This is where the future happens: Austria’s largest innovation hub, weXelerate, recently celebrated its 5th anniversary with prominent representatives from the innovation, corporate, venture capital and start-up scene. In a breathtaking atmosphere, more than 500 guests looked back together on the challenges and milestones of Austria’s largest innovation ecosystem in recent years – from which numerous successful collaborations have emerged. weXelerate’s mission is to support companies in innovation processes.
weXelerate brings together experts from the most diverse fields to create an entrepreneurial future that makes a significant contribution to society. Awi Lifshitz, CEO of weXelerate, is delighted with the success of the hub: “With weXelerate, we succeeded in launching an innovative lighthouse project in 2017 that brought together numerous well-known companies from the Austrian economy, venture capitalists and internationally renowned start-ups. ups unites in an innovation ecosystem.”
Big party as a strong sign for the community
According to the CEO, despite a turbulent start and uncertain times, the hub has managed to become an integral part of the domestic innovation scene over the past five years. “Austria as a location would be unthinkable without weXelerate. Therefore, it was particularly important for the team to organize a unique festival and celebrate the scene. The party is a strong signal for the industry. “We celebrate all the failures as well as the successes – the crises as well as the opportunities,” emphasizes Lifshitz in a broadcast.
Suanne Erkens-Reck, General Manager of Roche Austria, Oliver Holle, CEO of Speedinvest, Hubert Wackerle, CEO of Social Insurance IT Services and Valentin Stalf, CEO of N26, discussed the future prospects. The successful concept of weXelerate was discussed, but also the development and emergence of the innovation location in Vienna. All participants agreed that an environment that fosters innovation needs people with long-term and sustainable thinking.
Member innovation as a mission
N26 CEO Stalf also shared his opinion: “Vienna is a location with a high quality of life, top universities and an international environment. Together with its central location, this makes Vienna particularly attractive for tech talent from Eastern Europe.” weXelerate wants to continue to give the necessary impulses to a future-oriented society and therefore makes the innovation of its members its own mission. Simona Huebl, CEO of i5growth, is also enthusiastic about the event: “You can certainly be internationally successful as a technology start-up. up in Austria, if you think big enough. The past few years have proven that.”
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
