Wattens, Austria – 15 Aug 2018: IBM is opening a hub at Werkstätte Wattens to support the local ecosystem and develop new projects with startups, established businesses and research companies. The focus will be on cloud-based software solutions and IBM’s AI system, Watson. IBM experts will also be providing comprehensive expertise through the wide range of programmes and events offered by Werkstätte Wattens. The new office opens in August 2018.
The new IBM office will use the entire Werkstätte Wattens portfolio – space, programmes and networks – to provide their expertise to startups, established businesses and research companies. Patricia Neumann, CEO of IBM Austria states: “We are creating an IBM hub in Western Austria to support local companies on their way to digitalization. Robert Dorigo will be heading the hub as an experienced contact partner for the local economy and the startup community.”
IBM and Werkstätte Wattens will also be offering joint programs and events. Alexander Koll, CEO of Werkstätte Wattens, sees great potential in this cooperation: “Startups as well as innovative established companies are always searching for the best technological tools to deliver scalable products to market. Having IBM directly on site and hosting jointly organized meetups will promote new solutions and create opportunities for cooperation at Werkstätte Wattens and within the entire region.”
IBM is the second international big player moving in at Werkstätte Wattens after Fraunhofer Austria Research Ltd launched an innovation centre there in 2016. The CEO of Destination Wattens Regional Development Ltd, Matthias Neeff, says: “It has been our declared goal from the very beginning to bring innovative startups and young businesses as well as leading companies to our region. I am very happy that IBM has decided to come to Wattens. This partnership will certainly lead to some very exciting projects that will further strengthen the entire Tyrolean entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
About IBM
IBM is one of the largest global providers of information technology including hardware, software and services. Their portfolio ranges from super computers and AI cloud solutions to software and services as well as consulting and financing services. IBM annually invests up to USD 6 billion in research and development, making it the largest private research institution worldwide. Their main focus is on cognitive cloud solutions for specific industries.
ContaCt
Nataša Oberleiter
natasa.oberleiter@destination-wattens.at
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