Austria tops the list of the world's "hidden champions"

On a per capita basis, the Central European countries of Austria and Switzerland are in the lead together with Germany. The three German-speaking countries account for more than half of the world's hidden champions.

Source: Simon (2021) © 2022 IW Media / iwd

The world market leader in water-saving textile production, for example, is the Austrian company Lenzing Group. While the production of a cotton shirt requires around 2,700 liters of water, a shirt made of Lyocell - Lenzing's material - uses only 180 liters.

Learn more about technology by Lenzing

planqc: "Austria offers enormous advantages due to its excellent research landscape in quantum physics"

The German quantum computing startup planqc really took off in 2024, winning major contracts and investors. In this interview, CEO Alexander Glätzle reveals what he appreciates about the company’s new facility in Innsbruck and the key role that the well-developed infrastructure for research and development there plays in the company's success.

From research to practical application: Quantum technology in Austria

Research institutions and companies are driving the development of quantum technologies in Austria, thereby strengthening the country's leading role as a business location. Initiatives such as Quantum Austria, featuring € 107 million in investments to strengthen the quantum technology ecosystem, are making an important contribution to this.

Austria in the fast lane in quantum technology

From ambitious startups to extensive government funding programmes: Austria is a promising business location for innovative companies and investors in the field of quantum technology. This enables progress and sustainable growth, a fact which is also demonstrated by successful young companies such as ParityQC, qtlabs and planqc.