A Green Incubator for Startups and Innovative Spin-Offs

The new site will house an incubator for green startups and innovative spin-offs, as well as facilities for student support services. Upon completion, the center will offer approximately 1,500 square meters of flexible and usable workspace. Investment volume: approximately six million euros.

This initiative will create up to 100 new jobs, complemented by a specially equipped prototype workshop, enabling founders to rapidly transform their ideas into real-world applications. The Green Startup Center is part of broader efforts to establish Upper Styria as a hub for environmentally conscious and technology-driven startups. Founders will be provided with comprehensive support—from the initial concept stage to market readiness. Startups, in particular, will benefit from structured programs and intensive guidance from experts who not only assist in implementation but also provide access to extensive infrastructure and networks.

Green Innovation for a Sustainable Styrian Economy
Since the launch of the “Green Startupmark” project in August 2023, over 15 aspiring entrepreneurs and teams have already received guidance and funding support at the Center for Applied Technology (ZAT) on their path to self-employment. This growing network of committed young entrepreneurs is making a valuable contribution to the sustainable transformation of Styria’s economy.

Statements:

Martin Polaschek, Federal Minister for Education, Science, and Research:
“The Green Startup Center Leoben is a key driver in promoting green innovations. The Federal Ministry for Education, Science, and Research (BMBWF) is providing around €4.4 million, making a significant contribution to intensifying startup and entrepreneurial activities at Montanuniversität Leoben while strengthening sustainable startup initiatives in Styria. Students will benefit by being able to pursue and implement their ideas after graduation, enriching the entire region.”

Barbara Eibinger-Miedl, Regional Minister for Economy, Tourism, Regions, Science, and Research:
“The green transformation is one of the great challenges of our time. To successfully overcome it, we need commitment and new ideas. That’s why we are promoting promising business startups in this field—such as the new Green Startup Center in Leoben. This initiative not only generates fresh impulses for economic growth but also strengthens our position as an internationally recognized hub for green technology development.”

Remo Taferner, Managing Director of ZAT Leoben:
“With the Green Startup Center, we aim to create an attractive environment that fosters forward-looking projects and technologies, positioning Montanuniversität Leoben as a key partner for green innovations. The extensive support from industry, science, and political partners highlights the enormous potential and importance of sustainable startup initiatives.”

Helmut Antrekowitsch, Vice-Rector of Montanuniversität Leoben:
“The center aims to become a sustainable innovation engine for the region and beyond, establishing a dynamic startup culture with a focus on green technologies. Our goal is to strengthen Leoben’s position as a hub for eco-friendly high-tech solutions, providing long-term economic impulses for Upper Styria. This platform connects talent, research, and entrepreneurship, making a vital contribution to embedding innovation and sustainability into practice.”

Kurt Wallner, Mayor of Leoben:
“The Green Startup Center is a major opportunity for our city and the region. This initiative not only creates new opportunities for young entrepreneurs and innovative projects but also positions Leoben as a forward-looking location for sustainability and environmental technologies. In the long run, this center will strengthen our local economy by providing the foundation for companies that develop solutions to tomorrow’s challenges. Leoben is making a clear statement for a sustainable and innovative future.”

About the Green Startupmark Project:
The Center for Applied Technology (ZAT), Montanuniversität Leoben, and the Center for IT Entrepreneurs (KAIT) at FH Joanneum in Kapfenberg, together with the State of Styria and Green Tech Valley, launched Austria’s pilot region for green startups—the “Green Startupmark”—in fall 2023. This strong network for young entrepreneurs with a focus on green technology is consolidated under the “Startupmark” initiative, supported by the Styrian Business Promotion Agency (SFG). Funding is provided by the state through the Just Transition Fund (JTF), which was introduced by the EU as part of the Green Deal.