakers share their international experiences, dos & don’ts and lessons learned during an inspiring talk. Afterwards, the participants can ask all the burning questions during an interactive Q&A.
After the session, the attendees have the opportunity to network and mingle with like-minded people while enjoying beverages provided by TUW i²c.
We are looking forward to meeting you!
___________
Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the TUW i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by TUW i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.

TUW i²c Extended Study on Innovation - Demo Day #13
2025-06-25 14:30 - 18:30 | TUtheSky | TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9, BA building, 11th floor, Wien, Wien, 1060, Austria
Join us on June 25th for an inspiring and entertaining evening of ideas, networking and celebration above Vienna’s rooftops!

Come and join us for our Graduation Ceremony and Demo Day of the Extended Study on Innovation. In a pleasant atmosphere, you will gain first-hand impressions of the batch’s #13 projects and student teams. In addition to listening to the pitch challenge, an alumni talk, and an award ceremony, we invite you to enjoy leisure networking over snacks and drinks and connect with entrepreneurs, young talents, (future) founders, alumni, and other members of the community – all in a unique location overlooking the rooftops of Vienna.

About the Extended Study on Innovation:
The Extended Study on Innovation is a one-year international curriculum that offers a premium, hands-on education on intra- and entrepreneurship for students of TU Wien. The program fosters innovative thinking and offers a solid education and network for entrepreneurial spirits, business developers and/or innovation managers.
Over the course of two semesters, a selected group of students receives guidance and mentoring on various entrepreneurship, innovation and business-related topics. With the support of experienced mentors and lecturers, students develop innovative ideas and apply the lessons learned to their own projects. The results of this supplementary education are presented during a final pitch challenge, where the students showcase their projects to a jury of community experts.

Please note: Tickets are limited. Registration is required.

____________________________________________________________
Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the TUW i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by TUW i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.

#EoI - Crafting Compelling Research Videos
2025-06-25 09:00 - 13:00
Join this Masterclass and learn about storytelling and communication.

In today’s digital landscape, video content reigns supreme as a dynamic way to showcase your research. Whether for social media or professional presentations, videos serve as powerful tools that enhance accessibility, provide a visual experience, and enable scalability. Are you ready to harness the full potential of video to disseminate your research? If so, this masterclass is designed just for you!

Join us for an engaging workshop where you will discover the art of storytelling—a crucial skill that empowers scientists to effectively share their discoveries, captivate diverse audiences, and create meaningful connections. We will dive into crafting compelling narratives that bring your research journey and findings to life, catering to both scientific peers and non-scientific public.

You’ll learn to distill complex ideas into personal relatable stories, spotlighting your passion, challenges, and breakthroughs behind your work to move beyond facts and features to inform and inspire by captivating short videos.

During the workshop, you’ll also gain valuable insights into the video creation process, including essential considerations for production, useful tools and techniques, and key success factors that enhance video impact.

After this workshop, you will:

Master the structure of storytelling that highlights your unique research path and resonates with varied audiences of different demographics and knowledge backgrounds.
Understand your work holistically, using systems thinking to weave in key influences and collaborations.
Develop practical approaches to communicate your science effectively with interviews, video and audio, fostering engagement and impact.

Join us to elevate your research communication skills and transforms your findings into engaging audiovisual narratives!

About the speaker
Manuel Stagars, founder of 8GR8 Film Story-Driven Science, is an award-winning filmmaker and serial entrepreneur. He studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) with post-grad designations in finance (CFA, CAICA, ERP). At the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Manuel led an Open Data research project as a senior researcher. With a background in fintech, blockchain, and deep tech, he has guest lectured at universities worldwide, including Tohoku University in Japan and Harvard, blending science and storytelling to make complex topics accessible and impactful.

Check Manuel Stagars on LinkedIn.

About the Engines of Innovation Series
The Engines of Innovation Series organized by the TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) is a format that offers workshops to scientists who are seeking to broaden their horizons in the field of innovation and healthy high performance. These workshops are free of charge to scientists from all faculties and institutes of TU Wien. Registration required.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.

#E4s - Mastering Investor Engagement: Strategies for Success
2025-06-12 12:30 - 15:30 | TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c), Taubstummengasse 11, 4th floor, Vienna, 1040, Austria
Join this masterclass and learn to unlock the secrets to successful investor engagement.

Join us for an interactive workshop designed to help scientists to navigate the vital process of engaging with investors at the early stages of entrepreneurship. In this session, we’ll uncover the significance of establishing connections with potential investors and learn what truly captures their interest. Discover the investment process and why building these relationships early can be a game-changer for your scientific endeavors. We’ll explore what investors are really looking for, and provide you with practical strategies for preparing for these crucial conversations. From crafting a compelling narrative to understanding investor mindsets, this workshop will equip you with essential tips, identify common pitfalls to avoid, and enhance the soft skills necessary to build trust. Whether you’re at the outset of your entrepreneurial journey or seeking to refine your approach, this workshop will empower you to engage with confidence and clarity. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your interactions with investors!
Who this is for:
Whether you’re planning your first pitch or simply curious about venture capital, this session will help you approach investor meetings with clarity and confidence.
After completing this workshop, you will:
· Grasp the investment process
· Understand what drives investor decision-making and how to speak their language
· Know how to prepare for investor meetings: from materials to mindset
· Be equipped with practical do’s and don’ts to navigate conversations with credibility and ease

About the speaker
Nina is a Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Fund F and the co-founder of Female Founders, two initiatives driving innovation and diversity in the European startup ecosystem. With over a decade of experience in venture capital, community building, and working directly with startups, Nina has established herself as a trusted partner for early-stage founders. Her journey in the startup world began in 2012 at Speedinvest, one of Europe’s leading venture capital firms, where she honed her expertise in supporting high-growth companies. In 2016, she co-founded Female Founders, an organization dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs across Europe. Through Fund F, Nina invests in early-stage startups with a focus on teams that embody gender diversity, recognizing its power to drive exceptional outcomes.

