VSOP is a joint initiative of leading academic and research institutions in the Vienna area, established to strengthen collaboration within the local spin-off ecosystem. Recognising that many challenges faced by academic founders are shared across institutions, VSOP brings partners together to align efforts, exchange knowledge, and make more effective use of existing resources.
The initiative was launched in June 2025 as an informal organisation, following an initial meeting of the founding institutions. From the outset, VSOP was conceived as a collaborative platform focused on coordination and mutual support, rather than as a separate operational entity. Its approach is shaped by the shared understanding that closer cooperation can help address structural challenges more effectively than isolated efforts.
VSOP aims to improve the overall framework conditions for research-based spin-offs by fostering coordination and reducing fragmentation across institutional interfaces. Through dialogue, knowledge sharing, and joint activities, the initiative supports a more coherent approach to spin-off creation and early-stage development within Vienna’s academic and research landscape.
By building on the collective expertise and capacities of its partner institutions, VSOP seeks to create an environment in which spin-offs can emerge more easily and develop more sustainably. Rather than duplicating existing initiatives, VSOP focuses on strengthening connections, increasing transparency, and enabling institutions to act collectively in support of academic entrepreneurship.
Current Projects
As a first step, VSOP is focusing on concrete, jointly defined activities that address common needs within the spin-off ecosystem:
Establishment of an effective co-founder matching mechanism for spin-offs
VSOP is working towards improving access to suitable co-founders by exploring coordinated approaches to co-founder matching across institutions. The aim is to better connect researchers, entrepreneurs, and complementary profiles at an early stage of spin-off development.
ViennaUP session for spin-offs
VSOP is contributing to the ViennaUP festival by organising a dedicated session focused on academic spin-offs. This activity aims to increase visibility, facilitate exchange, and strengthen connections between spin-offs and the broader innovation ecosystem. VSOP is strongly collaborating with the Viennese startup ecosystem, in particular Vienna Business Agency. In doing so, the initiative connects on various levels and is building bridges between academy and practice.
(A link to the session will be added once available.)
