In the city where the waltz was born, TU Wien’s Innovation Incubation Center, opens an external URL in a new window (i²c) reimagined this timeless tradition as a celebration of innovation. At The Waltz of Pioneers, opens an external URL in a new window with a full house and an audience representing 28 countries, the first-ever pan-European spin-off pitch competition under the EULiST, opens an external URL in a new window Alliance made its debut. 

This pioneering format not only gave voice to science-based entrepreneurship across Europe, but also strategically positioned TU Wien as a key player in bridging academic innovation with market impact. Moderated by pitch expert and TV presenter Daniel Cronin, and opened by TU Wien Vice-Rector Prof. Peter Ertl and i²C Director Dr. Birgit Hofreiter, the event highlighted the third mission of a university and the essential role that universities play as incubators for impactful innovation and their capacity to foster creativity and drive meaningful change in the business landscape.

Highlights from the Stage

• TU Wien was represented by CO2ol Catalyst—an i²c-incubated venture offering a groundbreaking solution to CO₂ emissions by converting them into methanol. A compelling example of sustainability-driven innovation born at the university.
• Best EULiST Spin-off 2025: Replico from Institut Mines-Télécom (France), which captivated the jury with their 3D-printed anatomical models that precisely integrate nerve structures. Their prize package included:

         - €3,000 from SpinOff Factory

         - A media package from Brutkasten

         - The first-ever Waltz of Pioneers trophy

• Second Place: X-ECED from Leibniz University Hannover, awarded a professional promotional video by i²c for their novel non-radioactive detector technology — a safer, regulation-friendly solution for medical diagnostics.

Strengthening Austria’s Innovation Footprint

The event also highlighted the Austrian startup ecosystem, featuring contributions from key players like ABA – Invest in Austria, opens an external URL in a new window, the Vienna Business Agency, opens an external URL in a new window, and SpinOff Factory, opens an external URL in a new window, who shared valuable insights through focused presentations.

The Waltz of Pioneers was more than just an event — it was a milestone contribution to the EULiST Alliance, designed to:

• Strengthen pan-European academic entrepreneurship
• Highlight Austria as a potential business location
• Offer visibility during the Viennese flagship festival, ViennaUP
• Offer exclusive networks accessible only through universities
• Position Austria's innovation landscape on the European stage 

What comes next?

With such a strong debut, The Waltz of Pioneers is set to become a recurring highlight of ViennaUP, opens an external URL in a new window — or potentially travel across Europe as a rotating showcase of university-led innovation. TU Wien's i²c continues to lead with vision, demonstrating what becomes possible when research, entrepreneurship, and strategic collaboration come together. Because when universities lead boldly, innovation follows.

Text: Ifigeneia Petrocheilou, Marketing & PR, i²c