ViennaUP'21 starting
Initiated by the Vienna Business Agency, ViennaUP'21 brings together all relevant stakeholders – both from abroad and from the local scene – and deals with pioneering topics in the areas of innovation, creativity and technology in a series of online events. Originally planned as a hybrid event, ViennaUP'21 will take place as a purely digital event. Provisions will be made for smart networking: the participants have the opportunity to use the platform b2Match to dive into hotly debated cross-sectoral topics, enter into conversation with other smart minds, expand their international network, and be inspired by the Viennese start-up scene. The Viennese start-up scene is considered to be one of the most diverse and fastest growing start-up communities in Central Europe. That means a colorful and diverse program with plenty of vision as regards burning issues of the technological and social future. Health Tech & Life Sciences are among the trending issues of ViennaUP'21, as are Social Entrepreneurship, Smart Cities & Clean Tech, Creative Industries, as well as Smart Manufacturing and Fin Tech.
Implementing good new ideas
Above all, the international investment scene has a special interest in ViennaUP'21. Well over 100 investors will participate in the digital edition. A large number of investors on the lookout for good new ideas have registered in particular for the "0100 Conferences Vienna" from May 3 to 5, the "Co-Investment Pitch" on May 3, and the "Investors Summit" on May 5. In order for the right players to get together, special focus groups concentrating on areas like Digital Heath, Female, and Retail will be held as part of the "Investors Summit".
Creative economy in focus
The creative economy is another important focal topic of ViennaUP'21. During the "Creative Days Vienna", which will be held of May 5 and 6, there will a wide range of different formats like talks, key notes, experiences and networking sessions to look forward to. Questions about the impact of current technological and social developments on the (creative) economy as well as on cities and their residents will be discussed. This focal point also promises to be attended by many exciting minds. Among them, Francesca Bria, president of the Italian National Innovation Fund. In 2020, Bria was voted “Cultural Personality of the Year" by Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, and voted into the list of the "Top 50 Woman in Tech" by Forbes. Also in attendance during the "Creative Days Vienna": Burgtheater actress Mavie Hörbiger, costume-maker Aino Laberenz, and blockchain expert Xiaowei Wang.
Full program for "Creative Days Vienna"
WIRED editorial team as curators
The program on May 7, curated by the prize-winning British WIRED editorial team, is also anticipated with great excitement. During "WIRED Pulse", eight lectures will be offered by high-caliber international experts. Topics will include the effects of technology and innovation on our future. One of the experts is Katharina Unger from Vienna. She founded the company Live Farms, which develops innovative technology for the alternative production of insect proteins and devises strategies for a healthy planet.
Networking for women
Another special feature of ViennaUP'21 is "The Global Limitless Conference" on May 5. A format that will be broadcast around the globe from five stages in different cities. It is aimed at women, in order to bring together the next generation of female decision-makers with experienced role models: How do I build up my self-confidence? How do I improve my skills? The goal of the conference is to accelerate the careers of women.
From cooperation to sustainability
Political decision-makers and city representatives from across Europe come together on April 28 for "Salon Future: Rethinking ScalingUP across Europe". They will discuss the future of the European start-up and innovation ecosystem. The Fintech Week connects start-ups, corporates, the banking sector and policymakers with an exciting line-up aimed at promoting close cooperation. The focal point week begins on the May 3. The format "Open Vienna" on April 28 gives the participants information about the possibilities for expanding their business activities abroad and being able to benefit from Vienna as an economic location. Guests include the Viennese company Kaleido, which was acquired this year by the Australian graphic design platform CANVA. And the four-day "4gamechangers" Festival, which starts on April 27, focuses on the topics of sustainability, the power of cooperation, and the shared path to a better future in an online format on Puls4 at the beginning of ViennaUP'21.
