If It Works in the Lab, It can Work in the World!

If it Works in the Lab It Can Work in the World!

Why do we need a shared spinoff ecosystem? How can we boost the number of scientific and academic startups in Austria? Where do the challenges actually lie?

Come join us at ViennaUP Homebase on Karlsplatz for the launch of two brand-new spinoff initiatives with ONE common goal: Closing the Gap between Business and Lab.

1) Noctua Science Ventures 🦉

A spinoff initiative by Speedinvest and TU Wien that provides early-stage funding to academic startups from Austrian universities and research institutions.

2) TU Spinoff Factory 🚀

An innovation platform backed by TU Wien that helps researchers and students to realize their ideas and guides them from the initial concept to the successful founding of a company. The ultimate goal is to build a compass that helps academic startups and scientists to navigate throughout Austria’s spinoff landscape and all innovation services of TU Wien.

Get inspired, mingle with like-minded change-makers of Vienna's innovation bubble and learn how to turn your research into reality!

What's on the menu? 🍽️

• Short interactive presentation of Noctua Sciene Ventures and the TU Spinoff Factory

• Fireside Chat "If it Works in the Lab, It Can Work in the World" ft.

🎤 Alexander Svejkovsky - Mannaging Director Austrian Institute for Technology
🎤 Josiane P. Lafleur - Managing Director Invisible Light Labs
🎤 Philipp Stangl - Investment Lead Noctua Science Ventures
🎤 Julia Reisinger - Co-Founder factorymaker & Assistant Professor TU Wien
🎤Antonia Rinesch - Moderator & Head of Communications The Spinoff Factory

• Spinoff-Storytelling Session: Scientific founders explain how their research turned into high-tech innovations.

• Exquisite live music on the sustainable and mobile ViennaUP Stage

• Networking, drinks and meaningful conversations

🦄 Part of ViennaUP 2025
The soft-launch is an official side event of ViennaUP 2025. From May 8–16th, ViennaUP transforms the city of Vienna into a hub of innovation, networking, and inspiration. Dive into Austria’s vibrant startup scene, explore the latest tech trends, and connect with top founders and investors from around the globe.

📍About the location

The ViennaUP Homebase at Karlsplatz is the central meeting point for all ViennaUP 2025 festival participants, providing a space for all to meet, sample local food and drinks, and generally bask in Vienna vibes. While the Homebase is open to all festival goers every afternoon and evening, special events, tours, and musical performances will round out the experience.