Check Nina Wöss on LinkedIn.

About the Entrepreneurship for Scientists Series
The Entrepreneurship for Scientists Series organized by the TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) is targeting scientists who would like to enrich or develop a personal entrepreneurial skillset & business competencies, know more about opportunities how to navigate innovations from „the lab“ to society or who would simply like to engage in entrepreneurial thinking. These workshops are free of charge to scientists from all faculties and institutes of TU Wien. Registration required.

_______________________________________________________________________________________
Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.

#EoI - The Inner & Outer Game of Self-Leadership
2025-05-19 12:30 - 16:00 | TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c), Taubstummengasse 11, 4th floor, Vienna, 1040, Austria
Join this Masterclass and learn about mastering mindset, behavior & motivation.

In the demanding world of science and academia, technical expertise is only part of the equation. To truly thrive, researchers must learn to lead themselves through complexity, uncertainty, and the long arc of discovery. Therefore, Self-Leadership is a foundational skill for scientists who want to build sustainable focus, stay intrinsically motivated, and turn everyday habits into long-term momentum. This workshop goes beyond generic productivity tips — it equips you with the mental models, behavioral tools, and motivational insights to stay grounded and effective in your personal scientific journey.
You’ll learn how to manage your mindset, structure your habits to protect deep work, and uncover the personal drivers that keep you connected to the “why” behind your work. If you join this workshop you are invited to an interactive session, where we jointly explore the inner game (your thoughts, beliefs, and mental patterns) and the outer game (your actions, habits, and daily systems) of healthy high performing individuals – and you can start applying immediately!

Results you will get:
•You understand the mindset traps that sabotage focus — and how to reframe them using scientific thinking.
•You can identify your personal energy and motivation triggers to stay resilient in long research cycles.
•You will build self-leadership habits that align with your scientific identity and protect your time for what really matters.

Who this is for:
This session is ideal for PhD students, postdocs, and scientific professionals who want to lead themselves with more clarity, autonomy, and drive — and are ready to apply the same rigor to their personal development as they do to their research.

About the speaker
Michaela Lindinger is a strategic transformation advisor, executive coach, and serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience guiding Fortune 500, ATX and DAX30 leaders, deep-tech founders, and research-driven organizations toward sustainable high performance structures, habits and mindsets.
Holding a Master’s in International Business (Austria), a Master’s in Psychology (UK), and certifications from Stanford’s School of Engineering and the SCRUM Alliance (SCRUM Master), she bridges strategy, self-leadership and the agile way of working. As the CEO and founder of braininspa, Michaela brings global expertise from over 100 strategy and transformation projects, working with client across industries from Canada, Europe and the Middle East and Asia.
Drawing from these insights, she developed the Be.Me. Framework – a science-backed system designed to help entrepreneurs, professionals, and leadership teams enhance focus, productivity, and mental well-being with high performance structures.
Check Michaela Lindinger on Linkedin

About the Engines of Innovation Series
The Engines of Innovation Series organized by the TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) is a format that offers workshops to scientists who are seeking to broaden their horizons in the field of innovation and healthy high performance. These workshops are free of charge to scientists from all faculties and institutes of TU Wien. Registration required.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.

Joint Forces #52 - hosted by University of Vienna
2025-05-15 17:30 - 22:00 | Sky Lounge, Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1, 1090 Wien, Sky Lounge, Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1, 1090 Wien, Wien, 1090, Austria
Joint Forces hosted by four Viennese universities, has captivated hundreds of talented students each year. In this special edition for ViennaUP, it will introduce an exciting new format to deepen collaboration with international universities.
THE INVESTOR’S GAME: Selected Austrian and European academic startups will participate in a closed-door event with Austrian investors in a game format.
PITCHES: Early-stage startup teams from Viennese Universities pitch their value proposition to receive feedback, find co-founders, or entice students to join.
SHOUT-OUTS: Attendees share 1-minute calls to action, ensuring wider reach.
START-UP FAIR: The startups participating in the first part of the event will have a booth during an informal networking session.
AWARDS: The advanced teams vote for the most promising startups among early-stage teams. This comprehensive event fosters collaboration, feedback, and recognition for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Do you want to pitch?
As traditionally done at Joint Forces, we will select a few local and international early-stage start-up teams of students to pitch their ideas for 3 minutes with the aim of finding co-founders, getting (technology and business), feedback from more experienced peers, and bringing on-board mentors.
Who can apply? Early-Stage Startups – Apply Now!
Application deadline: 30.04.2025

#E4s - How to evaluate business value from an existing technology
2025-05-14 09:00 - 12:30 | TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c), Taubstummengasse 11, 4th floor, Vienna, 1040, Austria
Many researchers are sitting on an untapped treasure trove of business potential due to proprietary technology or IP. However, whether a technology or IP can be successfully commercialized is almost impossible to determine through desk research alone. Surveying potential clients and customers is a valuable approach, but it has inherent biases because the hypothetical nature of the questions only gathers stated preferences, not revealed ones.
The workshop will introduce participants to a proven methodology for commercially validating the business potential of technologies, ideas and IP.
First, it will introduce practical tools for framing the business model around an idea or technology. The workshop will then focus on formulating the most critical hypotheses for venture ideas, and then how to identify the right value proposition, target audience and buyer persona for the technology.
The main part of the workshop focuses on how to validate these hypotheses with real market and customer data. We focus on the collection of revealed preferences, taking into account that the finished product, service or offering is usually in an early stage of development and therefore not available for testing.
This masterclass is a great experience for anyone curious about identifying the commercial viability of innovations. Whether you are already immersed in a research project or just exploring possibilities, this workshop welcomes all levels of experience.
Participants in this workshop will gain:
When is it worth it? Gain an understanding of what kind of technologies, IP or ideas can be commercialized?
Operational Guidance: What are the crucial steps and insights needed to validate new products, services, or markets?
Business Development Strategies: How do you identify and validate the most promising use cases, markets, and customer segments for your technology venture?
About the speaker
Dr. Lukas Meusburger is the founder and CEO of the venture builder V_labs, with offices in Vienna, Zurich, Munich, Dornbirn, and Budapest. The 40-person team at V_labs supports established companies in unlocking new revenue potential and spinning off promising ventures. Clients of V_labs include VERBUND, ÖBB, ADAC, VOEST Alpine, Andritz, and many others. Prior to founding V_labs, he worked in international strategy consulting and founded the successful energy startup ETHUS. He studied Economics at University College London (UCL), Environment and Development at the London School of Economics (LSE), and earned a PhD in Strategic Management from WU Vienna. Lukas is also the editor of a book on corporate venture building and teaches a course on venture building at WU Vienna.
Check Lukas Meusburger on LinkedIn.
About the Entrepreneurship for Scientists Series
The Entrepreneurship for Scientists Series organized by the TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) is targeting scientists who would like to enrich or develop a personal entrepreneurial skillset & business competencies, know more about opportunities how to navigate innovations from „the lab“ to society or who would simply like to engage in entrepreneurial thinking. These workshops are free of charge to scientists from all faculties and institutes of TU Wien. Registration required.
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Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.

