Austria's researchers: Successful inventions ensure economic growth!

Austria's researchers: Successful inventions ensure economic growth!

Austria's science is in an exciting change! On March 3, 2025, Heinz Faßmann, President of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), sent his warm congratulations to the new Federal Minister of Education, Science and Research, Eva-Maria Holzleitner. In the meantime, the outgoing minister Martin Polaschek was given great praise for his work, especially for his efforts in the field of science communication. "Thanks to Polaschek's commitment, the new Austrian Science Communication Center was founded," said Faßmann, and he emphasized the excellent cooperation in recent years. Austria has established itself as a significant state of research, which will decisively shape the approach for the future development under Holzleitner, such as ots.at reported.

A central aspect that Polaschek emphasized is the impressive performance of Austrian researchers who have received funding from the European Research Council (ERC). Almost half of these researchers use their patented inventions commercially, often through licensing or start -ups. This data illustrates the economic value that research in Austria generates. "Every euro in basic research is an investment in our future," emphasized Polaschek. The ERC Proof of Concept grants in particular show a significant economic exploitation of research results, which further strengthens the national business location.79

An outstanding example is the company Quantro Therapeutics, which was founded as a spin-off by two leading Viennese research institutions and focused on the development of new cancer treatments. Thanks to two ERC Poc grants, the founders were able to expand their expertise in critical areas and thus contribute to medical innovation. The high number of patent applications and the strong integration into the economy impressively demonstrate how Austria's research landscape flourishes, such as bmbwf.gv.at analyzed.