An Evening for Innovation and Sustainability

The event had a focus on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 objectives form the road map for sustainable development – from the fight against poverty and inequality through climate protection to innovation and education. The “Hall of Innovation & SDGs” is dedicated to the question of how these objectives can be implemented in practice, and it offered an opportunity for exchange, inspiration, and ideas.

The programme included, among other things, panel discussions where the speakers examined current challenges and possible solutions, a poster exhibition with insights into diverse projects and the implementation of individual SDGs, and innovation talks with interesting project presentations. For example, the startup “LeNapur refresh”, which was launched by UAS graduate Michael Prochaska and his co-founder Karin Strubreiter, presented a sustainable innovation: an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional moist toilet paper.

“Sustainability is a central issue for companies and startups. It is not only an ethical obligation but an economic success factor. Managers that operate sustainably secure the future of their company and create real innovation”, says Gabriele Permoser, Head of the Service and Competence Center for Research and Cooperation.

Podcast with Startups

At a podcast station, startups from the region had the opportunity to introduce themselves and outline their added value for St. Pölten and their understanding of innovation. Regional snacks and drinks as well as numerous networking events rounded off the event. One highlight was a raffle with many attractive prizes.

The panel discussion featured Vera Pichler (ellivo e.U. Sustainability Consulting), Petra Fischer (project manager of “ESG im Fokus” at accent), Markus Keiblinger (founder of Texterous), and Chieh Pan (founder of In-Kind).

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