The official unveiling of the “Education Lab” marks a significant development for Vienna’s educational sector. This new facility offers a hub for work, collaboration, programs, and events, aimed at accelerating the implementation of both established and innovative educational approaches directly to where they can make the most impact: educational institutions. The center will focus on key topics like language skills, inclusion, and school autonomy, working closely with educational professionals to shape these areas.
The opening was attended by about 100 invited guests, including Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS), Deputy Mayor and Education Councilor Bettina Emmerling (NEOS), Jörg Neumayer, a state parliament member and education spokesperson for SPÖ Vienna, alongside educators, administrators, educational leaders, and experts from various sectors including business, science, and civil society.
Federal Minister for Education, Christoph Wiederkehr, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “The new Vienna Education Lab is a very important piece in the mosaic of education in Austria, because educational innovation happens everywhere, and this innovation being bundled and directed into the right channels is made possible here in a modern environment. I am confident that many great projects for our shared goal of improving education in Austria will originate here. Many thanks to all those involved in implementing this milestone for education!”
The Education Lab provides a collaborative space, a growing network, and various programs for all those involved in shaping education in Vienna. Situated in the heart of the city, it offers accessible workspaces and event areas, while also fostering a community of educators, initiatives, and decision-makers. The center aims to facilitate the spread of effective educational solutions within kindergartens and schools.
Launched by the City of Vienna, Deputy Mayor Bettina Emmerling emphasized: “With the Education Lab, we are creating a think tank for Vienna’s education landscape and a place for exchange, networking, and mutual learning. The goal is to foster innovations and collaborations that have an impact on children and young people, support kindergarten and school staff, and help bring Vienna closer to its goal of becoming the central European capital of education.”
The Education Lab aims to provide a platform where educational innovation can flourish. It seeks to reinforce existing educational methods, introduce new ideas, and scale proven models, positioning itself as a center of expertise and a meeting point for those committed to building a fairer, forward-thinking education system.
“Education is the key to a good life and the foundation for equal opportunities. We need places that enable innovation, promote exchange, and help good ideas reach children quickly – regardless of where they come from. We are fully committed to ensuring that every child in Vienna receives the best educational and future opportunities. Our goal in education is always that everything ultimately benefits the children and educators of our city,” explained Jörg Neumayer, municipal councilor and SPÖ education spokesperson.
The Education Lab is run by Impact Hub Vienna, which leverages its extensive experience in developing global networks with locations in over 100 cities. This enables the lab to quickly establish itself as a center for educational innovation in Vienna, Austria, and Europe.
Hinnerk Hansen, co-founder of Impact Hub and Managing Director of the Education Lab, emphasized: “Education is the foundation of a just, innovative, and resilient society. With the Education Lab, we want to jointly develop solutions for the central challenges in education. Our goal is to support the best approaches, projects, and ideas so they can have an immediate and sustainable impact.”
The Education Lab is supported by a dedicated network of partners and organizations that are actively committed to educational innovation. Among those at the opening were the Vienna Education Directorate, MEGA Education Foundation, Innovation Foundation for Education, School in Transition, Teach for Austria, SOS Children’s Village, as well as the Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Labor, and many other key figures from government, business, and philanthropy.
Additionally, there will be an open day on April 30 for anyone interested. More at: www.edlab.at
