How can companies remain competitive, innovative, and resilient in challenging times? SALZ – Festival for Innovation & Technology, together with the startup and investment conference SALT’N’VENTURE, will provide concrete answers on March 11, 2026, at Messezentrum Salzburg, bringing together industry, startups, and investors.
The central meeting point for innovation
SALZ brings together companies, startups, technology players, and investors who actively shape innovation. Renowned companies and game changers – including AI Factory, AIT, Max Planck Innovation, NVIDIA, Siemens, SBA, voestalpine, and Vonovia – will meet more than 100 startups and investors, offering insights into strategies, business models, and partnerships for a successful future. Around 1,800 participants are expected from companies as well as from the technology and investor communities in Austria and Southern Bavaria.
Four tracks – four fields of the future
- Next Industrial Systems demonstrates how data, AI, and software are redefining industrial value creation while strengthening productivity and competitiveness.
- Tech4Green focuses on scalable technologies that combine ecological responsibility with economic success.
- Secure & Resilient Systems addresses solutions that make companies and infrastructures more resilient to crises, cyber risks, and geopolitical challenges.
- Human Tech highlights innovations in health, performance, and longevity, with a focus on prevention and efficiency.
Expo, pitches, and exchange
Startup pitches present new solution approaches and specifically foster exchange between established industry, startups, and investors – in the spirit of “Industry meets Startups.” At the Expo, startups as well as technology and research institutions will showcase their work. Funding and service agencies such as aws, FFG, AplusB, the State of Salzburg, and Innovation Salzburg will provide information on financing and funding opportunities. Workshops, networking lounges, and silent disco formats round off the program.
Day 2: Deep dives in Salzburg’s Old Town
On Thursday, March 12, 2026, starting at 9:00 a.m., in-depth deep-dive workshops will take place at City Beats in Salzburg’s Old Town. Topics include “From Corporate to Venture – Successfully Building New Ventures,” “Funding Circle – Capital as a Lever for Innovation,” “Future of Longevity,” as well as additional hands-on sessions on financing, scaling, and cooperation. The second day of the event offers space for intensive exchange, concrete learnings, and sustainable networking in an inspiring atmosphere.
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