The startup scene in Austria

Graz’s startup ecosystem includes research-linked technology activity. Unicorn describes its hub as focused on aging, physics, green chemistry, biology, the circular economy, and AI-enabled data applications. TU Graz’s Spinnovation is an eight-week project that assesses the market potential of patented technologies and supports venture idea development. (Claim 84892; Claim 84893)

Science Park Graz describes AplusB as academic technology-startup incubation, with an application followed by fit assessment and Project Advisory Board selection. An application does not establish acceptance or current availability. (Claim 84894)

TechCrunch reported that Blackshark.ai was a Graz startup and Bongfish spin-off whose AI helped Microsoft Flight Simulator reconstruct cities and towns; in 2021 it reported the company’s $20 million Series A led by M12 and Point72 Ventures. Easelink identifies itself as headquartered in Graz, founded in 2016, and developing automated conductive EV charging; its company page reports about 60 employees and partner projects preparing for serial production. (Claims 84895, 84896, 84897)

Tech.eu reported in 2016 that Nuki was a Graz-based smart-lock startup that had raised more than €385,000 through Kickstarter and a €2 million seed round. Separately, ORF reported a recurring growth-capital gap for university startups in Graz after early-stage support. (Claims 84898, 84900)

A regional report attributed 19 startup financing rounds totaling €29 million to Styria in 2025, and distinguished Easelink’s €11.5 million EIC support from conventional venture capital; these are regional, not Graz-city, figures. On October 4, 2026, Ideentriebwerk listed Startup Spritzer #112, a pitch and networking evening at Unicorn, for October 15, 2026. The City of Graz describes Startup Spritzer as a recurring startup pitch and networking event. (Claims 84901, 84902, 84903)