The Waltz of Pioneers
2025-05-12 10:00 - 13:30 | Arnold Schmidt Raum (Kontaktraum) Gußhausstraße 25 – 27 – 6. Obergeschoß, Arnold Schmidt Raum (Kontaktraum) Gußhausstraße 25 – 27 - 6. Obergeschoß, Wien, Austria
Join the rhythm of innovation at “The Waltz of Pioneers”, a unique contribution of TU Wien to the ViennaUP 2025, to see how Europe’s university-born spin-offs are transforming research into impactful solutions. This Pitch Competition brings together spin-offs from 10 leading European universities, a testament to the European academic alliance linking society and technology (EULiST).
Much like a waltz, where harmony is key, this competition highlights the interplay between spin-offs and their respective university programs supporting them. Come and witness spin-off pitches showcasing the latest innovations, explore Austrian and European initiatives for entrepreneurs, and connect with investors, industry leaders, and fellow innovators.

Info Event Extended Study on Innovation - Class 2025
2025-05-07 18:00 - 20:00 | TU Wien, lecture room EI 10 Fritz Paschke, Gußhausstr. 27-29, Ground floor, Vienna, 1040, Austria
The Extended Study on Innovation is a 2-semester international curriculum providing a premium, hands-on education on intra- and entrepreneurship for students of TU Wien.
The program fosters innovative thinking and offers a solid education to complement your technical background with business and entrepreneurial competencies.This additional education will definitely enhance your job prospect in research and industry and will prepare you for an entrepreneurial life.
The Extended Study on Innovation is a part-time program offered in parallel to the study programs of TU Wien. Only a limited number of students are accepted every year in the program, enabling them to individually apply the content learned to real projects and get individual and personalized support and mentorship from experts.
What you can expect from the Info Event?
ℹ️ Learn all the details about the program, its structure, content, activities and the top-notch lecturers and mentors that will be supporting the upcoming batch #14 of the Extended Study on Innovation.
❓Ask all your questions and doubts.
🍻 Mingle and network with future colleagues and former #ESI students over drinks.
You should definitely apply if you…
💡 want to bring your own business idea further or develop one,
🎓 want to expand your knowledge and skills on intra-& entrepreneurship,
🔬 are a researcher with a clear ambition to bring your research results to the market
📊 want to complement your technical background with business and entrepreneurial competencies
🚀 want to work for a startup or found your own company
🖥️ want to develop a corporate career path in the innovation field
Apply now to be part of the batch #14 of the Extended Study on Innovation!
Check our website for more information and details about the program and the application process 👉 https://i2c.tuwien.ac.at/extended-studies/
We are looking forward to meeting you!
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IMPORTANT:
*The program is exclusively designed for TU Wien students. Therefore, the only requirement to attend this event is to be currently enrolled at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien). If you are not enrolled at TU Wien, we reserve the right to cancel your registration.
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the TUW i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by TUW i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes

PIONEER TOMORROW: Insights Unplugged #97
2025-05-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Prechtlsaal, Karlsplatz 13, Wien, 1040
In this open fireside chat Kami Krista will share his unconventional journey – from conducting early research in HIV therapies during his school years to securing investment for his startup Elio from figures like Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and former Merck CEO Stefan Oschmann .
He’ll explore the decision-making principles that guide his daily work, as well as the personal philosophy and long-term vision driving his commitment to impact and innovation. Kami will also dive into the challenges of embedding sustainability within the traditionally conservative and highly regulated pharmaceutical industry—and how Elio is enabling greener, smarter production from the beginning of development
Kami will share insights about:
Identifying Your Personal Mission – What led Kami to walk away from Harvard? How a personal mission became a compass for bold decisions—and why designing your life around inner clarity matters more than living by external expectations.
Theory of Change – In a world obsessed with offering solutions to a minutiae of problems, how do we avoid solving the wrong ones? Kami shares Elio’s origin story and the theory of change that emerged from it—one that helps them prioritize root causes over symptoms, and real impact over noise.
Values & Decision-Making – How a grounded personal philosophy, consistent daily habits, and long-term vision shape leadership, company culture, and attract top-tier partners—investors, customers, and beyond.
Entrepreneurial Lessons – Insights on building a startup, forging a mission-driven team, and attracting high-profile investment.
Sustainable Innovation – What it takes to integrate eco-design into pharmaceutical manufacturing from the inside out.
Future Vision – How Elio aims to expand sustainable practices beyond pharma into other global industries.
About the Speaker:
At just 21, Austrian-born Kami Krista left Harvard to co-found Elio, a Boston-born, now Vienna-based Greentech startup ushering pharmaceutical manufacturing into the next industrial revolution. Elio’s AI-powered eco-design platform empowers scientists and engineers to make sustainable decisions early in the product development process—where up to 80% of a product’s environmental impact is determined. The company’s broader vision is to embed and coordinate sustainability across the entire manufacturing value chain, supporting the interconnected industries that drive global production.
About the PIONEER TOMORROW: Insights Unplugged series
The PIONEER TOMORROW: Insights Unplugged # 97 talk is organized by the Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) at TU Wien and ISPE – Student Chapters. The PIONEER TOMORROW: Insights Unplugged series enables the audience to learn firsthand from experienced founders, investors and innovators, and get inspired by their success (and failure) stories. Our guest speakers share their international experiences, dos & don’ts and lessons learned during an inspiring talk. For the first time the Event is hosted as an open fireside chat with interactive hot seats, designed to spark authentic conversations and audience engagement.
After the session, the attendees have the opportunity to network and mingle with like-minded people while enjoying beverages provided by ISPE – Student Chapters.
We are looking forward to meeting you!
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Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the TUW i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by TUW i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.

