Enlarged representation
Economy reading time: 4 min publication date: 15.06.2018

PARK WITH EXCEPTIONAL PROSPECTS

© Tinefoto | Martin Steinthaler
Studentin der FH Kärnten zeigt ihre Forschungsarbeit

The tpv Technology Park Villach is growing steadily. Currently there are nearly 45 companies with 700 employees on-site. In addition, there are 500 university students in the areas of engineering & IT.

The tpv Technology Park Villach is the best example for a successful economic transformation: at one time the site was home to the St. Magdalen pulp mill, and now it’s home to high-tech companies and the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (CUAS).

 

THE EARLY DAYS

The origins of the park can be found in the middle of the 1990s. In 1997 Carinthian Tech Research (CTR) was founded, which developed over the years into a world-renowned high-tech research institute. In 2000 and 2002 the two distinctive large buildings were constructed, which are today home to the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, among other organizations. The total amount invested at the time amounted to approximately €25 million.

 

STATUS QUO

Today there are nearly 45 tech companies established in the park. More than 700 people are employed here. In addition, there are around 500 university students studying in the CUAS departments of Engineering & IT. The park is 90% occupied. Since there is enough development property that was secured in time, the park can continue to grow in the direction of the highway bridge/Lake Silbersee. The next phase of expansion should be with the nationwide initiative “Silicon Austria Labs,” which will connect with CTR - bringing 100  new jobs. The City of Villach started a new initiative this year to improve the attractiveness of the park: a connection to the Drau River is a topic here, as well as mobility and a system of signage. This strengthening of the campus concept is planned to be implemented over the next few years.

© Augstein | Grafik: Stadt Villach
Overview of the tpv - vista