Start-ups and Businesses in Linz

The objectives of the Innovationshauptplatz include advising, mediating and supporting creative individuals and groups, as well as linking them to supporting networks and the City of Linz. The promotion of innovative ideas and projects through cooperation, the provision of infrastructure, support services and public relations is also central.

The PopUp-Store on the main square offers a central location and flexible use to showcase various projects, innovations, art and creations. This offer is free of charge and promotes creative initiatives in the city. Through a selection process involving the Linz community, applicants can present their projects.

The international handbook for aspiring entrepreneurs not only provides comprehensive information for those interested in starting a business, but also presents the Linz startup ecosystem clearly and concisely. Readers can expect inspiring testimonials from innovative startups, valuable experiences from established entrepreneurs, in-depth insights from experts and comprehensive information on investors, funding programmes, renowned universities, coworking spaces and much more. The Startup Guide Linz is available online and in selected bookstores worldwide. In addition to the print edition, you can also access the platform at ecosystems.startupguide.com/linz 

Are you planning to set up your own business in Linz? That's great! Our city offers a dynamic and supportive environment for entrepreneurs.

Linz is experiencing a sustained start-up boom with up to 1,000 new companies each year, particularly in the creative industries, IT, advertising and communications. The city supports this growth with start-up funding provided by the city's Department for Economic Affairs, Innovation, Climate Protection and the EU. This includes the following support programmes 

• Founders Scholarship
  This grant provides financial support to newly established businesses.
• PopUp- Store
  This support enables the short-term use of vacant premises as sales or exhibition space.
• Rent subsidy (german)
  This grant is designed to alleviate the financial burden of rental costs for start-ups.

The aim of this funding is to accelerate the modernisation and diversification of local companies by supporting their investments. The focus is on promoting innovation, optimising business structures and creating jobs.
 

For a detailed overview of funding opportunities and other important information for companies and business start-ups based in Linz, please visit the following web sites. 

You can also discover comprehensive information on relevant websites and contacts in the field of business.

• hub,ert offers founders, start-ups and young entrepreneurs the opportunity to benefit from a network of independent supporters.
• The following start-up and incubation centres provide infrastructure services:
  • Tech2b
  • Tech Centre
  • Tobacco Factory Linz
  • LIT Open Innovation Centre
• aws-austria wirtschaftsservice supports companies' innovative projects through low-interest loans, guarantees, grants and equity. It also offers support in the protection and exploitation of intellectual property and specialised services for companies in various growth phases. 
• State Service of Upper Austria offers support programmes in the areas of business, labour market and tourism.
• The Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) is the national funding organisation for business-related research and development in Austria.
• The aim of Startups Upper Austria is to create a closely networked community of entrepreneurs. It builds bridges to business, politics and investors to ensure optimal conditions for aspiring start-ups.
• The coworking space on the JKU campus combines the expertise of science and business in one place and creates an ecosystem for innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.
• The Austrian Economic Chamber is another point of contact. 
• Creative Regions is aimed at developing and strengthening the creative industries.
• Temporary and permanent workspaces, individual offices, team and project offices for various numbers of people are available in this art and business centre. There are also rehearsal rooms, meeting rooms, creative rooms, coaching rooms in various sizes and flats that can be booked.

The City of Linz's climate fund is endowed with one million euros annually and reports to the City Senate. Public and private projects focussing on climate protection, climate change adaptation and sustainable development are to be supported with this special budget. Project proposals must have a clear connection to Linz and include awareness-raising measures in order to develop Linz into a climate-resilient industrial city of the future. Details on submission can be found in the document Guidelines for Climate Fund Projects. In order to be able to make well-founded funding decisions, the City Senate has access to the independent Climate Council of the City of Linz. As an advisory body, the Climate Council jointly assesses all projects that are to be financed by the Climate Fund, among other things.