{"id":4907,"date":"2025-06-18T11:02:39","date_gmt":"2025-06-18T09:02:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/fellowship-nachbericht-2025\/"},"modified":"2025-12-22T10:39:32","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T09:39:32","slug":"fellowship-nachbericht-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/en\/fellowship-nachbericht-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"EdTech for all, all for EdTech \u2013 shaping the world of education together"},"content":{"rendered":"<article class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full\" dir=\"auto\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-4\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[72rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"05c44131-74f1-47ae-9fa9-fb4f186f8f29\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"227\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><strong>Three months, four workshops, two peer-learning sessions, and over twenty experts, mentors, and coaches who supported our six fellows \u2013 this is the impressive outcome of the first round of the EdTech Austria Fellowship Program.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4837\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4837\" style=\"width: 1920px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4837\" src=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2747.jpg\" alt=\"Gruppenfoto EdTech Austria Fellowship\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2747.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2747-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2747-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4837\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Fellows at the EdTech Austria Summit in June 2025 in Salzburg, Photo: Innovation Salzburg\/Benedikt Schemmer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"375\">From March to June 2025, six (aspiring) EdTech startups received intensive support. The goal was to refine and develop their ideas and prepare them for the education market. The Fellowship Program is a joint initiative by <strong>EdTech Austria and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism (BMWET)<\/strong>. More information about the program: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/en\/fellowship\/\">EdTech Austria Fellowship<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"377\" data-end=\"799\">\u201cWhat makes the Fellowship special is the individualized and needs-based support: mentors, coaches, and workshop leaders specifically address the unique challenges and conditions of each startup. This personal guidance is complemented by a strong team spirit and the intensive exchange among the fellows \u2013 an environment that fosters peer learning and mutual support,\u201d says <strong>Eva Nittmann<\/strong>, Program Manager at EdTech Austria.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"801\" data-end=\"1001\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">The Fellowship is the first program of its kind in Austria specifically tailored to the needs of EdTech startups. But why is a dedicated support program for this sector necessary in the first place?<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-4907 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2709_quadr.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2709_quadr-640x640.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Eva Nittmann\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-4896\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2709_quadr-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2709_quadr-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2709_quadr.jpg 1281w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-4896'>\n\t\t\t\tEva Nittmann, Photo: Innovation Salzburg\/Benedikt Schemmer\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN4550_quadr.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN4550_quadr-640x640.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Birgit Schwabl-Drobir\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-4894\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN4550_quadr-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN4550_quadr-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN4550_quadr.jpg 1281w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-4894'>\n\t\t\t\tBirgit Schwabl-Drobir, Photo: Innovation Salzburg\/Benedikt Schemmer\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"587\">EdTech is not only a dynamically growing market \u2013 it also holds tremendous societal importance. \u201cEdTech makes learning more efficient, flexible, and personalized \u2013 and it&#8217;s a key driver of innovation in Austria. Especially for SMEs, digital education opens up new opportunities to upskill their employees and strengthen their competitiveness. That\u2019s why, together with EdTech Austria, we support innovative solutions in establishing themselves in the education market, scaling faster, and advancing digital education,\u201d says <strong>Birgit Schwabl-Drobir<\/strong>, Head of the SME Department at the BMWET.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"589\" data-end=\"921\">The Fellowship Program is designed to promote exactly that: the development and dissemination of innovative educational technologies. Participants not only gain valuable insights and hands-on know-how specific to the EdTech sector but also have the opportunity to test their ideas and further develop them within a strong network.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"923\" data-end=\"1093\">By combining workshops, peer learning, and individualized coaching, the program creates an inspiring environment where innovation becomes not just possible, but tangible.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1095\" data-end=\"1194\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><em>And now, the exciting part: meet our six amazing fellows \u2013 and yes, we\u2019re incredibly proud of them!