Atanas Zhelev & Mara Gajic
Co-founders, Shion

Founded in 2019, Viennese start-up Shion pairs advanced AI software with acoustic hardware to create a noise-cancelling effect that CEO and co-founder Atanas Zhelev compares to standing in a silent forest. “The vibrations of nature are good for the human body,” adds COO and co-founder, Mara Gajic. “In bustling cities, we wanted to bring a bit of serenity back.”

Far more than just a passive sound-dampening device, Shion’s Serenity One technology can analyse frequencies and calibrate its wood-and-carbon-fibre membrane panels to work in tandem with speakers or adapt to the natural acoustics of a room.

The concept was developed during Zhelev’s PhD research and has already attracted the attention of his former employer, Zaha Hadid Architects. “Their buildings use very unusual materials and structures, so the acoustics are even harder to plan,” says Gajic. “Instead of compromising that freedom, they wanted something that they can integrate to fix the acoustics and keep their crazy designs.”

While experts understand the benefits, Zhelev and Gajic want the public to experience their product. To “spark curiosity”, they are targeting international sports events, like the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix where their system will be installed in the business lounge to block out the sound of roaring engines. In fact, Shion has certification proving it cancels up to 75 per cent of noise in a room, making it one of the world’s best non-headphone solutions. “We can help companies get their green goals,” says Gajic.

Shion: a timeline

2017
Atanas Zhelev begins researching acoustic solutions for his PhD

2020
Shion is founded with headquarters in Vienna’s Millennium Tower

2022
With seed funding, the first full Shion noise-cancelling system is launched

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René Gilvert
CEO, Brightmind.AI

In the heart of Vienna’s start-up scene, Brightmind. AI is championing a breakthrough in migraine therapy that could revolutionise the lives of millions. The med-tech company has developed a wearable headset to offer personalised relief for migraine sufferers.Combined with AI-enabled analytics, the headset administers repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, providing convenient, accessible and drug-free treatment. “Our approach is unique as it doesn’t rely on visiting a clinic,” says Brightmind. AI co-founder and CEO, René Gilvert. “Instead, we bring this innovation into the homes of people that suffer.”

During a pilot study, Brightmind. AI’s technology showed promising results, suggesting patients could see an average reduction of six to eight migraine days per month. By comparison, existing treatments offer an average of two days relief per month.

Brightmind. AI has thrived in Vienna, thanks to the city’s strong support for innovation. “Austria is very favourable for start-ups in the way they have financial incentives to get this done,” says Gilvert, pointing to funding from the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) and the government-owned Austria Wirtschaftsservice bank. Such backing has allowed the start-up to move quickly from concept to clinical trials in a competitive med-tech landscape. As the 2026 market launch approaches, Brightmind. AI is bringing new hope to migraine sufferers with the potential to change how the condition is treated forever.

Vienna med-tech start-up Brightmind.AI is developing an innovative migraine treatment for launch in 2026.

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Fabian Gems
CEO, Supaso

In 2021, when Fabian Gems and Georg Lackner launched their sustainable packaging company, Supaso, it was estimated that the average European generated more than 188kg of packaging waste annually. As an alternative to non-biodegradable materials such as plastics and polystyrene foam, Supaso utilises cellulose insulation fibres made from recycled paper waste that also offer temperature stability and shock absorption. 

With new EU packaging regulations arriving in 2030 and individual countries implementing their own restrictions, Supaso arrived at the perfect time. “Our clients need a reliable material for when all those legislative changes come,” says Gems. “Our products come from paper and go back into paper.”

Inspired by their pristine alpine surroundings in Styria, Supaso’s founders are driven to create products that are kind to the environment. “One of the biggest challenges with packaging is that it has to be transported,” says Gems. “We’ve developed a prototype machine that can be installed at the client’s facility to convert paper waste from their logistics flow into packaging materials in-house.”

The machine is set to increase recycling rates and lower the associated carbon emissions from transport. As Supaso begins to expand on this project, it’s clear that innovation is woven into every aspect of the company’s vision to provide sustainable solutions. It is a mission that reflects not only a commitment to their clients but to the planet as well.

With a patented solution utilising recycled paper waste, Styria’s Supaso is revolutionising the packaging industry.

Supaso: a timeline

2021
Supaso launches, its name short for “Sustainable Packaging Solutions”

2023
The start-up serves more than 190 customers across nine countries

2024
A new, expanded production facility opens in Hartberg