A new study by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI) highlights the essential role of public, non-university research institutions—that is, research organizations that operate independently of universities—in driving innovation across Europe. The report positions Austria among the top performers – and recognizes IMBA as one of the country’s leading contributors to patent activity and technological progress.
According to the study, non-university research organizations such as IMBA, the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), and Joanneum Research accounted for a substantial share of Austria’s 640 European patent applications between 2001 and 2020. With 64 patents filed during this period, IMBA ranks among Austria’s top three public research institutions, underscoring the institute’s strong commitment to translating cutting-edge discoveries into impactful innovations.
“Basic research is an important element in a larger landscape of innovation at the Vienna BioCenter, where we have the full spectrum from fundamental research institutes to start-up companies,” says Barbara Kraus, Managing Director of IMBA. “It is great to see IMBA being recognized as a champion of this dynamic ecosystem, demonstrating how basic research can fuel start-up companies”
This innovation pipeline is evident at the Vienna BioCenter, where discoveries from basic research have led to successful spin-offs such as heartbeat.bio, a:head, and dawn-bio.
The study also highlights that collaboration between public research institutions, start-ups, and industry is a crucial factor for innovation success. IMBA’s close ties with translational partners, as well as its active role in Vienna’s vibrant life science ecosystem, exemplify this collaborative approach.
As part of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, IMBA remains committed to advancing frontier research and fostering innovation that strengthens Austria’s and Europe’s position as a hub for life science excellence.
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