Symposium on Sustainability: Innovations for a Green Future
12 May, 2025
Experts from science, business, and government agencies gathered at the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien to discuss sustainable solutions and new requirements in environmental technology, recycling management, and biotechnology.
On April 29, 2025, UAS Technikum Wien invited guests to attend a symposium on sustainability, providing a platform for exchange, networking, and inspiration. Under the motto “Sustainable innovations for a green future,” the event highlighted key topics for the future, such as environmental assessment, sustainable product development, new reporting requirements, and technological challenges in the bioeconomy.
Building bridges between research and practice
At the beginning of the event, Carina Gruber-Gries (Head of the Life Science Engineering Faculty) gave an introductory speech and welcomed the participants.
Afterwards, Romana Hornek-Gausterer, program director of the Bachelor’s program in Sustainable Environmental and Bioprocess Engineering, emphasized the importance of an integrated approach to the environment, anthropogenic influences, and economic aspects in education: “Our programs build bridges between theory and practice, between science and application.”
Exciting insights into current developments
In a compact series of presentations, experts from research and industry provided insights into current challenges and possible solutions:
- Andreas Windsberger (Institute for Industrial Ecology): Sustainability Reporting Requirements under EU Regulations and Their Impact on the Biotech Sector
- Florian Part (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna): Safe and sustainable by design in the circular economy
Practical short presentations from industry and research
Innovative projects and entrepreneurial initiatives were presented in a series of short presentations:
- Adrian Kronawitter & Celine Pfäffle (BIOGEST): Market opportunities and technical challenges for the biomethane industry
- Andreas Klinger & Anton Purgstaller (Greentec-Campus/Terra Waste): Hydro-thermal liquefaction of plastic waste
- Thomas Timmel (BioBASE): More added value through networking in the bioeconomy
- Martin Weigl-Kuska (Holzforschung Austria): Spotlights from sustainability and circular economy research
- Christine Bertl (alchemia-nova): Innovation pathways to strengthen the regional circular bioeconomy
- Miriam Huber (Syngas Platform Vienna): Demonstration plants for sustainable production in carbon-based industries
- Stephanie Oppl (Brantner green solutions): Green visions in the circular economy
- Jan Geringer (Porsche Holding Salzburg): Drive Sustainability Together – sustainable mobility and energy projects
Networking and outlook
The symposium was very well attended, with around 15 participating companies and numerous experts from science, government, and industry. Students took advantage of the opportunity to network, gain insights into current research and practice, and discuss key issues of sustainable transformation. The concluding coffee round with lab tours provided space for in-depth discussions and new synergies.
Presentations and materials
All presentation materials are available at the following link:
Download link Sustainability 2025 symposium
Studying sustainability at UAS Technikum Wien
The symposium also reflected the content profile of the environment-oriented degree programs at UAS Technikum Wien. For more information, please visit:
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