The moment we had been waiting for finally came on 28.06.2022, when the 20th Austrian Export Day was held, and could once again be attended in person after a two-year break. This anniversary event saw 15 Austrian companies take home a Born Global Champions Award.
The prize was awarded to companies whose innovative products and services had brought them international success at a very early stage in their development. The accolades were presented by Martin Kocher, Federal Minister for Labour, and for Digital and Economic Affairs, and Harald Mahrer, President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber.
The proportion of startups that have already opened up international markets and recorded export turnover has dropped back slightly since 2020, but it is still very high at 70%, according to figures from the Austrian Startup Monitor 2021.
Artificial intelligence has retained its pole position in innovation and technology trends, with renewable energy sources, energy storage, blockchain, 3D printing and food tech on an upward trajectory. These trends are also reflected in the innovative products offered by the 15 newly selected Born Global Champions.
It should also be noted that startups are increasingly addressing solutions to social problems; almost half of all Austrian startups have social and/or ecological goals as a primary corporate objective.
