Yesterday, the second show of the special exhibition “Innovation Corner” on the topic of “From research to success: innovation stories from Lower Austria with a focus on space technology” was successfully opened at the Vienna Museum of Science and Technology. The event offered an insight into pioneering projects and technologies from the aerospace industry, which underline the innovative strength of Lower Austria. The current exhibition was organized in cooperation with the Lower Austrian technology financing company tecnet equity and the technology incubator accent.

“Our aim is to create an environment in Lower Austria for researchers, students and start-ups that enables them to successfully introduce their innovative ideas into the economy, as this exhibition impressively demonstrates,” emphasizes Doris Agneter, Managing Director of tecnet equity. Michael Moll, Managing Director of accent Incubator, adds: “This exhibition features exhibits from Lower Austria that clearly show how vividly domestic research and innovation enrich not only our daily existence, but also our view into the infinite expanses of space.”

The importance of protecting intellectual property was highlighted in a keynote speech by Thomas Fellner, a renowned expert from the Patent Office. Fellner emphasized that intellectual property rights can give intellectual creations commercial value and make the difference between success and failure, especially for start-ups.

Margit Mischkulnig, Head of Department for Space Affairs and Aerospace Technologies at the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, and Andreas Geisler, Head of the Austrian Aerospace Agency, gave a keynote speech on the importance of aerospace for Austria and Lower Austria. Mischkulnig and Geisler explained: “The BMK and FFG are pursuing a common goal: the expansion of a strong and competitive space sector. This should generate highly qualified jobs, innovative products, services and scientific findings that are successful at European and international level and support the green and digital transformation of the economy and society.”

The exhibition presents seven projects from the aerospace industry that exemplify the wealth of ideas of numerous companies and research institutions in Lower Austria. These projects illustrate how research and innovation strengthen the national economy and position Lower Austria in the global technology competition.

“With the aerospace projects on display, the Vienna Museum of Science and Technology is putting Austria's reach for the stars at the heart of the 'Innovation Corner'. The work presented by selected start-ups and research institutions testifies to the spirit of innovation and the practical training opportunities that Lower Austria offers in this exciting industry,” emphasized Director General Peter Aufreiter.

From research to innovation

In the first panel discussion, experts discussed the path from research to innovation. Armin Mahr, Managing Director of the University of Applied Sciences Wr. Neustadt, Johann Haag, Managing Director of the University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten, Udo Brändle, Managing Director of the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems, and Michael Moll, Managing Director of accent Incubator, exchanged their views on the challenges and opportunities of this process.

Armin Mahr emphasized: “Wiener Neustadt is establishing itself as an international New Space location, with successful satellite missions by our students. The promotion of technology companies from the university contributes to the sustainable development of the location and the creation of top international jobs in Lower Austria.” Udo Brändle added: “As Managing Director of IMC Krems, we combine research with innovation, guided by our IMC credo: international, meaningful, curious. We open up horizons through our curiosity, solve real problems and drive change. In short: we shape the future”. Johann Haag concludes: “I am delighted that we are part of this special exhibition. Our satellite cryptography project is a success story that demonstrates our research strength and innovative power. At this exhibition, Lower Austria's universities of applied sciences and other research institutions are clearly demonstrating the great potential they have”.

Challenges and opportunities in the aerospace sector

The concluding discussion on the challenges and opportunities in the aerospace sector in Lower Austria offered insights from experts such as Michael Kitzmantel, founder of AT-Space GmbH, Alexander Reissner, founder of Enpulsion GmbH, and Carsten Scharlemann, founder of R-Space GmbH. Reissner emphasized: “We have gone from a successful start-up to a global market leader in a very short space of time, meaning that we now have 200 propulsion systems in orbit. It is essential that you don't lose your innovative strength, but instead turn an initial product into a broad portfolio ready for the market and continue to develop - like our ENPULSION NEO - the most powerful FEEP engine ever developed.” Michael Kitzmantel added: “New Space has developed enormous momentum, enabling private companies to conquer access to space. Today, more than 700 satellites are in orbit with our components in propulsion systems. That is a huge success!”

Scharlemann concluded: “The opening of the Innovation Corner in the Technical Museum has shown that a museum is not only the historical memory of our society, but can also provide impetus for the future.”

The evening was hosted by Brutkasten editor Martin Pacher.

The exhibition will be on display at the Technisches Museum Wien until May 26, 2024.