#134 AustrianStartups Stammtisch - The Road from Research to Successful Spin-Off
2025-04-29 18:00 - 22:00 | Sitzungszimmer ADEG, Karlsplatz 13, Stiege 5 , EG, Vienna, 1040, Austria
This month, we’re shaking things up!
Due to the Easter holidays, our Stammtisch will be held on the last Tuesday of the month, April 29th, instead of the usual third Tuesday.
Plus, we’re thrilled to announce a new location for this month in collaboration with one of Austria’s most innovative universities – TU Wien! Join us at Resselpark for an exciting evening of networking, insights, and inspiration.
This month’s topic focuses on transforming research into successful spin-offs. As the path from academia to entrepreneurship evolves, TU Wien is leading the way with initiatives like the Spin-off Factory, Austria’s first nationwide spin-off ecosystem, supporting universities to turn research breakthroughs into thriving businesses.
We’ll hear from amazing speakers who have successfully navigated the journey from research to startup, sharing their experiences and insights. Whether you’re a researcher, founder, or passionate about innovation, this event is for you!
✨ What’s on the agenda?
Discover how research can fuel startup success
Get insights from successful spin-off founders and experts
Network with a fresh crowd of startup enthusiasts and innovators
📅 When: Tuesday, April 29th
📍 Where: TU Wien (Sitzungszimmer AD EG)
Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and get inspired!
Be sure to register your free ticket and get ready for a change of pace for Stammtisch this month!
Agenda:
6:00 PM – Doors Open & Check-in
6:30 PM – Welcome & Community Updates
6:45 PM – Panel Discussion
8:30 PM – Open Networking
:date:April 29, 2025
:round_pushpin: TU Wien, 1040
:alarm_clock: 6:00 PM
Reserve your spot now – For more information, contact victoria.mcguigan@austrianstartups.com.

#EoI - Leveraging Megatrends and Systems Thinking
2025-04-24 10:00 - 13:00 | TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c), Taubstummengasse 11, 4th floor, Vienna, 1040, Austria
Megatrend mapping and systems thinking are powerful tools that enable scientists to anticipate changes, spot emerging opportunities, and navigate the complex interconnections that shape their fields. These methods help researchers position their work within broader trends, giving them an edge in adapting to future challenges. In this interactive workshop, we will explore how understanding megatrends and thinking in systems can open up new possibilities in your specific area of research. You will learn to map the wider context of your field, uncover key influences and connections, and identify strategic opportunities to drive positive change through your work —rather than simply assuming there is one path-dependent future that will unfold regardless.
After completing this workshop, you will:
Know how to use the megatrend map to anticipate changes and opportunities in your scientific field.
Have a more holistic understanding of your research area by adopting a systems-thinking view of key actors, resources, and interconnections.
Identify actionable approaches to innovate within your discipline by leveraging interconnections with the broader system, enabling you to shape future outcomes.
About the speaker
Valerie-Sophie Schoenberg works at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability, with expertise in circular economy strategies and systemic organizational development. As owner of Schönberg Consulting, she advises startups, accompanies processes and manages projects for companies of all sizes and the public sector. To scale her impact, she is Member of the Board of Member of the Circular Economy Forum Austria and teaches in academic programs in Austria and Germany. Ms Schoenberg holds a BSc in European Studies (Maastricht University) and an MSc in Socio-Economics (WU Vienna).
Check Valerie-Sophie Schoenberg on Linkedin
About the Engines of Innovation Series
The Engines of Innovation Series organized by the TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) is a format that offers workshops to scientists who are seeking to broaden their horizons in the field of innovation and healthy high performance. These workshops are free of charge to scientists from all faculties and institutes of TU Wien. Registration required.
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Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.

PIONEER TOMORROW: Insights Unplugged #96
2025-04-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Kontaktraum, 6.OG, Gußhausstraße 25 - 29, Vienna, 1040, Austria
About this event
Speaker: Franz Tretter (founder of HelloAgain)
Hello Again is a rising Austrian startup that just surpassed the milestone of 10 million users.
Key Topics of the talk:
Founder’s Journey and the helloagain Story:
How an idea turned into a successful company
Challenges and milestones on the path to founding and scaling helloagain
Customer Loyalty and Customer Experience:
How helloagain builds long-term customer relationships through innovative approaches to customer retention
The role of technology and data in customer loyalty
Best practices to delight and retain customers in the long term
Dos and Don’ts for Founders:
Practical tips on what truly matters on the founder’s journey
Mistakes to avoid and lessons learned from personal experiences
About the PIONEER TOMORROW: Insights Unplugged series
The PIONEER TOMORROW: Insights Unplugged, organized by the Innovation Incubation Center (i²c)at TU Wien, enables the audience to learn firsthand from experienced founders, investors and innovators, and get inspired by their success (and failure) stories. Our guest speakers share their international experiences, dos & don’ts and lessons learned during an inspiring talk. Afterwards, the participants can ask all the burning questions during an interactive Q&A.
After the session, the attendees have the opportunity to network and mingle with like-minded people while enjoying beverages provided by TUW i²c.
We are looking forward to meeting you!
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Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the TUW i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by TUW i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.

