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What are the strategic infrastructures Europe must strengthen to remain resilient, competitive, and capable in an increasingly uncertain world?

This opening panel sets the strategic direction for Technology Talks Austria 2026 by exploring how Europe can strengthen resilience, competitiveness and technological leadership. It examines the role of resilient physical and digital infrastructures, trusted data ecosystems, innovation ecosystems and mission-driven technologies. Bringing together leaders from government, critical infrastructure, innovation, venture capital and the public sector, the discussion will highlight how investment, collaboration and governance can accelerate innovation and identify the capabilities needed for Europe's long-term resilience and prosperity.

• Jo De Boeck (EVP & Chief Strategy Officer, IMEC)

• Marie-Helene Ametsreiter (General Partner, Speedinvest)

• Gerhard Christiner (CEO, Austria Power Grid)

• Laura Halenius (Lead Specialist Innovation, Sitra - The Finnish Innovation Fund)

How can Europe become not only a continent of scientific excellence, but also of globally competitive technology companies and industrial champions?

Europe's scientific excellence provides a strong foundation, but turning research into globally competitive companies and industrial leadership remains a major challenge. This panel explores how Europe can strengthen the innovation value chain from research to industrial deployment. Industry leaders will discuss the partnerships, capabilities and framework conditions needed to scale strategic technologies and reinforce Europe's technological sovereignty, resilience and long-term competitiveness.

• Marcus Wandt (SVP and Head of Group Strategy & Technology, Saab)

• Alfons Riek (Member of the Executive Board, Festo)

• Lisa Smith (Co-Founder Prewave)

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At the TU Austria Innovation Marathon, students and young researchers dive into a high-energy, 24-hour sprint where interdisciplinary teams tackle real-world industry challenges. Surrounded by peers from diverse professional backgrounds and accompanied by professional innovation coaches, participants experience first-hand what true collaboration and creativity can achieve in just one day. This session offers an inspiring and entertaining behind-the-scenes look at the ideas, breakthroughs, and teamwork that makes this year’s Innovation Marathon unforgettable.

Enjoy a delicious break, visit our exhibition and connect with fellow attendees.

TO THE WORKSHOPS >

How can Europe transform strategic technologies into both economic strength and security capability?

This panel explores how Europe can harness dual-use technologies to strengthen innovation, competitiveness, resilience and security. As technologies such as AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, cybersecurity, robotics and space increasingly serve both civilian and defence purposes, leaders from European institutions, industry, cybersecurity and academia will discuss the priorities and partnerships needed to reinforce Europe's technological leadership, long-term security and strategic autonomy.

• Natalie Guichard (Director for Research, Technology and Innovation, European Defence Agency)

• Luca Tagliaretti (Executive Director, European Cybersecurity Competence Center)

• Marco Protti (VP Advanced Research, Leonardo Aircraft Division)

• Andreas Knopp (Professor, University of the Bundeswehr, Munich)

• Harald Vodosek (National Armaments Director, Austrian Ministry of Defence/BMLV) 

Casual atmosphere & networking hotspot: The Technology Talks Austria Get Together is the meeting place for the Austrian and European RTI community.