The Vienna Startup Package is a prestigious international acceleration program run by our partner, the Vienna Business Agency, designed to help innovative startups successfully enter the Viennese and broader Austrian market. It focuses on startups up to eight years old that are built on technological or social innovation and operate with a scalable business model. Applications are open until February 20, 2026.
Each year, up to 15 startups from around the world are selected to join the program. Czech and Slovak startups are regular participants, taking advantage not only of Austria’s geographic proximity but also of strong economic ties and Vienna’s highly developed innovation ecosystem. Joining the program has repeatedly proven to be a smart and effective step toward international expansion.
The Vienna Startup Package offers a comprehensive support framework that combines financial backing, expert know-how, and high-value networking. Participating startups can receive financial contributions of up to €3,000 to cover travel and accommodation costs in Vienna, along with individual one-on-one business coaching valued at €2,000. In addition, founders gain direct access to relevant networks and key stakeholders in Vienna and are invited to exclusive events, including the international startup festival ViennaUP.
The program is structured in two phases. The first phase takes place in spring 2026 and follows a hybrid format, combining online preparatory activities with mandatory in-person participation in Vienna in May 2026. During this phase, startups work intensively on their market entry strategy, define clear goals, map key stakeholders, develop their B2B strategy, refine their pitch deck, and build a solid market entry framework. Based on the outcomes of this phase, selected startups move on to the second phase in autumn 2026, which includes an additional two-week stay in Vienna. This stage is designed to deepen business relationships and further strengthen each startup’s position in the market.
Full information and application criteria for the program are available under the Vienna Startup Package 2026. If you have any questions, you can contact Lucie Bedřichová, the Vienna Business Agency representative for the Czech and Slovak Republics, at bedrichova@viennabusinessagency.com.
