Welcome to Startupmark

Styria is Austria's second strongest startup region and a leader in deep tech: one in four startups is based there. Startupmark is pooling resources to further develop Styria's technology-driven startup ecosystem and raise its international profile.

Maximum support for startups and scaleups in Styria

„With Startupmark, we are pooling the strengths of Styria's innovative start-up scene – for more growth, international visibility, and valuable jobs in Styria.“
Wirtschaftslandesrat Willibald Ehrenhöfer

With their innovative technologies and new products, services, and business models, startups are a key driver of a future-oriented economy, bringing progress, change, and employment to the region.

The Startupmark initiative, launched by the Department of Economic Affairs and implemented under the leadership of the Styrian Business Promotion Agency (SFG), aims to further develop the regional startup ecosystem in collaboration with relevant partners and create a dynamic environment for innovative ideas. The aim is not only to identify and close location gaps, but also to initiate new collaborations and connect the key players in the startup ecosystem in order to promote innovation in Styria in the best possible way. In short, Startupmark is taking the regional startup ecosystem to a new level.

What you can expect as a startup in Styria:

access to an active network of science, research, industry, cluster organizations, universities, incubators, accelerators, and investors
optimal support from the initial start-up idea to international scaling through the Styrian start-up ecosystem
targeted support on your entrepreneurial journey through subsidies, financing, international networks, access to infrastructure, consulting, and coaching

What you as an investor can expect from the Styrian startup ecosystem:

an above-average proportion of deep tech startups and academic spin-offs across Austria that are driving technological development at the forefront
startups with motivated teams and highly innovative technological business ideas focusing on IT/software development, industrial technologies/production/hardware/electronics/electrical engineering, life sciences, energy, and mobility
scalable business ideas: 47% of Styrian startups already generate sales revenues of between €50,000 and €500,000 (compared to 32% in Austria as a whole) and 14% generate sales revenues of over €500,000 – a clear signal that not only ideas but also viable business models are emerging here

Together, we are continuing to develop the Styrian startup ecosystem

„A startup is a young, growth-oriented company with an innovative idea and the desire to create something new. Styria is the ideal place for this: strong in research, well-connected in the business world, and open to fresh ideas. Anyone who starts a business here has the best chance of success.“
Christoph Ludwig, General Manager SFG

Styria is characterized by a closely interlinked startup ecosystem in which all relevant partners—from universities to scientific incubators, cluster organizations, innovation and competence centers, and industry—work closely and strategically together. This strong cooperation among regional players creates a unique breeding ground for knowledge- and technology-based start-ups and is an essential element for innovation and growth in Styria. Start-ups benefit from the bundled high-quality know-how, the short distances between science, business, and capital, and the strong cohesion within the start-up scene.

Source: Austrian Startup Monitor 2024