Where High Tech Meets the Heartbeat: Why GE HealthCare Conducts Research and Development in Austria

13. January 20263 minutes reading time

Quick Info

Who is GE HealthCare – and GE HealthCare Austria?

GE HealthCare is a leading medtech and digital company headquartered in Chicago, with operations in more than 160 countries. In Zipf (Upper Austria), GE HealthCare’s centre of expertise for women’s health is located —this is where high-end ultrasound systems for Europe are developed and produced. The site’s roots go back to the 1960s, when ultrasound for women’s health was invented in Austria.

Why does Austria stand out as a location?

Austria offers GE HealthCare ideal conditions for technological excellence. The company values both the high level of education and the stable economic and political framework conditions. Combined with attractive research funding, this creates a strong base for innovation and growth.

What is being created at GE HealthCare in Austria?

In Zipf, GE HealthCare develops and manufactures high-end ultrasound systems that set benchmarks and are exported worldwide to more than 100 countries. As an innovation hub, the team continually advances new 3D and 4D technologies for obstetrics and prenatal diagnostics.

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

The Austrian Business Agency works closely with GE HealthCare’s management team in Austria to strengthen the site in global competition. Through strategic advice and relevant contacts, it helps create the best possible conditions for future investment.

What makes Austria so attractive for technology companies like GE HealthCare?

Austria is among Europe’s strongest research locations, with R&D expenditure of more than 3.35% of GDP and attractive support programmes for international companies. At the same time, the country offers stable political and economic framework conditions that make investments predictable and secure over the long term. Another decisive advantage is access to highly qualified talent. In medtech in particular, Austria stands out with excellent universities, practice-oriented research and strong knowledge transfer between academia and industry.

Good to know!

25 Years

Anniversary
In 2026, GE HealthCare will celebrate 25 years in Zipf —an impressive sign of continuity, innovative strength and long-term commitment to the location.

450 Employees

International strength
More than 450 colleagues from over 20 countries work together in Zipf on innovations with global impact.

How does the ABA support international companies like GE Healthcare?

As the central coordination point for international investment, the Austrian Business Agency provides GE HealthCare’s Austrian management team with the arguments that make the case for Austria in global competition. It supports GE HealthCare with location analyses, funding expertise and strategic advice—from project development through to expansion. In this way, the ABA makes a significant contribution to strengthening Austria’s position as a high-tech and innovation location.