Eleven Million Euros for Five New Research Centers

The projects will be implemented over three years – 80% of the funding comes from the IBW/ERDF & JTF* program, and the remaining 20% from the Province of Salzburg. “This is a great success for Salzburg’s researchers and for the implementation of WISS 2030, our science and innovation strategy,” emphasized State Councillor for Research Daniela Gutschi on November 11, 2025, during the presentation of the centers.

The Research and Transfer Centers

Walter Haas, Managing Director of Innovation Salzburg, also welcomed the success: “Research strengthens regions. It brings new knowledge into the economy, creates innovations, and attracts talent and companies. These new research centers are real drivers of Salzburg’s development, and we are very proud to have supported them during their formation.”

The following topics were selected at the EU level:

AI-BOOST – Artificial Intelligence for Healing and Regeneration

Full name: AI-Based mOlecular mechanism Of musculo-Skeletal regeneration
Partners: Paracelsus Medical Private University Salzburg & University of Salzburg

The transfer center AI-BOOST explores how artificial intelligence can help to better understand and promote the healing processes of bones, tendons, and cartilage. Injuries to the musculoskeletal system – such as Achilles tendon tears or age-related wear – are among the most common and persistent health issues.

The research team combines cutting-edge cell and tissue research with AI-supported data analysis to uncover how damaged tissue can regenerate. Using large-scale single-cell analyses, molecular processes are identified and translated into computer models for regeneration.

The goal is to develop new therapeutic approaches in regenerative medicine, such as so-called hybrid organoids – miniature tissues that mimic natural healing processes. In the long term, these insights could help treat difficult-to-heal injuries faster and more effectively.

AI-BOOST represents an innovative interplay between medical research and artificial intelligence, strengthening Salzburg’s international visibility as a life sciences hub.

Green Engineering – Sustainable Materials and Circular Economy

Partners: Salzburg University of Applied Sciences & iSPACE plus GmbH

The Green Engineering transfer center focuses on the development and use of biogenic raw and residual materials – plant-based and organic resources that are often considered waste. The aim is to transform these materials into new, environmentally friendly products using modern biorefinery processes. This includes sustainable alternatives such as bio-based packaging, insulation, or adhesives that can replace fossil-based materials.

In addition, regional material flows – such as wood residues, bark, or agricultural by-products – are analyzed to maximize their potential. Using geoinformatics, models and simulations are developed to determine where and when resources are available and how they can be used efficiently. The center provides valuable knowledge for a functioning circular economy in Salzburg – reducing waste, cutting CO₂ emissions, and strengthening regional value creation.

Smart Tourism Hub – Digital Innovation for Sustainable Tourism

Full name: Smart Tourism Hub: Transfer Center for Data-Based, Sustainable Mobility, Experience & Innovation
Partners: Salzburg Research Forschungsgesellschaft & iSPACE plus GmbH

The Smart Tourism Hub develops an intelligent data platform for the tourism of the future. It connects information from various sources – such as traffic, mobile networks, sensors, weather, or visitor flows – and makes them available for innovative, data-based applications.

The results are solutions that make tourism more sustainable, safer, and more comfortable: from environmentally friendly travel options to smart on-site mobility and personalized risk analyses for mountain sports. Through artificial intelligence and data analytics, capacities can be managed more efficiently, CO₂ emissions reduced, and visitor experiences enhanced.

This strengthens Salzburg’s position as one of Europe’s leading tourism regions while driving digital innovation, regional economic power, and sustainable development.

Cybersecurity FTZ – Secure Systems and Reliable AI

Full name: Cybersecurity – FTZ for Data-Based Evaluation of Security and Privacy Technologies
Partners: Salzburg University of Applied Sciences & University of Salzburg

The Cybersecurity FTZ focuses on making artificial intelligence (AI) and data-based technologies more secure. As AI is increasingly used in areas such as industry, medicine, and energy supply, new risks and attack vectors emerge.

One focus lies on so-called “adversarial examples”: intentionally manipulated inputs that can deceive AI systems – for example, slightly altered images that appear normal to humans but are misinterpreted by AI. Such attacks can have serious consequences, especially in automated transport or energy systems.

The center studies how these attacks can be detected and prevented – through robust training methods or testing procedures for AI systems. Its goal is to develop concrete security and privacy measures that help companies use AI applications reliably and responsibly, strengthening digital security and competitiveness in Salzburg and beyond.

Privacy Engineering – Data Protection as an Innovation Advantage

Partners: FHV – Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences & Salzburg Research Forschungsgesellschaft

The Privacy Engineering transfer center develops technologies that combine data protection and innovation. The goal is to create methods and systems that enable the secure and responsible use of personal and sensitive data – for example, in healthcare or business analytics.

New approaches are being developed to ensure that data is processed in scientifically, ethically, and legally sound ways. The resulting applications foster trust – for instance, in digital health solutions or AI-based business processes.

The center demonstrates that trustworthy AI is not a barrier but a competitive advantage for Europe. Companies gain practical know-how on how to integrate data protection into innovation and thereby achieve sustainable competitive benefits.

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*Investments in Employment and Growth / European Regional Development Fund / Just Transition Fund