Cyclingtech in Focus at Sports Innovation Dialogues

05 May, 2025

From high-tech components to sustainable business strategies, the Sports Innovation Dialogues shed light on the future of cycling. Top athletes, entrepreneurs, and scientists gathered at UAS Technikum Wien to exchange ideas.

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Cyclingtech in Focus at Sports Innovation Dialogues

On April 24, 2025, an event dedicated to innovation, technology, and business in cycling took place at UAS Technikum Wien, featuring high-profile speakers, exciting discussions, and a variety of networking opportunities.

The event was opened with welcoming remarks by Stefan Sauermann, Vice Rector of UAS Technikum Wien, who emphasized the relevance of technological innovations in the field of sports. Carina Huber-Gries, Head of the Life Science Engineering faculty, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in research and teaching in the field of sports technology. Rafael Rasinger, expert for innovation and scaleups at the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, then presented the goals of the new event series and discussed the opportunities for startups and established companies in the sports technology industry.

Keynote: Insights from professional cycling

Austrian cyclist Tim Wafler then gave a keynote speech in which he shared personal insights into life as a professional athlete, the challenges of everyday training, and his view of technological developments in cycling. He reported on what he considers to be the most important lessons he has learned in cycling so far. He particularly emphasized the value of passion and consistency: without enthusiasm for daily training and the unconditional will to persevere, sustainable success is not possible. Wafler impressively described how setbacks – such as a serious illness at the age of 17 – have made him stronger in the long term and how important it is to appreciate even small steps forward. He drew parallels between sport and professional life and urged the audience to always keep their next goal in sight, because the next step is always the most important one.

Panel 1: Innovations on Two Wheels

The first panel discussion then addressed the question of how technological innovations are changing cycling. Moderated by Stefan Litzenberger, program director for Sports Engineering & Ergonomics / Sports Technology at the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, the following experts took part in the discussion:

Christoph Feichtinger, Windpuls – presented sensor-based solutions for performance diagnostics.
Christian Lembacher, Tubolito – presented new developments in ultra-light bicycle tubes.
Philipp Graf, XENTIS carbon wheel technology – explained advances in carbon wheel technology.
Andreas Graf, Head Coach Track Elite/U23/Juniors – provided insights into the practical application of technology in training.

The focus was on questions such as how precision technology such as motion analysis and lightweight materials are used in competitive sports, as well as the challenges involved in bringing innovative components to market. It was particularly emphasized that high-quality product development requires close integration with everyday sports in order to deliver real performance benefits. The importance of long-term durability, for example through guarantees and quality standards, was also discussed.

Panel 2: The Business of Cycling

The second panel focused on economic aspects: new markets, business models, and brand building in the cycling sector. The discussion was moderated by Ernst Novak, Tourism & Sports, Innovation Salzburg. The participants:

Michael Nendwich, VSSÖ – outlined market developments in the Austrian bicycle trade.
Christoph Fraundorf, myEsel – reported on individual, tailor-made bicycles.
Patrick Hackl, Boa Technology – demonstrated the potential of closure systems for performance and comfort.
Valentin Vodev, VELLO GmbH – presented urban mobility solutions with foldable e-bikes.

Among other things, the opportunities for domestic brands on international markets and the role of innovative strength as a competitive factor in an increasingly differentiated bicycle market were discussed. It became clear that start-ups often face structural challenges such as financing issues or market entry barriers, despite their passion. Sustainability, fair pricing models, and unique technological features were identified as key success factors for the future of the industry.

Networking to round off the event

Afterwards, the networking area provided space for in-depth discussions between speakers, students, entrepreneurs, and other guests. The event was supported by Bikeboard – Mountainbike, Rennrad, e-Bike – News und Magazin, a leading media outlet in the scene.

The Sports Innovation Dialogues impressively demonstrated the potential that lies at the intersection of sports, technology, and business. With this format, the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien is providing impetus for students, researchers, and the sports industry.

At the end of the evening, Markus Eckelt (Head of Sports Engineering, Biomechanics & Ergonomics) offered interested visitors laboratory tours in the field of sports engineering.