by Talent Garden

As one of the most beautiful European cities, Vienna does not only offer touristic attractions and a vast array of high-calorie sweets, but it is also renown for its open attitude towards digital and technological innovation. Here are five main reasons why startups should expand in this promising city:

Vienna is the Most Liveable City in the World

For the seventh year in a row, Austria’s capital ranks first for quality of life among many international cities, according to the annual Mercer study. The survey compares the political, social and economic climate, medical care, education, and infrastructural conditions such as public transportation, power and water supply. It also takes into consideration recreational offers such as restaurants, theatres, cinemas, sports facilities, as well as environmental conditions — from green space to air quality.

Vienna is Igniting the Next Rocket Stage in Startups and Innovation

After Vienna was recognised as the CEE Headquarters for Startups, innovation has become mainstream. In 2017, the majority of the over 200 international business headquarters and local businesses will engage with startups in corporate innovation programmes, challenges and hackathons.

Two of the most important are Innovation2Company by the Vienna Chamber of Commerce and Industry Meets Makers, both initiatives are attracting a large amount of applications and investments.

Vienna is Ready to Invest

Whilst you might still find more private investment in London or Berlin, Vienna offers a wealth of grants and funding from institutional players. The Vienna Business Agency opened, for example, a support call of one million euros to foster Startup Campus projects, where, among many, Talent Garden, the Italian startup offering coworking spaces, events and digital education, is one of the supported initiatives.

Strong Partners from the Start: Vienna is One of the Top Five ICT Metropolis

With 55K employees and a 20 billion euro turnover, the Information and Communication Industry in Vienna is four times bigger than the tourism branch, which the Austrian capital is publicly renown for. So besides famous “Schnitzel” food and former emperor “Sissy” nostalgia, many startups see Vienna as on of the cornerstones of Europe’s digital future.

Digital Education? Yes!

Vienna woke up early compared to other regions when it comes to teaching children and offering vocational training to make everybody ready for the digital era. Harald Mahrer, State Secretary of the ministry for economic affairs, just brought a federal act to life to invest 75 million euros in digital education projects. In Vienna, digital entrepreneurs are frequently visiting, blessed by the city school board, to inspire young talents to engage in digital education.

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