Join us at the Technology Talks Austria 2026 for breakfast, fresh perspectives and networking. Discover ams OSRAM’s innovations in optical interconnect technologies, wearable health monitoring solutions and how we strengthen Europe’s leadership by scaling semiconductor solutions in our First-of-a-Kind fab.

Get in touch with our experts:

• From Headlamps to AI Data Centers: The Power of Digital Photonics - Martin Wittmann

• Capturing Life Through Light – Stephan Haslbeck

• Powering AI at the Edge: The Role of Trusted European Foundries in Tomorrow’s Intelligent World – Thomas Lorenser

Moderators: Anja Schulz and Elisabeth Hofmeister

ams OSRAM

Beim TU Austria Talentefrühstück geben herausragende Unternehmen wertvolle Einblicke in ihre Arbeitskultur und  Karrieremöglichkeiten. Interessierte Studierende können dabei  entdecken, was die Branchenführer von heute antreibt – und  sie konnten wichtige Kontakte für  ihre Zukunft knüpfen.

TU Austria

Innovative Ansätze für nachhaltige und robuste Versorgungssysteme

Die Session „Resiliente Energieversorgung und Energieautarkie für Österreichs Zukunft“ bringt Expert:innen aus Politik, Verteidigung, Forschung, Industrie und Technologie zusammen. Im Fokus steht, wie Österreich seine Energieversorgung resilient und krisenfest gestalten und kritische Systeme, auch bei Versorgungsunterbrechungen bis hin zum Blackout, funktionsfähig halten kann. Diskutiert werden Speichertechnologien, intelligente Energie- und Kommunikationssysteme sowie autonome Versorgungslösungen mit dem Ziel, Versorgungssicherheit und technologische Souveränität nachhaltig zu stärken.

BMLV - Bundesministerium für Landesverteidigung

Christian Ehler has been a Member of the European Parliament since 2004 and, as rapporteur on the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), has been a driving force behind, amongst other things, the shaping of the next European Framework Programme (FP10). Ehler is regarded as one of the most prominent experts on the European landscape in the fields of research, innovation, technology and competitiveness. Furthermore, Christian Ehler is Chair of the European Parliament’s STOA think tank (Panel on the Future of Science and Technology). 

In his keynote speech, he will provide insights into the European Parliament’s views on the future of research and technology policy and Europe’s position in the world.

How can Europe translate research and technological capabilities into strategic autonomy, resilience and long-term competitiveness?

This panel examines how Europe can strengthen its technological sovereignty by developing, deploying and governing critical technologies in line with its strategic interests and competitiveness. Bringing together leaders from policymaking, research, academia and industry, the discussion will explore how innovation, industrial and research capabilities and talent can enhance strategic autonomy while reducing critical dependencies and maintaining international collaboration.

The Falling Walls Lab is an international pitching competition held in over 80 countries worldwide. Young talents from all disciplines are given the opportunity to present their research ideas in a three-minute pitch to a wide audience. In Austria, this year there were two competitions – one in Carinthia and one in Vienna (on Wednesday at the FFG Forum). The two winners will present their award-winning pitches at the Technology Talks Austria – and in November they will represent Austria at the international final in Berlin.

The Falling Walls Lab Vienna is organised by ACR – Austrian Cooperative Research, the Complexity Science Hub, Fraunhofer Austria, the Christian Doppler Research Association, the Ludwig Boltzmann Society, the Austrian University of Applied Sciences Conference and xista innovation GmbH. The lab is also supported by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) and the Austrian Institute of Technology. 

Which framework conditions (FP10, ECF, Single Market, Partnerships etc.) does Europe need to innovate, scale, and compete globally? 

This panel explores the future of European research and innovation policy, focusing on the relationship between the 10th Framework Programme (FP10) and the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). It examines how research can be translated more effectively into innovation and impact through appropriate governance, funding and collaboration. The discussion addresses strategic priorities, complementary funding mechanisms and the conditions needed to ensure a seamless innovation journey from research to market uptake and industrial scale-up, while preserving the distinct roles of FP10 and the ECF. It also highlights the importance of innovation ecosystems, technology infrastructures, European partnerships and supportive regulatory frameworks.

What can Europe learn from its most successful national innovation systems – and how European countries can contribute to common European goals?

This panel explores how national research and innovation systems can strengthen Europe's global competitiveness in response to growing geopolitical and technological competition. Drawing on the experiences of Innovation Leaders like Sweden, the Netherlands and Switzerland, it examines successful policies, governance models and innovation ecosystems, and identifies lessons for Austria and Europe. The discussion also highlights how national and European policies can better align to support strategic technologies, cross-border collaboration and Europe's technological leadership.