Startupmark

Initiatives

Current Initiatives

Startupmark’s initiatives strengthen Styria as a hub for innovation and business and create optimal conditions for the creation, development, and sustainable scaling of startups. They promote networking, cooperation, and international exchange, and bring together startups, established companies, investors, researchers, and other relevant players in the startup ecosystem. Discover the diverse initiatives through which Startupmark is further developing the Styrian startup ecosystem, strengthening the region as a hub for innovation, and sustainably increasing its international appeal.

A successful market entry and sustainable growth pose major challenges for many startups. Through Experts for Startups, we connect startups with industry experts who guide them through market entry and scaling, share practical knowledge, and contribute valuable market insights and their networks.

Green Startupmark is building an innovation ecosystem in Upper Styria by 2028. Students, pupils and researchers receive financial and expert support to develop sustainable businesses. Green startups are supported in scaling, while regional companies are assisted in their green transformation.

With Kapital!Offensive Startups, SFG and RLB Steiermark are joining forces to invest up to €10 million in innovative Styrian startups and scaleups. Beyond funding, companies gain access to expertise, experience and relevant networks to support sustainable local growth. The call closed on 31 August 2026.

With the Life Science Pre-Seed Program at the ZWT Accelerator, Styria now has its first specialized early-stage support initiative for science-based startup projects in human technology.

The Start!Klar plus support program helps startups prepare professionally for national and international financing discussions. Refine your business model, become investor-ready, and lay the groundwork for the next steps on your path to sustainable business growth.

Join us on a tour! Once a year, the SFG’s networking tour takes Styrian startups to the hotspots of the European startup scene. You’ll gain insight into the local startup ecosystem, gain access to new markets, and have time for industry discussions.

Through iCONTACT, SFG is building a strong network of investors and offering you exclusive access to select, innovative startup projects. As a central hub in the Styrian innovation ecosystem, we connect investors with promising Styrian startups.

The INTERREG project Startup 50+ helps people with many years of professional experience bring their business ideas to life and take the leap into self-employment.

The Deep Tech Valleys project is co-funded by the European Union as part of the Interreg Europe program and, under the leadership of the Regional Development Fund for Central Macedonia (Greece), aims to further develop regional policy measures to support deep tech innovation.

Contact Persons

Katharina Menzel

Projektmanagerin Standortentwicklung & Standortmanagement

+43 316 7093 303

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Doris Paier

Projektmanagerin Standortentwicklung & Standortmanagement

+43 316 7093 312

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