Life Sciences
Biotechnology, pharmaceutical industry and medical technology: the life sciences sector in Austria is characterised by outstanding networking, international research and a growing corporate landscape.
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Biotech, pharmaceutical industry, and medical technology: The life sciences sector in Austria is characterized by optimal networking within a strong research network, active both nationally and internationally.
The close collaboration between universities, research institutions, and life sciences companies fosters the development of innovative products and technologies.
Furthermore, the growing corporate landscape in this sector offers a promising environment for investments and new business initiatives. Austria's strong expertise and commitment in the life sciences contribute to positioning the country as a leading location for medical research and development, as well as in the mobility industry or cross-industry technologies.
Austria: Top centre
for life sciences
Austria is one of the most important centers of the European life sciences scene, with both SMEs and many multinationals. A total of more than 900 life sciences companies, including biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical technology industries, operate in Austria. Major players such as Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, and Ottobock are part of this vibrant system. There is a hive of activity, particularly in Austria’s core areas of expertise such as cancer research, gene therapy research and medical products.
The high degree of networking between producers, suppliers and service providers makes Austria an outstanding location for life sciences companies with international research. The life sciences sector accounts for 7% of GDP, thus making a key contribution to national gross value added. It is responsible for more than 60,000 highly qualified jobs.
The business location of Austria stands out because it offers not one but several advantages i.e., an excellent infrastructure (including laboratory space) and highly qualified, motivated employees. The availability of data and donors makes Austria an ideal location for medical research, complemented by the research tax credit and a strong funding landscape. In 2022, Austria launched a new funding programme with a volume of € 50 million for pharmaceutical and life sciences companies, also for financing clinical studies.
Life Sciences in Austria
Download our brochure with all information about Austria's life sciences sector.
Expertise in life sciences
at a glance
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982 companies
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60,440 employees
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€ 25.1 billion in revenue
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55 research institutions
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24,294 R&D employees
Success Stories
Pfizer
In 2020, Pfizer succeeded in making a COVID-19 vaccine available in record time together with its partner BioNTech. Pfizer also ranks among the largest pharmaceutical companies in Austria and manufactures about 14.5 million doses of vaccine each year for export to the rest of the world at its production facility in Orth an der Donau.
The full success story is available here.
Compared to other innovative sectors, the life sciences industry is by far the most innovative, features the highest research ratio and makes a significant contribution to national value creation.
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Life Sciences in Austria
Medical Technology
Where innovation moves mountains