Joint Forces #51 - hosted by BOKU:BASE
2025-03-27 18:00 - 21:00 | BOKU Vienna, Ilse-Wallentin-Haus, Peter-Jordan-Straße 82, Wien, Wien, 1180, Austria
Join us if you want to:
pitch your business idea or startup in front of a community of like-minded peers
receive support and feedback from the Joint Forces community
join a start-up team with an idea that matches your skills & interests
build your network of innovators and entrepreneurs
stay up do date with the latest start-ups in the ecosystem
look for teammates from other universities, with complementary skillsets
Exchange ideas with like-minded people, get support and connect with people from TU Wien, WU, Uni Wien and BOKU
Register to pitch your project & get feedback or simply join to find out about some of the best start-up ideas and initiatives of the moment in one unique event. Present either your startup or your first idea in an informal, relaxed setting and without pressure or find a project you want to join. At Joint Forces you have the opportunity to attract the attention of interested co-founders, future team members and mentors to complement your project’s needs. The feedback from the community can push your idea to the next level and in the meantime, you meet motivated innovators with multi-disciplinary backgrounds in economics, tech and life sciences.
Whether you are interested in innovation, want to meet like-minded people, or pitch your side hustle, Joint Forces is the place to be!
Hard Facts
FORMAT: startup pitch and subsequent Q&A, spontaneous shoutouts, networking with drinks & pizza, sponsored by INiTS
AUDIENCE: students from Viennese universities, entrepreneurship enthusiasts
LANGUAGE: English
What to expect at Joint Forces?
Welcome Note: Introduction to entrepreneurial activities of BOKU:BASE (BOKU Activities Supporting Entrepreneurship)
Inspirational speech
Pitches from projects & startups: 3 Minutes for a Pitch + 5 Minutes Q&A
Short presentations of Entrepreneurship Center Uni Wien, TUW i²c and WU Gründungszentrum
Shoutouts: Everyone spontaneously has the chance to make an announcement, ask a brief question or introduce themself and what they are looking for during this event. Both students and organizations are invited to share their projects and ideas!
Networking with pizza & drinks
Pitching at Joint Forces
If you are interested in pitching your startup or project/idea, keep an eye on the next events. Pitchers are usually selected one week prior to the event and informed accordingly. Detailed information on pitches and projects is communicated to the people who registered, once the application is closed.
We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the start-up ecosystem. We strongly encourage applications from teams that bring diverse perspectives, including those with members of different gender identities, marginalized ethnic or socio-economic backgrounds and people with disabilities. When evaluating teams, we will prioritize diversity as a key factor when teams are equally developed.
Apply to pitch here: https://forms.gle/BPwhnuMJACLpKmv86
If you would like to pitch, pay attention to:
the application form: you might want to be especially careful when filling out the description of your project/start-up and what you are looking for at Joint Forces. This information is essential for us when selecting the 6 pitchers, so do tell us how interesting your project is, but please keep everything to the point.
your pitch: you will have exactly 3 minutes to pitch and 5 minutes for Q&A from the audience. To ensure fairness for all pitchers, you will be stopped after the time is over. It is important to relax, talk loud and clear and most importantly, be open to the questions received from the public. They are meant to help you unlock new perspectives and bring up unthought-of matters, so don’t be upset if you cannot answer all of them on the spot.
your slides: after being confirmed as a pitcher, you should provide them in PDF format at least two days before the event. As a hint, you might want to include a call to action or share contact details through your slides so that interested people can easily reach out to you after the event.
the target audience: the audience usually consists of open-minded students and entrepreneurship enthusiasts, therefore you should tailor your pitch accordingly. We do not officially invite public grant givers or investors to our event, but that does not mean they are not welcome to drop by.
idea publication: if you are planning to apply for a patent for your technology or product, please keep in mind that presenting at Joint Forces can be a disclosure of your idea. This could prevent you from future patent applications. Therefore, you might have to pay attention to the degree of detail in your presentation. If you have any doubts regarding this issue, please contact your university’s technology transfer office or the Austrian patent office
Note: If you would like to pitch your project/startup, please register by March 13th 2025.
Apply here: https://forms.gle/BPwhnuMJACLpKmv86
Partners
Networking Partner in Summer Term 2025 is INiTS, Vienna’s High-Tech Incubator
More Information
Please note: During this event photos and/or videos will be taken which may be published in various media for reports on the event or general PR. If you do not agree to appear on it, please inform the BOKU:BASE team at the venue before the start of the event.

