ViennaUP

ViennaUP is the largest startup conference in Austria, focusing on the future of technology and promoting networking among startups, investors, and creators. During the event, more than 50 events were held at 27 locations simultaneously in the city of Vienna. This year, the event drew more than 14,000 participants from 96 countries. On the first day of the event, the Austrian Federal Industry Commissioner for Startups gave an introduction to the startup ecosystem in Vienna as well as pitches by Viennese startups.

SSS participated in two networking events to connect with startups and investors. The first was CONNECT DAY, which brings together startups, investors, and companies. The second was GINspiration, a networking event organized by Global Incubator Network to support Austrian startups entering the Asian market. We also visited weXelerate, an acceleration program located in Vienna.

We were able to introduce our programs to a wide variety of startups, and provided insight into the Japanese market.

Panel at Salon Future

The last day of the event, Salon Future, brought together ecosystem builders and government agencies from around the world to promote collaboration among startups and the development of a sustainable startup community.

Mari Matsuzaki, Communication Coordinator from SSS, participated in the panel discussion “Connecting the Dots: How to Foster Collaboration and Cooperation in Startup Ecosystems,” discussing the startup ecosystem in Shibuya and the importance of fostering collaboration among the community. The second half of the event was a workshop-style discussion on the challenges faced by each ecosystem. The participants discussed how to design a soft landing program that is attractive to entrepreneurs and public relations strategies for startup communities.