Ever feel that itch for something more? That pull to connect with people not just talking about a better future, but actively building it? That’s the magic of ViennaUP, the Vienna tartup that might just be calling your name. And for the dance lovers, 2025 opening ceremony will include a unique waltz workshop 😱.
Try and picture this: Vienna, under the golden glow of Karlskirche at sunset. The air hums with energy. The scent of fresh coffee and Vienna’s cobblestone streets fills the breeze, while a palpable sense of anticipation arises. Excited murmur as visionary thinkers, innovators, and changemakers gather in this historic space.
Conversations ripple through the crowd like an electric current, ideas bouncing freely from one eager mind to the next. The air is thick with excitement and creativity, as if the very heart of Vienna has become a canvas for the future.
It’s an atmosphere crackling with possibility. This is ViennaUP—less a festival, more an immersive playground where ‘what if’ becomes ‘what’s next.’
But before I start sharing too much let me begin with some juicy funding for all my climate-focused startups. ⬇️
Need Funding?
Vienna Startup has you covered. How does 250K Euros sound?
That’s exactly how much the Vienna Business Planet Fund is giving to climate- friendly solutions. Per Project 😱.
No special requirements needed. And there is a bonus for women and startups.
My Accidental Dive into Vienna’s Startup Innovation Hub
ViennaUP isn’t your typical event. In fact, there is nothing typical about it. Every session, every unexpected chat, left me feeling about 1% better – more informed, inspired, and plugged into the pulse of innovation.
I stumbled upon ViennaUP by pure serendipity. My business partner and I were in Vienna for a summer concert at Schönbrunn Palace (a bit overrated IMHO) when an ad popped up on my feed about the festival. (One of the rare instances of perfectly targeted ad, I might add!) What started as a happy accident turned into an unforgettable dive into a vibrant startup ecosystem.
The organizers created a week-long celebration that takes over the city, turning Vienna into a playground. Imagine yourself immersed in a bustling network of 35+ program partners, each hosting unique events tailored to ignite your entrepreneurial spark.
A goldmine for conscious entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and curious minds.
In 2025 the festival will last 9 days and each day has more events than one can posibly attend. You’ll want to be at 2 places at once. No exageration!
Building Sustainable Success with Responsible Media and Marketing
I attended a Tech Jobs Fair that felt like speed dating for businesses—each interaction buzzing with potential collaborations. And then the pinnacle of sessions: “Building Sustainable Success with Responsible Media and Marketing” held in Vienna’s sleek Chamber of Commerce building.
There, I scribbled notes furiously (and snagged some cool memorabilia). While 5 experts dove into cutting-edge topics like robo-journalism, AI detection, and how to keep the information ecosystem clean in an age of digital overload.
One speaker, Florian Bauer, delivered a coding demo so advanced it was both mind-blowing and humbling. His message? Free AI tools are out there for everyone to use—you just need the courage to try.
Did I grasp every detail? You know I didn’t.
Did it spark bigger thinking? Abso-freakin-lutely. It was that thrilling feeling of standing on the edge of something vast and new.
My Takeaway:
AI is here to stay but just like any other tool, it is as good as the person using it.
- Experiment.
- Be transparent.
- Stay true to your values.
(Curious? I filmed parts of that session. DM me for a peek—and share your own tech adventures! Yes, that’s me in the photos, trying to capture the genius on stage. Spot me?)
A City Alive with Ideas
ViennaUP transforms the city. At literary every corner there is something worth your time. Thought-provoking workshops, dynamic panels, pitch competitions, tech demo, electrifying networking events, coffe house sessions, and more.
It’s where ideas fuse, partnerships catalyze, and movements spark. We rubbed shoulders with founders and investors rewriting the rule book, their stories of grit and audacity a powerful reminder of what’s possible.
Might just be the inspiration you need to take your next leap.
Why ViennaUP Could Be Your Next Game— Changing Trip
Attending ViennaUP aka immersing yourself in an ecosystem that celebrates possibility. Here’s why it’s a can’t-miss opportunity.
Networking Nirvana— Your Golden Ticket
Connect with passionate founders, investors, and leaders. These aren’t just handshakes; they’re potential collaborations and friendships.
Actionable Tip: At your next event, aim for one truly meaningful conversation. Ask about their ‘why,’ not just their ‘what.’ Beware of serendipitous connections ahead.
Inspiration Overload Shaping The New Era
From hands-on workshops to thought-provoking panels, every event is designed to challenge your thinking and energize your entrepreneurial spirit. From decoding ethical AI to exploring sustainable success, every session felt like a treasure trove of insights.
Talent on Tap
Scouting for your dream team?
The festival attracts some of the brightest minds from around the globe—perfect for scouting new talent to join your team.
The Vienna Experience— Building the Future, Today
Vienna isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a key player – a thriving startup hub. I for one enjoyed exploring the city’s hidden gems while diving into its thriving startup scene. And the festival’s home base near Karlskirche? Let’s just say the combination of free drinks, live music, and shaded outdoor spaces makes it the perfect networking hot spot.
Vienna Startup Global Stage, Local Impact
The world is watching, and ViennaUP is your moment to shine.
Whether you’re a founder looking to pitch your business or a changemaker seeking fresh ideas, ViennaUP offers a platform to amplify your vision and build meaningful connections on a global scale.
Vienna Startup 2025? Count You In?
If you’re still on the fence, let me share this: ViennaUP wasn’t just an event I attended—it was an experience that reshaped how I see collaboration and innovation. So much so that I’ve already booked my tickets for next year. May 8th-16th 2025 here we come!
ViennaUP is decentralized, with events happening across the city, from physical venues to hybrid formats and even the metaverse. Many events are free, while others may require tickets or applications, so be sure to check the program page to plan your visit.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, charge your devices, and get ready to immerse yourself in an electrifying atmosphere where ideas come alive, and partnerships are forged. ViennaUP is ready for your next big leap. Are you?
P.S. Will I see you there? Let me know—I’ll save you a spot at the home base near Karlskirche, where the energy of ViennaUP pulses strongest.
Disclaimer: I’m not affiliated with ViennaUP and this is me being a fangirl.
Can’t really say how many hours this post took. I had it in my drafts forever. Feeling too scared to publish it. I blame the little voice in my head telling me “who cares?” . But that same voice is also telling me “A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are made for.” And so I’m finally setting sail and publishing this post into the web horizon.
As always every analogy, tip, link , pic was chosen with you in mind. If it resonated with you, even just a little, then it was worth every minute.
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