#E4s - What to expect when spinning off?
2025-03-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Seminarroom CHEG, Gußhausstraße 25-25a, Vienna, 1040, Austria
Being a first-time founder comes with both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. This masterclass will guide you in setting realistic goals as you embark on the journey of starting your own business. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge to develop clear expectations and leverage the outcomes of your research when taking the leap into entrepreneurship.
Since experience is one of the best teachers, we have invited two founders from TU Wien-affiliated companies who have walked this path. From writing their first business plan to securing investment and scaling up, Maria and Christian will share their journeys, lessons learned, and practical insights.
Spinning off a company requires time, financial commitment, and a passionate team that truly believes in its technology. This masterclass will help you prepare for what lies ahead—so you can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities with confidence.
At the end of the talk, you will:
– have gained some insights on how to strategize your next steps into spining off
– have a good overview of what obstacles to avoid when founding an academia-derived venture
About the speakers
Christian Weilach:
Christian holds a PhD in Chemistry from TU Wien and has over a decade of experience in the industry, where he led R&D projects and scaled a disruptive textile recycling technology. Now, he has returned to his entrepreneurial roots as the Co-founder and future CEO of “Cool catalyst”, a pioneering company dedicated to transforming CO₂ emissions into valuable methanol, helping to defossilize the chemical industry.
With expertise in managing strategic projects and collaborating with international teams and partners, Christian brings firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities of launching a deep-tech startup. As an inventor, he has filed 18 patents, showcasing his drive for innovation.
Check Christian Weilach on LinkedIn.
Maria Antonia Zahlbruckner:
Maria was born in Graz, Austria. Growing up, she was frequently exposed to the construction industry through close family members who owned construction companies. This made studying civil engineering a natural choice for her – one that turned out to be a perfect fit from the very beginning.
Maria completed her studies in Innsbruck and Vienna, Austria, as well as in Melbourne, Australia. After graduating, she worked as a structural engineer on international industrial construction projects across the DACH region.
During her master’s program, she participated in a research project that ultimately led to the founding of her company. Now, with “factorymaker”, she and her team are developing a cloud-based design agent for industrial building projects. factorymaker provides engineers, project developers, and building owners with automatically generated designs, supporting informed decision-making for more sustainable and efficient industrial sites.
Check Maria Antonia Zahlbruckner on LinkedIn.
About the Entrepreneurship for Scientists Series
The Entrepreneurship for Scientists Series organized by the TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) is targeting scientists who would like to enrich or develop a personal entrepreneurial skillset & business competencies, know more about opportunities how to navigate innovations from „the lab“ to society or who would simply like to engage in entrepreneurial thinking. These workshops are free of charge to scientists from all faculties and institutes of TU Wien. Registration required.
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Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.

#EoI - The Innovation Ecosystem of TU Wien
2025-03-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Seminarraum CHEG, Gußhausstraße 25 - 25a, Building CH, ground floor, Vienna, Vienna, 1040, Austria
Around the world, universities are hubs of innovation, paving the way for groundbreaking research to reach society. TU Wien is a key driver in the Austrian innovation ecosystem, offering dedicated service units that support scientists throughout their research journey. Join us to discover the various support structures at TU Wien and learn how they assist researchers in advancing their work.
Participating Departments
Service Unit of Research and Transfer Support
Research and Transfer Service Unit supports individual scientists and research teams at TU Wien in various research and transfer activities.
A major aim of TU Wien’s social mission is the transfer of its research-based knowledge and competence to society for public benefit. Another essential objective of Research and Transfer Service Unit’s activities is the national and international positioning of TU Wien as an excellent research institution.
Person representing: Tanja Sovic
Service Unit of Funding Support and Industry Relations
The “Funding Support and Industry Relations” support unit is the central point of contact for researchers at TU Wien and interested partners from the public and private sectors. We provide advice to TU Wien researchers on how to obtain third-party funding. As a bridge between business and academia, we support the search for collaboration partners.
We do this by:
· Providing information on relevant funding programmes
· Personal consultancy meetings
· Organising information and networking events
Person representing: Silvia Sponza
Service Unit of Center for Research Data Management
The Center for Research Data Management is a Service Unit that supports researchers to manage their data and code along the life cycle and according to the FAIR principles. A multidisciplinary team provides assistance with drafting data management plans, with data sharing and data publishing as well as with technical services such as a repository. Find more information here.
Person representing: Barbara Sanchez Solis
Service Unit of Research Information Systems
The TU Wien is committed to its role as a research university and is continuously evolving its scope of activities. Research at a high international level requires efficient support as well as continuous monitoring and analysis of the research output via user-friendly research information systems oriented towards the needs of researchers.
The division of Research Information Systems supports TU Wien in this ongoing profile sharpening within the framework of regular evaluations and continuous analyses and guides the strategic development of the research information systems at TU Wien.
Person representing: Sabine Neff
Service Unit of Innovation Incubation Center
The TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) is the Competence Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at TU Wien. Together with the Research and Transfer Support Service Unit, we aim for a visible and sustainable support of university spin-offs, empowering breakthroughs developed at TU Wien reach society. Our mission is to create tomorrow’s high performers by instilling an entrepreneurial mindset among TU Wien students and scientists. i²c facilitates an entrepreneurial ecosystem by offering top-quality lifelong education and coaching for acquiring business competencies to students and the scientific personnel of the university. Our various programs aim to support not only intertwining technical and entrepreneurial education but also supporting innovative founder teams along the whole value chain: from ideation to implementation and market entry.
Person representing: Alexandra Negoescu
About the Engines of Innovation Series
The Engines of Innovation Series organized by the TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) is a format that offers workshops to scientists who are seeking to broaden their horizons in the field of innovation and healthy high performance. These workshops are free of charge to scientists from all faculties and institutes of TU Wien. Registration required.
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Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.

#EoI - AI and Innovation: A leap forward or an oxymoron?
2025-01-31 13:00 - 15:00 | TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c), Taubstummengasse 11, 4th floor, Vienna, 1040, Austria
Join us for an inspiring masterclass on the use of artificial intelligence in the various stages of the ideation process

ㅤInnovation is a key to success and competitive advantage in a variety of organizations and industries. But statistically, it is known that most organizations find it difficult to be innovative over time. In recent years, breakthrough technologies in the field of artificial intelligence are claimed to offer the potential to improve productivity and efficiency not only in analytical tasks but also in tasks that require creativity and innovation. Many companies are developing AI-based tools with the promise that they will enhance the innovation capacity of employees and organizations in a variety of industries, from consumer products, financial products, to the invention of medicines and future means of transportation. On the other hand, there is strong criticism against the use of artificial intelligence for creativity since artificial intelligence is based on data from the past and especially against the long-term effects of such use for the degeneration of the creative ability of humans. In this workshop, we will expose participants to both sides of the debate, and share findings from groundbreaking research in the field. Then, with the help of exercises and simulations, participants will experience contemporary artificial intelligence tools in the creative process of creating new products and services. We will discuss the significant opportunities of using these tools alongside the potential challenges and risks. We will also examine the differences in the use of artificial intelligence at the various stages of the ideation process: from generating ideas, developing ideas, selecting and evaluating ideas as well as implementing the idea and spreading it further.

