Ottobock strengthens Austria as a centre of expertise for medical technology

13. January 20263 minutes reading time

Quick Info

Who is Ottobock?

The medtech company develops innovative care and mobility solutions for people with restricted mobility, spanning prosthetics, neuro-orthotics and exoskeletons. From its research and development site in Vienna, Austria, the international group is helping to shape the future landscape of human bionics.

Why does Austria stand out as a location?

Austria—Vienna in particular—convinces Ottobock with its research and innovation strengths, excellent universities and clinical environment, and highly qualified professionals. Its central location in Europe, stable framework conditions and the close links between science, business and medicine make Austria a strong pillar within Ottobock’s medtech network.

What is being created at Ottobock in Austria?

In Vienna, Ottobock operates an international centre of expertise for research, development and specialised production. This is where flagship medical technology projects are created, such as the Genium X4 knee joint, as well as future concepts for thought-controlled prostheses, bringing development and manufacturing together under one roof.

What role does the Austrian Business Agency (ABA) play?

The ABA supports Ottobock as a strategic partner in further developing Austria as a location. It provides assistance on funding matters, facilitates contacts with research institutions and delivers robust location benchmarking. Especially in internal group competition, the ABA strengthens the case for Austria with facts, networks and expertise.

„Austria offers Ottobock an exceptionally strong environment for research and development. Close collaboration with medical institutions, the high qualifications of skilled professionals, and the professional support provided by the ABA are key factors in safeguarding and further developing the site over the long term.“

What makes Austria so attractive for technology groups like Ottobock

Austria offers Ottobock a close integration of research, clinical application and industrial development. Particularly valued is the successful collaboration with AKH Vienna, including work with Univ.-Prof. Dr Oskar C. Aszmann, Head of the Center of Bionic Extremity Reconstruction at the Medical University of Vienna.

This proximity enables practice-oriented innovation at an international top level. Combined with stable framework conditions, high quality of life and excellent skilled professionals, Austria provides an environment that supports long-term innovation.

How is Ottobock leveraging Austria’s potential for research and growth?

Ottobock deliberately uses Austria as a centre of expertise for demanding research and development. Especially valuable is the physical proximity of development and specialised production: innovations can be tested, optimised and implemented more quickly. Partnerships with universities, clinics and research partners, as well as targeted support for young talent, strengthen innovative capacity and safeguard the site’s long-term competitiveness.

Good to know!

Consolidated expertise:

Development, research and production are all located in one place.

Genium X4 prosthesis:

A flagship project developed and manufactured in Vienna.

How does the ABA support international companies like Ottobock?

The ABA supports international companies such as Ottobock as a strategic partner beyond individual projects. It helps with funding and financing questions, facilitates contacts with research institutions and relevant stakeholders, and provides robust benchmarking across locations and countries. Especially in internal group competition for investment, the ABA creates reliable decision-making foundations and thus strengthens existing sites sustainably. Ongoing dialogue enables companies to position Austria over the long term as an attractive technology and research location.