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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Austria: Top centre
for life sciences
Austria is one of the most important centres of the European life sciences scene, with both SMEs and many multinationals. A total of more than 900 biotech, pharmaceutical and medical technology companies operate in Austria, including major players such as Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis and Ottobock. 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 life sciences location 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
Everything in a nutshell: facts, tips and contact points for your questions on research and development.
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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24,300 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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