About the speaker
Hila Lifshitz is a Professor of Management at Warwick Business School and a visiting faculty at Harvard University, at the Lab for Innovation Science (LISH). She is heading the Artificial Intelligence innovation Network at WBS.
Professor Lifshitz’s research focuses on developing an in-depth empirical and theoretical understanding of the micro-foundations of scientific and technological innovation and knowledge creation processes in the digital age. She explores how the ability to innovate is being transformed, as well as the challenges and opportunities the transformation means for R&D organizations, professionals and their work. Her recent work on AI for critical decisions the ISSIP Excellence in Service innovation award (2023) and two best paper awards (from the Management Information Systems Quarterly journal and from the Association for Information Systems, 2022). Her first field study was an in-depth 3-year longitudinal field study of NASA’s experimentation with open innovation online platforms and communities, resulting in a scientific breakthrough. This study received the best dissertation Grigor McClelland Award at the European Group for Organizational Studies (EGOS) 2015, Best Administrative Science Quarterly (ASQ) paper based on dissertation (2018) and Best published paper elected by organizational communication and information systems division of Academy of Management (2018).
She investigates new forms of organizing for the production of scientific and technological innovation such as crowdsourcing, open source, open online innovation communities, Wikipedia, hackathons, makeathons and AI based innovation processes. Her work received the prestigious INSPIRE grant from the National Science Foundation and was recognized to have a strong impact on the industry; She received the Industry Studies Association Frank Giarrantani Rising Star award and the Industry Research Institute grant for research on R&D.
Prior to academia, Professor Lifshitz worked as a strategy consultant for seven years, specializing in growth and innovation strategy in telecommunications, consumer goods and finance.

Check Professor Lifshitz on Linkedin

This event is organized in collaboration with the Research Unit of Data Science and Service Unit of Center for Research Data Management

About the Engines of Innovation Series
The Engines of Innovation Series organized by the TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) is a format that offers workshops to scientists who are seeking to broaden their horizons in the field of innovation and healthy high performance. These workshops are free of charge to scientists from all faculties and institutes of TU Wien. Registration required.

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Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.

#E4s - AI and the future of work: The promise and the challenge
2025-01-29 16:00 - 18:00 | TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c), Taubstummengasse 11, 4th floor, Vienna, 1040, Austria
Join us for an inspiring masterclass on AI and the future of work.

Artificial intelligence is suggested to redefine the future of work and the way in which managers, employees, teams, organizations, and industries create and capture value. This technological disruption creates major opportunities as well as meaningful challenges. In this workshop, participants will be exposed to pioneering research on the use of AI for different types of knowledge work, both analytic and creative tasks.We will then learn whether, when and how to use AI to achieve the personal career goals of the participants as well as organizational goals. We will emphasize how to avoid the risks derived from using AI in the workplace while adopting it to enhance productivity and even creativity.
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About the speaker
Hila Lifshitz is a Professor of Management at Warwick Business School and a visiting faculty at Harvard University, at the Lab for Innovation Science (LISH). She is heading the Artificial Intelligence innovation Network at WBS.
Professor Lifshitz’s research focuses on developing an in-depth empirical and theoretical understanding of the micro-foundations of scientific and technological innovation and knowledge creation processes in the digital age. She explores how the ability to innovate is being transformed, as well as the challenges and opportunities the transformation means for R&D organizations, professionals and their work. Her recent work on AI for critical decisions the ISSIP Excellence in Service innovation award (2023) and two best paper awards (from the Management Information Systems Quarterly journal and from the Association for Information Systems, 2022). Her first field study was an in-depth 3-year longitudinal field study of NASA’s experimentation with open innovation online platforms and communities, resulting in a scientific breakthrough. This study received the best dissertation Grigor McClelland Award at the European Group for Organizational Studies (EGOS) 2015, Best Administrative Science Quarterly (ASQ) paper based on dissertation (2018) and Best published paper elected by organizational communication and information systems division of Academy of Management (2018).
She investigates new forms of organizing for the production of scientific and technological innovation such as crowdsourcing, open source, open online innovation communities, Wikipedia, hackathons, makeathons and AI based innovation processes. Her work received the prestigious INSPIRE grant from the National Science Foundation and was recognized to have a strong impact on the industry; She received the Industry Studies Association Frank Giarrantani Rising Star award and the Industry Research Institute grant for research on R&D.
Prior to academia, Professor Lifshitz worked as a strategy consultant for seven years, specializing in growth and innovation strategy in telecommunications, consumer goods and finance.

Check Professor Lifshitz on Linkedin

This event is organized in collaboration with the Research Unit of Data Science and Service Unit of Center for Research Data Management

About the Entrepreneurship for Scientists Series
The Entrepreneurship for Scientists Series organized by the TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) is targeting scientists who would like to enrich or develop a personal entrepreneurial skillset & business competencies, know more about opportunities how to navigate innovations from „the lab“ to society or who would simply like to engage in entrepreneurial thinking. These workshops are free of charge to scientists from all faculties and institutes of TU Wien. Registration required.

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Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.

Joint Forces #50 - hosted by WU Gründungszentrum
2025-01-16 18:00 - 21:00 | Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien, Learning Center (LC), Welthandelsplatz 1, Wien, Wien, 1020, Austria
Joint Forces is an event by BOKU, TU, WU and Uni Wien that brings together the entrepreneurial spirit of all four universities.

