The green startup scene in Austria continues to evolve, with the latest figures from Green Tech Valley showing that 193 technology-based companies are part of the ecosystem. Some of these startups, along with new ones, participated in Grow, the accelerator program powered by Impact Hub Vienna and Deloitte Austria.
In short: a climate startup is a new business venture focused on developing and implementing innovative solutions to address climate change and its associated challenges. These startups aim to mitigate the effects of climate change through various means, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, developing sustainable products and practices, and fostering a circular economy.
Multi-apartment buildings in Austria can now legally use and share solar energy generated on their own roofs. Sonnenschmiede’s pioneering solution promotes renewable energy usage and simplifies the process for the owners of each apartment. They leverage the legal basis for communal photovoltaic generation systems on multi-party buildings established in 2017. With the help of an intelligent measuring device known as a smart meter, they measure the consumed electricity. The system remains 100% owned by the homeowners’ association or the property owner. Sonnenschmiede’s potential was recognized with EUR 10,000 in prize money and 50 pro bono consulting hours from Deloitte experts, earning them the top spot in the third edition of Grow.
Until now, photovoltaic systems and farms were used only for electricity. Cosmotaics proposes a change with technology that converts solar parks into a renewable water source. They leverage the morning dew to give arid and hot regions the possibility to replenish groundwater deposits. This dual-function approach addresses both energy and water scarcity issues, making it a visionary solution for sustainable development. Cosmotaics received EUR 5,000 and 50 pro bono consulting hours from Deloitte.
During the first semester of 2023, Austrian households experienced a 25% hike in their energy bills compared to the previous year. For businesses, the increase was even sharper—a 60% increase in electricity costs. While discussions about sustainable energy often center on transitioning to renewables, there’s another critical dialogue: the push for increased energy efficiency and equipping consumers with tangible, actionable data about their energy use. This is where EnergyTrack comes in. They were finalists at Grow, read more about them here!
The logistics industry deals daily with approximately 600 million euro pallets, all of which have to be secured to avoid transit and theft issues. Normally, this is done using single-use stretch film, contributing to the pressing global plastic waste problem. WilsonGuide offers an alternative that also contributes to solving this issue: robust lightweight protections made from materials such as polycarbonate that are designed for easy integration and quick disassembly. WilsonGuide was also a finalists at Grow. Read more about it here!
As its name states, Simply Repair aims to change consumer attitudes to tackle overconsumption problems, especially in the fashion industry. Simply Repair is a multi-faceted community hub that combines ethical fashion, empowerment, and education. Through workshops, storytelling, and repair, it stands as a social project, empowering refugees and driving impactful change. At Simply Repair, clothes find a second life and people connect over shared values. Simply Repair was a finalist at Grow. Keep an eye on their upcoming activities!
Customizable and tailored made furnishings for homes and offices. This is the value proposition from Trastic, a startup that puts people and the environment at the very center by using human-centered design with resource-saving processes and approaches. Learn more about them in their website!
These startups exemplify the dynamic and impactful work being done in the realm of sustainability and climate technology. With the support of accelerator programs in Austria like Grow and the robust innovation ecosystems in Austria, these startups are well-positioned to drive meaningful change and contribute to a greener future. Keep an eye on these companies as they continue to innovate and inspire.
Impact Hub Vienna and Deloitte Austria announced the winners along with a jury composed of Harald Breit, CEO of Deloitte Austria; Verena Riedler from klimja; Christoph Obermair; Miriam Schönbrunn of Klima- und Energiefonds; Katharina Herzog from money:care, Jakob Detering and Viktoria Zimm, an impact investment expert, for their invaluable insights and support!
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