TECHNOLOGY PARK VILLACH CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY AND SETS THE COURSE FOR THE FUTURE
A quarter of a century of innovation, research and education. As it celebrates its anniversary, Technology Park Villach looks ahead to the future of a connected “Area of Innovation”.
Technology Park Villach marked its 25th anniversary with a celebratory evening on 15 October 2026 at the Auditorium of the High Tech Campus Villach (HTCV). Long-standing partners and stakeholders from business, science and politics, together with leading figures from across the region, gathered to celebrate and reflect on an extraordinary success story.
What began in 2001 with the opening of the first building, as part of a technology initiative launched by the City of Villach on the site of a former pulp mill, has evolved into an internationally recognised center for microelectronics, mechatronics and applied research. Today, the 27-hectare site in the St. Magdalen district is home to more than 40 companies employing over 700 people, around 1,000 students at CU – Carinthia University of Applied Sciences – and 70 apprentices. Together, they contribute to a thriving ecosystem built on close collaboration between research, education and business.
The anniversary celebrations opened with welcoming remarks by Provincial Councillor Beate Prettner, representing Governor Fellner, Mayor Günther Albel and Managing Director Bernhard Lamprecht. One of the evening's highlights was a keynote address by quantum physicist Beatrix Hiesmayr from IT:U Linz, entitled “No Quantum Computer Without Microelectronics”.
Monika Kircher, who played a leading role in establishing Technology Park Villach during her time as Deputy Mayor of Villach, looked back on 25 years of innovation, progress and growth. The subsequent panel discussion turned the spotlight towards the future of the technology park. Managing Director Bernhard Lamprecht was joined by Beatrix Hiesmayr, Christina Hirschl, CEO of Silicon Austria Labs, Provincial Councillor Sebastian Schuschnig and Martin Waiguny, Managing Director of CU – Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, to discuss the opportunities and prospects ahead. The evening was accompanied by musical performances from students and musicians of the Gustav Mahler Private University.
VOICES ON THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY
Provincial Councillor Beate Prettner congratulated Technology Park Villach on its 25th anniversary, highlighting its importance to Carinthia as a center for business and innovation: “Twenty-five years of Technology Park Villach stand for 25 years of cutting-edge technology, innovation, progress and successful collaboration. What has been created here is much more than simply a location for businesses: the technology park is a key driver of Carinthia's economy and technology sector, creating high-quality jobs and bringing together research, development, education and business. At a time when technological expertise and innovative strength are becoming increasingly important drivers of future growth, the value of strong networks like this for Carinthia is clear. I warmly congratulate everyone on this 25th anniversary and extend my sincere thanks to all those who have helped make the technology park what it is today.”
Mayor Günther Albel also paid tribute to the technology park's remarkable development: “Technology Park Villach is an outstanding success story, bringing together a highly successful center for education and training with globally sought-after technological expertise.”
For Managing Director Bernhard Lamprecht, the anniversary is not only an opportunity to reflect on the site's successful history, but also a chance to look ahead and set the course for its future:
“What was once a traditional industrial site has evolved into an internationally connected hub for technology, research and education. We see this anniversary as a commitment to actively shaping the future, fostering innovation and continuing our success story together with our partners.”
– Managing Director Bernhard Lamprecht
OPEN DAY: EXPERIENCE RESEARCH FIRSTHAND
Following the anniversary celebrations, Technology Park Villach opened its doors to the public on Friday, 16 October 2026. Visitors were given free access to exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into this high-tech hub. The programme included guided laboratory tours, visits to Austria's largest research cleanroom at SAL, interactive activities at the Mini Educational Lab, and a “Meet & Greet” with quantum physicist Beatrix Hiesmayr.
LOOKING AHEAD: THREE TECHNOLOGY PARKS. ONE INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM.
With the anniversary celebrations marking an important milestone, attention now turns to the future. The three technology parks in Carinthia – located in Villach, Klagenfurt and the Lavanttal – are joining forces to create a new “Area of Innovation”. By combining their individual strengths and strengthening their links with the business and research hub of Graz via the Koralmbahn railway, the three locations are creating a connected innovation ecosystem. The result is a dynamic region in which research, education and business collaborate across regional borders. Together, the three technology parks aim to establish Carinthia as an internationally recognised center for technology and innovation in the Alpe-Adria region, while creating attractive places to work and live for businesses, researchers and talented professionals.