The PIER 4 network recently had the pleasure of organizing an exciting business trip to Graz, which was attended by more than 20 companies. This trip provided an ideal opportunity to meet innovative companies, hear exciting presentations and make valuable networking contacts. In this blog post, we would like to tell you about the highlights of this trip and introduce you to the impressive companies and their activities.
AVL Graz: Insights into the future of mobility:
Our trip began with a visit to AVL Graz, one of the world's leading companies in the development of drive systems and vehicle technologies. We were given an exclusive tour of the company premises and the impressive test benches. Particularly fascinating was the Battery Innovation Center, where AVL researches battery manufacturing technologies and produces batteries in small series. We also learned more about the Hydrogen Center, which deals with the development and testing of hydrogen applications and fuel cells. Another highlight was the visit to the Powertrain Test Center & Racing Simulator, where we were able to experience the latest hardware and software test systems for vehicles and drive systems in real and virtual test environments. We also had the opportunity to see AVL demo vehicles presenting technological innovations in the field of drive technologies, driving functions and sensor technology.
Unicorn Graz: Where start-ups become unicorns:
Our next stop took us to Unicorn Graz, an up-and-coming start-up hub. Here we were given an introduction to the company and the Graz location by Bernhard Weber, the CEO of Unicorn. We also had the exciting opportunity to take part in an exclusive pitching session where promising start-ups such as Exaron, DiLT and Kiterise presented their innovative ideas and business models. It was impressive to see the passion and creativity with which these founders pursue their visions and develop innovative solutions.
Science Park Graz: An incubator for groundbreaking innovations:
Our trip ended at Science Park Graz, the oldest incubator in Austria. Managing Director Martin Mössler gave us a comprehensive insight into the mission of Science Park Graz to transfer scientific research into successful companies and thus contribute to the economic development of Styria. Science Park Graz has also functioned as a Business Incubation Centre of the European Space Agency since 2016, thus supporting the entire incubation value chain. Here we had the opportunity to get in touch with startups at Science Park Graz and take part in an exclusive pitching session. The startups presented groundbreaking innovations and showed the enormous potential that is bundled in Science Park Graz.
Conclusion:
The business trip to Graz was an inspiring experience for the PIER 4 network. We had the opportunity to meet innovative companies, listen to exciting presentations and make valuable networking contacts. AVL Graz impressed us with its leading role in the development of drive systems and vehicle technologies. Unicorn Graz showed us that Graz is an up-and-coming hub for start-ups that are shaping the future with innovative ideas. Science Park Graz acts as an important incubator for groundbreaking innovations and supports the transfer of scientific research into practice. We are grateful for the enriching experience and look forward to further cooperation with the companies we were able to meet during this exciting business trip.
Photos: tech2b & AVL (Alexander ULZ)