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<article class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full\" dir=\"auto\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-32\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[72rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"48ba0201-10bc-4bbb-8d5f-954ef6fd27ac\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<h2 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"35\">Brief Introduction: The Fellows<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"touch:-me-2 touch:-ms-3.5 -ms-2.5 -me-1 flex flex-wrap items-center gap-y-4 p-1 select-none touch:w-[calc(100%+--spacing(3.5))] -mt-1 w-[calc(100%+--spacing(2.5))] duration-[1.5s] focus-within:transition-none hover:transition-none pointer-events-none [mask-image:linear-gradient(to_right,black_33%,transparent_66%)] [mask-size:300%_100%] [mask-position:100%_0%] motion-safe:transition-[mask-position] group-hover\/turn-messages:pointer-events-auto group-hover\/turn-messages:[mask-position:0_0] group-focus-within\/turn-messages:pointer-events-auto group-focus-within\/turn-messages:[mask-position:0_0] has-data-[state=open]:pointer-events-auto has-data-[state=open]:[mask-position:0_0]\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<h5 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"48\">EduQuest \u2013 Learning App for Generation Alpha<\/h5>\n<p data-start=\"50\" data-end=\"250\"><strong data-start=\"50\" data-end=\"59\">Idea:<\/strong> EduQuest combines learning and play in a creative way: through mini-games that can be played solo or in groups, users learn new languages in a playful manner within a familiar environment.<br \/>\n<strong data-start=\"252\" data-end=\"261\">Team:<\/strong> Wenxi Yang (CEO), David Trapp (CTO)<br data-start=\"297\" data-end=\"300\" \/><strong data-start=\"300\" data-end=\"311\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Region:<\/strong> Upper Austria<br data-start=\"325\" data-end=\"328\" \/><strong data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"339\">Mentor:<\/strong> Martin Filipp, Mi&#8217;pu&#8217;mi Games<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4840\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4840\" style=\"width: 1920px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4840\" src=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2654.jpg\" alt=\"Team EduQuest\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2654.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2654-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2654-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4840\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wenxi Yang (left) and David Trapp from EduQuest, Photo: Innovation Salzburg\/Benedikt Schemmer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cThe Fellowship was a fantastic opportunity to gain new perspectives and expert input from professionals, mentors, and coaches. The exchange, the modules, and the personal support were incredibly helpful \u2013 whether it was about UX design, pedagogical models, or market entry. The weekly support was intense, but incredibly motivating and valuable. I would do it again in a heartbeat.\u201d \u2013 Wenxi Yang, EduQuest<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/eduquest.kids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" >To the Website<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h5 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"52\">enablr \u2013 The Platform for AI Integration in SMEs<\/h5>\n<p data-start=\"54\" data-end=\"217\"><strong data-start=\"54\" data-end=\"63\">Idea:<\/strong> enablr supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in integrating AI into their processes easily and securely through personalized learning paths.<br \/>\n<strong data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"228\">Team:<\/strong> Sofia Santamaria (Co-Founder, Data Science), Finn Gasch (Co-Founder, Marketing &amp; Sales)<br data-start=\"316\" data-end=\"319\" \/><strong data-start=\"319\" data-end=\"330\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Region:<\/strong> Vienna<br data-start=\"337\" data-end=\"340\" \/><strong data-start=\"340\" data-end=\"351\">Mentor:<\/strong> Anna Iarotska, Robo Wunderkind<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4842\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4842\" style=\"width: 1920px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4842\" src=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2672.jpg\" alt=\"Team enablr\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2672.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2672-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2672-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4842\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sofia Santamaria (left) and Finn Gasch from enablr, Photo: Innovation Salzburg\/Benedikt Schemmer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cOur co-founder is from Colombia, and I\u2019m from Germany. Since neither of us is originally from Austria, it was crucial for us to receive support in understanding the Austrian economy and its structures. The reliable guidance provided by the Fellowship Program was incredibly valuable and exactly what we had hoped for.\u201d \u2013 Finn Gasch, enablr<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"49\">Dualify \u2013 The App for Apprenticeship Training<\/h5>\n<p data-start=\"51\" data-end=\"242\"><strong data-start=\"51\" data-end=\"60\">Idea:<\/strong> Dualify aims to modernize and future-proof apprenticeship training. The app supports apprentices in managing their daily routines between on-the-job training and classroom learning.