Innovation
Spin-offs & start-ups from the Faculty
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VASP Software GmbH
The Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package from the Computational Materials Physics group (Georg Kresse, Jürgen Hafner) is one of the most widely used software packages worldwide for quantum-mechanical materials simulation – a spin-off of the University of Vienna.
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Crystalline Mirror Solutions
Founded in 2012 by Markus Aspelmeyer and Garrett Cole from the Quantum Optics group: crystalline supermirrors for precision optics and laser technology. Part of Thorlabs (“Thorlabs Crystalline Solutions”) since 2019/20.
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VitreaLab GmbH
Founded in 2018 by Chiara Greganti and Jonas Zeuner after their doctorates at the Faculty: laser light engines in glass for energy-efficient displays and AR glasses. Forbes “Spin-off to watch 2021.”
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QUBO Technology GmbH
Spin-off from the group of Philip Walther: quantum-secure digital payments and photonic quantum cryptography. Nominated for the Science & Business Award 2024 of the Rudolf Sallinger Fonds.
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Qraken Quantum
Qraken Quantum is a Vienna-based deep-tech start-up founded by staff and students of the Faculty that develops hardware for quantum communication networks.
Christian Doppler Laboratories at the Faculty
Head: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Philip Walther (Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics and Quantum Information)
Industry partner: Tencent Mobility
Since 4 September 2020 the laboratory has been developing photonic quantum computers and quantum computing clouds. The aim is to make the optical quantum computer accessible online so that students, researchers and the public can run quantum algorithms on real hardware. Its focus areas are secure quantum computing, quantum networks and machine learning.
CD Laboratory at the Christian Doppler Research Association · Press release of the Faculty
Head: Dr. Oliver H. Heckl
Industry partner: Thorlabs (formerly Crystalline Mirror Solutions GmbH, a spin-off of the Faculty)
The laboratory develops precise mid-infrared laser sources and spectrometers – application-oriented basic research for environmental measurement technology, atmospheric chemistry and medical diagnostics, such as the early detection of cancer via exhaled breath.
Head: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dieter Süß (Physics of Functional Materials)
Partners: Infineon Technologies Austria AG, University for Continuing Education Krems
The laboratory produced a new generation of hysteresis-free magnetic field sensors with a circular layout and topologically protected spin configurations for the automotive industry (wheel speed, steering angle). In 2019 the laboratory was nominated for the Houska Prize, and prototypes were delivered to Infineon in the same year.
Training & programmes for founders
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Quantum iLab
Two-week entrepreneurship programme of the University of Vienna for quantum researchers: a one-week bootcamp in Bad Ischl (technology identification, market analysis, financing, pitch training) and a Demo Day in front of industry and investors. Free of charge for master’s students, PhD students, postdocs and PIs of the partner institutions.
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Innovation Labs (iLabs) of the University of Vienna
Digital iLab, Open iLab, xBio, u:seed and Sandpit Sessions: training, mentoring and community for students and researchers who want to turn an idea into a company.
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Transfer Office: Commercialisation & Spin-offs
The Transfer Office of the University of Vienna supports invention disclosures, patents, licensing and spin-off foundations – from the first idea to the articles of association.