New life science spin-off building
Since 2019, the xista science park in Klosterneuburg provides specially equipped laboratories and offices for research and technology-oriented companies. Around 22 million euros are now being invested in a new part of the building. The multi-tenant property with around 4,060 m² will be available to innovative businesses from all sectors. Completion is scheduled for April 2026. On February 24, 2025, in the presence of Federal Minister Martin Polaschek, Martin Hetzer, President of ISTA, Member of the Lower Austrian Parliament Mayor Christoph Kaufmann, representing Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Helmut Miernicki, Managing Director of ecoplus, and Markus Wanko, Managing Director of xista science park, the ground-breaking ceremony for building section 4 at xista science park took place.
Expanding the XISTA innovation ecosystem: Over 4,000 m² of cutting-edge lab and office space tailored for biotech and deep tech startups.
With a commitment to innovation, XISTA is breaking new ground—literally. The beginning of the new year marks the start of construction for xista's latest milestone: a state-of-the-art laboratory and office building. Designed to empower biotech and deep tech startups, this expansion of the xista science park growing infrastructure, reflects xista’s mission to turn visionary ideas into impactful solutions.
"The expansion of the XISTA science park is a clear commitment to strengthening Austria as a leading location for research and innovation. With today's ground-breaking ceremony for the further expansion, we are creating space for state-of-the-art research infrastructure and an attractive offer for researchers to put their results to entrepreneurial use. We are thus paving the way for the next generation of visionary entrepreneurs, bringing scientific breakthroughs from the laboratory directly into the economy and society and thus also strengthening Austria's innovative strength and visibility in global competition," says Martin Polaschek, Federal Minister of Education, Science and Research.
"With the expansion of the XISTA science park, we are strengthening Lower Austria as the high-tech location in Europe. The expansion offers the best conditions for technology and research-oriented companies and provides important impetus for Klosterneuburg as a business location," says Christoph Kaufmann, Member of the Lower Austrian Parliament and Mayor of Klosterneuburg.
A Hub for Deep Tech Excellence
In January 2025, XISTA began construction of the new building with state-of-the-art laboratory space. This expansion is a response to the increasing demand for laboratory and office space. Markus Wanko, Managing Director of xista, comments: "The XISTA science park addresses a central challenge of the Austrian biotech scene: there is excellent research, but in comparison, too little implementation in start-ups. Especially for young biotech companies, the search for suitable laboratory infrastructure is a major hurdle. By expanding the park, we are offering existing companies opportunities for growth, creating additional labs for start-ups and thereby strengthening our position as an attractive location for biotech and deep tech companies."
ecoplus operates technology and research centers (Technologie- und Forschungszentren, TFZ) in Wiener Neustadt, Tulln, Krems, Wieselburg, Seibersdorf and Klosterneuburg. "There are currently 80 companies and a total of over 1,100 highly qualified employees working in the six technology and research centers. The expansion of the xista science park will create space for further research-oriented companies. This will be the largest biotech lab space in the xista science park to date," emphasizes ecoplus Managing Director Helmut Miernicki.
A Unique Ecosystem for Empowering Startups from Research to Reality
The close proximity of the XISTA science park to the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is no coincidence. ISTA President Martin Hetzer explains: "At ISTA, around 90 research groups are already working on fundamental questions in computer science, mathematics and the natural sciences. Since its foundation, one of our Institute's missions has been to translate scientific findings into applications and start-ups. As ISTA's bridge to the economy, xista innovation was founded to advise our researchers on patenting and spin-offs." In the meantime, the xista ecosystem has grown to include two further pillars independent of ISTA: xista science ventures is a fund that invests directly in start-ups in general, not just those that emerge from ISTA itself. In addition, the xista science park, which is currently being expanded, offers space for spin-offs. "The park is located directly at the ISTA campus and is intended to facilitate a lively exchange between research, technology transfer and start-ups, thereby promoting innovation," explains Hetzer.
Located in Klosterneuburg, Austria, adjacent to the stellar ISTA campus, XISTA is building not just facilities but a customizable ecosystem that supports the entire lifecycle of scientific discovery and commercialization. With its close ties to the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), XISTA bridges the gap between foundational research and entrepreneurial success. Currently, several companies including, cell therapy manufacturing company Sarcura and next generation laser startup Tulon Photonics are housed in the xista science park, benefiting from both cutting-edge infrastructure and access to ISTA’s scientific community.
Lab and Office Spaces for Deep Tech Ventures
The new building is tailored to the needs of biotech companies, offering:
- State-of-the-art laboratory facilities for rent
- Smart office spaces for science-based startups
- Fully equipped Coworking Desks
24,000 m² of Innovation at xista
This new addition is just the beginning. xista plans to construct a total of nine buildings, creating a 24,000 m² hub of innovation. The upcoming facility, while focused on lab spaces, is part of a broader strategy to provide flexible and collaborative environments that empower startups across disciplines.
Be part of xista’s thriving innovation hub and shape the future of deep tech. Explore our customizable lab and office spaces today and take the next step in your journey.
