WKOÖ and IT:U launch innovation lab at WIFI Linz
A new collaboration between the Upper Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKOÖ) and the Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U) marks an important milestone for research, education, and business in the region. Together, the partners are setting up the IT:U-Lab at WIFI Linz on Wienerstraße, an innovation space where students and companies can explore and co-develop digital technologies.
The agreement was officially signed by WKOÖ President Doris Hummer, IT:U Founding President Prof. Stefanie Lindstaedt, and WKOÖ Director Gerald Silberhumer. With this initiative, WKOÖ continues to expand WIFI Linz into a modern education and innovation campus. The IT:U-Lab will act as a bridge between academia and industry, making digital transformation accessible to both students and companies.
“With the new IT:U-Lab at WIFI Linz, together with WKOÖ we are creating a platform that enables SMEs to test digital innovations quickly and easily. Interdisciplinary student teams will develop first digital solutions for industry-specific challenges. Companies benefit from fresh perspectives and connections with international high potentials, while students gain essential, innovation-oriented skills for the digital transformation. This way, we bring digitalization from the education campus directly into the city and into society, a model that strengthens the innovative power of the region and serves as an example across Europe.”
Prof. Stefanie Lindstaedt, IT:U Founding President
This partnership highlights the shared goal of enhancing the competitiveness of Upper Austria’s economy.
“This cooperation between WKOÖ, WIFI, and IT:U is an important step in strengthening the region’s economic competitiveness. Through intensive knowledge transfer and low-threshold access to university research, companies gain a unique opportunity to benefit from scientific findings and innovative approaches. Supporting the university location and this partnership ensures that research and practice go hand in hand, creating sustainable synergies.”
Doris Hummer, WKOÖ President
The facilities at WIFI Linz Campus (Wienerstraße 150) will be provided and equipped by WKOÖ, offering a state-of-the-art environment for interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
“By providing the premises and initial lab setup, WKOÖ enables IT:U to carry out its research activities in a modern and well-equipped environment. Covering significant costs relieves the university financially and allows full focus on scientific work. At the same time, businesses directly benefit from research results that strengthen their innovation and competitiveness.”
Gerald Silberhumer, WKOÖ Director