Graz, Styria – 17–18 November 2025

The 5th Exchange of Experience (EoE) event of the Interreg Europe project DeepTechValleys successfully took place in Graz, Styria, hosted by Steirische Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft (SFG). Over two days, project partners and key regional stakeholders explored the strengths of the Styrian Deep Tech ecosystem, exchanged knowledge, and discussed new pathways for innovation-driven growth.

Day 1: Insights into Styria’s Deep Tech Landscape

The meeting opened on 17 November with a dedicated partners’ session focused on reviewing project progress, assessing ongoing goals, and planning the next steps for DeepTechValleys. Shortly after, stakeholders from all partner regions joined the event for the official welcome remarks, delivered by Anna Mössner-Steiner, Head of Financing Management at SFG, and Julia Diethard, Project Manager of DeepTechValleys.

A central part of the morning focused on a series of presentations highlighting the Deep Tech ecosystem of Styria. Participants were introduced to key structures supporting innovation in Graz, including:

• Startupmark, presented by Project Manager Katharina Menzel, outlining startup support and development pathways.

• Styrian Cluster Structure, presented by Michael Liebminger, showcasing regional cluster strategies within Location and Site Development & Management.

• European Funding Programmes, presented by Michael Kerschbaumer, offering insights into EU-level financial instruments for Deep Tech growth.

After a networking lunch, participants attended the keynote “Startups and Corporates – Co-Innovate in DeepTech” delivered by Viktoria Ilger from Sustainable Transformers, emphasizing how cross-sector collaboration accelerates sustainable technological advancement.

In the afternoon, each stakeholder brought by project partners contributed with a short presentation under the theme “Innovation and Collaboration – Driving Sustainable Growth and Job Creation Through DeepTech Innovation.” The session allowed regions to share best practices, policy insights, and experiences that support Deep Tech maturity.

The day concluded with an interactive thematic workshop, “Designing the Future of Deep Tech Collaboration,” focusing on strengthening cooperation as a catalyst for ecosystem development. Closing remarks summarized key takeaways, possible solutions and next steps to bridge gaps and face crucial challenges. A networking dinner offered the perfect setting for informal exchanges.

Day 2: Study Visits and Practical Exploration

The second day, 18 November, was dedicated to hands-on exploration of Styria’s innovation environment. Participants visited the Human Technology Styria Cluster at the Medical University of Graz, including a guided tour through the Medical Science City Graz, the ZWT Incubator, and short presentations from promising HealthTech startups.

Following lunch, the group continued with a corporate visit to the HealthTech scaleup tyromotion. The visit included a site tour, discussions with company representatives, and demonstrations of advanced rehabilitation technologies -showcasing how regional companies translate research and innovation into impactful market solutions.

Strengthening Europe’s Deep Tech Future

The Graz EoE event provided valuable insights into Styria’s vibrant innovation landscape and fostered meaningful interaction between project partners, startups, clusters, and corporate stakeholders. The discussions and study visits reinforced the project’s shared mission: to strengthen regional Deep Tech ecosystems, accelerate collaboration, and support policy improvements across Europe.

The next Exchange of Experience will continue this momentum as partners reconvene in the upcoming project phase.

Follow DeepTechValleys project for more: https://www.interregeurope.eu/deeptechvalleys