Release from
TU Wien and AIT Austrian Institute of Technology take their successful partnership to the next level: A new strategic cooperation agreement lays the foundation for a unique innovation ecosystem in Austria.
When two strong partners join forces, real innovative power is created. TU Wien and the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, which conduct cutting-edge research in a whole range of areas and translate it into practical applications, are joining forces and expanding their collaboration: An agreement on strategic cooperation was signed, covering the areas of research, innovation, infrastructure utilisation, training of Master's and doctoral students, talent/trainee development, career models, start-up/spin-off strategy and communication. This strategic cooperation combines scientific excellence in basic research with application-orientated cutting-edge research and innovative strength. It includes joint research activities, the joint use of state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructures and initiatives in the training and promotion of start-ups.
Significant added value for Austria as a business location
"The cooperation between researchers from the largest technical university and the largest research and technology organisation in the country has already generated considerable added value for research, innovation, education and technology transfer in the past. With this strategic partnership, we are jointly accelerating the development of methods, concepts and technologies in selected areas of strength - with the clear objective of achieving greater international visibility and positioning within this network," explains Jens Schneider, Rector of TU Wien.
"By sharing infrastructure and resources, investments can be used more efficiently and highly specialised laboratories and test facilities can be made available to both partners. The seamless link between basic research and applied research along the entire innovation chain - from the scientific idea through to industrial implementation - is particularly advantageous. This close interlinking has considerable advantages for the business and technology location," says Andreas Kugi, Scientific Director of the AIT and Professor of Complex Dynamic Systems at TU Wien.
Creating a unique innovation ecosystem
The aim is to create a unique innovative ecosystem that networks companies, research institutions and talented individuals by strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration along the innovation chain. This increases international competitiveness and makes the location more attractive for highly qualified specialists, investors and companies.
Components of the strategic cooperation
The following areas have been agreed as focal points of the strategic cooperation between TU Wien and AIT:
-
Research: A joint research strategy will be developed in selected topics that are areas of strength for both institutions and have both international scientific and industrial relevance. Synergies are to be utilised in a targeted manner.
-
Joint use of infrastructure: Certain "core facilities" (highly specialised research infrastructure, laboratories and test facilities) are to be shared.
-
Start-up/spin-off activities: Cooperation models for the search, development and support of start-ups from the university and non-university sector are to be developed and practised. Close cooperation is planned between the AIT and Start-up Factory GmbH, which is (co-)owned by TU Wien, and the Noctua Science Ventures fund.
-
Academic teaching and supervision of scientific work: The cooperation opens up new opportunities for students through joint doctoral programmes and the supervision of master's theses and dissertations by TU Wien in close collaboration with AIT.
-
Talent and career models: New career paths are to be created, for example through attractive tenure-track or dual-career models between TU Wien and AIT, which retain excellent researchers in the long term or support the successful international recruitment of talent.
-
Communication: The aim is to significantly increase the international visibility of research and innovation. An effective presentation of successes and technological breakthroughs as well as the clarification of social relevance will increase the attractiveness of the location for talents, industrial partners and investors.
Efficient research and innovation hub
"There are major advantages in academic teaching as a result of the close cooperation. The joint use of infrastructure can give advanced students in particular access to modern, industry-oriented laboratories and AIT expertise can be incorporated into selected courses at TU Wien," adds Rector Jens Schneider.
"Overall, this partnership will create a powerful research and innovation hub that closes the innovation chain, contributes to strengthening the business and technology location and increases international visibility," says AIT Scientific Director Andreas Kugi.
About the AIT
With more than 1,600 employees and an operating performance of 218 million euros (2024), the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is Austria's largest research and technology organisation. The institute is a key network node in the Austrian and European research and innovation system. In its work, the AIT focuses on the two main research areas of "Resilient and sustainable infrastructures", particularly in the fields of energy, transport and health, and "Digital transformation of industry and society", working closely with universities, industry and public institutions in Austria, Europe and beyond.
About TU Wien
The Vienna University of Technology is Austria's largest research and educational institution in the field of technology and natural sciences. More than 4,600 scientists conduct research in eight faculties on "Technology for People". The content of the degree programmes offered is derived from excellent research. More than 26,500 students benefit from this. As a driver of innovation, TU Wien strengthens the business location, facilitates cooperation and contributes to the prosperity of society.