Startups are a key driver of economic dynamism and technological transformation. They have a high growth potential and provide new impetus for the economy with innovative business models, products and services. In order to provide reliable data on the development and challenges of Austrian startups, the Austrian Startup Monitor (ASM) has been compiled every year since 2018. This empirical study is produced by the AIT in collaboration with AustrianStartups and the WU Entrepreneurship Centre. The aim is to provide sound information for the startup community, policymakers, research institutions and economic policy stakeholders in order to enable fact-based further development of the startup ecosystem.

The Austrian Startup Monitor 2024 is based on a survey of 665 founders and managing directors. The current edition focuses on deep tech startups. 17% of startups can be categorised as deep
tech startups, i.e. they develop technological solutions based on fundamental scientific findings or technological advances and conduct longer-term research and development themselves. The proportion of women among founders is 22% and has therefore increased significantly compared to the previous year (17%). The number of startups that primarily pursue social and/or ecological goals also continues to increase: in the meantime, 56% of all startups are green or social startups.

The ASM serves as an important decision-making basis for numerous economic and research policy stakeholders. The Austrian Business Agency, for example, uses the findings for its strategies for attracting international companies. The study is made possible by the support of central funding bodies, including the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism, the Federal Ministry for Women, Science and Research, the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, the Austrian Research Promotion Agency and the Austrian promotional bank.

Thanks to its scientific foundation and comprehensive empirical approach, the ASM provides a reliable basis for decisions on political measures and economic development strategies. It helps to improve the framework conditions for startups in a targeted manner, to increase the international competitiveness of Austrian companies and to create an innovation-friendly environment in the long term.