Lavanttal Innovativ 2026: Shaping the Region’s Future Together

Innovation, entrepreneurship and new perspectives for the Lavanttal/Carinthia: On November 17, 2026, CU Carinthia University invites you to Lavanttal Innovativ 2026 as part of the EU-funded DigiGreen4JTF project. The event brings together people who want to actively shape the region’s future and provides a space for new ideas, entrepreneurial inspiration and personal exchange.

From Visions of the Future to Concrete Prospects

How can the Lavanttal continue to develop in the coming years? What opportunities arise when tradition and innovation come together? And how do ideas become concrete projects? 
Starting at 3:30 p.m., the interactive workshop “Lavanttal 2040 - Back to the Future” will focus on visions for the future and concrete development prospects for the region. Using the backcasting method from the WKÖ’s Innovation Map, participants will collaboratively develop future scenarios and synthesize key insights.

Entrepreneurial Experiences and Inspiring Insights

Starting at 6:00 p.m., the program will be held under the theme “Entrepreneurs in Action - Shaping the Future in the Lavant Valley”. 
Drawing on their own experiences, two entrepreneurs will demonstrate how entrepreneurial courage, innovation and the further development of existing structures can open up new opportunities.

  • Ariane Obertautsch, CEO of elky Matratzenerzeugungs-GmbH, will speak on “Preserving Tradition. Shaping the Future. Fourth-Generation Entrepreneurship.”

  • Thomas Ebner, founder of HASHLYNK GmbH, will provide insights into the journey “Basement → Garage → Production – From Idea to Company Founding.”

Another highlight is the keynote address by Selma Prodanovic. Under the title “You Create (Y)our Future. Today,” the startup expert and founder of the Austrian Angel Investors Association (invest.austria) will show how we can actively shape the future - from regional successes to international initiatives.

Exchange, Networking, and Shaping the Future Together

Following the program, a standing reception will offer an opportunity to delve deeper into the insights gained, make new connections and exchange ideas.
The event is open to anyone interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of the Lavanttal. Interested high school students are also warmly welcome.
Please register in advance.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Time: 3:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: PMS-Straße 1, 9431 St. Stefan

Register now and help shape the future of the Lavanttal!

The event is taking place as part of the EU-funded DigiGreen4JTF project.
The Language of this event is German.