Vienna provides 360° support for life sciences start-ups
Starting a biotech or medical device company in Vienna means benefiting from a 360 degree support landscape nurturing a unique life sciences ecosystem. Various grants, loans and guarantees as well as free consulting services and flexible start-up offices are available in Vienna. The research tax premium of 14% makes Austria even more attractive. We strongly recommend that you consider Vienna when planning to start up or grow your company at the heart of Europe! Our technology experts are available to talk about all the support that is available here for developing tomorrow’s products, processes and services. Please contact us to help you find suitable lab space including the most modern start-up labs. We accompany you on your way to success. Enter the ecosystem now!
Cutting-edge research in Vienna drives innovation. The IMBA spin-off HeartBeat.bio uses stem cell-derived mini-hearts to model diseases and, through AI and automation, to develop new drug candidates for various forms of heart failure. Our international team values Vienna’s high quality of life and the broad support available for start-ups. However, new solutions are urgently needed to address the EU-wide shortage of venture capital for the scale-up phase.
Michael Krebs
Co-founder and CEO of HeartBeat.bio AG and Partner at KHAN Technology Transfer Fund I
Vienna Business Agency: Startups Labs at the Vienna BioCenter
Start-ups can to rent affordable and flexible workplaces in more than 1,100m² in the heart of the Vienna BioCenter and jointly use the equipment and facilities provided. This offer is intended primarily for start-ups doing research and development in the fields of biochemistry, biomedicine, biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology and pharmaceutics.
Shared infrastructure and services available such as:
- Fully equipped BSL2 laboratories
- LN2, -80 °C, -20 °C, 4 °C storage options
- Imaging station for blots & gels
- Centrifuges, microbial incubators & shakers, scales, etc.
- Laboratory glassware (bottles, beakers, flasks, cylinders, etc.)
- Reagent-grade distilled water, liquid nitrogen, CO2 supply
- Biological and chemical waste management system
- Information technology and telecommunications
The Vienna BioCenter Core Facilities (VBCF) provide cutting-edge research infrastructure that enables groundbreaking discoveries. With state-of-the-art technologies and over 100 expert scientists, our research services are honed through years of collaboration with leading institutes at the Vienna BioCenter and beyond. As one of the world’s most livable cities, Vienna offers an inspiring environment for scientists, combining world-class research, a vibrant international community, and high quality of life.
Vivian Lu Tan
Managing Director, Vienna BioCenter Core Facilities
Spin-offs, start-ups and SMEs in Vienna
Did you know that major life science companies ranked by sales run strategic offices in Vienna?
Almost all Top 20 biotech, pharma and medtech companies operate a presence in Vienna. This offers plenty of room for the exchange of knowledge. Some big players even coordinate clinical trials on game-changing new drugs at their premises in Austria. Others such as Boehringer Ingelheim, Octapharma, Ottobock and Takeda make major investment decisions at their Vienna site that result in their increasing R&D and manufacturing facilities.
Become a part of Vienna's rich life sciences community and learn from your peers
Vienna’s life sciences community is developing technologies that are leading to promising new drug candidates, medical devices, research reagents or eHealth solutions. Our unique start-up ecosystem, together with experienced entrepreneur networks and negotiation skills, have yielded spectacular equity investments and licensing deals. These are enabling product candidates to progress into clinical development stages or to enter markets worldwide. Network with the entrepreneurs driving these success stories and benefit from their knowledge. Explore the Austrian Life Sciences Directory and our online news section to find out more about the innovative companies available in Vienna. Our newsletter, our LinkedIn channel and additional publications provide you with news on a regular basis.
Our app myReha delivers personalized, AI-powered speech and cognitive therapy to support patients with neurological conditions like stroke or dementia throughout their recovery journey. It enables therapy anytime and anywhere, helping close critical gaps in care. Vienna combines medical excellence with innovation—perfect for building evidence-based digital therapies.
Moritz Schöllauf
Co-Founder and CEO, nyra health
LISAvienna is available to discuss your business ideas and requests for support
