i2b Business Plan Contest

St. Pölten, April 17, 2026 – Lower Austria has once again confirmed its role as a dynamic hub for science, innovation, and startup activity.

The 2025 i2b Business Plan Contest demonstrates, yet again, the region’s high potential for innovation.

With around 800 submissions annually and prizes totaling over 200,000 euros, i2b is Austria’s largest business plan competition and a key driver of entrepreneurial thinking. In Lower Austria, it is supported by the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce, Sparkasse NÖ, the venture fund tecnet equity, and the accent Incubator.

“These successes are no coincidence, but the result of targeted investments in infrastructure, education, and above all in dedicated founders. In Lower Austria, we are creating an environment where ideas give rise to successful companies,” emphasizes Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner.

This strategic focus is paying off: In 2025, a Lower Austrian project once again successfully distinguished itself in the competition.

WeedHunter, developed by Drohnenscan Huber OG, was awarded first place in the Services, Industry, and Trade category. The solution exemplifies the successful practical application of modern technologies.

“Innovative companies like Drohnenscan Huber OG demonstrate how closely entrepreneurial spirit and technology are intertwined in Lower Austria. It is precisely such projects that are crucial to the competitiveness of our business location,” said WKNÖ President Wolfgang Ecker.

The technology behind WeedHunter combines artificial intelligence with satellite-based navigation and drone technology. This allows weeds in fields to be detected with centimeter-level precision, enabling highly targeted treatment.

With WeedHunter, we aim to provide farmers with a tool that combines efficiency and sustainability. This award validates our approach to applying cutting-edge technology in a practical way. In addition to support from accent, we have also received active support and constant encouragement from the WKO in Amstetten, as well as from RIZ UP in Waidhofen an der Ybbs and Amstetten. “We are very grateful for this,” explains Johannes Huber, founder of Drohnenscan.

The results of this innovation are clearly measurable: herbicide use can be reduced by up to 70 percent - while simultaneously increasing efficiency and improving resource utilization, reducing groundwater and food contamination, and promoting biodiversity.

“The quality of the submissions demonstrates year after year just how much innovation potential there is in Austria. Projects like WeedHunter are a good example of how ideas can be turned into concrete solutions that add value,” emphasizes i2b Managing Director Emanuel Bröderbauer.

Technology startups are a key driver of Lower Austria’s economy. They develop innovative products, create high-quality jobs, and contribute to the sustainable growth of the regional economy.

“Our shared goal is to support startups from the initial idea through to a successful market launch. Success stories like that of Drohnenscan confirm the effectiveness of this collaboration,” state Doris Agneter, Managing Director of tecnet equity, and Michael Moll, Managing Director of accent Incubator.

These developments are supported by targeted programs of the State of Lower Austria, implemented by accent and tecnet equity - ranging from incubation and technology transfer to tailored financing.

The success of WeedHunter once again underscores Lower Austria’s innovative strength - particularly at the intersection of digitalization, space technology, and sustainable agriculture.