The Waltz of Pioneers, a unique Pitch competition

From 8 to 16 May 2025, ViennaUP, a nine-day startup festival, will take place on Karlsplatz, right in front of TU Wien. With more than ten thousand participants from more than 90 nations in 2024, it is one of Austria's leading events for startups.  

On 12 May 2025, the Innovation Incubation Center of TU Wien will host the Waltz of Pioneers, a pitch competition for young spin-offs from the partner universities. In the waltz, harmony between the dance partners is the key to success. Similarly, the competitors will showcase the interaction between their spin-offs and the start-up programmes at the institutions. In addition to the title ‘Best Early-Stage EULiST Spin-Off 2025’, networking opportunities, media interest and the dynamic start-up environment will attract participants to Vienna.