Linz - From steel to digital
Evolved from its industrial roots into a vibrant hub of innovation. Linz is no longer just the industrial powerhouse it once was – today, the urban innovation ecosystem of Linz is based on three foundational pillars that drive the city forward: citizen centred innovation, urban production and art, science & technology. This culture offers new perspectives for citizens and enriches the entire ecosystem. Linz's main goal is to use innovation to shape a responsible and vibrant urban future. Several institutions and projects play a crucial role in this process:
Innovationshauptplatz – create your city!
The Innovationshauptplatz Linz is the central hub and networking node in Linz's innovation ecosystem, offering accessibility both online through the citizen participation platform innovation.linz.at and offline with an office in the heart of Linz. Among many projects initiated like (Smartphone Days, Sciencity, DigitalParents' Evening), two of the most notable include the Linz City Innovation Tour, which has inspired over 5500 young minds to explore technology as it travels through the city's districts. And the Create Your City project, which empowers residents to shape their urban environment through monthly workshops in the municipal council chamber.
Pop-Up-Store & Founder Scholarship – unleashing creativity in the heart of Linz
The City of Linz fosters entrepreneurship with initiatives like the Pop-Up Store and entrepreneurship scholarship, creating a vibrant start-up ecosystem and engaging its citizens.
LIT – Open Innovation Center – fostering innovation and entrepreneurship
The co-working space LIT Open Innovation Center brings together the expertise and skill set of both academia and the business community, fostering an ecosystem that promotes cutting-edge technologies, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Startup Networks and Incubators – Linz a Leading Hub for innovation, technology & creativity
The four initiatives hub,ert, tech2b, the Creative Region, and Digital Mile Linz are at the forefront of Linz's thriving innovation environment, each contributing uniquely to the city's dynamic entrepreneurial, creative and digital ecosystem. From nurturing start-ups and fostering collaborative digital communities to championing creativity as an economic catalyst and encouraging the growth of tech-driven and creative enterprises, these collective initiatives form an impressive ecosystem that accelerates the city's growth.
Ars Electronica Center - looking at the social aspects of technological developments and innovations
Linz's creative landscape flourishes at the intersection of art, technology, and society, driven by key contributors like the Ars Electronica Futurelab, the Future Thinking School, and at the University of Arts Linz. The AEC Futurelab focuses on collaboration with citizens to explore technology's social implications, while the Future Thinking School promotes critical thinking and creativity. By providing immersive digital experiences, Linz bridges the gap between digitalization and everyday life.
Tabacco Factory – a melting pot of creativity and innovation
The Tabacco Factory has emerged as an international beacon for urban brownfield redevelopment. It embodies the vital connection between industry and urban culture in Linz. The complex has become a hotbed for innovation and creativity, hosting over 250 start-ups, educational institutions, cultural initiatives, and media agencies. These entities combine to create a dynamic atmosphere that stimulates growth and innovation.
Zirkus des Wissens (Circus of Knowledge) – where science and circus art intersect in an innovative journey
The Circus aims to make science engaging for a younger audience through a playful circus-themed approach. This innovative educational platform reimagines learning as a vibrant and interactive experience.
Climate fund – driving sustainable change in the City of Linz
Linz's Municipal Climate Fund is a pivotal initiative that has been instrumental in promoting climate action and resilience within the community of Linz (involving private, organizational, and corporate projects). With an annual budget of €1 million, the fund has supported a total of 50+ projects since 2020.
Green Hydrogen initiatives – promoting hydrogen innovation and collaboration
As one of the major CO2 producers in Austria (Linz is responsible for approx. 13% of the country’s net CO2 emissions), the city has developed a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, by making strides in developing a comprehensive renewable energy system. By 2030, Austria aims to derive 100% of its energy from renewable sources, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.