Agenda

Networking, drinks and informal kickoff on the ISTA campus.

Enter the Conference Area and find your seat.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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".