Villach technology park marks 25 years with open day

The Technology Park Villach, home to more than 40 companies and institutions, opened its doors to visitors on Friday as it marked its 25th anniversary, ORF reported.

Many of the visitors were young people interested in the park’s work across business, research and education. Quantum physicist Beatrix Hiesmayr drew a large crowd as she presented components for a quantum computer. “We are currently putting together a quantum computer, which is quite interesting,” said Jakob Romauch, a student from Ledenitzen.

The park’s work includes research and development, education and training, and industry. It also trains apprentices in fields including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and software development.

Over 25 years, the campus has grown to 700 employees, 70 apprentices and more than 1,000 students. Martin Waiguny, managing director of the University of Applied Sciences, said the institution benefits from the park’s research facilities. It currently has 170 research projects running in different fields.

One laboratory combines 3D printing and sensor technology for practical applications. Matthias Brandstötter, research head at Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, said researchers are developing a sensor-equipped prosthesis that can detect when it no longer fits its user, for example after weight gain or loss.

Technology park director Bernhard Lamprecht said companies, research organisations and educational institutions needed to cooperate more closely. He also said the park needed a few more large companies, noting that many were still “in the second row.”