3D Drucker — © Christian Vorhofer / Westend61

Austria's Joy in Inventing and Tinkering

Most people are aware that the Sacher torte comes from Vienna. But there are many more important inventions from Austria that have conquered the world from here.

Did you know that ….

After a few prototypes had already existed in the early 19th century, he built various wooden typewriter models from 1864 onwards. The inventor had been working on the development of a typewriter for several years. With the fifth model, he then wrote the first real letter that has survived.

...the Tyrolean Peter Mitterhofer had a lasting influence on computer keyboards with his invention?

Inventiveness

This thirst for invention is still present in Austrians today, as the patent figures show that Austrians are particularly active in researching and developing future technologies such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing and robotics. Patent applications for their industrial application have more than tripled since 2010. In some areas, including energy-saving technologies, data management and robotics, patent applications from Austria have even increased six fold since 2010.

A total of 2,242 inventions were registered with the Austrian Patent Office in 2023. The number one federal state is still Upper Austria - with 469 inventions. Second and third place go to Styria and Vienna. An inventor is most likely to be found in Vorarlberg - it ranks first in terms of the number of inventions per inhabitant. The largest patent applicant at the Austrian Patent Office is the company AVL List with 189 registered inventions, followed by Julius Blum with 79 and Engel and Siemens with 26 invention applications each.