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

AI location Austria: Top research, talents and international events

Austria is a dynamic business location for AI. A strong research network, targeted funding programmes, an active community and a large talent pool promote the exchange between science, business and society. This makes the country an exciting hub for AI developments and international events such as TEDAI.

NXAI: Top researchers in Austria develop solutions for industrial companies

Research on alternative AI models conducted by Sepp Hochreiter and his team at the JKU in Linz is recognised worldwide. With their company NXAI, founded in 2024, they want to transform basic research into industrial companies and develop products from it. NXAI aims to raise 100 million euros by the beginning of 2025. Thanks to the excellent reputation of JKUI and the AI degree programmes, many talents come to Austria.

AI as a booster for life sciences innovations

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