<br \/>\n<strong data-start=\"244\" data-end=\"253\">Team:<\/strong> Maximilian Kottnig (CEO), Kenan Moric (CFO), Rahul Sharaf (CTO)<br data-start=\"317\" data-end=\"320\" \/><strong data-start=\"320\" data-end=\"331\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Region:<\/strong> Styria<br data-start=\"338\" data-end=\"341\" \/><strong data-start=\"341\" data-end=\"352\">Mentor:<\/strong> Manfred Schweiger, BUZ \u2013 Burgenl\u00e4ndisches Schulungszentrum<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4847\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4847\" style=\"width: 1920px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4847\" src=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2627.jpg\" alt=\"Team Dualify\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2627.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2627-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2627-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4847\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Maximilian Kottnig (left) and Kenan Moric from Dualify, Photo: Innovation Salzburg\/Benedikt Schemmer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cWe joined the Fellowship Program because it opened up a completely new perspective for us. It gave us valuable insights into the field of educational innovation in Austria. What helped us the most were the mentoring and coaching sessions, where we received weekly support and were able to further develop our app in a focused way.\u201d \u2013 Maximilian Kottnig, CEO of Dualify<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dualify.io\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>To the Website<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h5 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"50\">Lewin \u2013 AI Coach for Leadership and Consulting<\/h5>\n<p data-start=\"52\" data-end=\"216\"><strong data-start=\"52\" data-end=\"61\">Idea:<\/strong> Lewin is an AI-powered coach for organizational development, supporting professionals and executives in reflection, decision-making, and change processes.<br \/>\n<strong data-start=\"218\" data-end=\"227\">Team: <\/strong>Roland Wolfig (Managing Director, Vision, Technical Implementation), Sebastian Berger (Marketing, Project Management), Nadja Walser (Prompt Engineering, Content), Aaron Scheer (Sales, Content), Alexander Meixner (Technical Implementation)<br \/>\n<strong data-start=\"474\" data-end=\"492\">Region:<\/strong> Vienna<br data-start=\"499\" data-end=\"502\" \/><strong data-start=\"502\" data-end=\"513\">Mentor:<\/strong> Harald Stadlbauer, NINEFEB<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4849\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4849\" style=\"width: 1920px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4849\" src=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2660.jpg\" alt=\"Team Lewin\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2660.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2660-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2660-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4849\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sebastian Berger (left) and Roland Wolfig from Lewin, Photo: Innovation Salzburg\/Benedikt Schemmer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;The fellowship program was a truly special experience for us, as building a startup in the EdTech sector is no easy task. We received valuable support from coaches and mentors and benefited greatly from the intensive exchange with other startups. This allowed us to grow and take the next step forward. All in all, it was a fantastic experience \u2013 I would participate again anytime.&#8221; \u2013 Roland Wolfig, Managing Director<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/tabularasa.ai\/de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" >To the Website<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"64\">MagicARpet \u2013 Interactive Learning Rug with Augmented Reality<\/h5>\n<p data-start=\"66\" data-end=\"365\"><strong data-start=\"66\" data-end=\"75\">Idea:<\/strong> MagicARpet combines augmented reality (AR) with traditional learning methods to promote playful, multisensory learning for children aged five to eight. The AR content includes animated stories, quizzes, and educational tasks that can be accessed and completed using a smartphone or tablet.<br \/>\n<strong data-start=\"367\" data-end=\"376\">Team: <\/strong>Hanna Gegenhuber (Co-Founder, Project Lead &amp; Vision Alignment), Sonja Macher (Co-Founder, Operational Lead &amp; Business Development), Anniina Rytk\u00f6nen (Art Director)<br \/>\n<strong data-start=\"546\" data-end=\"557\">Region:<\/strong> Vienna<br data-start=\"564\" data-end=\"567\" \/><strong data-start=\"567\" data-end=\"578\">Mentor:<\/strong> Markus Tatzgern, Head of Research at the Department of Creative Technologies, Salzburg University of Applied Sciences<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4851\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4851\" style=\"width: 1920px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4851\" src=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2729.jpg\" alt=\"Team MagicARpet\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2729.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2729-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2729-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4851\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sonja Macher (left) and Hanna Gegenhuber von MagicARpet, Photo: Innovation Salzburg\/Benedikt Schemmer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;We applied for the EdTech Austria Fellowship because we\u2019ve been working on our EdTech project for two years and were specifically looking for more opportunities for development, learning, and networking. The program provided exactly what we needed to move our project forward.