Vienna Startup Package

Explore Austria's thriving startup scene

Apply by 22 February 2025.

Welcome to a thrilling startup opportunity from the Vienna Business Agency. The Vienna Startup Package allows 15 international startups per year to discover Vienna as a marketplace and launchpad for DACH-region success as part of an exclusive, eight-week programme among a cohort of visionaries from around the world. Identify new business opportunities and connect with relevant stakeholders in Vienna.

Vienna is known world-wide for its rich history and culture, and has gained increasing traction in recent years for its vibrant innovation ecosystem, strategic location, and supportive business environment. The city is home to a thriving entrepreneurial community that have found the Austrian capital to be an ideal jumping off point for further innovation and international growth.

What's included?

The Vienna Startup Package offers access to networks and introductions to Viennese stakeholders, 1:1 business coaching, accommodation for one person/startup for one month in Vienna as well as a FlexDesk in a coworking space for one person/startup for four weeks. Additionally, selected participants will have their travel costs reimbursed and gain access to exclusive event formats during ViennaUP, the major city-wide startup festival taking place from 8 - 16 May, 2025, currently ranked by StartupBlink as one of Europe's top 3 best startup events.

Woman in yellow dress speaking into a microphone to a group of people at a business event

Welcome to Vienna

In Vienna, startups can expect an ideal environment to grow and thrive. The extremely high quality of life attracts a large, well-educated community of expats and students, making for a vast pool of talent. Startups can enjoy a tight-knit business ecosystem with plenty of support and funding available for companies looking to get their project off the ground. The strategic geographical location facilitates exchanges between Eastern and Western Europe, making Vienna the perfect launch pad for the wider German-speaking region and Europe at large.

Alumni 2024

Past winners of the Vienna Startup Package cover a broad spectrum of fields – from agricultural machines to AI waste management solutions, health data management to disability-aiding technologies.

Meet our Vienna Startup Package 2024 Alumni:

“Vienna is a curious place for startups: it mixes rich heritage from the past with a very progressive voice from the future. This programme is really the whole package to navigate the landscape.”
- Lakmoos AI
“The ViennaUP 2024 Startup Package was incredibly productive. The reception to Fybra's air quality and energy efficiency patented solutions was very positive.
We engaged as keynote speakers, connected with key stakeholders, received valuable feedback, and identified numerous opportunities. The proactive coaching and vibrant ecosystem in Vienna accelerated our journey. This program's focus on sustainability and innovation perfectly aligned with our mission, making it an unforgettable experience. We look forward to capitalizing on the opportunities created”.
– Fybra
“The Vienna Startup Package experience was eye opening and a good way to get familiar with Austrian ecosystem”.
– Bridgesoft

An international success story

In the first ten years of the Vienna Startup Package's existence (2014 - 2024), the programme attracted a total of 2,243 applicants from 113 countries around the globe. All told, a total of 156 international startups from 48 countries were accepted into the programme - and the programme is currently on the hunt for the next batch!

This programme is looking for startups that show some traction in their home markets and that are in preparing for the next scaling phase - preferably with Austria in mind. Applications will be reviewed in a two-level selection process. Shortlisted startups will be invited for a short interview, and finalists with the best programme fit will be identified by a panel of expert judges.