In addition to enhanced digital marketing and numerous events, Invest in Lower Austria has also implemented targeted measures to promote the circular economy and to tap into new target markets such as Italy. These initiatives have further increased the international visibility of Lower Austria and sparked the interest of potential investors.
Since 2023, a Google Ads campaign has been running to establish Lower Austria as a location for international companies. This has increased visibility and numerous companies have become aware of the region’s potential. Interested companies can find information and contact options on the ecoplus landing page. By November 2024, numerous inquiries and leads have been generated from countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Poland, Germany, Switzerland, and India.
In parallel, Lower Austria is being promoted as a location for the circular economy. In cooperation with the bioeconomy platform and Technopol Wieselburg, a value proposition has been developed that highlights CO₂ reduction and waste utilization as regional strengths for companies. The initial focus is on the southern German market, where around 900 potential companies have been identified.
Italy shows potential for settlements in Lower Austria. An investment acquisition campaign targets the areas of food, aerospace, and plant protection. A pilot project in plant protection in 2023 was successful. An event in Italy is being planned.
In 2024, ecoplus Invest, in collaboration with the Vienna Business Agency and the Austrian Business Agency (ABA), organized several successful location events. In April, an event was held in Budapest, Hungary, where over 80 Hungarian entrepreneurs and decision-makers were presented with the advantages of the Austrian market, particularly those of Lower Austria and Vienna. Expert panels and networking led to new leads. In October, an event followed in Hamburg, Germany, which was aligned with the Hydrogen Expo. Over 60 guests attended, and internationally renowned companies showed interest in the strengths of Lower Austria.
This year also featured presentations at renowned international events. The Invest in Lower Austria team was present at the Biotech Day in Basel, Switzerland, the Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, and the Startup Days in Bern, Germany. These platforms offer excellent opportunities for networking, professional discussions, and direct settlement talks. Many appointments were made at the Biotech Day, leading to the nurturing of new leads.
A French recycling company is planning a 45-million-euro facility in Lower Austria. Founded in 2019, the company employs 190 people and processes industrial waste into mineral aggregate. The market entry is supported by ecoplus, and financing for the expansion was secured in September 2024.
A German engineering planning office is planning rapid growth in Lower Austria and needs support from ecoplus with company formation, funding, networking, and recruitment. Within a few months, 15 employees are to be hired. The company is also considering relocating its R&D unit to Austria and is working intensively with startups. It is currently based in Schwechat.
An international electrical engineering company is expanding its business in Austria. The corporate group, which operates in 18 countries and employs 1,200 people, specializes in projects in the construction and modernization of water, wind, and solar power plants, power grids up to 400 kV, infrastructure projects, and industry. The new location in the St. Pölten area is to serve as a planning office and is expected to grow to 5-10 employees in the short term. ecoplus has proposed several locations and assisted with the employment of a Serbian managing director as well as the application for a Red-White-Red Card.
These diverse campaigns and acquisition activities underscore the strategic direction of ecoplus Invest in Lower Austria, specifically targeting new investors and positioning Lower Austria as an attractive business location internationally. With the ecoplus focus on Invest in Lower Austria, we are also happy to support your international company in expanding to Lower Austria. Learn more about our free services for international companies. For specific questions, we are always available to assist you.
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