Joint Forces – Building an entrepreneurial community across universities.
Join us if you want to:

pitch your business idea or startup in front of a community of like-minded peers
receive support and feedback from the Joint Forces community
join a start-up team with an idea that matches your skills & interests
build your network of innovators and entrepreneurs
stay up do date with the latest start-ups in the ecosystem
look for teammates from other universities, with complementary skillsets

Exchange ideas with like-minded people, get support and connect with people from TU Wien, WU, Uni Wien and BOKU
Register to pitch your project & get feedback or simply join to find out about some of the best start-up ideas and initiatives of the moment in one unique event. Present either your startup or your first idea in an informal, relaxed setting and without pressure or find a project you want to join. At Joint Forces you have the opportunity to attract the attention of interested co-founders, future team members and mentors to complement your project’s needs. The feedback from the community can push your idea to the next level and in the meantime, you meet motivated innovators with multi-disciplinary backgrounds in economics, tech and life sciences.

Whether you are interested in innovation, want to meet like-minded people, or pitch your side hustle, Joint Forces is the place to be!

Hard Facts

Whether you are interested in innovation, want to meet like-minded people, or pitch your side hustle – you are more than welcome!

FORMAT: startup picht and awnser questions, spontaneous shoutouts, networking with drinks & pizza
AUDIENCE: students from Viennese universities, entrepreneurship enthusiasts
LANGUAGE: English

What to expect at Joint Forces?

Welcome Note: Introduction to entrepreneurial activities of Entrepreneurship Center Uni Wien, BOKU:BASE, TUW i²c and WU Gründungszentrum
Presentation of a team of student entrepreneurs: a guest team of entrepreneurs holds an inspiring presentation about the motivation that keeps them united in pursuing their idea
Pitches from projects & startups: 3 Minutes for a Pitch + 5 Minutes Q&A
Shoutouts: Everyone spontaneously has the chance to make an announcement, ask a brief question or introduce themself and what they are looking for during this event. Both students and organizations are invited to share their projects and ideas!
Networking with pizza & drinks

Pitching at Joint Forces
If you are interested in pitching your startup or project/idea, keep an eye on the next events. Pitchers are usually selected one week prior to the event and informed accordingly. Detailed information on pitches and projects is communicated to the people who registered, once the application is closed.
Apply to pitch here: https://forms.gle/uNttHdRuhC9xiEYV9

If you would like to pitch, pay attention to:

the application form: you might want to be especially careful when filling out the description of your project/start-up and what you are looking for at Joint Forces. This information is essential for us when selecting the 6 pitchers, so do tell us how interesting your project is, but please keep everything to the point.
your pitch: you will have exactly 3 minutes to pitch and 5 minutes for Q&A from the audience. To ensure fairness for all pitchers, you will be stopped after the time is over. It is important to relax, talk loud and clear and most importantly, be open to the questions received from the public. They are meant to help you unlock new perspectives and bring up unthought-of matters, so don’t be upset if you cannot answer all of them on the spot.
your slides: after being confirmed as a pitcher, you should provide them in PDF format at least two days before the event. As a hint, you might want to include a call to action or share contact details through your slides so that interested people can easily reach out to you after the event.
the target audience: the audience usually consists of open-minded students and entrepreneurship enthusiasts, therefore you should tailor your pitch accordingly. We do not officially invite public grant givers or investors to our event, but that does not mean they are not welcome to drop by.
idea publication: if you are planning to apply for a patent for your technology or product, please keep in mind that presenting at Joint Forces can be a disclosure of your idea. This could prevent you from future patent applications. Therefore, you might have to pay attention to the degree of detail in your presentation. If you have any doubts regarding this issue, please contact your university’s technology transfer office or the Austrian patent office

Note: If you would like to pitch your project/startup, please register by 16th January 2025. Apply here: https://forms.gle/uNttHdRuhC9xiEYV9

Partners
Networking Partner in Summer Term 2025 is INiTS, Vienna’s High-Tech Incubator

More Information
Please note: During this event photos and/or videos will be taken which may be published in various media for reports on the event or general PR.

PIONEER TOMORROW: Insights Unplugged #95
2025-01-15 18:00 - 20:00 | EI 9 Hlawka Hörsaal (Raumcode: CA EG 17 ), Gußhausstraße 27 – 29, Wien, Wien, 1040, Austria
Topic of the talk to be announced

Do you ever fear failure and try to avoid it at all costs? You’re not alone—most of us did. But what if failure was actually the key to unlocking your next success?
In entrepreneurship, failure isn’t just a possibility; it’s often an essential part of the journey. Whether it’s a project that doesn’t take off, a team that falls apart, or a strategy that misses the mark, setbacks are inevitable. In Austria, no one has delved deeper into the topic of failure than Dejan Stojanovic. Over the past decade, he has shown how embracing failure can lead to growth, resilience, and new opportunities. Understanding how to face and learn from failure is crucial for anyone looking to build something that lasts.
Join us for an insightful evening with Mag. Dejan Stojanovic, serial entrepreneur, founder of Austria’s first Fuckup Nights, and advocate for a constructive approach to failure. Dejan will share his experiences in promoting a culture where failure is seen not as a setback, but as an essential part of learning and innovation.
Dejan the expert in failure culture regularly delivers keynotes and workshops at conferences, organizations, and companies both in Austria and internationally (including Raiffeisenbank International, OeKB, Urban Global Future Conference, umdasch Group, and others). This talk is an opportunity to rethink the role of failure in personal and professional growth and to explore new ways of navigating uncertainty with confidence.

About the PIONEER TOMORROW: Insights Unplugged series
The PIONEER TOMORROW: Insights Unplugged, organized by the Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) at TU Wien, enables the audience to learn firsthand from experienced founders, investors and innovators, and get inspired by their success (and failure) stories. Our guest speakers share their international experiences, dos & don’ts and lessons learned during an inspiring talk. Afterwards, the participants can ask all the burning questions during an interactive Q&A.
After the session, the attendees have the opportunity to network and mingle with like-minded people while enjoying beverages provided by TUW i²c.
We are looking forward to meeting you!
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Important:
*During the event, photographic and video material will be taken. Please inform the TUW i²c team at the venue in case you do not agree with appearing in this material. The photographic and video material taken at the event will be used by TUW i²c in printed and electronic media for promotional purposes.
