Interview

1. Roland Waldner, Carinthia has become increasingly visible in Austria’s startup ecosystem. What specific strengths and location advantages does your region offer to founders and investors compared to other parts of Austria?

   
   

   Carinthia is located in the heart of Europe, and within a radius of 300 kilometers – a day's trip – there are numerous research institutions, universities and companies. Our state is an attractive business location that offers a whole range of advantages that are particularly interesting for companies that want to grow sustainably, operate internationally, and at the same time focus on the quality of life for their employees. With institutions such as the University of Klagenfurt, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, the Silicon Alps Cluster, and the Lakeside Science & Technology Park, Carinthia has a dynamic innovation environment with great potential for practical cooperation between research and educational institutions and industry. In addition, young people can take advantage of a well-rounded range of training opportunities with us, for example in the technical field, but also with a focus on tourism, to name just two examples.

   
   

2. Targeted funding programs are often crucial for startups. Which initiatives from Carinthia are you most proud of, and how do they directly support early-stage founders and innovative companies?

   
   

   On the one hand, we at the Carinthian Economic Development Fund support various organizations of all sizes and from all sectors in the areas of investment, research and development, consulting, qualification, and internationalization in order to minimize their risk and seize the opportunity to start and implement a project. We offer various support options for almost all phases of projects and innovation initiatives.

   On the other hand, start-ups in particular have an experienced partner in the »build! – Gründungszentrum«, which accompanies them in their initial phase with expertise. Our product »vor.GRÜNDEN« supports young founders for nine months so that they can concentrate fully on developing their business idea. Cooperation with a university, a university of applied sciences or a non-university research institution is important in this context. This institution makes a pre-selection of potential startup projects and submits the application. It supports ambitious people with their business ideas and prepares spin-offs at the same time.

   
   

3. Austria is competing internationally to attract top entrepreneurial talent. From your perspective, what does Austria – and Carinthia in particular – need to do to remain attractive for European founders in the long run?

   
   

   Let‘s focus on cooperation instead of confrontation – cooperation creates synergies that would be almost impossible to achieve alone. Our task as KWF is to recognize this potential and create incentives through targeted support in order to bring these partners closer together and initiate joint projects. We act as a bridge builder to identify opportunities for working together. In a long-term partnership, businesses from all sectors benefit from each other by working together to turn innovative ideas into marketable solutions.

   
   

   4. Carinthia’s proximity to Slovenia and Central and Eastern Europe creates unique opportunities. How are you working across borders to leverage this dynamic CEE startup scene and strengthen Austria’s role as a hub?

   
   

   Our unique geographical location—at the intersection of Italy, Slovenia, and the entire Southeast European economic area—offers short distances to important markets, optimal logistics options, and access to international suppliers. In Carinthia, international companies encounter motivated and enthusiastic people as well as a future-oriented innovation environment – supported by strong players such as Lakeside Park, the University of Klagenfurt, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, and research institutions such as Lakeside Labs, Silicon Austria Labs, wood k plus | W3C, Fraunhofer, and Joanneum Research, which work together with industry to put new ideas into practice.

   
   

   We support Carinthian entrepreneurs by advising them directly in their businesses and approaching them personally. Through personal consultations, we offer individual support that goes far beyond our funding portfolio. We also think beyond the KWF and our products for our customers. We are familiar with nationwide funding products and work together with the companies to find the best solution for them.

   
   

   5. Looking ahead to the invest.austria conference and your panel participation: What key message would you like to leave with investors and founders about Carinthia’s role in shaping Austria’s startup and innovation future?

   
   

   Take advantage of the close links between business, research, and education to collaborate and advance your projects. Don't hesitate to call us. We will support you and put you in touch with the right contacts in a straightforward and personal manner.