&#8221; \u2013 Hannah Gegenhuber, Co-Founder of MagicARpet<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/innovationsmacherin.at\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" >To the Website<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h5 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"43\">SURFjobs \u2013 Career Orientation for Gen Z<\/h5>\n<p data-start=\"45\" data-end=\"401\"><strong data-start=\"45\" data-end=\"54\">Idea:<\/strong> SURFjobs is a career orientation app designed in the style of TikTok. In short videos, users gain authentic insights into various professions, companies, and secondary schools. Through the app, they can apply directly or schedule trial days. In addition, SURFjobs offers a web interface for teachers to support them in career orientation classes.<br \/>\n<strong data-start=\"403\" data-end=\"412\">Team: <\/strong>Robert Hart (Managing Director &amp; Sales), Florian Girlinger (School Partnerships), Elias Ramoser (Backend Developer), Emin Vojnikovic (Frontend Development &amp; Operations)<br \/>\n<strong data-start=\"588\" data-end=\"599\">Region:<\/strong> Upper Austria<br data-start=\"613\" data-end=\"616\" \/><strong data-start=\"616\" data-end=\"627\">Mentor:<\/strong> Bernd Simon, Knowledge Markets<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4853\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4853\" style=\"width: 1920px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2699.jpg\" alt=\"SURFjobs\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2699.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2699-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN2699-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4853\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Florian Girlinger from SURFjobs, Photo: Innovation Salzburg\/Benedikt Schemmer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;In a short amount of time, we were able to learn an incredible amount about our business model and the app \u2013 while also building a strong network. The energy and momentum among the other startups were truly palpable. It was especially the exchange with others that helped us make our idea truly market-ready. The network we built during this time will definitely continue to support us in the years to come.&#8221; \u2013 Florian Girlinger, SURFjobs<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.surfjobs.at\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" >To the Website<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>For the Austrian Education Market: A Network for the Future<\/h2>\n<p>The EdTech Austria Fellowship program has not only supported fresh ideas but also built a strong network\u2014a community that continues to thrive beyond the program itself. <strong>Eva Nittmann<\/strong> puts it in a nutshell: &#8220;The Fellows became part of the vibrant EdTech community, which offers networking, exchange, and joint development far beyond the Fellowship program. The combination of tailored support, a strong sense of community, and long-term integration into the EdTech ecosystem made the first edition a complete success for me!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>A program like this thrives on people who are passionate about sharing their knowledge, experience, and networks. The workshop leaders, coaches, and mentors\u2014all experts in their fields\u2014played a key role in helping the Fellows move forward with great dedication. <strong>But what motivates these experts to get so involved?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For <strong>Sandra Sch\u00f6n<\/strong> from TU Graz, it\u2019s a genuine concern to support young entrepreneurs: &#8220;I\u2019m happy to be involved because I firmly believe we urgently need these innovative developments. Especially in research, I see the need to support committed people scientifically as well. In general, I\u2019m passionate about fostering and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs in the education sector.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Joerg Hofstaetter<\/strong>, founder of the EdTech company ovos, also brings a strong personal commitment to his role: &#8220;In our 20 years as an EdTech company, we\u2019ve made many mistakes. That\u2019s exactly what motivates me to share my knowledge and support passionate, dedicated people so they can successfully bring their ideas to life in this field. It&#8217;s especially important to me to pass on my know-how in business and market entry\u2014because those are the areas where most pitfalls lie. You have to start asking the right questions about these topics very early on.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-4907 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025sandra-schoen_quadr.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025sandra-schoen_quadr-640x640.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Sandra Sch\u00f6n\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-4891\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025sandra-schoen_quadr-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025sandra-schoen_quadr-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025sandra-schoen_quadr.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-4891'>\n\t\t\t\tSandra Sch\u00f6n, Photo: private\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN4655_quadr.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN4655_quadr-640x640.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Joerg Hofstaetter\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-4889\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN4655_quadr-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN4655_quadr-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN4655_quadr.jpg 1281w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-4889'>\n\t\t\t\tJoerg Hofstaetter, Photo: Innovation Salzburg\/Benedikt Schemmer\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>Inspiring Momentum: Practical Tips from the Field<\/p>\n<p>In addition to their motivation, the experts also shared practical tips to guide the Fellows on their future paths.