Breaking News: Young & Wild Festival to Ignite Western Austria’s Startup Scene in 2025
Salzburg, Austria – In a significant boost for the region’s entrepreneurial spirit, Austria’s leading festival for young entrepreneurs, Young & Wild (AYW), is expanding westward. The event, slated for September 25, 2025, will be hosted at the Puch-U-U-U-Urstein knowledge park in Salzburg, marking the first time AYW will be held in Western Austria. This is a developing story with implications for the Austrian and Bavarian startup ecosystems, and a win for anyone looking to navigate the challenges – and opportunities – of building a business today.
A Hub for Innovation and Practical Entrepreneurship
The Puch-Urstein knowledge park, already a recognized center for Salzburg’s young entrepreneur community, will serve as the focal point for founders, innovators, and those simply curious about the world of startups. AYW isn’t just another conference; it’s designed to be a highly practical experience, offering attendees access to real-world success stories and a vibrant network of peers. Josef Zauner, Managing Director of Digital Blocks GmbH and AYW’s lead for Western Austria, emphasized the importance of providing “space, visibility and real interest” – particularly in the current economic climate. “Especially in economically challenging times, it is crucial to give positive impulses and strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit in the region,” Zauner stated.
Beyond Salzburg: Reaching Tyrol, Salzkammergut, and Bavaria
The reach of this expansion extends beyond Salzburg itself. AYW aims to attract participants from Tyrol, the picturesque Salzkammergut region, and even neighboring Bavaria, fostering cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing. This regional focus is a strategic move, recognizing that innovation doesn’t respect geographical boundaries. The event’s organizers are deliberately building a platform for a wider network of aspiring and established business leaders.
What to Expect: AI, Legal Guidance, and Networking
Governor Karoline Edtstadler highlighted the event’s diverse agenda, noting that topics will range from the practical applications of artificial intelligence to essential legal advice for founders. This blend of cutting-edge technology and foundational business knowledge is a key differentiator for AYW. Attendees can anticipate master classes, dedicated networking zones, interactive workshops, and an exhibitor hall showcasing innovative products and services. The event’s core philosophy, as articulated by Anna Horvath, Managing Director of SMAC Flexco and AYW manager for East Austria, is about embracing the messy reality of entrepreneurship: “Entrepreneurship does not mean perfection, but learn, grow and stay on.”
Synergies and Eye-Level Exchange
A crucial element of AYW’s success, according to Kambis Kohansal Vajargah, Head of Startup Services at the Austria Chamber of Commerce, is its ability to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds – from early-stage startups to seasoned entrepreneurs. “Our goal is to create synergies that would otherwise not arise,” Vajargah explained. This emphasis on “exchange at eye level” and a practical, open setting is designed to break down barriers and encourage genuine collaboration. The event is partnering with Techno-Z Urstein, leveraging its infrastructure and technology expertise to create a truly startup-friendly environment.
The expansion of AYW to Western Austria signals a growing commitment to supporting the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By providing a platform for learning, networking, and inspiration, AYW is poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of innovation in Austria and beyond. Stay tuned to archyde.com for further updates on this developing story and more insights into the world of startups and technology.
