Agenda

Event at a Glance

Our Program

Discover how world-class innovation ecosystems emerge, grow, and evolve. At this year’s bigX event, we redefine science-driven innovation.

16:30 - 17:00

Registration & Welcome Coffee

Networking, drinks and informal kickoff on the ISTA campus.

17:00 - 17:15

Doors Open & Seating

Enter the Conference Area and find your seat.

17:15 – 17:35

Welcome to bigX

Join Martin Hetzer (ISTA), Markus Wanko (XISTA), Patricia Neumann (Siemens, IV) and State Secretary Mag. Elisabeth Zehetner for an explosive opening of bigX. Moderated by Tina Deutsch, this session frames the core themes of the day: Sustaining growth, cultivating the courage to take risks, and the fundamental importance of collaboration.

17:35 – 18:10

eXamine Biotech: Global Vision, Austrian Action

Examine what makes a science innovation ecosystem truly world-class. Learn from global best practices provided by Trine Bartholdy (BioInnovation Institute) and Nora Müller (Boston Consulting Group), joined by Michaela Fritz (Meduni Vienna) and Markus Wanko (XISTA). This session identifies critical success factors and international benchmarks, exploring how regional ecosystems can be engineered and scaled to compete effectively on the global stage.

18:10 - 18:35

eXplore: Deep Tech Frontiers

Gain insights into strategies driving quantum technology on a global scale, and discover how Austria is positioned to compete. Featuring learnings from Kathrin Spendier (XPRIZE) and Thorsten Schumm (TU Vienna), this session reveals how focused competitions can bridge the translational gap, and explores the necessary tools for building a globally competitive quantum ecosystem in Austria.

18:35 – 19:15

eXperience: Founders in Action

Explore the crucial stages of a science-entrepreneur's journey, from initial research idea to successful startup. Featuring scientists and founders Maria Ibanez, Alexander Pekarsky, Stefan Kittler, Stefan Sack, and Jodi Barrientos, this session is immediately followed by crisp feedback from the European Innovation Council experts, Keith Sequeira and Samira Nik. The core question: How can Europe create a truly seamless innovation journey where every stage, from breakthrough to scale-up, is fully supported?

19:15 – 22:00

Afterparty

Join us for an evening of networking and refreshments, celebrating the advancements and connections made at bigX 2025 with featured researchers, industry representatives and startups. Find the bus schedule under "Get Directions".

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