\u00a0<strong>Manfred Schweiger<\/strong>, mentor to the startup Dualify, emphasized the importance of openness and a willingness to learn in the early founding phase: &#8220;When you have an idea, it\u2019s incredibly important to step outside your immediate sphere of influence and mental framework during the startup phase and remain open to others. This openness initiates a learning process that is priceless. You don\u2019t just grow personally\u2014you gain knowledge. It allows you to take shortcuts and avoid long detours.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Julia Schl\u00f6gl<\/strong>, coach and trainer, highlighted the value of tailored support within the program: &#8220;I think this kind of fellowship program is fantastic because it allows for intensive collaboration and targeted support exactly where each team currently stands. This was particularly important in this program, as the teams began at very different stages of development. Just because a team is at a different point in their journey doesn\u2019t mean their idea lacks potential. That\u2019s what makes this approach so special: On the one hand, the workshops delivered essential input relevant to all, and on the other hand, the coaching provided individual support tailored to each team\u2019s specific needs.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The fellowship experts not only shared their knowledge but also helped lay the foundation for the long-term development of the participating startups. Their contribution underscores how crucial targeted support and strong networks are in strengthening the next generation of EdTech innovations in Austria.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery galleryid-4907 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN4671_quadr.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN4671_quadr-640x640.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Manfred Schweiger\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-4885\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN4671_quadr-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN4671_quadr-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN4671_quadr.jpg 1281w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-4885'>\n\t\t\t\tManfred Schweiger, Photo: Innovation Salzburg\/Benedikt Schemmer\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN5294_quadr.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN5294_quadr-640x640.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Julia Schl\u00f6gl\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-4887\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN5294_quadr-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN5294_quadr-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INN5294_quadr.jpg 1281w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-4887'>\n\t\t\t\tJulia Schl\u00f6gl, Photo: Innovation Salzburg\/Benedikt Schemmer\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"31\">Looking Ahead: What\u2019s Next?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"33\" data-end=\"515\">Following the successful first edition, the EdTech Austria Fellowship program is moving into its next round! Applications for the second cohort are expected to open in December 2025, with the program set to begin in the <strong>first quarter of 2026<\/strong>. A special advantage for all (aspiring) EdTech startups applying: Fellows from the first round will be involved as alumni in the peer-learning process\u2014creating valuable exchange with like-minded individuals who have already walked the path.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"517\" data-end=\"693\">We look forward to once again supporting exciting ideas, committed founders, and innovative solutions for the education market. <strong>Together, we\u2019re shaping the future of education!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5 data-start=\"700\" data-end=\"714\">Thank You!<\/h5>\n<p data-start=\"716\" data-end=\"1415\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who actively supported and advised the Fellows: Coaches Constanze Stockhammer (WIRKEN.org) and Julia Schl\u00f6gl (juliaschloegl.com), Workshop leaders Svenia Busson (European EdTech Alliance), Sandra Sch\u00f6n (TU Graz), Julia Zadoorian-Klammer (George Labs), Joerg Hofstaetter (ovos), and Paul Beyer Klinkosch (SchuBu), as well as Michael Narea and David Fu (Transcend Network), Stefan Hupe (Digital Society Institute), Thomas Layer-Wagner (Polycular), Gabi Wagner (Salzburg Begreifen), Sven Maikranz (Upstrive), Michael Kurz (Startup Salzburg), Georg Hobmeier (Causa Creations), Chris Schernthaner (Pulse Revenue Consulting), and Daniel Lohninger (Epicentre Works).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We look back on three months of the EdTech Austria Fellowship program and introduce the six Fellows \u2013 all of them (aspiring) EdTech startups.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":4838,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4907","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-miscellaneous"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4907","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4907"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4907\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5368,"href":"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4907\/revisions\/5368"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4838"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4907"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4907"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.edtechaustria.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4907"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}