The day’s event included workshops and an evening event focused on networking and providing encouragement to take the first steps.

JKU Rector Meinhard Lukas emphasized, “The JKU is a strong, innovative, and reliable partner and is an ideal location to offer events like this. As a young university we have a pioneering spirit and ingenuity. Our strength is think about things in a different way and try the new things we feel are visionary.”

Dr. Michael Strugl, Deputy Governor and State Economic Minister, added, “Upper Austria is a business location and new companies, especially start-ups, are indispensable as they close supply gaps, apply new technologies, create jobs, and boost the economy. Our regional entrepreneurial program ‘Start Up(per) Austria’ aims to encourage start-ups, especially in the university sector.”

Creative Playground for Entrepreneurs with New Ideas
STEP>one considers itself a playground for entrepreneurs who have new ideas. Participants can choose from one of three tracks to work on ideas together and meet future business entrepreneurs:  First (for those who are interested), Next (for experienced individuals), and Ready (for existing start-up companies). Local speakers served as workshop instructors. Gerhard Stürmer and Johannes Pracher of the Kepler Soceity explained, “This year‘s event was designed to encourage students to take that entrepreneurial step forward. We wanted to actively provide the support they need.”

Successful Event – Key Points

• Out of the many applications received to take part in the workshop, 50 people were accepted
• Four start-up companies took part in a contest to pitch their ideas
• Over 300 guests attended the evening event to listen to various keynote speakers as well as start-up experts Eveline Steinberger-Kern and Alexander Falk

Strong Network – the Partners

• Upper Austrian government
• City of Linz, Business Dept.
• Raiffeisenlandesbank of Upper Austria
• Junge Wirtschaft OÖ
• Softwarepark Hagenberg
• Techcenter Linz
• Akostart Upper Austria
• Upper Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences
• Upper Austrian Economic Chamber – Entrepreneur Services
• Tech2B