Eleven years of the TU Austria Innovation Marathon: Creative solutions for the future as part of the Technology Talks Austria
The TU Austria Innovation Marathon, a joint event organized by Austria's three technical universities—TU Wien, TU Graz, and Montanuniversität Leoben—took place for the eleventh time in 2025. From September 10 to 11, students developed innovative concepts for real industrial challenges within 24 hours and presented them to a high-caliber audience of experts at Technology Talks Austria.
Once again this year, leading companies from various industries participated as partners. In 2025, CAPITA MFG, MIBA, MONDI, NEUROTH, ÖBAG/EuroTeleSites, and TREIBACHER AG presented their current issues to the interdisciplinary student teams. Accompanied by experienced innovation coaches and supported by methodology workshops, prototypes, ideas, and concepts were developed that can now be incorporated into the further development of the partner companies.
"The TU Austria Innovation Marathon impressively demonstrates the innovative power of young talents when they combine scientific know-how, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. For us at the TU Austria Presidium, this format is a shining example of how the close interlinking of science and industry opens up new perspectives—for companies as well as for students and thus for Austria as a whole," emphasizes the TU Austria Presidium.
Innovation as a key factor for Austria as a business location
Christoph Neumayer, Secretary General of the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV), also emphasized the importance of the event: “Innovation is the currency of the future – it secures our prosperity and social security. But like a marathon, innovation also requires endurance and joint commitment. The TU Austria Innovation Marathon shows that when talent, science, and business work together, we can remain at the forefront as a location for innovation and industry.”
Stefan Harasek, President of the Austrian Patent Office, added: "We have been accompanying and supporting the teams of the TU Austria Innovation Marathon for many years. And it is impressive to see how groups of students become real teams during the 24 hours of the marathon. The power of these teams, which represent a wide range of disciplines, is clearly evident in the results: with their diverse composition, they often think outside the box and develop amazingly creative solutions. This speed and creativity is what drives innovation—and that's exactly what we need."
Insights after eleven years: continuity and further development
Project manager Mario Fallast emphasized the further development compared to previous years: “We have been consistently developing the format for eleven years – this year, for example, through the expanded integration of Technology Talks Austria and new interactive modules such as the Talent Breakfast. What remains the same is the enormous commitment of the students and company representatives: a spirit that proves every year how much energy and creativity Austria's talents have to offer.”
Presentation of the results: The grand finale
The highlight took place on September 11: the concepts developed were presented on the big stage as part of AIT Technology Talks Austria. In front of leading figures from Austria's research and development community, the teams generated enthusiasm with their diverse solutions and demonstrated that practical, creative, and implementable innovation concepts can be developed in just 24 hours.
Key data: TU Austria Innovation Marathon 2025
- Marathon: September 10–11, 2025, MQ Vienna – mumok | Museum of Modern Art
- Presentation: September 11, AIT Technology Talks Austria
- Networking: September 12, “TU Austria Talent Breakfast”
- 36 students, 6 companies
