ISLYE Exchange Programme – Graz
If the Austrian market is interesting for you, come to…
Graz is Austria’s second-largest city and a vibrant hub for education, research, and innovation. Located in the picturesque region of Styria, Graz is known for its rich history, lively cultural scene, and its dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. The city has a thriving start-up ecosystem, particularly in the fields of technology, life sciences, and creative industries. Graz has been designated a UNESCO City of Design, reflecting its role as a centre for creativity and innovation.
Your host in Graz will be the Unicorn Start-up & Innovation Hub, designed to support start-ups, innovators, and entrepreneurs. It is situated on the campus of the University of Graz, which is the second largest University in Austria with 30.000 Students and more than 4.000 Researchers. Besides the host university there are four more universities and two universities of applied sciences in and around Graz. They are representing an academic community of around 90.000 people of all academic disciplines in a region of around 300.000 inhabitants.
At Unicorn, you will have access to:
Unicorn also collaborates with other local innovation centres and incubators and supports start-ups in connecting with investors and industry partners. The hub is an integral part of the start-up ecosystem in Graz, helping to drive the city’s reputation as a hotspot for innovation.
Graz is part of a larger innovation ecosystem that includes several key cluster organizations representing the pillars of the Styria economy. The major clusters in the region are Human.technology Styria (health technologies, medical engineering, and pharmaceuticals), Green Tech Valley Cluster (green innovation), Silicon Alps (electronic-based systems), ACstyria Mobility Cluster Holzcluster Steiermark (forestry and timber industry) and Creative Industries Styria (innovation across design, media, architecture).
Unicorn Start-up & Innovation Hub is deeply integrated into this regional innovation ecosystem. It collaborates with these cluster organizations to provide start-ups with comprehensive support, including access to specialized knowledge, industry contacts, and potential funding opportunities. In addition to local clusters, Graz also hosts several key events and conferences that bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.
