STRONG SIGNAL: LAKESIDE PARK EXPANSION STRENGTHENS CARINTHIA'S TECHNOLOGY PARK NETWORK
The recent groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 8 of the Lakeside Science & Technology Park marks far more than a local milestone. It underscores Carinthia's innovation strength and highlights the importance of a connected technology park ecosystem across the region.
As a key partner site of Technologiepark Villach, the Lakeside Science & Technology Park continues to build on its success. With the groundbreaking for Building B16 on 7 July 2026, around 3,200 square metres of additional office and research space will be created in Klagenfurt, providing new opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and technological advancement. This marks an important milestone – not only for Lakeside Park itself, but for Carinthia as a leading location for business, research, and technology.
"This groundbreaking ceremony represents one thing above all: a significant step forward in strengthening Carinthia as a centre for business, research, and education. To date, a total of €140 million has been invested in Lakeside Park, with a further investment of almost €16 million now being added through this new building. What gives me particular satisfaction – and I want to emphasise this very clearly – is that this campus is now home to more than 80 companies employing over 2,000 people. In addition, there are nine research organisations, a 5G Playground, and a Drone Hub. What does this tell us? It clearly demonstrates that Carinthia is much more than a tourism destination. Carinthia is a region of innovation, technology, and research. In fact, with an R&D intensity of 3.39%, we rank among the top ten regions in Europe."
– Governor of the Province of Carinthia Ing. Daniel Fellner
EXPANSION AT A GLANCE
The success of a technology park depends not only on the amount of space it offers, but above all on the quality of the innovation ecosystem it creates. Modern infrastructure, sustainable buildings, and spaces designed for exchange and collaboration provide the foundation for turning research and ideas into tangible solutions. With Phase 8, Lakeside Park is taking another important step in this direction.
The new Building B16 will provide around 3,200 square metres of leasable office and research space. The total investment amounts to approximately €15.8 million. Designed to meet high environmental standards, the building incorporates sustainable energy solutions throughout its design. It will feature a 93.6 kWp photovoltaic system as well as an environmentally friendly heating and cooling system based on geothermal boreholes with a combined depth of 4,950 metres. Completion and occupancy are scheduled for mid-2028, with klimaaktiv certification being sought.
At the same time, the expansion of renewable energy across the existing campus will continue. Around €800,000 will be invested in additional photovoltaic installations on existing buildings. Once completed, these systems will generate approximately 500,000 kWh of electricity annually – equivalent to the average yearly electricity consumption of around 100 single-family homes.
"With Phase 8, we are creating far more than additional space. Our goal is to develop a place where innovation can flourish, where talented people want to work, and where new ideas have the room to grow. Modern infrastructure and sustainable buildings provide the foundation for this vision. For us, sustainability goes far beyond energy-efficient construction. It is a strategic principle that combines environmental responsibility with economic strength and social value. That is why we consciously invest not only in sustainable buildings, but also in health, education, and a vibrant community. We see Lakeside Park not simply as a workplace, but as a vibrant campus that brings people together, fosters collaboration, and creates opportunities for future generations."
– Mag. Bernhard Lamprecht, Managing Director, Lakeside Park
A SHARED DRIVER OF INNOVATION AND GROWTH IN CARINTHIA
The continued expansion of the Lakeside Science & Technology Park highlights Carinthia's dynamic technological development. Together with Technologiepark Villach and the planned Technologiepark Lavanttal, it forms a strong network of knowledge, research, and business locations designed to further strengthen the region's innovation capacity.
Each site contributes its own distinctive strengths. While Lakeside Park focuses primarily on information and communication technologies, Technologiepark Villach has established itself internationally as a leading high-tech ecosystem specialising in microelectronics, advanced manufacturing technologies, and applied research. The planned Technologiepark Lavanttal, with construction scheduled to begin in spring 2028, will complement the network with a focus on sustainability, the circular economy, and advanced materials.
Together, the three technology parks share a common vision: creating a strong innovation ecosystem where business, science, and education work hand in hand to build sustainable opportunities for the future.
"Together with the High Tech Campus Villach/Technologiepark Villach and the future Technologiepark Lavanttal, Lakeside Park forms the strong network of Carinthia's technology parks. Each location has its own strategic focus and makes an important contribution to the technological and economic development of our region. Today's groundbreaking ceremony therefore represents far more than the start of a construction project – it is a clear commitment to the future of Carinthia as a leading innovation hub."
– Mag. Markus Hornböck, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Lakeside Park, and Managing Director, BABEG
While Lakeside Park continues its successful development and Technologiepark Lavanttal moves steadily towards reality, Technologiepark Villach is also preparing to celebrate an important milestone: its 25th anniversary this October.
With the official start of Phase 8 of the Lakeside Science & Technology Park, another significant milestone has been reached for Carinthia's technology park network. Technologiepark Villach warmly congratulates its partner site on this important achievement and looks forward to continuing their close collaboration in advancing Carinthia as a leading innovation region—for more research, more technology, and more opportunities for future generations.
FACTS & FIGURES:
Lakeside Science & Technology Park:
- Total investment: approximately €155 million (including Building B16)
- Infrastructure: approximately 46,000 m² of total floor space across 17 buildings
- Innovation ecosystem: More than 80 companies (over 2,000 employees), nine research organisations, the 5G Playground, Drone Hub Klagenfurt, the Lakeside Spitz event centre, six kindergartens, an art space, and the Educational Lab
- Sustainability: Major expansion of photovoltaic capacity planned (total annual generation of approximately 500,000 kWh), geothermal borehole technology, and fibre-optic connectivity
Building B16 (Phase 8)
- Investment volume: approximately €15.8 million
- Space: approximately 3,200 m² of office and research facilities
- Project timeline: Construction period of around two years, with leasing scheduled to commence from mid-2028