Climate Lab: EIT Climate-KIC co-initiates hotspot for Vienna’s climate ambitions

Vienna, March 13, 2022 – Climate Lab in Vienna will give climate actors an inspiring place for ideas, projects, synergies and new business models.

The goal of the Austrian Federal Government is clear, ambitious and definitive: climate neutrality by 2040. To achieve this, it is necessary to combine forces and form cross-sectoral alliances. One place to do this is the newly created Climate Lab: an innovation hub for climate actors from all over Europe in Vienna’s Spittelau district – known for its famous waste incineration plant designed by eco-architect Hundertwasser. On more than 1,000m² of work and event space, start-ups, companies, science, public actors and NGOs will develop new ideas, leverage synergies and drive forward concrete projects.

“In my numerous talks with climate actors it has become clear: we need a strong, cross-sectoral platform in Austria to be able to address the climate crisis quickly, efficiently and systemically. With the Climate Lab, we have now created this unique infrastructure. I would like to thank all partners for their great commitment,” says Austria’s Federal Minister for Climate Action, Leonore Gewessler.

An ecosystem for climate action and climate change adaptation

The strategic development of the Climate Lab and the integration of international actors and initiatives is guaranteed by EIT Climate-KIC. “Through our network of over 400 partner organisations and thanks to our strong connection to the ‘100 Climate-neutral Cities Mission‘ of the European Commission, we bring international stimulus for system change in Austria and at the same time carry Austrian ideas far beyond the country’s borders,” says EIT Climate-KIC Austria Lead, Johannes Naimer-Stach.

Networking and cooperation between established companies, investors, start-ups and public institutions are a key success factor for climate innovations. Partnerships will be created in the Climate Lab for actors to generate innovative climate solutions. The close cooperation in this ecosystem will result in numerous advantages for its members. “With the Climate Lab we are creating a place where we can use the creative potential for climate protection and network it with the good ideas that are currently emerging all over Europe. This is how great things can emerge, and solutions and measures can be developed quickly,” says Klima- und Energie Fonds Managing Director Ingmar Höbarth.

The Climate Lab is operated by the EIT Climate-KIC Partner Impact Hub, a leading global network for social and ecological innovations with locations in more than 100 cities and 60 countries. Barbara Inmann, Executive Director of the Impact Hub says: “Our experience clearly shows that innovations are not created in silos, but through collaboration. This requires a diverse community, inspiring space and supportive programmes. This is where the ‘Climate Lab’ comes in very focused with the goal of climate neutrality.”

Wien Energie provides the premises in Spittelau and actively participates in the implementation of the climate innovation formats. “Climate protection is the greatest task of our time. For years, we have been developing solutions for decarbonising the city in our Innovation Challenges together with partners from business and start-ups. With the ‘Climate Lab’, we are taking this commitment to a new level,” emphasises Wien Energie CEO Michael Strebl.

Tenants and partners can now become part of the Climate Lab. More information is available on www.climatelab.at.

Background

Climate Lab

The Climate Lab was initiated by the Klima- und Energie Fonds – endowed with funds from the Ministry of Climate Action – as part of its annual programme 2021 and launched by an alliance of Impact Hub, Wien Energie and EIT Climate-KIC. The aim of the “Climate Lab” is to form cross-sectoral alliances and join forces in order to accelerate the achievement of the climate neutrality target. The “Climate Lab” offers targeted innovation programmes in which leading companies act and cooperate as impulse providers, but also as developers and demanders for new solutions in climate protection. Furthermore, flexible rental models for workplaces and memberships will be created in Vienna’s Spittelau. The newly designed “Climate Lab” will be equipped with workshop and meeting rooms, demo zones, event areas, creative lofts and exhibition areas. www.climatelab.at

For more information about Climate Lab, contact media@climate-kic.org