Source: the makers
Accompanying and supporting founders and accelerating innovation processes - that is exactly what tech2b does. Two of the Upper Austrian incubator's focal points are diversity and sustainability. For example, the aim is to encourage more women to found companies and promote green tech start-ups. This is not an end in itself: the entire location could benefit from this.
tech2b supports more than 40 start-ups every year - free from business interests and with more than 20 years of experience. Whether spin-offs from universities and research institutions, incubation of start-ups or corporate open innovation through project-related cooperation: The aim is to accelerate innovation projects in Upper Austria as a technology location with an efficient network.
"We're encouragers," says Ursula Helml, Incubation Consultant and Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at tech2b. In today's working world, DEI plays a crucial role in the success of teams and companies. Different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives generate fresh ideas and solutions. "DEI creates an atmosphere of equality," explains Helml.
Study: Diverse teams perform better
You don't necessarily need to have your own brilliant idea to participate in start-up projects - you can also provide valuable support as a co-founder. Helml: "We want to see more diversity in many start-up teams." The McKinsey study "Diversity wins" (2020) also shows that mixed start-up teams and companies with a more diverse board perform significantly better on average. At tech2b, diverse teams receive additional financial support, says Helml.
Women inspire women
One of tech2b's goals is to encourage more women to set up companies. Helml: "The biggest hurdle is the confidence gap, which we observe across all sectors: Women are simply less confident than men." 21 percent of the companies supported by tech2b are managed by women -
Just a few years ago, it was only thirteen percent. "We want to reach 25 percent," says Helml. This is also to be achieved through intensive networking and the exchange of experiences - the SHEtech2b network of female founders was set up for this purpose. "At the meetings, women can inspire others with their own stories and gain new insights, as the participants are in the most diverse start-up phases," says Helml.
On the road to greater sustainability
Another major focus of tech2b is on green startups and sustainability. Since last year, increased funding grants have been distributed to sustainable start-ups. Depending on their founding status, the best sustainability projects receive financial grants worth €1,000 or €10,000. "We want to support founders in making a direct or indirect sustainable contribution to environmental and climate goals," says Clemens Zillner, incubation consultant and responsible for sustainability at tech2b. It is often about raising awareness. "Every company has to make a contribution, whether greentech or not". "Important aspects of ecological, economic and social sustainability must be considered from the outset when developing a business model. These include the contribution to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for corporate goals; the consideration of the supply chain; the prioritization of local partners or suppliers and the avoidance and reduction of CO2 emissions," explains Zillner. Comprehensive support through coaching, mentoring infrastructure and a network are standard practice at tech2b. In addition to the financial grant from tech2b, start-ups are also provided with services such as tax advice, legal advice and notarial services. Internal consultations and specific training courses on the topics of carbon footprint, sustainable vision & mission or circular sustainable business modeling provide support in the area of sustainability right from the start. Thinking in closed overall cycles is a high priority here.
Growing awareness of sustainability
Founders' awareness of sustainability issues is steadily increasing. "We've been noticing this for some time now, many are keen to make a difference," says Zillner. The focus is not always on pure economic success, but on the idea. Sustainable business models would also go down well with investors and funding providers.
The topic is a personal priority for Zillner. "I was already involved with sustainability in my previous job at a large mobility provider, it's a way of life." We have to try to position ourselves better together. "Start-ups can make a particularly big contribution because they are often faster than established companies."
